Role of MCP-1 in alcohol-induced aggressiveness of colorectal cancer cells

Alcohol-associated liver cancer

Heavy alcohol intake induces a wide spectrum of liver diseases ranging from steatosis, steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Although alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for the development, morbidity, and mortality of HCC globally, alcohol-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (A-HCC) is poorly characterized compared to viral hepatitis-associated HCC. Most A-HCCs develop after alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC), but the direct carcinogenesis from ethanol and its metabolites to A-HCC remains obscure. The differences between A-HCC and HCCs caused by other etiologies have not been well investigated in terms of clinical prognosis, genetic or epigenetic landscape, molecular mechanisms, and heterogeneity. Moreover, there is a huge gap between basic research and clinical practice due to the lack of preclinical models of A-HCC. In the current review, we discuss the pathogenesis, heterogeneity, preclinical approaches, epigenetic, and genetic profiles of A-HCC, and discuss the current insights into and the prospects for future research on A-HCC. The potential effect of alcohol on cholangiocarcinoma and liver metastasis is also discussed.

Biological factors driving colorectal cancer metastasis

Approximately 20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with metastasis at diagnosis. Among Stage I-III CRC patients who undergo surgical resection, 18% typically suffer from distal metastasis within the first three years following initial treatment. The median survival duration after the diagnosis of metastatic CRC (mCRC) is only 9 mo. mCRC is traditionally considered to be an advanced stage malignancy or is thought to be caused by incomplete resection of tumor tissue, allowing cancer cells to spread from primary to distant organs; however, increasing evidence suggests that the mCRC process can begin early in tumor development. CRC patients present with high heterogeneity and diverse cancer phenotypes that are classified on the basis of molecular and morphological alterations. Different genomic and nongenomic events can induce subclone diversity, which leads to cancer and metastasis. Throughout the course of mCRC, metastatic cascades are associated with invasive cancer cell migration through the circulatory system, extravasation, distal seeding, dormancy, and reactivation, with each step requiring specific molecular functions. However, cancer cells presenting neoantigens can be recognized and eliminated by the immune system. In this review, we explain the biological factors that drive CRC metastasis, namely, genomic instability, epigenetic instability, the metastatic cascade, the cancer-immunity cycle, and external lifestyle factors. Despite remarkable progress in CRC research, the role of molecular classification in therapeutic intervention remains unclear. This review shows the driving factors of mCRC which may help in identifying potential candidate biomarkers that can improve the diagnosis and early detection of mCRC cases.

Alcohol-associated bowel disease: new insights into pathogenesis

Excessive alcohol drinking can cause pathological changes including carcinogenesis in the digestive tract from mouth to large intestine, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we discuss the effects of alcohol on small and large intestinal functions, such as leaky gut, dysbiosis and alterations of intestinal epithelium and gut immune dysfunctions, commonly referred to as alcohol-associated bowel disease (ABD). To date, detailed mechanistic insights into ABD are lacking. Accumulating evidence suggests a pathogenic role of ethanol metabolism in dysfunctions of the intestinal tract. Ethanol metabolism generates acetaldehyde and acetate, which could potentially promote functional disruptions of microbial and host components of the intestinal barrier along the gastrointestinal tract. The potential involvement of acetaldehyde and acetate in the pathogenesis of the underlying ABD, including cancer, is discussed. We also highlight some gaps in knowledge existing in the field of ABD. Finally, we discuss future directions in exploring the role of acetaldehyde and acetate generated during chronic alcohol intake in various pathologies affecting different sites of the intestinal tract.

Significant association of MCP1 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 polymorphisms with colorectal cancer and liver metastases susceptibility and aggressiveness: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The MCP-1/CCR2 axis is one of the major chemokine signaling pathways that play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment and has been involved in triggering various tumor progression mechanisms, such as increasing the immunosuppressive cells recruitment and promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness.

AIM

The current study investigated the association of MCP1 (rs1024611) and CCR2 (rs1799864) genes variants with the risk as well as prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study involved 408 patients (284 CRC and 124 CRLM), and 284 healthy control was conducted. Genotyping of selected polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP assays and confirmed by microchip and capillary electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The results highlighted a positive association between MCP1 rs1024611 (non-AA) and CCR2 rs1799864 (GA) genotypes with increased CRC and CRLM risk. Correlation between SNPs and clinicopathological characteristics revealed a positive association between MCP1 rs1024611 and CCR2 rs1799864 (dominant model) and CRC poor prognosis features. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a significant association between MCP1 rs1024611 non-AA carriers and decreased survival rate. Neoadjuvant treatment showed an improvement in CRC and CRLM survival rates among carriers of MCP1 and CCR2 wild-type genotype. FOLFIRI chemotherapy exhibits reduced survival rates for patients who carried mutated genotypes of MCP1 and CCR2 polymorphisms.

CONCLUSION

Considering our results, we suggest That both MCP1 and CCR2 polymorphisms may constitute independent factors for CRC and CRLM occurrence and can be helpful targets for an efficient therapeutic approach.

