We focused on how all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a form of vitamin A, helps combat resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) when combined with standard platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin.
Our findings indicate that ATRA effectively reduced PARP inhibitor resistance in EOC cells, both in lab settings and in animal models.
Additionally, using ATRA along with ongoing treatment improved survival rates in EOC-bearing mice. This suggests that ATRA could be an important part of future therapies for enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Read More
8
Retinoic acid enhances glioma treatment
Retinoic acid-induced alterations enhance eATP-mediated anti-cancer effects in glioma cells: Implications for P2X7 receptor variants as key players.
We investigated how retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, could influence cancer treatment, particularly in glioma, a type of brain tumor. Previous attempts to use RA as a therapeutic option were inconclusive, so we aimed to explore its effects alongside extracellular ATP (eATP) to harness their combined potential.
Our experiments examined two human glioma cell lines, M059K and M059J, to see how they responded to RA-based differentiation. Notably, this process led to changes in the expression of a receptor called P2X7 and reduced the activity of enzymes that break down nucleotides. These modifications contributed to a significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration abilities, as well as an increased sensitivity to the effects of eATP.
Specifically, we found that in the presence of eATP, cell viability decreased by up to 40% in RA-treated M059K cells and 20% in M059J cells. Migration capabilities of the cells were reduced by as much as 60% when exposed to a specific concentration of ATP, showing that the P2X7 receptor plays a major role in mediating these effects.
Our observations suggest that combining retinoic acid with eATP can have anti-cancer benefits by influencing purinergic signaling pathways in glioma cells. This points to the need for further exploration of P2X7 receptor variants as potential therapeutic targets for treating glioma.
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8
Vitamin A enhances T cell response
Retinoic acid enhances γδ T cell cytotoxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by reversing immune exhaustion.
We investigated the role of Vitamin A, specifically retinoic acid, in enhancing the immune response of γδ T cells in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). By analyzing blood samples, we observed that Vitamin A can reduce markers of immune exhaustion that are often elevated in cancer.
Importantly, our study showed that vitamin supplementation improved the antitumor activity of T cells by decreasing a specific protein linked to immune fatigue. This suggests that Vitamin A could be a valuable ally in cancer therapies, potentially opening doors for more effective immunotherapy options.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Aids wound healing
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes and skin. It promotes rapid healing of wounds and prevents keratinisation and death of skin cells. This vitamin is essential for protein synthesis in the body and is particularly effective for eye health, especially night vision. Moreover, it is a powerful antioxidant beneficial in cancer treatment and prevention. It also protects the skin from sun damage, making it advisable to take before beach holidays. It influences progesterone synthesis, impacting reproductive function and libido. Daily intake with food enhances absorption.
Read More
7.5
Protects mucous membranes
316 people found this helpful
The mucous membranes are protected by vitamin A, preventing viral infections. Friends, essentials for a first-aid kit include vitamins D, C, A, zinc, and ant bark—an antiviral base for everyone! I take vitamin A daily; it provides protection and supports epithelial tissues. Healthy mucous membranes serve as a barrier! If there's oncology, taking vitamin A is even more crucial, as it kills cancer cells. Stay healthy! If found helpful, please like. Thank you for reading!
Read More
9
Essential for growth
10 people found this helpful
ALWAYS IN MY MEDICINE KIT! Vitamin A is essential for our bodies, supporting eye health, immunity, and protein synthesis. It is especially beneficial for pregnant women, aiding fetal growth and development. The vitamin reduces the risk of cancer, including lung cancer, improves eyesight, and bolsters resistance against infections. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, keeping the body youthful. Additionally, it's crucial for skin health, as it promotes quicker healing of wounds. If you find this useful, please support my review! Thank you!
We constructed a zebrafish model to explore how a unique version of the PML-RARA protein, linked to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), might respond to treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). This model allowed us to examine whether ATRA, a derivative of vitamin A, could be effective for patients with atypical APL characteristics.
In our findings, we observed that the response of the new PML-RARA isoform to ATRA treatment was similar to classical isoforms seen in the condition. We also found that ATRA worked well in this model, leading to favorable results for the treated patient, who reached complete remission shortly after starting therapy with ATRA and arsenic trioxide (ATO).
