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Wu W, Zhu L, Dou Z, Hou Q, Wang S, Yuan Z, Li B. Ghrelin in Focus: Dissecting Its Critical Roles in Gastrointestinal Pathologies and Therapies. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:948-964. [PMID: 38275675 PMCID: PMC10813987 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This review elucidates the critical role of ghrelin, a peptide hormone mainly synthesized in the stomach in various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Ghrelin participates in diverse biological functions ranging from appetite regulation to impacting autophagy and apoptosis. In sepsis, it reduces intestinal barrier damage by inhibiting inflammatory responses, enhancing GI blood flow, and modulating cellular processes like autophagy and apoptosis. Notably, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), serum ghrelin levels serve as markers for distinguishing between active and remission phases, underscoring its potential in IBD treatment. In gastric cancer, ghrelin acts as an early risk marker, and due to its significant role in increasing the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, the ghrelin-GHS-R axis is poised to become a target for gastric cancer treatment. The role of ghrelin in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial; however, ghrelin analogs have demonstrated substantial benefits in treating cachexia associated with CRC, highlighting the therapeutic potential of ghrelin. Nonetheless, the complex interplay between ghrelin's protective and potential tumorigenic effects necessitates a cautious approach to its therapeutic application. In post-GI surgery scenarios, ghrelin and its analogs could be instrumental in enhancing recovery and reducing complications. This article accentuates ghrelin's multifunctionality, shedding light on its influence on disease mechanisms, including inflammatory responses and cancer progression, and examines its therapeutic potential in GI surgeries and disorders, advocating for continued research in this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (W.W.); (Q.H.); (S.W.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (L.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Zhimin Dou
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (L.Z.); (Z.D.)
| | - Qiliang Hou
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (W.W.); (Q.H.); (S.W.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (W.W.); (Q.H.); (S.W.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Ziqian Yuan
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (W.W.); (Q.H.); (S.W.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (W.W.); (Q.H.); (S.W.); (Z.Y.)
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; (L.Z.); (Z.D.)
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Andruszko A, Szydłowski J, Grabarek BO, Mazur K, Sirek T, Ossowski P, Kozikowski M, Kaminiów K, Zybek-Kocik A, Banaszewski J. Impact of Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Expression Profile of Ghrelin, Irisin, and Titin. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:437. [PMID: 38275878 PMCID: PMC10814803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Andruszko
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Szydłowski
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
- Gyncentrum, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Virology, 40-851 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Higher School of Strategic Planning in Dąbrowa Górnicza, 41-300 Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sirek
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Piotr Ossowski
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Mieszko Kozikowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, 00-136 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kaminiów
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Ariadna Zybek-Kocik
- Department of Metabolism Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jacek Banaszewski
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Larsson SC, Höijer J, Sun J, Li X, Burgess S, Michaëlsson K. Genome-Wide Association and Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analyses of Plasma Ghrelin and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1771-1776. [PMID: 37791980 PMCID: PMC10690139 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have suggested that the gut hormone ghrelin is an early marker of future risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. However, whether ghrelin is a causal risk factor remains unclear. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of plasma ghrelin and used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the possible causal association between ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer risk. METHODS Genetic variants associated with plasma ghrelin were identified in a GWAS comprising 10,742 Swedish adults in the discovery (N = 6,259) and replication (N = 4,483) cohorts. The association between ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer was examined through a two-sample MR analysis using the identified genetic variants as instruments and GWAS data from the UK Biobank, FinnGen, and a colorectal cancer consortium. RESULTS GWAS found associations between multiple genetic variants within ±200 kb of the GHRL gene and plasma ghrelin. A two-sample MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted higher plasma ghrelin levels were associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer in UK Biobank and in a meta-analysis of the UK Biobank and FinnGen studies. The combined OR per approximate doubling of genetically predicted plasma ghrelin was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.99; P = 0.02). Colocalization analysis revealed limited evidence of shared causal variants for plasma ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer at the GHRL locus (posterior probability H4 = 24.5%); however, this analysis was likely underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence in support of a possible causal association between higher plasma ghrelin levels and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancer. IMPACT Elevated plasma ghrelin levels might reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C. Larsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Höijer