Association between the Methylation of CpG Islands in JAK-STAT Pathway-Related Genes and Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Aberrant promoter methylation of CpG islands plays an important role in carcinogenesis. However, the association between the DNA methylation of JAK-STAT pathway-related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of 403 patients with CRC and 419 cancer free controls, and the DNA methylation levels of JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, and SOCS3 in peripheral blood samples from all subjects were assessed using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, the methylation of the JAK2, STAT1 and SOCS3 genes increased the CRC risk (OR_adjusted=1.96, 95% CI, 1.12-3.41, P=0.01; OR_adjusted=5.37, 95% CI, 3.74-7.71, P<0.01; OR_adjusted=3.30, 95% CI, 1.58-6.87, P<0.01). In the multiple CpG site methylation (MCSM) analysis, a high MCSM value denoted an increased CRC risk (OR_adjusted=4.97, 95% CI, 3.34-7.37, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In peripheral blood, the methylation of JAK2, STAT1, and high levels of MCSM are promising biomarkers for CRC risk.

Alcohol Use and the Risk of Colorectal Liver Metastasis: A Systematic Mapping Review

The consumption of alcohol has long been associated with the development of liver disease as well as cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Leading healthcare concerns include the prevalent use of alcohol and the high burden of CRC mortality. Many CRC deaths are attributed to the development of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) as the liver is the foremost site of CRC spread. However, an association has not been defined for the role of alcohol intake and related liver injury with the development of CRLM. Here, a mapping review of recent research was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of CRLM. The literature search revealed 14 articles meeting the inclusion criteria that included patient database analyses and preclinical studies. Most of the human data analyses found alcohol use independently associates with worse CRC outcomes. The preclinical evaluations identified several pathways involved in the alcohol-mediated promotion of CRLM burden and CRC cell metastatic behavior. The limited number of studies identified exposes a significant need for more prospective analyses to define the role of alcohol intake and advanced CRC as well as the translation of preclinical research to fully characterize targetable mechanisms for the generation of new therapeutic options.

Inhibition of WNT signaling by conjugated microRNA nano-carriers: A new therapeutic approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer a perspective review

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is the most aggressive form and accounts the 15%-25% of all breast cancer. Receptors are absent in triple-negative breast cancer, which makes them unresponsive to the current hormonal therapies. The patients with TNBC are left with the option of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The Wnt pathways are connected to cancer, and when activated, they result in mammary hyperplasia and tumors. The tumor suppressor microRNAs can block tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, lead to cancer cell death, and are also known to down-regulate the WNT signaling. Nanoparticles with microRNA have been seen to be more effective when compared with their single release. In this review, we have tried to understand how Wnt signaling plays a crucial role in TNBC, EMT, metastasis, anti-drug resistance, and regulation of Wnt by microRNA. The role of nano-carriers in delivering micro-RNA. The clinical biomarkers, including the present state-of-the-art, involve novel pathways of Wnt.

Alcohol as a Non-UV Social-Environmental Risk Factor for Melanoma

Although cancer mortality has declined among the general population, the incidence of melanoma continues to rise. While identifying high-risk cohorts with genetic risk factors improves public health initiatives and clinical care management, recognizing modifiable risk factors such as social-environmental risk factors would also affect the methods of patient outreach and education. One major modifiable social-environmental risk factor associated with melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, not all forms of melanoma are correlated with sun exposure or occur in sun-exposed areas. Additionally, UV exposure is rarely associated with tumor progression. Another social-environmental factor, pregnancy, does not explain the sharply increased incidence of melanoma. Recent studies have demonstrated that alcohol consumption is positively linked with an increased risk of cancers, including melanoma. This perspective review paper summarizes epidemiological data correlating melanoma incidence with alcohol consumption, describes the biochemical mechanisms of ethanol metabolism, and discusses how ethanol and ethanol metabolites contribute to human cancer, including melanoma.

Mechanisms of chronic alcohol exposure-induced aggressiveness in cellular model of HCC and recovery after alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol-related liver disease is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, accounting for 30% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases and HCC-specific deaths. However, the knowledge on mechanisms by which alcohol consumption leads to cancer progression and its aggressiveness is limited. Better understanding of the clinical features and the mechanisms of alcohol-induced HCC are of critical importance for prevention and the development of novel treatments. Early stage Huh-7 and advanced SNU449 liver cancer cell lines were subjected to chronic alcohol exposure (CAE), at different doses for 6 months followed by 1-month alcohol withdrawal period. ADH activity and ALDH expression were much lower in SNU449 compared with Huh-7 cells and at the 270 mM dose, CAE decreased cell viability by about 50% and 80%, respectively, in Huh-7 and SNU449 cells but induced mortality only in Huh-7 cells. Thus, Huh-7 may be more vulnerable to ethanol toxicity because of the higher levels of acetaldehyde. CAE induced a dose-dependent increase in cell migration and invasion and also in the expression of cancer stem cells markers (CD133, CD44, CD90). CAE in Huh-7 cells selectively activated ERK1/2 and inhibited GSK3β signaling pathways. Most of the changes induced by CAE were reversed after alcohol withdrawal. Interestingly, we confirmed the increase in CD133 mRNA levels in the tumoral tissue of patients with ethanol-related HCC compared to other HCC etiologies. Our results may explain the benefits observed in epidemiological studies showing a significant increase of overall survival in abstinent compared with non-abstinent patients.