These results highlight the promising potential of vitamin A derivatives in cancer treatment, especially in various forms of APL. It's encouraging to see that ATRA can lead to substantial recovery, further supporting its use in clinical settings alongside other therapies.
Read More
9.5
Promising APL treatment outcomes observed
Long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study of all-trans retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
We aimed to understand the effectiveness of a combination treatment involving all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), arsenic trioxide (ATO), and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This was a phase 2 trial involving newly diagnosed APL patients, where ATRA and ATO were used to induce remission.
The results were promising, as we observed a complete remission rate of 93.8% among the participants. Furthermore, 97.1% of those who achieved remission had no measurable residual disease, indicating a strong initial response to the treatment regimen.
Over a median follow-up of about 62 months, the 5-year survival rates were also impressive, with event-free survival at 92.4%, disease-free survival at 93.6%, and overall survival at 93.1%. We noted some side effects, including elevated liver enzymes and infections, but there were no severe complications like veno-occlusive disease.
While the study highlights the benefits of ATRA in this combination treatment, we must clarify that we cannot specifically isolate the effect of vitamin A, as it was part of a broader therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the combination of ATRA with other agents showed significant success in treating APL, reinforcing the importance of multifaceted cancer therapies.
Read More
9
Fenretinide shows promise against AML
Fenretinide targets GATA1 to induce cytotoxicity in GATA1 positive Acute Erythroid and Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemic cells.
We observed that certain types of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), specifically acute erythroleukemia and acute megakaryocytic leukemia, have a concerningly short median survival and limited effective treatment options. Our exploration focused on understanding the role of the transcription factor GATA1, which is crucial for the survival of cells in these leukemia subtypes. Remarkably, we discovered that a compound known as Fenretinide (or 4-HPR), a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, can target and induce loss of GATA1 in these AML cells.
As we delved into the study, we found that treating M6 AML cells with low concentrations of 4-HPR led to significant cytotoxic effects, akin to reducing GATA1 levels through genetic methods. This indicates that 4-HPR could act similar to a targeted therapy, directly impacting the survival of these cancer cells. Further, we were encouraged to see that 4-HPR not only performed effectively on its own but also enhanced the effectiveness of existing treatments like Azacytidine and Venetoclax, which typically struggle against drug resistance.
Our findings suggest that 4-HPR might represent a promising therapeutic avenue for patients with M6 and M7 AML, paving the way for its potential inclusion as a standard treatment option in the near future. The safety profile of Fenretinide, established through numerous clinical trials, further strengthens the case for its application in the combat against these aggressive forms of leukemia.
Read More
9
Acyclic Retinoid aids lung cancer treatment
Acyclic Retinoid Inhibits the EGFR/AKT Signaling Pathway and Cancels Cisplatin-resistant Cell Characteristics.
This study delved into the effects of a compound called Acyclic Retinoid, which is derived from vitamin A, on lung cancer and its resistance to a common chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. We explored how Acyclic Retinoid could impact key signaling pathways that contribute to the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a prevalent and deadly form of the disease. Our focus was on how ACR affected the signals associated with the cancer progression, particularly the EGFR/AKT pathway, which is often overactive in lung cancer situations.
We treated various types of lung cells—including standard cancer cell lines and those resistant to cisplatin—with ACR, both alone and alongside cisplatin. By examining cell viability, apoptosis (the process of programmed cell death), and changes in important cellular signals, we gathered insightful data on the potential of this treatment. The results were promising; ACR inhibited the EGFR/AKT signaling pathway and showed an ability to improve the effectiveness of cisplatin against NSCLC and its resistant variants.
Overall, we observed that Acyclic Retinoid may hold significant promise as a therapeutic strategy for lung cancer, particularly for those patients who have developed resistance to traditional treatments. Its capability to enhance the effects of existing chemotherapy options could lead to better outcomes for patients battling this challenging disease.
Read More
9
Vitamin A combined with SM effective
Combinational therapy of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and sphingomyelin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in B16F10 melanoma cancer cells.
We explored the potential of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a derivative of vitamin A, in treating melanoma. In our study, we combined ATRA with sphingomyelin (SM) to see if this pairing could enhance its effectiveness against aggressive melanoma cells.
We focused on an in vitro model using B16F10 melanoma cells and assessed how well this combination could promote cell death and stop the cells from growing. Our results highlighted that the combination of 123 μM of ATRA with 136 μM of SM was particularly effective, leading to a dramatic reduction in cell proliferation and significant apoptotic cell death.
