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Hua C, Guo Z, Dai M, Zhou J, Ge H, Xue G, Xu F, Ru L, Lv K, Zhang G, Zheng L, Wang M, Teng Y, Yu W, Guo W. Lumbrokinase Extracted from Earthworms Synergizes with Bevacizumab and Chemotherapeutics in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeted Inactivation of BPTF/VEGF and NF-κB/COX-2 Signaling. Biomolecules 2024; 14:741. [PMID: 39062456 PMCID: PMC11274885 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As a kind of proteolytic enzyme extracted from earthworms, lumbrokinase has been used as an antithrombotic drug clinically. Nevertheless, its potential in anti-cancer, especially in anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as a single form of treatment or in combination with other therapies, is still poorly understood. In this study, we explored the anti-tumor role and the responsive molecular mechanisms of lumbrokinase in suppressing tumor angiogenesis and chemoresistance development in NSCLC and its clinical potential in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapeutics. Lumbrokinase was found to inhibit cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner and caused metastasis suppression and apoptosis induction to varying degrees in NSCLC cells. Lumbrokinase enhanced the anti-angiogenesis efficiency of bevacizumab by down-regulating BPTF expression, decreasing its anchoring at the VEGF promoter region and subsequent VEGF expression and secretion. Furthermore, lumbrokinase treatment reduced IC50 values of chemotherapeutics and improved their cytotoxicity in parental and chemo-resistant NSCLC cells via inactivating the NF-κB pathway, inhibiting the expression of COX-2 and subsequent secretion of PGE2. LPS-induced NF-κB activation reversed its inhibition on NSCLC cell proliferation and its synergy with chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity, while COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib treatment boosted such effects. Lumbrokinase combined with bevacizumab, paclitaxel, or vincristine inhibited the xenograft growth of NSCLC cells in mice more significantly than a single treatment. In conclusion, lumbrokinase inhibited NSCLC survival and sensitized NSCLC cells to bevacizumab or chemotherapeutics treatment by targeted down-regulation of BPTF/VEGF signaling and inactivation of NF-κB/COX-2 signaling, respectively. The combinational applications of lumbrokinase with bevacizumab or chemotherapeutics are expected to be developed as promising candidate therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of the original monotherapy in anti-NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Hua
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Ziyue Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Meng Dai
- Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Jie Zhou
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Hanxiao Ge
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Guoqing Xue
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Fahui Xu
- The Second Clinical College, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Liyuan Ru
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Kuan Lv
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Lina Zheng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Meiyi Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Yun Teng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Wendan Yu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cells, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (C.H.); (Z.G.); (J.Z.); (H.G.); (G.X.); (L.R.); (K.L.); (G.Z.); (L.Z.); (M.W.)
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Zhang T, Zhu J, Li Z, Zhao Y, Li Y, Li J, He Q, Geng Y, Lu W, Zhang L, Li Z. The UF-5000 Atyp.C parameter is an independent risk factor for bladder cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12659. [PMID: 38830942 PMCID: PMC11148171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma (BC) accounts for > 90% of all urothelial cancers. Pathological diagnosis through cytoscopic biopsy is the gold standard, whereas non-invasive diagnostic tools remain lacking. The "Atyp.C" parameter of the Sysmex UF-5000 urine particle analyzer represents the ratio of nucleus to cytoplasm and can be employed to detect urinary atypical cells. The present study examined the association between urinary Atyp.C values and BC risk. This two-center, retrospective case-control study identified clinical primary or newly recurrent BC (study period, 2022-2023; n = 473) cases together with controls with urinary tract infection randomly matched by age and sex (1:1). Urinary sediment differences were compared using non-parametric tests. The correlations between urinary Atyp.C levels and BC grade or infiltration were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation. The BC risk factor odds ratio of Atyp.C was calculated using conditional logistic regression, and potential confounder effects were adjusted using stepwise logistic regression (LR). Primary risk factors were identified by stratified analysis according to pathological histological diagnosis. The mean value of urinary Atyp.C in BC cases (1.30 ± 3.12) was 8.7 times higher than that in the controls (0.15 ± 0.68; P < 0.001). Urinary Atyp.C values were positively correlated with BC pathological grade and invasion (r = 0.360, P < 0.001; r = 0.367, P < 0.001). Urinary Atyp.C was an independent risk factor for BC and closely related with BC pathological grade and invasion. Elevated urinary Atyp.C values was an independent risk factor for BC. Our findings support the use of Atyp.C as a marker that will potentially aid in the early diagnosis and long-term surveillance of new and recurrent BC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jianhong Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Zhaoxing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Brunelli M, Gobbo S, Malpeli G, Sirgiovanni G, Caserta C, Munari