Protective effects of rosmarinic acid against azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer in rats

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing gradually and has been become one of the most common cancers worldwide. Hence, it is important to discover cheap, naturally occurring compounds to be effective in suppressing the devastating effect of colon-related tumors. Rosmarinic acid (RA), one of the compounds of plant origin, possesses attractive features for use as an agent for cancer prevention and treatment. This study investigated the ability of RA to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)-induced rat colon carcinogenesis by evaluating the effect of RA on tumor formation and circulatory oxidant-antioxidant status. Moreover, plasma levels of adiponectin (APN) monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The animals were divided into three groups: Control, AOM, and AOM + RA. Rats were fed a modified pellet diet (15.8% peanut oil was added to the standard diet) during the experimental period. Colon cancer was formed by applying 15 mg/kg AOM intraperitoneal once a week for 4 weeks in both the CRC group and AOM + RA group. Besides AOM, AOM + RA group received 5 mg/kg body weight RA orally every day during the study. The results showed that adenocarcinoma rates formed 87.5% of the AOM group. With treatment of RA, a reduction in the incidence of adenocarcinoma was observed in the AOM + RA group. The plasma MCP-1, IL-6, and TO levels were significantly higher, APN and TAS levels were significantly lower in the AOM group with respect to controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in TAS levels in the RA treatment group compared to the AOM group. These findings suggested that RA may be beneficial in preventing AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis formation.

Modulating Properties of Piroxicam, Meloxicam and Oxicam Analogues against Macrophage-Associated Chemokines in Colorectal Cancer

The mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effects of oxicams have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to assess the effect of classic and novel oxicams on the expression/secretion of macrophage-associated chemokines (RTqPCR/Luminex xMAP) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, and on the expression of upstream the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated genes NAG1, NFKBIA, MYD88, and RELA, as well as at the chemokine profiling in colorectal tumors. Meloxicam downregulated CCL4 9.9-fold, but otherwise the classic oxicams had a negligible/non-significant effect. Novel analogues with a thiazine ring substituted with arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties significantly modulated chemokine expression to varying degree, upregulated NAG1 and NFKBIA, and downregulated MYD88. They inhibited CCL3 and CCL4, and their effect on CCL2 and CXCL2 depended on the dose and exposure. The propylene linker between thiazine and piperazine nitrogens and one arylpiperazine fluorine substituent characterized the most effective analogue. Only CCL19 and CXCL2 were not upregulated in tumors, nor was CXCL2 in tumor-adjacent tissue compared to normal mucosa. Compared to adjacent tissue, CCL4 and CXCL2 were upregulated, while CCL2, CCL8, and CCL19 were downregulated in tumors. Tumor CCL2 and CCL7 increased along with advancing T and CCL3, and CCL4 along with the N stage. The introduction of arylpiperazine and benzoyl moieties into the oxicam scaffold yields effective modulators of chemokine expression, which act by upregulating NAG1 and interfering with NF-κB signaling.

Molecular Mechanisms of Alcohol-Induced Colorectal Carcinogenesis

The etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) is complex. Approximately, 10% of individuals with CRC have predisposing germline mutations that lead to familial cancer syndromes, whereas most CRC patients have sporadic cancer resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors. It has become increasingly clear that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with the development of sporadic CRC; however, the exact mechanisms by which alcohol contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis are largely unknown. Several proposed mechanisms from studies in CRC models suggest that alcohol metabolites and/or enzymes associated with alcohol metabolism alter cellular redox balance, cause DNA damage, and epigenetic dysregulation. In addition, alcohol metabolites can cause a dysbiotic colorectal microbiome and intestinal permeability, resulting in bacterial translocation, inflammation, and immunosuppression. All of these effects can increase the risk of developing CRC. This review aims to outline some of the most significant and recent findings on the mechanisms of alcohol in colorectal carcinogenesis. We examine the effect of alcohol on the generation of reactive oxygen species, the development of genotoxic stress, modulation of one-carbon metabolism, disruption of the microbiome, and immunosuppression.

Genome-wide associations between alcohol consumption and blood DNA methylation: evidence from twin study

Aim: Alcohol intake alters DNA methylation profiles and methylation might mediate the association between alcohol and disease, but limited number of positive CpG sites repeatedly replicated. Materials & methods: In total, 57 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for alcohol drinking from the Chinese National Twin Registry and 158 MZ and dizygotic twin pairs in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging were evaluated. DNA methylation was detected using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Results: Among candidate CpG sites, cg07326074 was significantly correlated with drinking after adjusting for covariates in MZ twins in both datasets but not in the entire sample or dizygotic twins. Conclusion: The hypermethylation of cg07326074, located in the tumor-promoting gene C16orf59, was associated with alcohol consumption.