This combination not only increased the expression of key genes that promote cell death, but it also caused a halt in the cell cycle, preventing cancer cells from continuing to grow. Moreover, our findings suggest that using ATRA alongside SM may provide a promising avenue for melanoma treatment while minimizing harm to normal, healthy cells.
Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of mucous membranes and skin. It promotes rapid healing of wounds and prevents keratinisation and death of skin cells. This vitamin is essential for protein synthesis in the body and is particularly effective for eye health, especially night vision. Moreover, it is a powerful antioxidant beneficial in cancer treatment and prevention. It also protects the skin from sun damage, making it advisable to take before beach holidays. It influences progesterone synthesis, impacting reproductive function and libido. Daily intake with food enhances absorption.
Read More
7.5
Protects mucous membranes
316 people found this helpful
The mucous membranes are protected by vitamin A, preventing viral infections. Friends, essentials for a first-aid kit include vitamins D, C, A, zinc, and ant bark—an antiviral base for everyone! I take vitamin A daily; it provides protection and supports epithelial tissues. Healthy mucous membranes serve as a barrier! If there's oncology, taking vitamin A is even more crucial, as it kills cancer cells. Stay healthy! If found helpful, please like. Thank you for reading!
Read More
9
Essential for growth
10 people found this helpful
ALWAYS IN MY MEDICINE KIT! Vitamin A is essential for our bodies, supporting eye health, immunity, and protein synthesis. It is especially beneficial for pregnant women, aiding fetal growth and development. The vitamin reduces the risk of cancer, including lung cancer, improves eyesight, and bolsters resistance against infections. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, keeping the body youthful. Additionally, it's crucial for skin health, as it promotes quicker healing of wounds. If you find this useful, please support my review! Thank you!
Read More
7.5
Skin benefits
10 people found this helpful
Excellent! Vitamin A is key for youthful skin and should be part of your routine. It improves skin appearance and slows aging. I have heard that it can kill cancer cells, so taking it as a preventive measure is beneficial if you're predisposed. Additionally, it helps maintain vision and reduces dry eyes while supporting the development of hair follicles.
Read More
7.5
Skin feels stronger
7 people found this helpful
I bought this low-dose vitamin A for my parents for cancer prevention, while I take it myself due to my family history. Since starting vitamin A, my skin feels healthier, and I’m hopeful that it can contribute towards my parents' health as well.
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and metastasize to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. While cancer can affect nearly any part of the body, it is classified into various types, including carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemia, and lymphomas, each originating from different types of cells. Risk factors for developing cancer can include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet, environmental exposures, and certain infections.
Diagnosis typically involves medical imaging, biopsies, and a thorough review of personal and family health histories. Treatment options vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Early detection is crucial and can significantly improve treatment outcomes, leading to better survival rates. As awareness and research continue to advance, new methods for prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer are consistently being developed, offering hope to those affected by this challenging disease.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that's essential for several critical bodily functions, including vision, immune response, and cell differentiation. It comes in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A (retinol) found in animal products like liver, fish, and dairy, and provitamin A carotenoids, primarily found in colorful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. The body can convert carotenoids into retinol, making these plant sources a valuable dietary option, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.
Aside from its role in maintaining healthy vision—particularly in low-light conditions—vitamin A plays a significant role in skin health and the functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It also supports the immune system by promoting the development and function of white blood cells. While it's uncommon to experience a deficiency in countries where a balanced diet is accessible, a lack of vitamin A can lead to serious health problems, including night blindness and increased susceptibility to infections. In contrast, excessive intake of vitamin A, particularly through supplements, can be toxic and lead to several health issues, making it crucial to maintain a balanced intake.
Vitamin A plays a complex role in the body, particularly in cell growth and functioning, but its relationship with cancer is multifaceted and still being studied. Some research suggests that certain forms of Vitamin A, like retinoids, may have cancer-preventive properties, helping to regulate cellular growth and differentiation, which is crucial in preventing the onset of malignancies. For instance, studies have indicated that a higher intake of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A found in fruits and vegetables, can be associated with a reduced risk of specific cancers. However, the evidence is mixed and can vary greatly based on individual health conditions, types of cancer, and the forms of Vitamin A considered.
