The role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and macrophages activates the NLRP3 inflammasome that influences the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a co-culture model

Modified macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are key contributors to the survival, growth, and metastatic behavior of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Central to the role of inflammation and TAMs lies the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study investigated the effects of LPS-stimulated inflammation on cell proliferation, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in a co-culture model using PDAC cells and macrophages in the presence or absence of MCC950, a NLRP3-specific inhibitor. The effects of LPS-stimulated inflammation were tested on two PDAC cell lines (Panc 10.05 and SW 1990) co-cultured with RAW 264.7 macrophages. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Western blot analyses were used to examine the expression of NLRP3 in both PDAC cells and macrophages. The co-culture and interaction between PDAC cell lines and macrophages led to pro-inflammatory microenvironment under LPS stimulation as evidenced by high levels of secreted IL-1β and TNF-α. Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome by MCC950 counteracted the effects of LPS stimulation on the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and pro-inflammatory cytokines in PDAC and macrophages. However, MCC950 differentially modified the viability of the metastatic vs primary PDAC cell lines. LPS stimulation increased PDAC cell viability by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC cells/macrophages co-cultures. The specific inhibition of the NLRP inflammasome by MCC950 effectively counteracted the LPS-stimulated inflammation.

Impact of Recombinant Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor During Neoadjuvant Therapy on Outcomes of Resected Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease characterized by chronic inflammation and a tolerogenic immune response. The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-neutrophil axis promotes oncogenesis and progression of PDAC. Despite frequent use of recombinant G-CSF in the management and prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, its impact on oncologic outcomes of patients with resected PDAC is unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cohort study assessing the impact of G-CSF administration was conducted on 351 patients with PDAC treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and pancreatic resection at a high-volume tertiary care academic center from 2014 to 2019. Participants were identified from a prospectively maintained database and had a median follow-up of 45.8 months.

RESULTS

Patients receiving G-CSF (n=138; 39.3%) were younger (64.0 vs 66.7 years; P=.008), had lower body mass index (26.5 vs 27.9; P=.021), and were more likely to receive 5-FU-based chemotherapy (42.0% vs 28.2%; P<.0001). No differences were observed in baseline or clinical tumor staging. Patients receiving G-CSF were more likely to have an elevated (>5.53) post-NAT neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (45.0% vs 29.6%; P=.004). G-CSF recipients also demonstrated higher circulating levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (+709 vs -619 pg/mL; P=.006). On multivariate analysis, G-CSF treatment was associated with perineural invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 2.65; 95% CI, 1.16-6.03; P=.021) and margin-positive resection (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.01-2.77; P=.046). Patients receiving G-CSF had decreased overall survival (OS) compared with nonrecipients (median OS, 29.2 vs 38.7 months; P=.001). G-CSF administration was a negative independent predictor of OS (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.45-2.79; P<.0001). In the inverse probability weighted analysis of 301 matched patients, neoadjuvant G-CSF administration was associated with reduced OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with localized PDAC receiving NAT prior to surgical extirpation, G-CSF administration may be associated with worse oncologic outcomes and should be further evaluated.

Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Humboldtia sanjappae Sasidh. & Sujanapal, an Endemic Medicinal Plant to the Western Ghats

Ethnomedicinal plants are important sources of drug candidates, and many of these plants, especially in the Western Ghats, are underexplored. Humboldtia, a genus within the Fabaceae family, thrives in the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, Kerala, India, and holds significant ethnobotanical importance. However, many Humboldtia species remain understudied in terms of their biological efficacy, while some lack scientific validation for their traditional uses. However, Humboldtia sanjappae, an underexplored plant, was investigated for the phytochemical composition of the plant, and its antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities were assessed. The LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of several bioactive substances, such as Naringenin, Luteolin, and Pomiferin. The results revealed that the ethanol extract of H. sanjappae exhibited significant in vitro DPPH scavenging activity (6.53 ± 1.49 µg/mL). Additionally, it demonstrated noteworthy FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) activity (8.46 ± 1.38 µg/mL). Moreover, the ethanol extract of H. sanjappae exhibited notable efficacy in inhibiting the activities of α-amylase (47.60 ± 0.19µg/mL) and β-glucosidase (32.09 ± 0.54 µg/mL). The pre-treatment with the extract decreased the LPS-stimulated release of cytokines in the Raw 264.7 macrophages, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory potential. Further, the antibacterial properties were also evident in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The observed high zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion assay and MIC values were also promising. H. sanjappae displays significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial properties, likely attributable to its rich composition of various biological compounds such as Naringenin, Luteolin, Epicatechin, Maritemin, and Pomiferin. Serving as a promising reservoir of these beneficial molecules, the potential of H. sanjappae as a valuable source for bioactive ingredients within the realms of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries is underscored, showcasing its potential for diverse applications.