Ethanol exposure drives colon location specific cell composition changes in a normal colon crypt 3D organoid model

Alcohol is a consistently identified risk factor for colon cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its effect on normal colon crypt cells remains poorly understood. We employed RNA-sequencing to asses transcriptomic response to ethanol exposure (0.2% vol:vol) in 3D organoid lines derived from healthy colon (n = 34). Paired regression analysis identified 2,162 differentially expressed genes in response to ethanol. When stratified by colon location, a far greater number of differentially expressed genes were identified in organoids derived from the left versus right colon, many of which corresponded to cell-type specific markers. To test the hypothesis that the effects of ethanol treatment on colon organoid populations were in part due to differential cell composition, we incorporated external single cell RNA-sequencing data from normal colon biopsies to estimate cellular proportions following single cell deconvolution. We inferred cell-type-specific changes, and observed an increase in transit amplifying cells following ethanol exposure that was greater in organoids from the left than right colon, with a concomitant decrease in more differentiated cells. If this occurs in the colon following alcohol consumption, this would lead to an increased zone of cells in the lower crypt where conditions are optimal for cell division and the potential to develop mutations.

MANF is neuroprotective against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration through ameliorating ER stress

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a spectrum of developmental disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Neuronal loss or neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most devastating features in FASD. It is imperative to delineate the underlying mechanisms to facilitate the treatment of FASD. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a hallmark and an underlying mechanism of many neurodegenerative diseases, including ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) responds to ER stress and has been identified as a protein upregulated in response to ethanol exposure during the brain development. To investigate the role of MANF in ethanol-induced neurodegeneration and its association with ER stress regulation, we established a CNS-specific Manf knockout mouse model and examined the effects of MANF deficiency on ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis and ER stress using a third-trimester equivalent mouse model. We found MANF deficiency exacerbated ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis and ER stress and that blocking ER stress abrogated the harmful effects of MANF deficiency on ethanol-induced neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, using an animal model of ER-stress-induced neurodegeneration, we demonstrated that MANF deficiency potentiated tunicamycin (TM)-induced ER stress and neurodegeneration. A whole transcriptome RNA sequencing also supported the functionality of MANF in ER stress modulation and revealed targets that may mediate the ER stress-buffering capacity of MANF. Collectively, these results suggest that MANF is a neurotrophic factor that can protect neurons against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration by ameliorating ER stress.

Tea polyphenols and their chemopreventive and therapeutic effects on colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a multifactorial disease, is usually induced and developed through complex mechanisms, including impact of diet and lifestyle, genomic abnormalities, change of signaling pathways, inflammatory response, oxidation stress, dysbiosis, and so on. As natural polyphenolic phytochemicals that exist primarily in tea, tea polyphenols (TPs) have been shown to have many clinical applications, especially as anticancer agents. Most animal studies and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that TPs can prevent and treat CRC. TPs can inhibit the growth and metastasis of CRC by exerting the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative or pro-oxidative, and pro-apoptotic effects, which are achieved by modulations at multiple levels. Many experiments have demonstrated that TPs can modulate several signaling pathways in cancer cells, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and 67 kDa laminin receptor pathway, to inhibit proliferation and promote cell apoptosis. In addition, novel studies have also suggested that TPs can prevent the growth and metastasis of CRC by modulating the composition of gut microbiota to improve immune system and decrease inflammatory responses. Molecular pathological epidemiology, a novel multidisciplinary investigation, has made great progress on CRC, and the further molecular pathological epidemiology research should be developed in the field of TPs and CRC. This review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies and potential mechanisms to examine the effects of tea polyphenols on CRC.

High-fat diet-induced dysbiosis mediates MCP-1/CCR2 axis-dependent M2 macrophage polarization and promotes intestinal adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence

High‐fat diet (HFD) is a well‐known risk factor for gut microbiota dysbiosis and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, evidence relating HFD, gut microbiota and carcinogenesis is limited. Our study aimed to demonstrate that HFD‐induced gut dysbiosis promoted intestinal adenoma‐adenocarcinoma sequence. In clinical study, we found that HFD increased the incidence of advanced colorectal neoplasia (AN). The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and CD163 in CRC patients with HFD was significantly higher than that in CRC patients with normal diet. When it comes to the Apc^min/+ mice, HFD consumption could induce gut dysbiosis and promote intestinal carcinogenesis, accompanying with activation of MCP‐1/CCR2 axis that recruited and polarized M2 tumour‐associated macrophages. Interestingly, transfer of faecal microbiota from HFD‐fed mice to another batch of Apc^min/+ mice in the absence of HFD could also enhance carcinogenesis without significant body weight gain and induced MCP‐1/CCR2 axis activation. HFD‐induced dysbiosis could also be transmitted. Meanwhile, antibiotics cocktail treatment was sufficient to inhibit HFD‐induced carcinogenesis, indicating the vital role of dysbiosis in cancer development. Conclusively, these data indicated that HFD‐induced dysbiosis accelerated intestinal adenoma‐adenocarcinoma sequence through activation of MCP‐1/CCR2 axis, which would provide new insight into better understanding of the mechanisms and prevention for HFD‐related CRC.