On the flip side, excessive consumption of Vitamin A, particularly in supplement form, can lead to toxicity and other health issues, potentially increasing cancer risks in some cases. It's essential for cancer patients or those at risk to consult healthcare providers before using Vitamin A supplements as part of their regimen. While a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables certainly contributes to overall health and may aid in cancer prevention, it is not a guaranteed solution for cancer treatment. Ongoing research continues to clarify the exact role of Vitamin A in cancer biology, highlighting the importance of a nuanced understanding of nutrition in cancer care.
Based on user reviews, the timeline for seeing results from Vitamin A supplementation, particularly for cancer-related benefits, varies widely. While specific durations are not always mentioned, many users suggest that incorporating Vitamin A into your regimen can lead to health improvements over time. For instance, one user noted that after starting Vitamin A, their skin felt healthier, indicating potential positive effects within a short duration since commencement Read Review. Additionally, taking Vitamin A consistently for a month has been recommended by one reviewer to start noticing benefits, especially regarding skin health and overall vitality Read Review.
However, it is essential to remember that the outcomes may vary based on individual health conditions, the dosage of Vitamin A taken, and consistency in its use. Several reviews highlight the importance of this vitamin in reducing cancer-related risks and improving skin health, but specifics on when to expect significant results in cancer treatment are generally sparse. Users stress that Vitamin A should be part of a comprehensive health strategy and that seeing substantial results may take continuous use Read Review.
The scientific research surrounding vitamin A and its derivatives indicates promising potential for various types of cancer, although much of this evidence is still emerging. For instance, the use of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a form of vitamin A, has shown effectiveness in enhancing the immune response against nasopharyngeal carcinoma and improving treatment outcomes for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) when combined with other therapies. Studies have reported complete remission rates and improved overall survival in APL patients treated with ATRA among other agents [13]. Additionally, ATRA has demonstrated ability to reduce tumor growth in glioma and ovarian cancer contexts, paving the way for hopeful developments in oncological therapies [12][16].
Importantly, the evidence also highlights the complex role of vitamin A in cancer biology. For instance, a study found that while retinoic acid signaling can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, it also raises levels of SOX9, a protein linked to tumor maintenance, pointing to a nuanced relationship that requires further exploration [1]. The integration of vitamin A derivatives into treatment regimens could yield beneficial results, particularly when used in synergy with existing therapies, suggesting that while there is a positive outlook, further clinical research is essential to fully establish the efficacy and safety of these supplements in cancer treatment.
Based on user reviews, many individuals have reported various improvements in their symptoms after incorporating Vitamin A into their health regimens. Users frequently highlight the vitamin's positive impact on skin health, noting enhanced appearance and quicker healing of wounds. For instance, one user mentioned that since starting Vitamin A, their skin feels healthier, citing a potential overall improvement in skin vitality Read Review. Additionally, several reviews indicate that Vitamin A is instrumental in maintaining eye health, specifically improving vision and combating dry eyes, which many individuals consider particularly valuable Read Review.
Moreover, Vitamin A is often praised for its potential role in cancer prevention, with users suggesting that it may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and aid in managing health post-diagnosis. Many assert that its antioxidant properties can contribute to long-term well-being Read Review. While anecdotal evidence is encouraging, it's crucial to remember that individual results can vary greatly based on health status, dosage, and consistency of use. As always, consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your personal health needs.
Based on user reviews, many individuals report combining Vitamin A with other supplements as part of a holistic approach to managing cancer and enhancing overall health. Users emphasize the importance of Vitamin A in supporting the immune system and reducing cancer risk, particularly highlighting its role in combating lung and prostate cancers Read Review. In addition to Vitamin A, reviewers frequently mention other supplements like vitamins D and C, as well as zinc as vital components of their health routines, indicating a belief that these combinations can provide combined protective benefits against cancer and bolster overall health Read Review.
Another common theme among users is the assertion that Vitamin A can aid in preventing the recurrence of cancer post-treatment. Several reviewers attribute their continued use of Vitamin A supplements to its antioxidative properties, which they believe can help kill cancer cells and enhance resilience against various health issues Read Review. While many users take Vitamin A alone, they also acknowledge the possible synergistic effects of combining it with other supplements, suggesting a comprehensive approach to cancer support Read Review. As always, users recommend consulting healthcare professionals before beginning any new regimen.