Exploring the key genetic association between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through integrated bioinformatics

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops rapidly and has a poor prognosis. It has been demonstrated that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis (CP) have a close connection. However, the underlying mechanisms for chronic pancreatitis transforming into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify real hub genes in the development of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: RNA-seq data of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to construct a gene co-expression network between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. GEO2R and a Venn diagram were used to identify differentially expressed genes. Then visualized networks were constructed with ClueGO, and modules of PPI network were calculated by MCODE plugin. Further validation of the results was carried out in two additional cohorts. Analyses of CEL-coexpressed genes and regulators including miRNAs and transcription factors were performed by using the corresponding online web tool. Finally, the influence of CEL in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was assessed by immune contextual analysis. Results: With the help of WGCNA and GEO2R, four co-expression modules and six hub genes were identified, respectively. ClueGO enrichment analysis and MCODE cluster analysis revealed that the dysfunctional transport of nutrients and trace elements might contribute to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development. The real hub gene CEL was identified with a markedly low expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in external validation sets. According to the miRNA-gene network construction, hsa-miR-198 may be the key miRNA. A strong correlation exists between CEL and TIME after an evaluation of the influence of CEL in TIME. Conclusion: Our study revealed the dysfunctional transport of nutrients and trace elements may be common pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. Examination on these common pathways and real hub genes may shed light on the underlying mechanism.

Extrahepatic Outcomes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Nonhepatocellular Cancers

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses the entire spectrum of fatty liver disease in individuals without significant alcohol consumption, including isolated steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis. The overall global prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be 30%, and the associated clinical and economic burden will continue to increase. NAFLD is a multisystemic disease with established links to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and intra- and extrahepatic malignancies. In this article the authors review the potential mechanisms and current evidence for the association between NAFLD and extrahepatic cancers and the resultant impact on clinical outcomes.

Tumor heterogeneity: An oncogenic driver of PDAC progression and therapy resistance under stress conditions

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a clinically challenging disease usually diagnosed at advanced or metastasized stage. By this year end, there are an expected increase in 62,210 new cases and 49,830 deaths in the United States, with 90% corresponding to PDAC subtype alone. Despite advances in cancer therapy, one of the major challenges combating PDAC remains tumor heterogeneity between PDAC patients and within the primary and metastatic lesions of the same patient. This review describes the PDAC subtypes based on the genomic, transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic signatures observed among patients and within individual tumors. Recent studies in tumor biology suggest PDAC heterogeneity as a major driver of disease progression under conditions of stress including hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, leading to metabolic reprogramming. We therefore advance our understanding in identifying the underlying mechanisms that interfere with the crosstalk between the extracellular matrix components and tumor cells that define the mechanics of tumor growth and metastasis. The bilateral interaction between the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and PDAC cells serves as another important contributor that characterizes the tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing phenotypes providing an opportunity for an effective treatment regime. Furthermore, we highlight the dynamic reciprocating interplay between the stromal and immune cells that impact immune surveillance or immune evasion response and contribute towards a complex process of tumorigenesis. In summary, the review encapsulates the existing knowledge of the currently applied treatments for PDAC with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, manifesting at multiple levels, impacting disease progression and therapy resistance under stress.

Deciphering the action mechanism of paeoniflorin in suppressing pancreatic cancer: A network pharmacology study and experimental validation

Background: Paeoniflorin (PF) is the main active component of Chinese herbaceous peony that has been shown to have an anti-tumor effect. However, there are few studies on the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer with PF.