CCL2/CCR2 Chemokine System in Embryonic Hypothalamus: Involvement in Sexually Dimorphic Stimulatory Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on Peptide-Expressing Neurons

Maternal consumption of ethanol during pregnancy is known to increase the offspring's risk for developing alcohol use disorders and associated behavioral disturbances. Studies in adolescent and adult animals suggest the involvement of neuroimmune and neurochemical systems in the brain that control these behaviors. To understand the origin of these effects during early developmental stages, we examined in the embryo and neonate the effects of maternal intraoral administration of ethanol (2 g/kg/day) from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E15 on the inflammatory chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and its receptor CCR2 in a specific, dense population of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), where they are closely related to an orexigenic neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), known to promote ethanol consumption and related behaviors. We found that prenatal ethanol exposure increases the expression and density of CCL2 and CCR2 cells along with MCH neurons in the LH and the colocalization of CCL2 with MCH. We also discovered that these effects are sexually dimorphic, consistently stronger in female embryos, and are blocked by maternal administration of a CCL2 antibody (1 and 5 µg/day, i.p., E10-E15) that neutralizes endogenous CCL2 and of a CCR2 antagonist INCB3344 (1 mg/day, i.p., E10-E15) that blocks CCL2's main receptor. These results, which in the embryo anatomically and functionally link the CCL2/CCR2 system to MCH neurons in the LH, suggest an important role for this neuroimmune system in mediating ethanol's sexually dimorphic, stimulatory effect on MCH neurons that may promote higher level of alcohol consumption described in females.

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase recruits the β-catenin/TCF-4 complex to transactivate chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 expression in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Various molecular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the leading fatal diseases. Although human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is critical in promoting CRC development, its regulatory mechanism is still elusive. Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) is important to CRC pathogenesis, but the upstream regulation of CCL2 requires further investigation. Therefore, we aim to investigate the crosstalk mechanism between hTERT and CCL2 and its involvement in the pathogenesis of CRC.

METHODS

The expression relationship between hTERT and CCL2 was verified in CRC and adjacent tissues by immunohistochemistry. Lentiviruses or plasmids were used to regulate hTERT and CCL2 expression. The roles of hTERT and CCL2 in cell growth and migration were studied using CCK8 and transwell assays. The interaction between hTERT and CCL2 was detected by a luciferase reporter assay, immunofluorescence and ChIP assays. The β-catenin/TCF-4 complex was confirmed by COIP.

RESULTS

Both hTERT and CCL2 expression levels were markedly increased in CRC tissues compared to the adjacent stroma. Moreover, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were found in tumor areas with higher expression levels of hTERT and CCL2. hTERT promoted HCT116 cell migration and invasion by increasing CCL2 expression. Mechanistically, ectopic hTERT facilitated the nuclear translocation of canonical β-catenin and the formation of a complex with downstream effector TCF-4, which eventually activated the CCL2 promoter.

CONCLUSIONS

hTERT may promote CRC by recruiting β-catenin/TCF-4 complex to transactivate CCL2 expression, which is a novel crosstalk mechanism likely involved in the pathogenesis of CRC.

Retracted: Long noncoding RNA THRIL contributes in lipopolysaccharide-induced HK-2 cells injury by sponging miR-34a

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. Nowadays, several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported as molecular alterations involved in SLE. This study aimed to reveal the function of TNF-related and HNRNPL-related immunoregulatory lncRNA (THRIL) in SLE. Human epithelial HK-2 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic an in vitro SLE model. Then, the functions of THRIL, miR-34a, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), as well as their correlations were detected. LncRNA THRIL was highly expressed in the LPS-stimulated cells, and THRIL overexpression aggravated LPS-induced cell damage as cell viability was decreased, and apoptosis and the release of proinflammatory cytokines were increased. THRIL worked as a sponge of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and it could directly target MCP-1. Furthermore, MCP-1-activated JNK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study suggested that lncRNA THRIL might be a key regulator participating in LPS-induced injury in HK-2 cells. THRIL overexpression aggravated LPS-induced injury possibly via sponging miR-34a, and thus preventing MCP-1 from degradation by miR-34a. The THRIL/miR-34a/MCP-1 axis might play critical roles in SLE.