Users appear to have varying insights regarding the appropriate dosage of Vitamin A for cancer treatment and prevention, emphasizing its role in overall health. While specific dosage recommendations are not uniformly reported, a common sentiment among users suggests that taking Vitamin A regularly is beneficial for maintaining health and potentially aiding in cancer prevention. For instance, one review mentions that the maximum daily intake for adults should not exceed 100,000 IU Read Review. Some users highlight their personal routines, such as taking Vitamin A daily or every other day, suggesting a flexible approach to dosage depending on individual health needs Read ReviewRead Review.
Moreover, multiple reviews underline the importance of Vitamin A in reducing cancer risks, especially lung cancer Read Review. Users have frequently cited the antioxidant properties of Vitamin A and its potential to combat cancer cells, thus marking it as a critical supplement in their health regimens, particularly for those with a family history of cancer Read ReviewRead Review. Ultimately, while anecdotal evidence supports the use of Vitamin A for cancer-related health benefits, specific dosage advice should ideally come from healthcare professionals.
7.5
Skin feels stronger
7 people found this helpful
I bought this low-dose vitamin A for my parents for cancer prevention, while I take it myself due to my family history. Since starting vitamin A, my skin feels healthier, and I’m hopeful that it can contribute towards my parents' health as well.
7.5
Acclerates skin regeneration
The use of Vitamin A notably reduces the risk of lung cancer and improves vision. This vitamin is crucial for skin health and accelerates skin regeneration. It is recommended to take Vitamin A 10-15 minutes after eating, once daily in the morning, for a month-long course.
9
Essential for growth
10 people found this helpful
ALWAYS IN MY MEDICINE KIT! Vitamin A is essential for our bodies, supporting eye health, immunity, and protein synthesis. It is especially beneficial for pregnant women, aiding fetal growth and development. The vitamin reduces the risk of cancer, including lung cancer, improves eyesight, and bolsters resistance against infections. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, keeping the body youthful. Additionally, it's crucial for skin health, as it promotes quicker healing of wounds. If you find this useful, please support my review! Thank you!
7.5
Skin benefits
10 people found this helpful
Excellent! Vitamin A is key for youthful skin and should be part of your routine. It improves skin appearance and slows aging. I have heard that it can kill cancer cells, so taking it as a preventive measure is beneficial if you're predisposed. Additionally, it helps maintain vision and reduces dry eyes while supporting the development of hair follicles.
7.5
Fights infections
1 people found this helpful
Good vitamins! Vitamin A shields against viral infections and enhances mucous membrane function, bolstering leukocyte activity. It's crucial for visual health and helps restore epithelial tissues. Additionally, vitamin A promotes skin healing from damage and reduces infection risk. It participates in hormone synthesis and aids in cell growth, proving beneficial across various bodily functions while combating cancer, particularly breast and prostate cancer.
7.5
Protects mucous membranes
316 people found this helpful
The mucous membranes are protected by vitamin A, preventing viral infections. Friends, essentials for a first-aid kit include vitamins D, C, A, zinc, and ant bark—an antiviral base for everyone! I take vitamin A daily; it provides protection and supports epithelial tissues. Healthy mucous membranes serve as a barrier! If there's oncology, taking vitamin A is even more crucial, as it kills cancer cells. Stay healthy! If found helpful, please like. Thank you for reading!
9
Prevents relapses
1 people found this helpful
Vitamin A is vital for skin health and tissue regeneration. It aids in healing skin diseases and small wounds, while also combating severe skin conditions. Thanks to its antioxidative properties, it plays a role in cancer prevention and helps prevent the recurrence of malignancies post-surgery, thus promoting longevity and health.
9
Cancer risk reduction
Vitamin A is vital for our body, aiding eye health, the immune system, and protein synthesis. Its consumption notably reduces the risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer, while enhancing vision. Vitamins A and E combat wrinkles and skin ageing, and support the beauty of hair and nails, whilst boosting immunity. It is crucial to remember that the maximum daily intake for adults should not exceed 100,000 IU.
6
Strengthens immune system
6 people found this helpful
I bought it to complement my megavitamin regimen. The small softgels are easier to swallow than tablets, and I take them every other day. According to the literature, Vitamin A boosts the immune system against cancer, enhances skin metabolism, and possesses anti-aging effects, preventing spots and wrinkles. I am keen on continuing this regimen.