E, Francesconi S, Caliò A, Martignoni G, Cimadamore A, Veccia A, Antonelli A, Tucci M, Pierconti F, Hattab IM, Eccher A, Ascani S, Milella M, Buffoni L, Cheng L, Bracarda S. TROP-2, NECTIN-4 and predictive biomarkers in sarcomatoid and rhabdoid bladder urothelial carcinoma. Pathologica 2024; 116:55-61. [PMID: 38482675 PMCID: PMC10938277 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The surface protein TROP-2/TACSTD2 and the cell adhesion protein NECTIN-4/NECTIN4 are responsible for the efficacy of anticancer therapies based on antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) targeting intracellular microtubules. In contrast with common histologic subtypes of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC), little is known of TROP-2 and NECTIN-4 expression in sarcomatoid and rhabdoid BUC. Aims In this study, we aimed to analyze TROP-2 and NECTIN-4 expression and additional predictive biomarkers by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on 35 undifferentiated BUC (28 sarcomatoid and 7 rhabdoid). Wide genomic investigation was also performed on 411 BUC cases of the PanCancer Atlas, focusing on genes related to the microtubule pathways. Results Seven of 35 (20%) undifferentiated BUC showed expression of TROP-2. NECTIN-4 was expressed in 10 cases (29%). Seven cases (20%) co-expressed TROP-2 and NECTIN-4. HER-2 FISH was amplified in 5 cases (14%) while HER-2 immunoexpression was observed in 14 cases (40%). PD-L1 scored positive for combined proportion score (CPS) in 66% of cases and for tumor proportion score (TPS) in 51% of cases. Pan-NTRK1-2/3 was elevated in 9 cases (26%) and FGFR-2/3 was broken in 7 of 35 cases (20%). Of 28 sarcomatoid BUC, 9 (32%) were negative for all (TROP-2, NECTIN-4, PD-L1, HER-2, FGFR and pan-NTRK) biomarkers and 3 (11%) expressed all five biomarkers. Among cases with rhabdoid dedifferentiation, 1 of 7 (14%) showed activation of all biomarkers, whereas 2 of 7 (28%) showed none. The mRNA analysis identified microtubule-related genes and pathways suitable for combined ADC treatments in BUC. Conclusion Sarcomatoid and rhabdoid BUC do harbor positive expression of the ADC targets TROP-2 or NECTIN-4 in a relatively modest subset of cases, whereas the majority do not. Different combinations of other positive biomarkers may help the choice of medical therapies. Overall, these findings have important clinical implications for targeted therapy for BUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Gobbo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Malpeli
- Department of Human Sciences for the Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Sirgiovanni
- Medical and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - Claudia Caserta
- Medical and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria, Terni, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Caliò
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Guido Martignoni
- Pathology Unit, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alessandro Veccia
- Department of Urology, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Urology, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Isabelle Malak Hattab
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Lifespan Academic Medical Center and the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Albino Eccher
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Ascani
- Unit of Pathology, S. Maria di Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, University of Verona - School of Medicine, Verona University Hospital Trust, Italy
| | - Lucio Buffoni
- Medical Oncology, Humanitas Gradenigo, Torino, Italy
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Lifespan Academic Medical Center and the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sergio Bracarda
- Medical and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria, Terni, Italy
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Ooki A, Osumi H, Fukuda K, Yamaguchi K. Potent molecular-targeted therapies for gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1021-1054. [PMID: 37422534 PMCID: PMC10584733 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), which are characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation, can arise in various organs. NENs have been divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) based on morphological differentiation, each of which has a distinct etiology, molecular profile, and clinicopathological features. While the majority of NECs originate in the pulmonary organs, extrapulmonary NECs occur most predominantly in the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) system. Although platinum-based chemotherapy is the main therapeutic option for recurrent or metastatic GEP-NEC patients, the clinical benefits are limited and associated with a poor prognosis, indicating the clinically urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. The clinical development of molecular-targeted therapies has been hampered due to the rarity of GEP-NECs and the paucity of knowledge on their biology. In this review, we summarize the biology, current treatments, and molecular profiles of GEP-NECs based on the findings of pivotal comprehensive molecular analyses; we also highlight potent therapeutic targets for future precision medicine based on the most recent results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshiro Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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Mehus AA, Jones M, Trahan M, Kinnunen K, Berwald K, Lindner B, Al-Marsoummi S, Zhou XD, Garrett SH, Sens DA, Sens MA, Somji S. Pevonedistat Inhibits SOX2 Expression and Sphere Formation but Also Drives the Induction of Terminal Differentiation Markers and Apoptosis within Arsenite-Transformed Urothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9149. [PMID: 37298099 PMCID: PMC10252886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cancer (UC) is