Inhibition of cancer progression by rifampicin: involvement of antiangiogenic and anti-tumor effects.
Very recently, we reported that an antituberculous agent, rifampicin, exerts potent inhibitory effects on hepatic tumors when administered orally at low doses. The in vitro effects of rifampicin to rapidly downregulate angiogenesis and mitogenesis-related genes in cultured endothelial cells are reminiscent of endostatin, one of the most well-studied angiogenesis inhibitors. However, rifampicin at the expected hepatobiliary concentrations after low oral doses showed more complete antiproliferative effects on endothelial cells, which make rifampicin favorable as an adjunct anticancer regimen. Since rifampicin undergoes hepatic accumulation resulting from the enterohepatic circulation, it may be especially beneficial for targeting hepatobiliary tumors. In the present paper, we extend our observations on the antiangiogenic properties of rifampicin and further elaborate on its direct antitumor effects on a variety of human cancer-derived cells.
Shichiri
Masayoshi
M
Tokyo Medical and Dental University Medical School; Tokyo, Japan. mshichiri@kitasato-u.ac.jp
Tanaka
Yujiro
Y
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy; D012293:Rifampin / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D012293:Rifampin