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen Burgess
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Michaëlsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Sanikini H, Biessy C, Rinaldi S, Navionis AS, Gicquiau A, Keski-Rahkonen P, Kiss A, Weinstein SJ, Albanes D, Agudo A, Jenab M, Riboli E, Gunter MJ, Murphy G, Cross AJ. Circulating hormones and risk of gastric cancer by subsite in three cohort studies. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:969-987. [PMID: 37455285 PMCID: PMC10640529 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has been positively associated with gastric cancer. Excess fat impacts hormones, which have been implicated in carcinogenesis. We investigated obesity-related hormones and cardia gastric cancer (CGC) and non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC) risk. METHODS Nested case-control studies were conducted within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort (61 CGCs, and 172 NCGCs and matched controls) and the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) study (100 CGCs and 65 NCGCs and matched controls); serum hormones were measured. In UK-Biobank (n = 458,713), we included 137 CGCs and 92 NCGCs. Sex-specific analyses were conducted. For EPIC and ATBC, odds ratios (ORs), and for UK-Biobank hazard ratios (HRs), were estimated using conditional logistic regression and Cox regression, respectively. RESULTS Insulin-like growth-factor-1 was positively associated with CGC and NCGC in EPIC men (ORper 1-SD increase 1.94, 95% CI 1.03-3.63; ORper 1-SD increase 1.63, 95% CI 1.05-2.53, respectively), with similar findings for CGC in UK-Biobank women (HRper 1-SD increase 1.76, 95% CI 1.08-2.88). Leptin in EPIC men and C-peptide in EPIC women were positively associated with NCGC (ORT3 vs. T1 2.72, 95% CI 1.01-7.34 and ORper 1-SD increase 2.17, 95% CI 1.19-3.97, respectively). Sex hormone-binding globulin was positively associated with CGC in UK-Biobank men (HRper 1-SD increase 1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.64). Conversely, ghrelin was inversely associated with NCGC among EPIC and ATBC men (ORper 1-SD increase 0.53, 95% CI 0.34-0.84; ORper 1-SD increase 0.22, 95% CI 0.10-0.50, respectively). In addition, dehydroepiandrosterone was inversely associated with CGC in EPIC and ATBC men combined. CONCLUSIONS Some obesity-related hormones influence CGC and NCGC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinakshi Sanikini
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Carine Biessy
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Sabina Rinaldi
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Navionis
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Audrey Gicquiau
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Pekka Keski-Rahkonen
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Agneta Kiss
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Stephanie J Weinstein
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Demetrius Albanes
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Antonio Agudo
- Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Catalan Institute of Oncology-ICO, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Nutrition and Cancer Group, Epidemiology, Public Health, Cancer Prevention and Palliative Care Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mazda Jenab
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Elio Riboli
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Marc J Gunter
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Gwen Murphy
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Cross
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Cancer Screening and Prevention Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Xia Y, Dong J. Circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1255112. [PMID: 37790757 PMCID: PMC10542895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1255112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ghrelin plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer has not been systematically analyzed. Objective This work explored the association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer. Methods The literature search for relevant articles published until November 2022 was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science with the keywords "ghrelin" and "gastric cancer". Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the effectiveness. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model. Results Of 5,302 identified studies, nine were included (N=3,196 participants). Circulating ghrelin levels were lower in gastric cancer patients (SMD=-0.255, 95%CI: -0.528 to 0.017, P < 0.00001), but with high heterogeneity (I2 = 88.8%). Conclusion The circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer were lower than in controls. However, there was heterogeneity among results; therefore, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caishun Zhang
- College of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqing Yu
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunqiu Xia