a common malignancy and its development is associated with arsenic exposure. Around 25% of diagnosed UC cases are muscle invasive (MIUC) and are frequently associated with squamous differentiation. These patients commonly develop cisplatin (CIS) resistance and have poor prognosis. SOX2 expression is correlated to reduced overall and disease-free survival in UC. SOX2 drives malignant stemness and proliferation in UC cells and is associated with development of CIS resistance. Using quantitative proteomics, we identified that SOX2 was overexpressed in three arsenite (As3+)-transformed UROtsa cell lines. We hypothesized that inhibition of SOX2 would reduce stemness and increase sensitivity to CIS in the As3+-transformed cells. Pevonedistat (PVD) is a neddylation inhibitor and is a potent inhibitor of SOX2. We treated non-transformed parent and As3+-transformed cells with PVD, CIS, or in combination and monitored cell growth, sphere forming abilities, apoptosis, and gene/protein expression. PVD treatment alone caused morphological changes, reduced cell growth, attenuated sphere formation, induced apoptosis, and elevated the expression of terminal differentiation markers. However, the combined treatment of PVD with CIS significantly elevated the expression of terminal differentiation markers and eventually led to more cell death than either solo treatment. Aside from a reduced proliferation rate, these effects were not seen in the parent. Further research is needed to explore the potential use of PVD with CIS as a differentiation therapy or alternative treatment for MIUC tumors that may have become resistant to CIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. Mehus
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA; (M.J.); (M.T.); (K.K.); (K.B.); (B.L.); (S.A.-M.); (X.D.Z.); (S.H.G.); (D.A.S.); (M.A.S.); (S.S.)
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Chen G, Chen Y, Xu R, Zhang G, Zou X, Wu G. Impact of SOX2 function and regulation on therapy resistance in bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1020675. [PMID: 36465380 PMCID: PMC9709205 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1020675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a malignant disease with high rates of recurrence and mortality. It is mainly classified as non-muscle-invasive BC and muscle-invasive BC (MIBC). Often, MIBC is chemoresistant, which, according to cancer stem cells (CSCs) theory, is linked to the presence of bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Sex-determining region Y- (SRY) Box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), which is a molecular marker of BCSCs, is aberrantly over-expressed in chemoresistant BC cell lines. It is one of the standalone prognostic factors for BC, and it has an inherently significant function in the emergence and progression of the disease. This review first summarizes the role of SRY-related high-mobility group protein Box (SOX) family genes in BC, focusing on the SOX2 and its significance in BC. Second, it discusses the mechanisms relevant to the regulation of SOX2. Finally, it summarizes the signaling pathways related to SOX2 in BC, suggests current issues to be addressed, and proposes potential directions for future research to provide new insights for the treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Chen
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruiquan Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Gengqing Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Institute of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Barguilla I, Domenech J, Rubio L, Marcos R, Hernández A. Nanoplastics and Arsenic Co-Exposures Exacerbate Oncogenic Biomarkers under an In Vitro Long-Term Exposure Scenario. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062958. [PMID: 35328376 PMCID: PMC8955425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing accumulation of plastic waste and the widespread presence of its derivatives, micro- and nanoplastics (MNPLs), call for an urgent evaluation of their potential health risks. In the environment, MNPLs coexist with other known hazardous contaminants and, thus, an interesting question arises as to whether MNPLs can act as carriers of such pollutants, modulating their uptake and their harmful effects. In this context, we have examined the interaction and joint effects of two relevant water contaminants: arsenic and polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPLs), the latter being a model of nanoplastics. Since both agents are persistent pollutants, their potential effects have been evaluated under a chronic exposure scenario and measuring different effect biomarkers involved in the cell transformation process. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient for oxidative DNA damage repair mechanisms, and showing a cell transformation status, were used as a sensitive cell model. Such cells were exposed to PSNPLs, arsenic, and a combination PSNPLs/arsenic for 12 weeks. Interestingly, a physical interaction between both pollutants was demonstrated by using TEM/EDX methodologies. Results also indicate that the continuous co-exposure enhances the DNA damage and the aggressive features of the initially transformed phenotype. Remarkably, co-exposed cells present a higher proportion of spindle-like cells within the population, an increased capacity to grow independently of anchorage, as well as enhanced migrating and invading potential when compared to cells exposed to arsenic or PSNPLs alone. This study highlights the need for further studies exploring the long-term effects of contaminants of emerging concern, such as MNPLs, and the importance of considering the behavior of mixtures as part of the hazard and human risk assessment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Barguilla
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Josefa Domenech
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.B.); (J.D.)