Methods: We gathered Microarray data pertaining to paeoniflorin intervention in pancreatic cancer by utilizing the GEO database (GSE97124). Then, the DEGs were filtered by the 33R program. RNA-seq data of pancreatic cancer and normal tissue samples were taken from the TCGA and GTEx databases, respectively, and the WGCNA technique was utilized to examine the pancreatic cancer-specific genes. Paeoniflorin target genes for the treatment of pancreatic cancer were determined based on the overlap between DEGs and WGCNA. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were then performed on paeoniflorin target genes to discover which biological processes were impacted. Using the 3 hierarchical methods included in the Cytohubba plugin, we re-screened the hub genes in the target genes to find the genes most relevant to paeoniflorin treatment. The overall survival effects of hub genes were confirmed using the TCGA database. Finally, the paeoniflorin targets identified by the network pharmacology analysis were validated using PANC-1 and Capan-2 cells.

Results: We identified 148 main potential PF targets, and gene enrichment analysis suggested that the aforementioned targets play a crucial role in the regulation of MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and other pathways. The further screening of the prospective targets resulted in the identification of 39 hub genes. Using the TCGA database, it was determined that around 33.33% of the hub gene’s high expression was linked with a bad prognosis. Finally, we demonstrated that PF inhibits IL-6 and IL-10 expression and p38 phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer cells, thereby reducing inflammation.

Conclusion: PF may regulate inflammatory factors mainly through the p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings provide theoretical and experimental evidence suggesting the PF as a promising natural source of anti-tumor compounds for pancreatic cancer.

Defining the Optimal Duration of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Time for a Personalized Approach?

ABSTRACT

Despite recent advances, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be associated with dismal outcomes, with a cure evading most patients. While historic treatment for PDAC has been surgical resection followed by 6 months of adjuvant therapy, there has been a recent shift toward neoadjuvant treatment (NAT). Several considerations support this approach, including the characteristic early systemic spread of PDAC, and the morbidity often surrounding pancreatic resection, which can delay recovery and preclude patients from starting adjuvant treatment. The addition of NAT has been suggested to improve margin-negative resection rates, decrease lymph node positivity, and potentially translate to improved survival. Conversely, complications and disease progression can occur during preoperative treatment, potentially eliminating the chance of curative resection. As NAT utilization has increased, treatment durations have been found to vary widely between institutions with an optimal duration remaining undefined. In this review, we assess the existing literature on NAT for PDAC, reviewing treatment durations reported across retrospective case series and prospective clinical trials to establish currently used approaches and seek the optimal duration. We also analyze markers of treatment response and review the potential for personalized approaches that may help clarify this important treatment question and move NAT toward a more standardized approach.

Phase I trial of Bermekimab with nanoliposomal irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

In this phase I dose-escalation trial, we assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Bermekimab in combination with Nanoliposomal Irinotecan (Nal-Iri) and 5-Fluorouracil/Folinic Acid (5-FU/FA). Secondarily, we investigate effects on weight, lean body mass, quality-of-life, the gut microbiome composition, inflammatory biomarkers, progression-free survival, and overall survival. This was a single-arm, open-label adaptive Bayesian dose-escalation study of Bermekimab combined with Nal-Iri and 5FU/FA in patients with advanced or locally advanced PDAC who failed gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. 22 patients enrolled between 2017 and 2019. 3 of 21 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities attributable to the chemotherapy backbone. 58% (10/17) of patients exhibited weight stability. Physical performance status was preserved among all subjects. Patients reported improvements in quality-of-life metrics via QLQ-PAN26 questioner (-3.6, p = 0.18) and functional well-being (1.78, p = 0.02). Subjects exhibited a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, notably, vascular endothelial growth factor (-0.86, p = 0.017) with Bermekimab. Bermekimab treatment was associated with an increased abundance of gut health-promoting bacterial genera Akkermansia, with 3.82 Log2-fold change from baseline. In sum, Bermekimab is safe to be used in conjunction with Nal-Iri and 5-FU/FA chemotherapy. This benign toxicological profile warrants further Phase I/II investigation of Bermekimab in combinatorial strategies, and the impact of anti-IL-1α antibodies on the gut microbiome.Clinical trials registration: NCT03207724 05/07/2017.