- Laboratory of Human Body Function, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Physiology Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Guan X, Li M, Bai Y, Feng Y, Li G, Wei W, Fu M, Li H, Wang C, Jie J, Meng H, Wu X, Deng Q, Li F, Yang H, Zhang X, He M, Guo H. Associations of mitochondrial DNA copy number with incident risks of gastrointestinal cancers: A prospective case-cohort study. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:224-235. [PMID: 36250641 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological investigations implied that mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) variations could trigger predisposition to multiple cancers, but evidence regarding gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) was still uncertain. We conducted a case-cohort study within the prospective Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, including incident cases of colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 278), gastric cancer (GC, n = 138), and esophageal cancer (EC, n = 72) as well as a random subcohort (n = 1173), who were followed up from baseline to the end of 2018. We determined baseline blood mtDNAcn and associations of mtDNAcn with the GICs risks were estimated by using weighted Cox proportional hazards models. Significant U-shaped associations were observed between mtDNAcn and GICs risks. Compared to subjects within the second quartile (Q2) mtDNAcn subgroup, those within the 1st (Q1), 3rd (Q3), and 4th (Q4) quartile subgroups showed increased risks of CRC (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 2.27 [1.47-3.52], 1.65 [1.04-2.62], and 2.81 [1.85-4.28], respectively) and total GICs (HR [95%CI] = 1.84 [1.30-2.60], 1.47 [1.03-2.10], and 2.51 [1.82-3.47], respectively], and those within Q4 subgroup presented elevated GC and EC risks (HR [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.31-3.54] and 2.38 [1.13-5.02], respectively). Similar associations of mtDNAcn with CRC and total GICs risks remained in stratified analyzes by age, gender, smoking, and drinking status. This prospective case-cohort study showed U-shaped associations between mtDNAcn and GICs risks, but further research works are needed to uncover underlying biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Guan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengying Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yansen Bai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guyanan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Fu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenming Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Jie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Meng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiulong Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qilin Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangqing Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Handong Yang
- Dongfeng Central Hospital, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meian He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Larsson SC, Spyrou N, Mantzoros CS. Body fatness associations with cancer: evidence from recent epidemiological studies and future directions. Metabolism 2022; 137:155326. [PMID: 36191637 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review highlights current evidence linking greater body fatness to risk of various cancers, with focus on evidence from recent large cohort studies and pooled analyses of cohort studies as well as Mendelian randomization studies (which utilized genetic variants associated with body mass index to debrief the causal effect of higher body fatness on cancer risk). This review also provides insights into the biological mechanisms underpinning the associations. Data from both observational and Mendelian randomization studies support the associations of higher body mass index with increased risk of many cancers with the strongest evidence for digestive system cancers, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancer, as well as kidney, endometrial, and ovarian (weak association) cancer. Evidence from observational studies suggests that greater body fatness has contrasting effects on breast cancer risk depending on menopausal status and on prostate cancer risk depending on disease stage. Experimental and Mendelian randomization studies indicate that adiponectin, insulin, and sex hormone pathways play an important role in mediating the link between body fatness and cancer risk. The possible role of specific factors and pathways, such as other adipocytokines and hormones and the gut microbiome in mediating the associations between greater body fatness and cancer risk is yet uncertain and needs investigation in future studies. With rising prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, the proportion of cancer caused by excess body fatness is expected to increase. There is thus an urgent need to identify efficient ways at the individual and societal level to improve diet and physical activity patterns to reduce the burden of obesity and accompanying comorbidities, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C Larsson
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Nikolaos Spyrou
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Molecular Mechanisms and Health Benefits of Ghrelin: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194191. [PMID: 36235843 PMCID: PMC9572668 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, an endogenous brain-gut peptide, is secreted in large quantities, mainly from the stomach, in humans and rodents. It can perform the biological function of activating the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Since its discovery in 1999, ample research has focused on promoting its effects on the human appetite and pleasure-reward eating. Extensive, in-depth studies have shown that ghrelin is widely secreted and distributed in tissues. Its role in neurohumoral regulation, such as metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, cardiovascular regulation, anxiety and depression, and advanced cancer cachexia, has attracted increasing attention. However, the effects and regulatory mechanisms of ghrelin on obesity, gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation, cardiovascular disease, stress regulation, cachexia treatment, and the prognosis of advanced cancer have not been fully summarized. This review summarizes ghrelin's numerous effects in participating in a variety of biochemical pathways and the clinical significance of ghrelin in the regulation of the homeostasis of organisms. In addition, potential mechanisms are also introduced.