| | - Laura Rubio
- Nanobiology Laboratory, Department of Natural and Exact Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), Santiago de los Caballeros 51000, Dominican Republic;
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.B.); (J.D.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (A.H.)
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.B.); (J.D.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (A.H.)
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Wu Z, Li X, Li X, Yu L. Effects of Aspirin on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats through STAT3 Signaling Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9931885. [PMID: 34307673 PMCID: PMC8285181 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9931885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanism of aspirin in myocardial injury induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats through STAT3 signaling pathway. METHODS Sixty rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham operation group, MI/R group, and MI/R+aspirin group (aspirin group). The rats in the sham operation group did not ligate the LAD coronary artery, while the aspirin group ligated the LAD coronary artery, which caused the suture to be loosened after 30 minutes ischemia, and 60 mg/kg aspirin was injected into the tail vein 10 minutes before reperfusion. After three hours of reperfusion, the ultrasound system was used to collect hemodynamic parameters, including ejection fraction (EF%), shortening fraction (FS%), and left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP%) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP%). Finally, the rats were euthanized; then, blood samples were taken for biochemical examination, myocardial tissue was collected, and the left ventricle was used for subsequent experiments. The gene expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by PCR. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, p-JAK2, total JAK2, p-STAT3, and total STAT3 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group and the aspirin group, the area of myocardial infarction in the MI/R was significantly increased (p < 0.05). In terms of hemodynamic parameters, LVEDP was significantly elevated in the MI/R group. The results of PCR showed that compared with the MI/R group, the mRNA expression of Bax in the aspirin group was significantly decreased, while that of Bcl-2 was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that compared with the MI/R group, aspirin pretreatment significantly increased the expression levels of p-STAT3 and p-JAK2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The mechanism of aspirin preconditioning to protect the heart from MI/R injury appears to be related to JAK2/STAT3 and related to the activation of the signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjun Wu
- Cardiology Department, Tianjin Huaxing Hospital, Tianjin 300270, China
| | - Xuewen Li
- Cadre's Ward, Characteristic Medical Center of Chinese People's Armed Police Force 300, Tianjin 300171, China
| | - Xiuyue Li
- Cardiology Department, Xianshuigu Hospital of Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Beijing Chaoyang Integrative Medicine Emergency Medical Center, Beijing 100022, China
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McMichael BD, Perego MC, Darling CL, Perry RL, Coleman SC, Bain LJ. Long-term arsenic exposure impairs differentiation in mouse embryonal stem cells. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:1089-1102. [PMID: 33124703 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is a contaminant found in many foods and drinking water. Exposure to arsenic during development can cause improper neuronal progenitor cell development, differentiation, and function, while in vitro studies have determined that acute arsenic exposure to stem and progenitor cells reduced their ability to differentiate. In the current study, P19 mouse embryonal stem cells were exposed continuously to 0.1-μM (7.5 ppb) arsenic for 32 weeks. A cell lineage array examining messenger RNA (mRNA) changes after 8 and 32 weeks of exposure showed that genes involved in pluripotency were increased, whereas those involved in differentiation were reduced. Therefore, temporal changes of select pluripotency and neuronal differentiation markers throughout the 32-week chronic arsenic exposure were investigated. Sox2 and Oct4 mRNA expression were increased by 1.9- to 2.5-fold in the arsenic-exposed cells, beginning at Week 12. Sox2 protein expression was similarly increased starting at Week 16 and remained elevated by 1.5-fold to sixfold. One target of Sox2 is N-cadherin, whose expression is a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs). Exposure to arsenic significantly increased N-cadherin protein levels beginning at Week 20, concurrent with increased grouping of N-cadherin positive cells at the perimeter of the embryoid body. Expression of Zeb1, which helps increase the expression of Sox2, was also increased started at Week 16. In contrast, Gdf3 mRNA expression was reduced by 3.4- to 7.2-fold beginning at Week 16, and expression of its target protein, phospho-Smad2/3, was also reduced. These results suggest that chronic, low-level arsenic exposure may delay neuronal differentiation and maintain pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D McMichael
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Chiara Perego