ACTG1 and TLR3 are biomarkers for alcohol-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the association between alcohol and HCC remains unknown. The present study aimed to identify key genes related to alcohol-associated HCC to improve the current understanding of the pathology of this disease. Alcohol-associated and non-alcohol-associated HCC samples in the GSE50579 dataset of the Gene Omnibus Database were analyzed to investigate altered gene expression. Integrated bioinformatics methods were employed to clarify the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The present study reported that candidate biomarker micro (mi)RNAs via TargetScan Human 7.1. DEGs and their associated miRNAs (according to bioinformatics analysis) were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, 284 EGs from the GSE50579 dataset were revealed. In GO term analysis, DEGs were closely associated with the ‘regulation of nucleic acid metabolism’. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs were tightly engaged in the ‘VEGF and VEGF receptor signaling network’, ‘proteoglycan syndecan-mediated signaling events’, ‘erbB receptor signaling’ and ‘β1 integrin cell surface interactions’. According to the results of PPI and heat map analysis, the main hub genes were centrin 3 (CETN3), Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), receptor tyrosine-protein kinase (ERBB4), heat shock protein family member 8, actin γ1 (ACTG1) and α-smooth muscle actin. it was demonstrated that the ACTG1, TLR3, miR-6819-3p and miRΝΑ (miR)-6877-3P had undefined associations. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that miR-6819-3p and miR-6877-3P may enhance the expression levels of ACTG1 and inhibit the expression levels of TLR3 in alcohol-associated HCC tissues. TLR3 and ACTG1 were proposed as potential biomarkers of alcohol-associated HCC. Investigation into the regulatory functions of miR-6819-3p and miR-6877-3P may provide novel insights into the treatment of alcohol-associated HCC.

Hypothalamic CCL2/CCR2 Chemokine System: Role in Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Maternal Ethanol Exposure on Melanin-Concentrating Hormone and Behavior in Adolescent Offspring

Clinical and animal studies show that ethanol exposure and inflammation during pregnancy cause similar behavioral disturbances in the offspring. While ethanol is shown to stimulate both neuroimmune and neurochemical systems in adults, little is known about their anatomical relationship in response to ethanol in utero and whether neuroimmune factors mediate ethanol's effects on neuronal development and behavior in offspring. Here we examined in female and male adolescent rats a specific population of neurons concentrated in lateral hypothalamus, which coexpress the inflammatory chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) or its receptor CCR2 with the orexigenic neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), that promotes ethanol drinking behavior. We demonstrate that maternal administration of ethanol (2 g/kg/d) from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E15, while having little impact on glia, stimulates expression of neuronal CCL2 and CCR2, increases density of both large CCL2 neurons colocalizing MCH and small CCL2 neurons surrounding MCH neurons, and stimulates ethanol drinking and anxiety in adolescent offspring. We show that these neuronal and behavioral changes are similarly produced by maternal administration of CCL2 (4 or 8 μg/kg/d, E10-E15) and blocked by maternal administration of a CCR2 antagonist INCB3344 (1 mg/kg/d, E10-E15), and these effects of ethanol and CCL2 are sexually dimorphic, consistently stronger in females. These results suggest that this neuronal CCL2/CCR2 system closely linked to MCH neurons has a role in mediating the effects of maternal ethanol exposure on adolescent offspring and contributes to the higher levels of adolescent risk factors for alcohol use disorders described in women.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ethanol consumption and inflammatory agents during pregnancy similarly increase alcohol intake and anxiety in adolescent offspring. To investigate how neurochemical and neuroimmune systems interact to mediate these disturbances, we examined a specific population of hypothalamic neurons coexpressing the inflammatory chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 with the neuropeptide, melanin-concentrating hormone. We demonstrate in adolescent offspring that maternal administration of CCL2, like ethanol, stimulates these neurons and increases ethanol drinking and anxiety, and these effects of ethanol are blocked by maternal CCR2 antagonist and consistently stronger in females. This suggests that neuronal chemokine signaling linked to neuropeptides mediates effects of maternal ethanol exposure on adolescent offspring and contributes to higher levels of adolescent risk factors for alcohol use disorders in women.

High expression of C-C chemokine receptor 2 associates with poor overall survival in gastric cancer patients after surgical resection

BACKGROUND

Being a critical chemokine receptor in chemoattracting myeloid cells into tumor tissues, C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) has been detected in many malignant tumors. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of CCR2 expression in patients with gastric cancer after surgery.

RESULTS

CCR2 expression was detected in the accessory cells around gastric cancer cells in a diffused manner. CCR2 high expression was correlated with tumor invasion depth (P=0.006 and P=0.004, respectively), lymph node metastasis (P=0.038 and P=0.011, respectively) and TNM stage (P=0.003 and P=0.001, respectively) in the two independent sets. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identifies CCR2 high expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS of patients with gastric cancer in the two sets (P=0.013 and P=0.006, respectively). Integration of CCR2 expression and TNM stage could provide additional prognostic value for OS than TNM stage alone in the two sets (P=0.038 and P=0.002, respectively).

METHODS

Two independent sets comprising a total of 474 patients who received standard gastrectomy were enrolled in the study. The expression level of CCR2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlations between CCR2 expression and clinicopathological factors were explored, and the prognostic significance for overall survival (OS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

CCR2 high expression in the tumor microenvironment is a novel independent unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer. Combination of CCR2 expression and TNM stage could provide a better prognostic model for OS of gastric cancer patients.