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Ma Y, Zhang H, Guo W, Yu L. Potential role of ghrelin in the regulation of inflammation. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22508. [PMID: 35983825 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200634r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Several diseases are caused or progress due to inflammation. In the past few years, accumulating evidence suggests that ghrelin, a gastric hormone of 28-amino acid residue length, exerts protective effects against inflammation by modulating the related pathways. This review focuses on ghrelin's anti-inflammatory and potential therapeutic effects in neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatic, gastrointestinal, and kidney disorders. Ghrelin significantly alleviates excessive inflammation and reduces damage to different target organs mainly by reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Ghrelin also regulates inflammation and apoptosis through the p38 MAPK/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway; restores cerebral microvascular integrity, and attenuates vascular leakage. Ghrelin activates the phosphoInositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway and inhibits inflammatory responses in cardiovascular diseases and acute kidney injury. Some studies show that ghrelin exacerbates colonic and intestinal manifestations of colitis. Interestingly, some inflammatory states, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and chronic kidney disease, are often associated with high ghrelin levels. Thus, ghrelin may be a potential new therapeutic target for inflammation-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Interventional Therapy of First Hospital of Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Interventional Therapy of First Hospital of Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weiying Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Interventional Therapy of First Hospital of Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Interventional Therapy of First Hospital of Jilin University, State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Gene profiling of SEC13, SMAD7, GHRL, long non-coding RNA GHRLOS, HIF-1α in gastric cancer patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6555. [PMID: 35449150 PMCID: PMC9023477 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10402-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Even with considerable progress in cancer researches, gastric cancer is still one of the global health problems. Recognition of the differential expressed genes in GC is the most appropriate approach for establishing new diagnostic targets. This study evaluates SEC13, SMAD7, GHRL, lncRNA GHRLOS, HIF-1α genes profiling as well as HIF-1α protein level for GC. The expression of selected genes, serum HIF-1α and CEA protein levels were determined for 50 GC patients and 50 healthy controls by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and ELICA respectively. The sensitivities of these parameters as diagnostic biomarkers were evaluated. SMAD7, HIF-1α expression, serum HIF-1α, and CEA level were significantly upregulated in GC patients as compared to the control group (P = 0.024, < 0.001) and had significant positive correlations between each other except SMAD7 with serum HIF-1α, and CEA level. On the other hand, SEC13, GHRL, and lncRNA GHRLOS expression were significantly downregulated in GC patients (P = < 0.001, 0.025, < 0.001 respectively) and had significant positive correlations with each other (P < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were observed between most of both groups. All studied parameters were associated with GC clinical stages except SMAD7 was associated with stage IV only (P = 0.005) and GHRL did not associate with tumor stages (P ˃ 0.05). All studied parameters may be promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GC. SMAD7, HIF-1α gene, and HIF-1α protein may be jointly implicated in cancer development and prognosis, while SEC13, GHRL, and lncRNA GHRLOS may act as tumor suppressors.
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11
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Ghrelin and Cancer: Examining the Roles of the Ghrelin Axis in Tumor Growth and Progression. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040483. [PMID: 35454071 PMCID: PMC9032665 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a hormone produced and secreted from the stomach, is prim arily known as an appetite stimulant. Recently, it has emerged as a potential regulator/biomarker of cancer progression. Inconsistent results on this subject make this body of literature difficult to interpret. Here, we attempt to identify commonalities in the relationships between ghrelin and various cancers, and summarize important considerations for future research. The main players in the ghrelin family axis are unacylated ghrelin (UAG), acylated ghrelin (AG), the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GOAT is responsible for the acylation of ghrelin, after which ghrelin can bind to the functional ghrelin receptor GHSR-1a to initiate the activation cascade. Splice variants of ghrelin also exist, with the most prominent being In1-ghrelin. In this review, we focus primarily on the potential of In1-ghrelin as a biomarker for cancer progression, the unique characteristics of UAG and AG, the importance of the two known receptor variants GHSR-1a and 1b, as well as the possible mechanisms through which the ghrelin axis acts. Further understanding of the role of the ghrelin axis in tumor cell proliferation could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for various cancers.