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Caitlin L Darling
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Rebekah L Perry
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah C Coleman
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa J Bain
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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10
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Wang X, Ye X, Zhang Y, Ji F. Flurbiprofen suppresses the inflammation, proliferation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells via COX2. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:132. [PMID: 32934701 PMCID: PMC7471702 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis and low survival rate at the advanced stage, therefore new innovative targets are urgently required. Flurbiprofen has been reported to exhibit therapeutic effects in other types of cancer, such as esophageal cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of flurbiprofen in colorectal cancer. SW620 colorectal cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of flurbiprofen to determine the optimum concentration. Subsequently, COX2 expression affected by flurbiprofen was tested using western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to assess the proliferation and apoptosis of SW620 cells in various groups. Western blotting was performed to investigate the expression of proliferation-, apoptosis- and migration-related proteins after different treatments. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells, respectively. The results demonstrated that flurbiprofen inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, it was identified that flurbiprofen inhibited the expression of COX2. Notably, flurbiprofen suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors by inhibiting COX2. Moreover, flurbiprofen inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells by inhibiting COX2. In conclusion, the present study revealed that flurbiprofen inhibited COX2 expression in colorectal cancer, and affected the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. These results expand the understanding of the function of COX2 in colorectal cancer and the effect of flurbiprofen on COX2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xuxing Ye
- Traditional Medicine Center, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, P.R. China
| | - Yili Zhang
- Physical Examination Center, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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11
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Hua X, Huang M, Deng X, Xu J, Luo Y, Xie Q, Xu J, Tian Z, Li J, Zhu J, Huang C, Zhao QS, Huang H, Huang C. The inhibitory effect of compound ChlA-F on human bladder cancer cell invasion can be attributed to its blockage of SOX2 protein. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:632-645. [PMID: 31243344 PMCID: PMC7205984 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0377-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), a well-known stemness biomarker, is highly expressed in a variety of cancers, including human highly invasive bladder cancer (BC). However, the role of SOX2 may vary in different kinds of malignancy. In the present study, we discovered that ChlA-F, a novel conformation derivative of isolate Cheliensisin A (Chel A), remarkably inhibits the invasive ability of human invasive BC cells through downregulation of SOX2 protein expression. We found that ChlA-F treatment dramatically decreases SOX2 protein expression in human high-grade invasive BC cells. Ectopic expression of SOX2 reversed ChlA-F inhibition of cell invasion ability in human bladder cancer cells, suggesting that SOX2 is a major target of ChlA-F during its inhibition of human BC invasion. Mechanistic studies revealed that ChlA-F downregulates SOX2 at both the protein degradation and protein translation levels. Further studies revealed that ChlA-F treatment induces HuR protein expression and that the increased HuR interacts with USP8 mRNA, resulting in elevation of USP8 mRNA stability and protein expression. Elevated USP8 subsequently acts as an E3 ligase to promote SOX2 ubiquitination and protein degradation. We also found that ChlA-F treatment substantially increases c-Jun phosphorylation at Ser63 and Ser73, initiating miR-200c transcription. The increased miR-200c directly binds to the 3'-UTR of SOX2 mRNA to suppress SOX2 protein translation. These results present novel mechanistic insight into understanding SOX2 inhibition upon ChlA-F treatment and provide important information for further exploration of ChlA-F as a new therapeutic compound for the treatment of highly invasive/metastatic human BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Hua
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Maowen Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650204, Kunming, China
| | - Jiheng Xu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Yisi Luo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qipeng Xie
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Zhongxian Tian
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Jingxia Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Junlan Zhu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Qin-Shi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 650204, Kunming, China.