Mouse modeling provides insights into Daxx and Atrx tumor suppressive mechanisms in the endocrine pancreas

Genome sequencing has revealed the importance of epigenetic regulators in tumorigenesis. The genes encoding the chromatin remodeling complex DAXX:ATRX are frequently mutated in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs); however, the underlying mechanisms of how mutations contribute to tumorigenesis are only partially understood, in part because of the lack of relevant pre-clinical models. Here we used genetically engineered mouse models combined with environmental stress to evaluate the tumor suppressor functions of Daxx and Atrx in the mouse pancreas. Daxx or Atrx loss, alone or in combination with Men1 loss, do not drive nor accelerate pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis. Moreover, Daxx loss does not cooperate with environmental stresses (ionizing radiation or pancreatitis) or with the loss of other tumor suppressors (Pten or p53) to promote pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis. However, due to promiscuity of the Cre promoter used, hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and osteosarcomas were observed in some instances. Overall, our findings suggest that Daxx and Atrx are not robust tumor suppressors in the endocrine pancreas of mice and indicate the context of a human genome is essential for tumorigenesis.

Metabolic Pathways as a Novel Landscape in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Metabolism plays a fundamental role in both human physiology and pathology, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other tumors. Anabolic and catabolic processes do not only have energetic implications but are tightly associated with other cellular activities, such as DNA duplication, redox reactions, and cell homeostasis. PDAC displays a marked metabolic phenotype and the observed reduction in tumor growth induced by calorie restriction with in vivo models supports the crucial role of metabolism in this cancer type. The aggressiveness of PDAC might, therefore, be reduced by interventions on bioenergetic circuits. In this review, we describe the main metabolic mechanisms involved in PDAC growth and the biological features that may favor its onset and progression within an immunometabolic context. We also discuss the need to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical practice in order to offer alternative therapeutic approaches for PDAC patients in the more immediate future.

Tackling Surgical Morbidity and Mortality through Modifiable Risk Factors in Cancer Patients

Despite advances in surgical techniques, surgical morbidity and mortality remain important public health problems. Postoperative complications often lead to greater morbidity and mortality, as well as increased length of hospital stay and medical costs. Therefore, a reduction in postoperative complications is particularly important with regard to positive long-term outcomes in patients with cancer. To improve patients’ postoperative prognosis, it is necessary to screen for and focus on modifiable risk factors and their subsequent resolution. Recently, it was reported that nutritional status, inflammation and surgical approaches are related to postoperative morbidity and mortality. Therefore, in this review article, we describe the current evidence regarding modifiable risk factors influencing surgical morbidity and mortality as well as future directions for improved postoperative management in cancer patients.

Increased risk of pancreatic cancer in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the risk of pancreatic cancer in the general population remains unclear. This nationwide cohort study included 8,120,674 adults who underwent a national health screening in 2009 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Participants were followed-up until December 2017 for the development of pancreatic cancer. NAFLD was assessed using the fatty liver index: ≥ 60, NAFLD and < 30, no NAFLD. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed. During the follow-up of 59.1 million person-years, 10,470 participants were newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. NAFLD was significantly associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to no NAFLD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.17; 95% CI 1.09–1.26). This association was significant in both the obese (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.05–1.23) and non-obese groups (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.003–1.29). Individuals with fatty liver index 30–59 also had an increased risk (aHR, 1.10; 95% CI 1.05–1.16). The risk of pancreatic cancer increased with increasing fatty liver index scores (P for trend < 0.001). This study demonstrated that NAFLD was independently associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, regardless of obesity. Our finding suggests that NAFLD may be a modifiable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

The oral microbiome, pancreatic cancer and human diversity in the age of precision medicine

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with limited diagnostic and treatment options. Not all populations are affected equally, as disparities exist in pancreatic cancer prevalence, treatment and outcomes. Recently, next-generation sequencing has facilitated a more comprehensive analysis of the human oral microbiome creating opportunity for its application in precision medicine. Oral microbial shifts occur in patients with pancreatic cancer, which may be appreciated years prior to their diagnosis. In addition, pathogenic bacteria common in the oral cavity have been found within pancreatic tumors. Despite these findings, much remains unknown about how or why the oral microbiome differs in patients with pancreatic cancer. As individuals develop, their oral microbiome reflects both their genotype and environmental influences. Genetics, race/ethnicity, smoking, socioeconomics and age affect the composition of the oral microbiota, which may ultimately play a role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to explain the oral dysbiosis found in patients with pancreatic cancer though they have yet to be confirmed. With a better understanding of the interplay between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer, improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches may be implemented to reduce healthcare disparities. Video Abstract.

Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.

The effect of atrophied pancreas as shown in the preoperative imaging on the leakage rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Backgrounds/Aims

The soft texture of the pancreas parenchyma may influence the incidence of pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). One possible method to assess pancreatic texture and atrophy, is via computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relation between the preoperative CT scan and the incidence of pancreatic fistula after PD.

Methods

A retrospective single-center study including patients who underwent PD for a benign and malignant tumor of the periampullary region between the years 2000 and 2016. Demographic and imaging data were analysed and a correlation with the post-operative leak was evaluated.

Results

Pancreatic leak was documented in 34 out of 154 (22.1%) patients. All the leakage cases occurred in the preserved pancreas group (33.1% of the total preserved pancreas group alone). No leak was documented in the atrophic pancreas group. This difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p ≤ 0.00001).

Conclusions

Atrophic pancreas in the preoperative CT scan may be protective against leakage after PD. These findings may help the surgeon to risk stratify patients accordingly. In addition, the findings suggest that patients with a preserved pancreas may require more protective methods to prevent leakage.

Gasdermin E mediates resistance of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to enzymatic digestion through a YBX1-mucin pathway

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates from normal pancreatic ducts where digestive juice is regularly produced. It remains unclear how PDAC can escape autodigestion by digestive enzymes. Here we show that human PDAC tumour cells use gasdermin E (GSDME), a pore-forming protein, to mediate digestive resistance. GSDME facilitates the tumour cells to express mucin 1 and mucin 13, which form a barrier to prevent chymotrypsin-mediated destruction. Inoculation of GSDME^−/− PDAC cells results in subcutaneous but not orthotopic tumour formation in mice. Inhibition or knockout of mucin 1 or mucin 13 abrogates orthotopic PDAC growth in NOD-SCID mice. Mechanistically, GSDME interacts with and transports YBX1 into the nucleus where YBX1 directly promotes mucin expression. This GSDME–YBX1–mucin axis is also confirmed in patients with PDAC. These findings uncover a unique survival mechanism of PDAC cells in pancreatic microenvironments.

Lv et al. reveal a non-canonical role for gasdermin E in protecting pancreatic cancer cells from chymotrypsin-mediated digestion in the microenvironment by promoting the transcription factor YBX1 to induce mucin expression.

Senolytic elimination of Cox2-expressing senescent cells inhibits the growth of premalignant pancreatic lesions

OBJECTIVE

Cellular senescence limits tumourigenesis by blocking the proliferation of premalignant cells. Additionally, however, senescent cells can exert paracrine effects influencing tumour growth. Senescent cells are present in premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, yet their effects on the disease are poorly characterised. It is currently unknown whether senolytic drugs, aimed at eliminating senescent cells from lesions, could be beneficial in blocking tumour development.

DESIGN

To uncover the functions of senescent cells and their potential contribution to early pancreatic tumourigenesis, we isolated and characterised senescent cells from PanINs formed in a Kras-driven mouse model, and tested the consequences of their targeted elimination through senolytic treatment.

RESULTS

We found that senescent PanIN cells exert a tumour-promoting effect through expression of a proinflammatory signature that includes high Cox2 levels. Senolytic treatment with the Bcl2-family inhibitor ABT-737 eliminated Cox2-expressing senescent cells, and an intermittent short-duration treatment course dramatically reduced PanIN development and progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal that senescent PanIN cells support tumour growth and progression, and provide a first indication that elimination of senescent cells may be effective as preventive therapy for the progression of precancerous lesions.

Control of Expression of Key Cell Cycle Enzymes Drives Cell Line-Specific Functions of CDK7 in Human PDAC Cells

Inhibition of the dual function cell cycle and transcription kinase CDK7 is known to affect the viability of cancer cells, but the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth control remain poorly understood. Here, we employed a previously developed, highly specific small molecule inhibitor that non-covalently blocks ATP binding to CDK7 (LDC4297) to study the mechanisms underlying cell line-specific growth using a panel of genetically heterogeneous human pancreatic tumor lines as model system. Although LDC4297 diminished both transcription rates and CDK T-loop phosphorylation in a comparable manner, some PDAC lines displayed significantly higher sensitivity than others. We focused our analyses on two well-responsive lines (Mia-Paca2 and Panc89) that, however, showed significant differences in their viability upon extended exposure to limiting LDC4297 concentrations. Biochemical and RNAseq analysis revealed striking differences in gene expression and cell cycle control. Especially the downregulation of a group of cell cycle control genes, among them CDK1/2 and CDC25A/C, correlated well to the observed viability differences in Panc89 versus Mia-Paca2 cells. A parallel downregulation of regulatory pathways supported the hypothesis of a feedforward programmatic effect of CDK7 inhibitors, eventually causing hypersensitivity of PDAC lines.