Binge ethanol exposure causes endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress and tissue injury in the pancreas

Alcohol abuse is associated with both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or pancreatic injury may result in chronic pancreatitis. We investigated ethanol-induced pancreatic injury using a mouse model of binge ethanol exposure. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to ethanol intragastrically (5 g/kg, 25% ethanol w/v) daily for 10 days. Binge ethanol exposure caused pathological changes in pancreas demonstrated by tissue edema, acinar atrophy and moderate fibrosis. Ethanol caused both apoptotic and necrotic cell death which was demonstrated by the increase in active caspase-3, caspase-8, cleaved PARP, cleaved CK-18 and the secretion of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). Ethanol altered the function of the pancreas which was indicated by altered levels of alpha-amylase, glucose and insulin. Ethanol exposure stimulated cell proliferation in the acini, suggesting an acinar regeneration. Ethanol caused pancreatic inflammation which was indicated by the induction of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, MCP-1 and CCR2, and the increase of CD68 positive macrophages in the pancreas. Ethanol-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress was demonstrated by a significant increase in ATF6, CHOP, and the phosphorylation of PERK and eiF-2alpha. In addition, ethanol increased protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and the expression of iNOS, indicating oxidative stress. Therefore, this paradigm of binge ethanol exposure caused a spectrum of tissue injury and cellular stress to the pancreas, offering a good model to study alcoholic pancreatitis.

Colorectal Cancer and Alcohol Consumption-Populations to Molecules

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, being the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the world. Several environmental and habitual factors have been associated with the CRC risk. Alcohol intake, a common and rising habit of modern society, is one of the major risk factors for development of CRC. Here, we will summarize the evidence linking alcohol with colon carcinogenesis and possible underlying mechanisms. Some epidemiologic studies suggest that even moderate drinking increases the CRC risk. Metabolism of alcohol involves ethanol conversion to its metabolites that could exert carcinogenic effects in the colon. Production of ethanol metabolites can be affected by the colon microbiota, another recently recognized mediating factor to colon carcinogenesis. The generation of acetaldehyde and alcohol's other metabolites leads to activation of cancer promoting cascades, such as DNA-adduct formation, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, epigenetic alterations, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune modulatory effects. Not only does alcohol induce its toxic effect through carcinogenic metabolites, but alcoholics themselves are predisposed to a poor diet, low in folate and fiber, and circadian disruption, which could further augment alcohol-induced colon carcinogenesis.

Alcohol and Cancer Stem Cells

Heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with increased risk of several cancers, including cancer of the colon, rectum, female breast, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, liver, and esophagus. It appears that alcohol exposure not only promotes carcinogenesis but also enhances the progression and aggressiveness of existing cancers. The molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol tumor promotion, however, remain unclear. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacity, play an important role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. The recent research evidence suggests that alcohol increases the CSC population in cancers, which may underlie alcohol-induced tumor promotion. This review discusses the recent progress in the research of alcohol promotion of CSC and underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms. The review will further explore the therapeutic potential of CSC inhibition in treating alcohol-induced tumor promotion.

Molecular Basis of Alcohol-Related Gastric and Colon Cancer

Many meta-analysis, large cohort studies, and experimental studies suggest that chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of gastric and colon cancer. Ethanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH), catalase or cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to acetaldehyde, which is then further oxidized to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Acetaldehyde has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans. The acetaldehyde level in the stomach and colon is locally influenced by gastric colonization by Helicobacter pylori or colonic microbes, as well as polymorphisms in the genes encoding tissue alcohol metabolizing enzymes, especially ALDH2. Alcohol stimulates the uptake of carcinogens and their metabolism and also changes the composition of enteric microbes in a way to enhance the aldehyde level. Alcohol also undergoes chemical coupling to membrane phospholipids and disrupts organization of tight junctions, leading to nuclear translocation of β-catenin and ZONAB, which may contributes to regulation of genes involved in proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Alcohol also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) by suppressing the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective enzymes and inducing expression of CYP2E1 which contribute to the metabolic activation of chemical carcinogens. Besides exerting genotoxic effects by directly damaging DNA, ROS can activates signaling molecules involved in inflammation, metastasis and angiogenesis. In addition, alcohol consumption induces folate deficiency, which may result in aberrant DNA methylation profiles, thereby influencing cancer-related gene expression.

Tackling immunomonitoring in gastrointestinal cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The growing awareness that the immune system is a key player in the antitumoral response and the excellent clinical results achieved in some settings with anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) drugs has led to the rise of immunotherapy as a supplement or an alternative to conventional cancer treatment. The high costs associated with these therapies, their significant toxicity and the need to understand and circumvent immune escape mechanisms raise the urgent need for immunological assessment of therapy response. The study of the immunological parameters before, during and after treatment is referred to as immunomonitoring. This review discusses the current knowledge of immunomonitoring markers in gastrointestinal cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS

The last decade has seen a collaborative effort to standardize the assays performed in clinical trials to assess response to immunotherapy. Since then, multiple studies have been conducted on blood samples, biopsies and surgical specimens to determine their immunological profiles leading to the identification of several immunological markers possessing a predictive value of response to treatment.