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12
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Anisman H, Kusnecov AW. Dietary components associated with being overweight, having obesity, and cancer. Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91904-3.00018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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H. pylori effects on ghrelin axis: Preliminary change in gastric pathogenesis. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105262. [PMID: 34695557 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and its receptors are present in the stomach, suggesting that the ghrelin axis plays an essential role in gastrointestinal complications. This investigation aimed to explore the effects of H. pylori infection and gastritis on serum ghrelin and ghrelin axis gene expression. In this study, we enrolled 68 adult ambulatory people referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The individuals were classified into three groups based on H. pylori infection and gastritis. Total serum ghrelin and tissue gene expression were tested with ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Serum ghrelin and mRNA expression were significantly lower in H. pylori-positive with gastritis subjects compared with both H. pylori-negative with and without gastritis. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor1a mRNA expression was not different between groups while GHSR1b expression was significantly higher in patients with H. pylori infection and gastritis. We propose the ghrelin axis intermediaries, such as GHSR1b, as a potential clinical target for gastric disorders.
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Protective and Healing Effects of Ghrelin and Risk of Cancer in the Digestive System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910571. [PMID: 34638910 PMCID: PMC8509076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the ghrelin receptor, previously known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This hormone is mainly produced by endocrine cells present in the gastric mucosa. The ghrelin-producing cells are also present in other organs of the body, mainly in the digestive system, but in much smaller amount. Ghrelin exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects, such as stimulation of growth hormone secretion, gastric secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and food intake, as well as regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone formation, and inhibition of inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning animal and human data showing protective and therapeutic effects of ghrelin in the gut, and also presents the role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in these effects. In addition, the current data on the possible influence of ghrelin on the carcinogenesis, its importance in predicting the risk of developing gastrointestinal malignances, as well as the potential usefulness of ghrelin in the treatment of cancer, have been presented.
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15
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Spiridon IA, Ciobanu DGA, Giușcă SE, Căruntu ID. Ghrelin and its role in gastrointestinal tract tumors (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:663. [PMID: 34296307 PMCID: PMC8335721 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, is a peptide that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor; it is secreted mainly by enteroendocrine cells in the oxyntic glands of the stomach. Ghrelin serves a role in both local and systemic physiological processes, and is implicated in various pathologies, including neoplasia, with tissue expression in several types of malignancies in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the precise implications of the ghrelin axis in metastasis, invasion and cancer progression regulation has yet to be established. In the case of gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancies, ghrelin has shown potential to become a prognostic factor or even a therapeutic target, although data in the literature are inconsistent and unsystematic, with reports untailored to a specific histological subtype of cancer or a particular localization. The evaluation of immunohistochemical expression shows a limited outlook owing to the low number of cases analyzed, and in vivo analyses have conflicting data regarding differences in ghrelin serum levels in patients with cancer. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between ghrelin and GI tract malignancies to demonstrate the inconsistencies in current results and to highlight its clinical significance in the outcome of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Alexandra Spiridon
- Department of Pathology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
| | | | - Simona Eliza Giușcă
- Department of Pathology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
| | - Irina Draga Căruntu
- Department of Histology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
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Sun R, Lü W, Liu Z, Yang Y, Wang X, Zhao X, Fu S, Dai W, Huang C, Diao D. FOXI1 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by activating miR-590/ATF3 axis via integrating ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 163:34-45. [PMID: 33610681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
FOXI1 plays a key role in the development of gastric cancer. However, the whole genome FOXI1 binding sites and its target genes are unclear. In the present study, we used ChIP-seq and RNA-seq technologies to identify the target gene of FOXI1. Firstly, ChIP-seq data showed that, 4476 unique peaks in the genome region were captured. Most of these binding peaks are located in introns or intergenic regions. We annotated all the peaks to the nearest gene and identified 404 genes as FOXI1 binding genes. KEGG and GO analysis showed that FOXI1 binding gene to be correlated with the cellular process, cell part, cell, binding, single-organism process. Further, we performed FOXI1-overexpressed RNA-seq experiment. We comprehensively analyzed the ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data and take the intersection of two databases, several genes were identified. ATF3 was selected from the intersection since ATF3 was the most enriched mRNA after FOXI1 overexpressed. ChIP-qPCR and luciferase report gene were used to validate that ATF3 was target gene of FOXI1. Intriguely, ATF3 protein was significantly downregulated after FOXI1 overexpressed. We found FOXI1 can also bind to the promoter of miR-590 and active it which directly target ATF3. The binding site between FOXI1 and miR-590 was verified by ChIP-qPCR and luciferase report gene, and the target relationship between miR-590 and ATF3 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene. In conclusion, our data identified the genome binding sites of FOXI1, and provide evidence that FOXI1 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation by activating miR-590/ATF3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Sun