7.5
Fights cancer cells
2 people found this helpful
Vitamin A, or retinol, is crucial for overall health. It supports eye health, the immune system, and protein synthesis, and is particularly important for pregnant women in fetal development. Numerous studies confirm that Vitamin A reduces the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer, and enhances eyesight. The liver is a rich source of Vitamin A, historically used to treat night blindness. Additionally, it boosts immunity against infections and serves as an antioxidant, interacting with free radicals to maintain youthfulness. It is also necessary for skin health.
9.5
Promising APL treatment outcomes observed
Long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study of all-trans retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
We aimed to understand the effectiveness of a combination treatment involving all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), arsenic trioxide (ATO), and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This was a phase 2 trial involving newly diagnosed APL patients, where ATRA and ATO were used to induce remission.
The results were promising, as we observed a complete remission rate of 93.8% among the participants. Furthermore, 97.1% of those who achieved remission had no measurable residual disease, indicating a strong initial response to the treatment regimen.
Over a median follow-up of about 62 months, the 5-year survival rates were also impressive, with event-free survival at 92.4%, disease-free survival at 93.6%, and overall survival at 93.1%. We noted some side effects, including elevated liver enzymes and infections, but there were no severe complications like veno-occlusive disease.
While the study highlights the benefits of ATRA in this combination treatment, we must clarify that we cannot specifically isolate the effect of vitamin A, as it was part of a broader therapeutic approach. Nonetheless, the combination of ATRA with other agents showed significant success in treating APL, reinforcing the importance of multifaceted cancer therapies.
8
Retinoic acid enhances glioma treatment
Retinoic acid-induced alterations enhance eATP-mediated anti-cancer effects in glioma cells: Implications for P2X7 receptor variants as key players.
We investigated how retinoic acid (RA), a derivative of vitamin A, could influence cancer treatment, particularly in glioma, a type of brain tumor. Previous attempts to use RA as a therapeutic option were inconclusive, so we aimed to explore its effects alongside extracellular ATP (eATP) to harness their combined potential.
Our experiments examined two human glioma cell lines, M059K and M059J, to see how they responded to RA-based differentiation. Notably, this process led to changes in the expression of a receptor called P2X7 and reduced the activity of enzymes that break down nucleotides. These modifications contributed to a significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration abilities, as well as an increased sensitivity to the effects of eATP.
Specifically, we found that in the presence of eATP, cell viability decreased by up to 40% in RA-treated M059K cells and 20% in M059J cells. Migration capabilities of the cells were reduced by as much as 60% when exposed to a specific concentration of ATP, showing that the P2X7 receptor plays a major role in mediating these effects.
Our observations suggest that combining retinoic acid with eATP can have anti-cancer benefits by influencing purinergic signaling pathways in glioma cells. This points to the need for further exploration of P2X7 receptor variants as potential therapeutic targets for treating glioma.
9
Vitamin A aids ovarian cancer treatment
All-trans Retinoic Acid Sensitizes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer to PARP Inhibition after Exposure to Cisplatin.
We focused on how all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a form of vitamin A, helps combat resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) when combined with standard platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin.
Our findings indicate that ATRA effectively reduced PARP inhibitor resistance in EOC cells, both in lab settings and in animal models.
Additionally, using ATRA along with ongoing treatment improved survival rates in EOC-bearing mice. This suggests that ATRA could be an important part of future therapies for enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments.
4
RAR-β deletion alters pancreatic cancer
Retinoic acid receptor-β deletion in a model of early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumorigenesis.
We examined how the deletion of the retinoic acid receptor beta (RAR-β) impacts cancer development in the pancreas. Using a specific mouse model designed for this study, we selectively knocked out the RAR-β gene to see how this would affect pancreatic cells and their behavior in relation to cancer.
Our findings revealed that a lack of RAR-β led to decreased cell proliferation in the pancreatic acinar cells. In simpler terms, without this receptor, the cells were less likely to multiply, which is significant because uncontrolled cell growth is a hallmark of cancer. Interestingly, even in the absence of an activation mutation in the KRas gene, levels of SOX9—a protein vital for pancreatic cancer formation and maintenance—increased in the knockout models.