| | - Haishan Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chuanshu Huang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 341 East 25th Street, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
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12
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Woolbright BL, Pilbeam CC, Taylor JA. Prostaglandin E2 as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer: From basic science to clinical trials. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2020; 148:106409. [PMID: 31931078 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2020.106409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common solid tumor marked by high rates of recurrence, especially in non-muscle invasive disease. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a ubiquitously present lipid mediator responsible for numerous physiological actions. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class of drugs results in reduced PGE2 levels. NSAID usage has been associated with reductions in cancers such as BCa. Clinical trials using NSAIDs to prevent recurrence have had mixed results, but largely converge on issues with cardiotoxicity. The purpose of this review is to understand the basic science behind how and why inhibitors of PGE2 may be effective against BCa, and to explore alternate therapeutic modalities for addressing the role of PGE2 without the associated cardiotoxicity. We will address the role of PGE2 in a diverse array of cancer-related functions including stemness, immunosuppression, proliferation, cellular signaling and more.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol C Pilbeam
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - John A Taylor
- Department of Urology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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13
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Thong T, Forté CA, Hill EM, Colacino JA. Environmental exposures, stem cells, and cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107398. [PMID: 31376432 PMCID: PMC6881547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 70-90% of all cancers are linked to exposure to environmental risk factors. In parallel, the number of stem cells in a tissue has been shown to be a strong predictor of risk of developing cancer in that tissue. Tumors themselves are characterized by an acquisition of "stem cell" characteristics, and a growing body of evidence points to tumors themselves being sustained and propagated by a stem cell-like population. Here, we review our understanding of the interplay between environmental exposures, stem cell biology, and cancer. We provide an overview of the role of stem cells in development, tissue homeostasis, and wound repair. We discuss the pathways and mechanisms governing stem cell plasticity and regulation of the stem cell state, and describe experimental methods for assessment of stem cells. We then review the current understanding of how environmental exposures impact stem cell function relevant to carcinogenesis and cancer prevention, with a focus on environmental and occupational exposures to chemical, physical, and biological hazards. We also highlight key areas for future research in this area, including defining whether the biological basis for cancer disparities is related to effects of complex exposure mixtures on stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Thong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chanese A Forté
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Evan M Hill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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14
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Zhou X, Wu Y, Ye L, Wang Y, Zhang K, Wang L, Huang Y, Wang L, Xian S, Zhang Y, Chen Y. Aspirin alleviates endothelial gap junction dysfunction through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LPS-induced vascular injury. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:711-723. [PMID: 31384532 PMCID: PMC6664043 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of endothelial connective integrity and endothelial barrier dysfunction can lead to increased vascular injury, which is related to the activation of endothelial inflammasomes. There are evidences that low concentrations of aspirin can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that low-dose aspirin could ameliorate endothelial injury by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and ultimately prevent cardiovascular diseases. Microvascular endothelial cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (2 μg/mL) and administrated by 0.1–2 mmol/L aspirin. The wild type mice were stimulated with LPS (100 μg/kg/day), and 1 h later treated with aspirin (12.5, 62.5, or 125 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (0.0182 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Plasma and heart were harvested for measurement of ELISA and immunofluorescence analyses. We found that aspirin could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation in vitro in dose-dependent manner and has correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and the ROS/TXNIP pathway. We also found that low-concentration aspirin could inhibit the formation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and restore the expression of the endothelial tight junction protein zonula occludens-1/2 (ZO1/2). We assume that aspirin can ameliorate the endothelial layer dysfunction by suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yanjiao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Lifeng Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yunting Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Kaimin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510407, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shaoxiang Xian
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510407, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological & Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5037, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 713 743 7710.
| | - Yang Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 20 39357276.
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15
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Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma is a tumor type featuring pronounced intertumoral heterogeneity and a high mutational and epigenetic load. The two major histopathological urothelial carcinoma types - the non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma - markedly differ in terms of their respective typical mutational profiles and also by their probable cells of origin, that is, a urothelial basal cell for muscle-invasive carcinomas and a urothelial intermediate cell for at least a large part of non-muscle-invasive carcinomas. Both non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive urothelial carcinomas can be further classified into discrete intrinsic subtypes based on their typical transcriptomic profiles. Urothelial carcinogenesis shows a number of parallels to a urothelial regenerative response. Both of these processes seem to be dominated by specific stem cell populations. In the last years, the nature and location of urothelial stem cell(s) have been subject to many controversies, which now seem to be settled down, favoring the existence of a largely single urothelial stem cell type located among basal cells. Basal cell markers have also been amply used to identify urothelial carcinoma stem cells, especially in muscle-invasive disease, but they proved useful even in some non-muscle-invasive tumors. Analyses on molecular nature of urothelial carcinoma stem cells performed till now point to their great heterogeneity, both during the tumor development and upon intertumoral comparison, sexual dimorphism providing a special example of the latter. Moreover, urothelial cancer stem cells are endowed with intrinsic plasticity, whereby they can modulate their stemness in relation to other tumor-related traits, especially motility and invasiveness. Such transitional modulations suggest underlying epigenetic mechanisms and, even within this context, inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity becomes apparent. Multiple molecular aspects of urothelial cancer stem cell biology markedly influence therapeutic response, implying their knowledge as a prerequisite to improved therapies of this disease. At the same time, the notion of urothelial cancer stem cell heterogeneity implies that this therapeutic benefit would be most probably and most efficiently achieved within the context of individualized antitumor therapy.
