Guanidine Hydrochloride: Therapeutic Effects on Breast Cancer and Health Hazards

General Description

Guanidine hydrochloride has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for triple-negative breast cancer by targeting the overexpressed KCNG1 gene, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. This specific targeting reduces tumor viability and growth, showcasing its potential as an effective treatment option. However, it is crucial to handle Guanidine Hydrochloride with care due to its health hazards, including acute oral toxicity, skin and eye irritation, and potential risks from inhalation. Adhering to safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation, is essential in mitigating these health risks associated with Guanidine Hydrochloride.

Figure 1. Guanidine Hydrochloride

Therapeutic Effects on Breast Cancer

Targeting the KCNG1 Gene

Guanidine hydrochloride, a compound typically recognized for its protein denaturation capabilities, has recently been identified as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer, particularly the aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype. This subtype of breast cancer lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it unresponsive to hormonal therapy and certain targeted treatments, thus necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of the KCNG1 gene, which is notably overexpressed in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes.

Mechanism of Action

Guanidine hydrochloride has been shown to target this specific gene, offering a new avenue for therapy. The mechanism involves the inhibition of KCNG1, which is crucial due to its role in cancer cell survival and proliferation. By targeting this gene, guanidine hydrochloride effectively induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells, thereby reducing tumor viability and growth. The therapeutic effects of guanidine hydrochloride were demonstrated in various laboratory tests, including apoptosis assays and MTS tests on TNBC cell lines, such as MDA-MB-468. These tests confirmed that TNBC cells, which exhibit higher levels of KCNG1, were more susceptible to treatment with guanidine hydrochloride compared to other breast cancer cell lines like MCF7, which shows lower expression of this gene. Furthermore, the specificity of guanidine hydrochloride for the KCNG1 gene was underscored by its high sensitivity and specificity, as evidenced by ROC analysis in the study. This specificity not only enhances the drug's effectiveness but also minimizes potential side effects by targeting the cancer cells more directly and sparing healthy tissue. In conclusion, guanidine hydrochloride presents a novel and effective therapeutic option for treating triple-negative breast cancer by specifically targeting the overexpressed KCNG1 gene. This approach not only offers hope for better clinical outcomes but also paves the way for personalized medicine strategies in managing a particularly challenging form of breast cancer. ¹

Health Hazards

Acute Oral Toxicity

Guanidine Hydrochloride, a widely used chemical, presents several health hazards that must be handled with care. Primarily, Guanidine Hydrochloride is harmful if swallowed, indicating acute oral toxicity. This necessitates precautions to avoid accidental ingestion, especially in environments where this chemical is handled frequently.

Skin and Eye Irritation

Moreover, Guanidine Hydrochloride causes skin irritation upon contact, categorized under Skin Irrit. 2. This reaction underscores the importance of wearing protective clothing and gloves to minimize direct skin exposure. Similarly, this compound is known for causing serious eye irritation, classified as Eye Irrit. 2. Safety measures such as using eye protection and having eye rinse facilities nearby are critical to prevent damage. Inhalation of Guanidine Hydrochloride also poses risks, though it is less frequent, with a noted harmful effect in a smaller percentage of cases (Acute Tox. 4 at 10.11%). Still, this highlights the necessity for adequate ventilation or respiratory protection in areas where airborne particles might be present. The precautionary statements associated with Guanidine Hydrochloride, such as P261 (avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray), and P280 (wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection), are vital for safe handling. These guidelines are designed to mitigate the risks and ensure that those working with Guanidine Hydrochloride can do so safely. Understanding these hazards and respecting the safety protocols can significantly reduce the health risks posed by Guanidine Hydrochloride, protecting users from potential acute and chronic health issues. ²

Reference

1. Bakhsh MR, Rouhi L, Ghaedi K, Hashemi M, Peymani M, Samarghandian S. Therapeutic effects of guanidine hydrochloride on breast cancer through targeting KCNG1 gene. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023; 164: 114982.

2. Guanidine Hydrochloride. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 2024; PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5742.

You may like