SUMMARY

Future research will focus on detangling the predictive value of immune markers in different therapeutic models, and also to develop new noninvasive means to monitor the immune response of patients. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COON/A20.

Wnt signaling in triple-negative breast cancer

Wnt signaling regulates a variety of cellular processes, including cell fate, differentiation, proliferation and stem cell pluripotency. Aberrant Wnt signaling is a hallmark of many cancers. An aggressive subtype of breast cancer, known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), demonstrates dysregulation in canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling. In this review, we summarize regulators of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, as well as Wnt signaling dysfunction that mediates the progression of TNBC. We review the complex molecular nature of TNBC and the emerging therapies that are currently under investigation for the treatment of this disease.

Role of cytokines and chemokines in alcohol-induced tumor promotion

Excessive chronic alcohol consumption has become a worldwide health problem. The oncogenic effect of chronic alcohol consumption is one of the leading concerns. The mechanisms of alcohol-induced tumorigenesis and tumor progression are largely unknown, although many factors have been implicated in the process. This review discusses the recent progress in this research area with concentration on alcohol-induced dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines. Based on the available evidence, we propose that alcohol promotes tumor progression by the dysregulation of the cytokine/chemokine system. In addition, we discuss specific transcription factors and signaling pathways that are involved in the action of these cytokines/chemokines and the oncogenic effect of alcohol. This review provides novel insight into the mechanisms of alcohol-induced tumor promotion.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced aggressiveness of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Both Epidemiological and experimental studies indicate a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and the risk of breast cancer. While alcohol exposure may promote the carcinogenesis or onset of breast cancer, it may as well enhance the progression and aggressiveness of existing mammary tumors. Recent progress in this line of research suggests that alcohol exposure is associated with invasive breast cancer and promotes the growth and metastasis of mammary tumors. There are multiple potential mechanisms involved in alcohol-stimulated progression and aggressiveness of breast cancer. Alcohol may increase the mobility of cancer cells by inducing cytoskeleton reorganization and enhancing the cancer cell invasion by causing degradation and reconstruction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, alcohol may promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of malignancy, and impair endothelial integrity, thereby increasing the dissemination of breast cancer cells and facilitating metastasis. Furthermore, alcohol may stimulate tumor angiogenesis through the activation of cytokines and chemokines which promotes tumor growth. Additionally, alcohol may increase the cancer stem cell population which affects neoplastic cell behavior, aggressiveness, and the therapeutic response. Alcohol can be metabolized in the mammary tissues and breast cancer cells which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress. Recent studies suggest that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, particularly ErbB2 (a member of this family), is involved in alcohol-mediated tumor promotion. Breast cancer cells or mammary epithelial cells over-expressing ErbB2 are more sensitive to alcohol's tumor promoting effects. There is considerable cross-talk between oxidative stress and EGFR/ErbB2 signaling. This review further discusses how the interaction between oxidative stress and EGFR/ErbB2 signaling contributes to the cellular and molecular events associated with breast cancer aggressiveness. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches for cancer patients who drink alcoholic beverages.

Chronic plus binge ethanol exposure causes more severe pancreatic injury and inflammation

Alcohol abuse increases the risk for pancreatitis. The pattern of alcohol drinking may impact its effect. We tested a hypothesis that chronic ethanol consumption in combination with binge exposure imposes more severe damage to the pancreas. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control, chronic ethanol exposure, binge ethanol exposure and chronic plus binge ethanol exposure. For the control group, mice were fed with a liquid diet for two weeks. For the chronic ethanol exposure group, mice were fed with a liquid diet containing 5% ethanol for two weeks. In the binge ethanol exposure group, mice were treated with ethanol by gavage (5g/kg, 25% ethanol w/v) daily for 3days. For the chronic plus binge exposure group, mice were fed with a liquid diet containing 5% ethanol for two weeks and exposed to ethanol by gavage during the last 3days. Chronic and binge exposure alone caused minimal pancreatic injury. However, chronic plus binge ethanol exposure induced significant apoptotic cell death. Chronic plus binge ethanol exposure altered the levels of alpha-amylase, glucose and insulin. Chronic plus binge ethanol exposure caused pancreatic inflammation which was shown by the macrophages infiltration and the increase of cytokines and chemokines. Chronic plus binge ethanol exposure increased the expression of ADH1 and CYP2E1. It also induced endoplasmic reticulum stress which was demonstrated by the unfolded protein response. In addition, chronic plus binge ethanol exposure increased protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, indicating oxidative stress. Therefore, chronic plus binge ethanol exposure is more detrimental to the pancreas.