Inflammatory cell-derived CXCL3 promotes pancreatic cancer metastasis through a novel myofibroblast-hijacked cancer escape mechanism

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal malignancy and lacks effective treatment. We aimed to understand molecular mechanisms of the intertwined interactions between tumour stromal components in metastasis and to provide a new paradigm for PDAC therapy.

DESIGN

Two unselected cohorts of 154 and 20 patients with PDAC were subjected to correlation between interleukin (IL)-33 and CXCL3 levels and survivals. Unbiased expression profiling, and genetic and pharmacological gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches were employed to identify molecular signalling in tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (myoCAFs). The role of the IL-33-ST2-CXCL3-CXCR2 axis in PDAC metastasis was evaluated in three clinically relevant mouse PDAC models.

RESULTS

IL-33 was specifically elevated in human PDACs and positively correlated with tumour inflammation in human patients with PDAC. CXCL3 was highly upregulated in IL-33-stimulated macrophages that were the primary source of CXCL3. CXCL3 was correlated with poor survival in human patients with PDAC. Mechanistically, activation of the IL-33-ST2-MYC pathway attributed to high CXCL3 production. The highest level of CXCL3 was found in PDAC relative to other cancer types and its receptor CXCR2 was almost exclusively expressed in CAFs. Activation of CXCR2 by CXCL3 induced a CAF-to-myoCAF transition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was uniquely upregulated by the CXCL3-CXCR2 signalling. Type III collagen was identified as the CXCL3-CXCR2-targeted adhesive molecule responsible for myoCAF-driven PDAC metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work provides novel mechanistic insights into understanding PDAC metastasis by the TAM-CAF interaction and targeting each of these signalling components would provide an attractive and new paradigm for treating pancreatic cancer.

Impact of G-Quadruplexes and Chronic Inflammation on Genome Instability: Additive Effects during Carcinogenesis

Genome instability is an enabling characteristic of cancer, essential for cancer cell evolution. Hotspots of genome instability, from small-scale point mutations to large-scale structural variants, are associated with sequences that potentially form non-B DNA structures. G-quadruplex (G4) forming motifs are enriched at structural variant endpoints in cancer genomes. Chronic inflammation is a physiological state underlying cancer development, and oxidative DNA damage is commonly invoked to explain how inflammation promotes genome instability. We summarize where G4s and oxidative stress overlap, with a focus on DNA replication. Guanine has low ionization potential, making G4s vulnerable to oxidative damage. Impacts to G4 structure are dependent upon lesion type, location, and G4 conformation. Occasionally, G4s pose a challenge to replicative DNA polymerases, requiring specialized DNA polymerases to maintain genome stability. Therefore, chronic inflammation creates a dual challenge for DNA polymerases to maintain genome stability: faithful G4 synthesis and bypassing unrepaired oxidative lesions. Inflammation is also accompanied by global transcriptome changes that may impact mutagenesis. Several studies suggest a regulatory role for G4s within cancer- and inflammatory-related gene promoters. We discuss the extent to which inflammation could influence gene regulation by G4s, thereby impacting genome instability, and highlight key areas for new investigation.

Cancer and diabetes: the interlinking metabolic pathways and repurposing actions of antidiabetic drugs

Cancers are regarded as one of the main causes of death and result in high health burden worldwide. The management of cancer include chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. The chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemical agents with cytotoxic actions is utilised as a single treatment or combined treatment. However, these managements of cancer such as chemotherapy poses some setbacks such as cytotoxicity on normal cells and the problem of anticancer drug resistance. Therefore, the use of other therapeutic agents such as antidiabetic drugs is one of the alternative interventions used in addressing some of the limitations in the use of anticancer agents. Antidiabetic drugs such as sulfonylureas, biguanides and thiazolidinediones showed beneficial and repurposing actions in the management of cancer, thus, the activities of these drugs against cancer is attributed to some of the metabolic links between the two disorders and these includes hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress as well as obesity. Furthermore, some studies showed that the use of antidiabetic drugs could serve as risk factors for the development of cancerous cells particularly pancreatic cancer. However, the beneficial role of these chemical agents overweighs their detrimental actions in cancer management. Hence, the present review indicates the metabolic links between cancer and diabetes and the mechanistic actions of antidiabetic drugs in the management of cancers.

