Gasotransmitters in the tumor microenvironment: Impacts on cancer chemotherapy (Review)

Abstract

Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide are three endogenous gasotransmitters that serve a role in regulating normal and pathological cellular activities. They can stimulate or inhibit cancer cell proliferation and invasion, as well as interfere with cancer cell responses to drug treatments. Understanding the molecular pathways governing the interactions between these gases and the tumor microenvironment can be utilized for the identification of a novel technique to disrupt cancer cell interactions and may contribute to the conception of effective and safe cancer therapy strategies. The present review discusses the effects of these gases in modulating the action of chemotherapies, as well as prospective pharmacological and therapeutic interfering approaches. A deeper knowledge of the mechanisms that underpin the cellular and pharmacological effects, as well as interactions, of each of the three gases could pave the way for therapeutic treatments and translational research.

Exhaled Biomarkers for Point-of-Care Diagnosis: Recent Advances and New Challenges in Breathomics

“…They are all counted as environmental pollutants and toxic gases. As bioactive molecules they have important anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiproliferative and antiapoptotic properties, and their low-dose inhalation or administration of their donor molecules can provide therapeutic effects in different conditions [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. Due to their environmental occurrence, when their levels are measured in exhaled breath, special attention is required to limit the potential environmental influence.…”

Gasotransmitter-Induced Therapeutic Angiogenesis: A Biomaterial Prospective

“…These gaseous molecules regulate multiple biological processes such as inflammation, vasodilation, vascularization, and oxidative stress, offering greater therapeutic potential . However, few studies have reported both the antiproliferative and pro-tumorigenic effects of the gasotransmitters in tumors . For example, when the effect of gasotransmitters such as NO and H 2 S was studied on colon rectal cancer cells, the NO donors showed antiapoptotic effects, whereas the H 2 S donors exhibited a decrease in proliferation rate …”

“…8 However, few studies have reported both the antiproliferative and pro-tumorigenic effects of the gasotransmitters in tumors. 9 For example, when the effect of gasotransmitters such as NO and H 2 S was studied on colon rectal cancer cells, the NO donors showed antiapoptotic effects, whereas the H 2 S donors exhibited a decrease in proliferation rate. 10 Although the gasotransmitters have proven to be of great therapeutic value, delivering the molecule directly to the target presents several difficulties.…”