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Weidong Lü
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xinliang Zhao
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, 521 Ordnance Hospital, 12 Zhangba East Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Shufeng Fu
- Medical College of Xianyang Vocational and Technical College, 1 Tongyi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Emergency, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256, Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Dongmei Diao
- Department of Oncology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
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Leja M, Linē A. Early detection of gastric cancer beyond endoscopy - new methods. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 50-51:101731. [PMID: 33975677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2021.101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of gastric cancer is remaining a challenge. This review summarizes current knowledge on non-invasive methods that could be used for the purpose. The role of traditional cancer markers such as CEA, CA 72-4, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CA 12-5 lies mainly in therapy monitoring than early detection. Most extensive studied biomarkers (pepsinogens, ABC method) are aiming at the detection of precancerous lesions with modest sensitivity for cancer. Tests based on the detection of cancer-specific methylation patterns (PanSeer), circulating proteins and mutations in circulating tumour DNA (CancerSEEK), as well as miRNA panels have demonstrated promising results bringing those closer to practice. More extensive research is required before tests based on the detection of circulating tumour cells, extracellular vesicles and cell-free RNA could reach the practice. Detection of volatile organic compounds in the human breath is a promising development; sensor technologies for this purpose could be very attractive in screening settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mārcis Leja
- Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia, 1 Gailezera iela iela, LV1079, Riga, Latvia.
| | - Aija Linē
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Latvia.
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18
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Hu XL, Zhu YJ, Hu CH, You L, Wu J, He XY, Huang WJ, Wu ZH. Ghrelin Affects Gastric Cancer Progression by Activating AMPK Signaling Pathway. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:652-667. [PMID: 33442814 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-020-10022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), Ghrelin is aberrant expressed in multiple malignant carcinoma, and involved in regulating a number of progression of cancer, especially in metastasis and proliferation. However, the precise role of Ghrelin in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we extensively investigated the roles and mechanisms of Ghrelin in human gastric cancer. Ghrelin levels in cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Functional studies were performed after Ghrelin overexpressed or knockdown in AGS cell line. Cell proliferation was evaluated in by MTT and clone formation assays. The wound healing and Transwell system were used to assess the cell migration and invasive ability of GC cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and metabolic assays were performed to reveal the function of Warburg effect in the process. Ghrelin was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Ghrelin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis by activating the AMPK pathway, while D-[lys3]-GHRP-6 (a GHSR agonist) treatment relieved the effect, promoting tumorigenesis. Ghrelin knockdown increased the glucose uptake and lactic acid release, suggesting that Ghrelin elicited an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK pathway to inhibit gastric tumorigenesis. Ghrelin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by eliciting an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Hua Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Li You
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Huang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Hui Wu
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
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Exogenous Ghrelin Increases Plasma Insulin Level in Diabetic Rats. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040633. [PMID: 32325912 PMCID: PMC7226305 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid peptide, is a strong growth hormone secretagogue and a regulator of food intake. In addition, ghrelin is thought to play a role in insulin secretion and in glucose homeostasis. A lot of contradictory data have been reported in the literature regarding the co-localization of ghrelin with other hormones in the islet of Langerhans, its role in insulin secretion and attenuation of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we investigate the effect of chronic ghrelin treatment on glucose, body weight and insulin level in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. We have also examined the distribution pattern and co-localization of ghrelin with insulin in pancreatic islet cells using immunohistochemistry and immune-electron microscopy and the ability of ghrelin to stimulate insulin release from the CRL11065 beta cell line. Control, non-diabetic groups received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, while treated groups received intraperitoneal injection of 5 µg/kg body weight of ghrelin (amino acid chain 24–51) on a daily basis for a duration of four weeks. Our results show that the administration of ghrelin increases the number of insulin-secreting beta cells and serum insulin level in both normal and diabetic rats. We also demonstrated that ghrelin co-localizes with insulin in pancreatic islet cells and that the pattern of ghrelin distribution is altered after the onset of diabetes. Moreover, ghrelin at a dose of 10−6 M and 10−12 M increased insulin release from the CRL11065 beta cell line. In summary, ghrelin co-localizes with insulin in the secretory granules of pancreatic beta cells and enhances insulin production.
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