NAD+ depletion by type I interferon signaling sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to NAMPT inhibition

Emerging evidence suggests that intratumoral interferon (IFN) signaling can trigger targetable vulnerabilities. A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its extensively reprogrammed metabolic network, in which nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its reduced form, NADH, are critical cofactors. Here, we show that IFN signaling, present in a subset of PDAC tumors, substantially lowers NAD(H) levels through up-regulating the expression of NAD-consuming enzymes PARP9, PARP10, and PARP14. Their individual contributions to this mechanism in PDAC have not been previously delineated. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD salvage pathway, a dominant source of NAD in cancer cells. We found that IFN-induced NAD consumption increased dependence upon NAMPT for its role in recycling NAM to salvage NAD pools, thus sensitizing PDAC cells to pharmacologic NAMPT inhibition. Their combination decreased PDAC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and suppressed orthotopic tumor growth and liver metastases in vivo.

Monocyte Infiltration and Differentiation in 3D Multicellular Spheroid Cancer Models

Tumor-associated macrophages often correlate with tumor progression, and therapies targeting immune cells in tumors have emerged as promising treatments. To select effective therapies, we established an in vitro 3D multicellular spheroid model including cancer cells, fibroblasts, and monocytes. We analyzed monocyte infiltration and differentiation in spheroids generated from fibroblasts and either of the cancer cell lines MCF-7, HT-29, PANC-1, or MIA PaCa-2. Monocytes rapidly infiltrated spheroids and differentiated into mature macrophages with diverse phenotypes in a cancer cell line-dependent manner. MIA PaCa-2 spheroids polarized infiltrating monocytes to M2-like macrophages with high CD206 and CD14 expression, whereas monocytes polarized by MCF-7 spheroids displayed an M1-like phenotype. Monocytes in HT-29 and PANC-1 primarily obtained an M2-like phenotype but also showed upregulation of M1 markers. Analysis of the secretion of 43 soluble factors demonstrated that the cytokine profile between spheroid cultures differed considerably depending on the cancer cell line. Secretion of most of the cytokines increased upon the addition of monocytes resulting in a more inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic environment. These multicellular spheroids can be used to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment and the phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages in vitro and provide more realistic 3D cancer models allowing the in vitro screening of immunotherapeutic compounds.

Risk of cancer development in patients with keloids

Keloid is a skin disease characterized by exaggerated scar formation, excessive fibroblast proliferation, and excessive collagen deposition. Cancers commonly arise from a fibrotic microenvironment; e.g., hepatoma arises from liver cirrhosis, and oral cancers arise from submucosal fibrosis. As keloids are a prototypic fibroproliferative disease, this study investigated whether patients with keloids have an increased cancer risk. In a matched, population-based study, first 17,401 patients treated for keloids during 1998–2010 with 69,604 controls without keloids at a ratio of 1:4 were evaluated. The association between keloids and risk of cancer was estimated by logistic regression or Cox proportional hazard regression models after adjustment of covariates. In total, 893 first-time cases of cancer were identified in the 17,401 patients with keloids. The overall cancer risk was 1.49-fold higher in the keloids group compared to controls. Regarding specific cancers, the keloids group, had a significantly higher risk of skin cancer compared to controls (Relative risk = 1.73). The relative risk for skin cancer was even higher for males with keloids (Relative risk = 2.16). Further stratified analyses also revealed a significantly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer in female patients with keloids compared to controls (Relative risk = 2.19) after adjustment for known pancreatic cancer risk factors. This study indicates that patients with keloids have a higher than normal risk for several cancer types, especially skin cancers (both genders) and pancreatic cancer (females). Therefore, patients with keloids should undergo regular skin examinations, and females with keloids should regularly undergo abdominal ultrasonography.

