Repurposing Kir6/SUR2 Channel Activator Minoxidil to Arrest Growth of Gynecologic Cancers

    May 2020 in “ Frontiers in pharmacology ”
    Daniela F. Fukushiro-Lopes, Alexandra Hegel, Angela Russo, Vitalyi Senyuk, Margaret Liotta, Gyda Beeson, Craig C. Beeson, Joanna E. Burdette, Ronald K. Potkul, Sandro Gentile
    Image of study
    TLDR Minoxidil can stop the growth of ovarian cancer cells without harming the heart.
    The study demonstrated that minoxidil, a Kir6.2/SUR2 potassium channel activator, could arrest the growth of gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian cancer, by inducing cell death and reducing tumor growth in a xenograft model. Minoxidil's mechanism involved increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, and leading to DNA damage, which activated a caspase-3 independent cell death pathway. The research found that high expression of the SUR2 gene was associated with improved survival in ovarian cancer patients. Minoxidil did not affect Kir6.2/SUR2 negative cells and did not produce cardiotoxic effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a safe and specific antiproliferative agent against ovarian cancer.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    6 / 6 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Should I add oral minoxidil right now?

      in Minoxidil  85 upvotes 1 week ago
      The user is considering adding oral minoxidil to their current hair loss treatment, which includes dutasteride and occasional finasteride, due to concerns about hair thinning and potential shedding. They are unsure if starting both treatments simultaneously could worsen shedding or if oral minoxidil might be beneficial.

      community Stoped minoxidil 5 weeks ago and still bloated

      in Minoxidil  103 upvotes 1 week ago
      The user stopped using minoxidil 5 weeks ago due to facial swelling, which initially subsided but then returned. Despite a healthy lifestyle and normal test results, the user is concerned about the persistent bloating.

      community Duoxidil / Dutasteride/ Minoxidil

      in Minoxidil  82 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The conversation discusses a user's positive experience with hair loss treatments, including Duoxidil, oral Dutasteride, oral Minoxidil, and biotin, noting no side effects and effective results. The user plans to start a new cycle of Dutasteride and PRP sessions.

    Related Research

    9 / 9 results