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16
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CD24 regulates cancer stem cell (CSC)-like traits and a panel of CSC-related molecules serves as a non-invasive urinary biomarker for the detection of bladder cancer. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:961-970. [PMID: 30327565 PMCID: PMC6203855 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CD24 is a cornerstone of tumour progression in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). However, its contribution to cancer stem cell (CSC)-like traits and the clinical utility of CD24 as a urinary biomarker for cancer detection have not been determined. Methods The functional relevance of CD24 was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The clinical utility of CSC-related molecules was assessed in urine samples by quantitative RT-PCR. Results The knockdown of CD24 attenuated cancer stemness properties. The high-CD24-expressing cells, isolated from patient-derived UCB xenograft tumours, exhibited their enhanced stemness properties. CD24 was overexpressed not only in primary tumours but also in urine from UCB subjects. By assessment of 15 candidate CSC-related molecules in urine samples of a training cohort, a panel of three molecules (CD24, CD49f, and NANOG) was selected. The combination of these three molecules yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 81.7% and 74.3%, respectively, in an independent cohort. A combined set of 84 cases and 207 controls provided a sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 76%, respectively. Conclusion CD24 has a crucial role in maintaining the urothelial cancer stem-like traits and a panel of CSC-related molecules has potential as a urinary biomarker for non-invasive UCB detection.
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Ngalame NNO, Luz AL, Makia N, Tokar EJ. Arsenic Alters Exosome Quantity and Cargo to Mediate Stem Cell Recruitment Into a Cancer Stem Cell-Like Phenotype. Toxicol Sci 2018; 165:40-49. [PMID: 30169766 PMCID: PMC6111788 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a human carcinogen that can target the prostate. Accumulating evidence suggests arsenic can disrupt stem cell (SC) dynamics during the carcinogenic process. Previous work demonstrated arsenic-transformed prostate epithelial (CAsE-PE) cells can recruit prostate SCs into rapidly acquiring a cancer SC (CSC) phenotype via the secretion of soluble factors. Exosomes are small, membrane-derived vesicles that contain lipids, RNA, and proteins, and actively contribute to cancer initiation and progression when taken up by target cells. Here we hypothesized that CAsE-PE cells are recruiting SCs to a CSC-like phenotype via exosomal signaling. CAsE-PE cells secreted 700% more exosomes than parental RWPE-1 cells. CAsE-PE exosomes were enriched with oncogenic factors, including oncogenes (KRAS, NRAS, VEFGA, MYB, and EGFR), inflammation-related (cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin 1B (IL1B), IL6, transforming growth factor-β, and tumor necrosis factor-A), and apoptosis-related (CASP7, CASP9, and BCL2) transcripts, and oncogenesis-associated microRNAs. When compared with SCs cultured in exosome-depleted conditioned medium (CM), SCs cultured in CM containing CAsE-PE-derived exosomes showed increased (198%) matrix metalloproteinase activity and underwent an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in morphology, suggesting an exosome-mediated transformation. KRAS plays an important role in arsenic carcinogenesis. Although KRAS transcript (>24 000%) and protein (866%) levels were elevated in CAsE-PE exosomes, knock-down of KRAS in these cells only partially mitigated the CSC-like phenotype in cocultured SCs. Collectively, these results suggest arsenic impacts both exosomal quantity and cargo. Exosomal KRAS is only minimally involved in this recruitment, and additional factors (eg, cancer-associated miRNAs) likely also play a role. This work furthers our mechanistic understanding of how arsenic disrupts SC dynamics and influences the tumor microenvironment during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ntube N O Ngalame
- Stem Cell Toxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Anthony L Luz
- Stem Cell Toxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Ngome Makia
- Stem Cell Toxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Erik J Tokar
- Stem Cell Toxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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