Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of telmisartan in human glioma cells

Glioblastoma is the most common primary central nervous system tumor in adults. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are broadly applied to treat hypertension. Moreover, research has revealed that ARBs have the capacity to suppress the growth of several cancer types. In this study, we assessed the effects of three ARBs with the ability to cross the blood brain barrier (telmisartan, valsartan and fimasartan) on cell proliferation in three glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines. Telmisartan markedly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of these three GBM cell lines. Microarray data analysis revealed that telmisartan regulates DNA replication, mismatch repair, and the cell cycle pathway in GBM cells. Furthermore, telmisartan induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis. The bioinformatic analysis and western blotting results provide evidence that SOX9 is a downstream target of telmisartan. Telmisartan also suppressed tumor growth in vivo in an orthotopic transplant mouse model. Therefore, telmisartan is a potential treatment for human GBM.

Automated summary

This study examined the effects of three angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on the proliferation of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines. Telmisartan was found to significantly suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in these GBM cell lines. It also induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and targeted the SOX9 pathway. Additionally, telmisartan inhibited tumor growth in an animal model. These findings suggest that telmisartan could potentially be used as a treatment for GBM in humans.