This suggests that while RAR-β deletion seems to inhibit cell growth, it paradoxically raises SOX9 levels, which could play a complex role in cancer progression. Ultimately, we uncovered that retinoic acid signaling, particularly through RAR-β, may have a nuanced influence on pancreatic cancer development, but we did not directly assess the effects of vitamin A treatments themselves nor did we find universally beneficial effects in this model.
References
Mere Del Aguila E, Tang XH, Gudas LJ. Retinoic acid receptor-β deletion in a model of early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumorigenesis. Am J Cancer Res. 2025;15:127. 10.62347/XFOT8509
Raza Y, Yu G, Chiappone SB, Liu S, Luberto C. Fenretinide targets GATA1 to induce cytotoxicity in GATA1 positive Acute Erythroid and Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemic cells. bioRxiv. 2025. 10.1101/2025.01.19.633759
Motoyama M, Shigefuku R, Tanaka N, Nishizawa M, Oshio K, et al. Acyclic Retinoid Inhibits the EGFR/AKT Signaling Pathway and Cancels Cisplatin-resistant Cell Characteristics. Anticancer Res. 2025;45:433. 10.21873/anticanres.17432
Balasundaram N, Narayanan MA, Antony LSA, Kumar SR, Anandan S. Effectiveness of Fenugreek as an Adjuvant in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2024;25:921. 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3773
Piotrowsky A, Burkard M, Schmieder H, Venturelli S, Renner O, et al. The therapeutic potential of vitamins A, C, and D in pancreatic cancer. Heliyon. 2025;11:e41598. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41598
Ye Y, Zhao Z, Mo W, Liu W, Wu L, et al. Zebrafish modeling of atypical PML-RARA isoform from acute promyelocytic leukemia patient and its implications for clinical treatment. Ann Hematol. 2025;104:171. 10.1007/s00277-024-06169-x
Işlek Köklü Z, Şanverdi EL, Karadağ B, Üçişik MH, Taşkan E, et al. Combinational therapy of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and sphingomyelin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in B16F10 melanoma cancer cells. Turk J Biol. 2024;48:401. 10.55730/1300-0152.2715
Aydin D, Öner Ç, Aslan Öztürk S, Çolak E. Short-term effects of retinoic acid on the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells via mitophagy and apoptosis. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2024;70:64. 10.14715/cmb/2024.70.11.9
Sánchez-Mendoza SE, de Deus-Wagatsuma VM, do Nascimento MC, Lima K, Machado-Neto JA, et al. All-trans retinoic acid potentiates cell death induced by quizartinib in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD mutations. Ann Hematol. 2024;103:5405. 10.1007/s00277-024-06089-w
Kanai M, Shinagawa A, Ota M, Virgona N, Yano T. Resveratrol Can Differentiate Human Melanoma Stem-like Cells from Spheroids Treated With All-trans Retinoic Acid. Anticancer Res. 2024;44:5283. 10.21873/anticanres.17356
Szymczak B, Pegoraro A, De Marchi E, Grignolo M, Maciejewski B, et al. Retinoic acid-induced alterations enhance eATP-mediated anti-cancer effects in glioma cells: Implications for P2X7 receptor variants as key players. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2025;1871:167611. 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167611
Jen WY, Marvin-Peek J, Kantarjian HM, Alvarado Y, Borthakur G, et al. Long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study of all-trans retinoic acid, arsenic trioxide, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Cancer. 2025;131:e35662. 10.1002/cncr.35662
Liu G, Quan Q, Pan L, Duan H, Zhang G, et al. Retinoic acid enhances γδ T cell cytotoxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by reversing immune exhaustion. Cell Commun Signal. 2025;23:156. 10.1186/s12964-025-02161-8
Nurseta T, Indrawan IWA, Gunawan DA, Pramudia Wardani KR. Effects Atra on MMP-9 Activity and Integrin Expression in Choriocarcinoma Culture Cell Line Bewo (ATCC CCL-98). Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2025;26:1027. 10.31557/APJCP.2025.26.3.1027
Mei B, Li J, Wang D, Feng L, Huang J, et al. All-trans Retinoic Acid Sensitizes Epithelial Ovarian Cancer to PARP Inhibition after Exposure to Cisplatin. Mol Cancer Ther. 2025;24:453. 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-24-0140