Discovering key transcriptomic regulators in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using Dirichlet process Gaussian mixture model

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal type of pancreatic cancer, late detection leading to its therapeutic failure. This study aims to determine the key regulatory genes and their impacts on the disease’s progression, helping the disease’s etiology, which is still mostly unknown. We leverage the landmark advantages of time-series gene expression data of this disease and thereby identified the key regulators that capture the characteristics of gene activity patterns in the cancer progression. We have identified the key gene modules and predicted the functions of top genes from a reconstructed gene association network (GAN). A variation of the partial correlation method is utilized to analyze the GAN, followed by a gene function prediction task. Moreover, we have identified regulators for each target gene by gene regulatory network inference using the dynamical GENIE3 (dynGENIE3) algorithm. The Dirichlet process Gaussian process mixture model and cubic spline regression model (splineTimeR) are employed to identify the key gene modules and differentially expressed genes, respectively. Our analysis demonstrates a panel of key regulators and gene modules that are crucial for PDAC disease progression.

Therapeutic targeting of pancreatic cancer stem cells by dexamethasone modulation of the MKP-1-JNK axis

Postoperative recurrence from microscopic residual disease must be prevented to cure intractable cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Key to this goal is the elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs) endowed with tumor-initiating capacity and drug resistance. However, current therapeutic strategies capable of accomplishing this are insufficient. Using in vitro models of CSCs and in vivo models of tumor initiation in which CSCs give rise to xenograft tumors, we show that dexamethasone induces expression of MKP-1, a MAPK phosphatase, via glucocorticoid receptor activation, thereby inactivating JNK, which is required for self-renewal and tumor initiation by pancreatic CSCs as well as for their expression of survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein implicated in multidrug resistance. We also demonstrate that systemic administration of clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone together with gemcitabine prevents tumor formation by CSCs in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Our study thus provides preclinical evidence for the efficacy of dexamethasone as an adjuvant therapy to prevent postoperative recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Bidirectional and dynamic interaction between the microbiota and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal malignancies and is known for its high resistance and low response to treatment. Cancer treatments can reshape the microbiota and in turn, the microbiota influences the therapeutic efficacy by regulating immune response and metabolism. This crosstalk is bidirectional, heterogeneous, and dynamic. In this review, we elaborated on the interactions between the microbiota and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Regulating the microbiota in pancreatic tumor microenvironment may not only generate direct anti-cancer but also synergistic effects with other treatments, providing new directions in cancer therapy.

Cannabidiol and Oxygen-Ozone Combination Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Simple Summary

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is related to lifestyle risks, chronic inflammation, and germline mutations. Surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy are the main therapeutic strategies but are less effective in patients with high-grade tumors. Oxygen-ozone (O₂/O₃) therapy is an emerging alternative tool for the treatment of several clinical disorders. The advantages of using cannabinoids have been evaluated in several human cancers. Regarding PC, activation of cannabinoid receptors was found to induce PC cell apoptosis without affecting the normal pancreas cells. Herein, we evaluate the anticancer effect of cannabidiol (CBD) and O₂/O₃, alone or in combination, on two human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2, examining expression profiles of 92 pancreatic adenocarcinoma associated genes, cytotoxicity, migration properties, and cell death. Finally, we assess the combination effects with gemcitabine and paclitaxel. Summarizing, for the first time the antitumoral effect of combined therapy with CBD and oxygen-ozone therapy in PDAC is evidenced.

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is related to lifestyle risks, chronic inflammation, and germline mutations in BRCA1/2, ATM, MLH1, TP53, or CDKN2A. Surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy are the main therapeutic strategies but are less effective in patients with high-grade tumors. Oxygen-ozone (O₂/O₃) therapy is an emerging alternative tool for the treatment of several clinical disorders. O₂/O₃ therapy has been found to ameliorate mechanisms promoting chronic pain and inflammation, including hypoxia, inflammatory mediators, and infection. The advantages of using cannabinoids have been evaluated in vitro and in vivo models of several human cancers. Regarding PDAC, activation of cannabinoid receptors was found to induce pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis without affecting the normal pancreas cells. In a murine model of PDAC, a combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and gemcitabine increased survival length by nearly three times. Herein, we evaluate the anticancer effect of CBD and O₂/O₃, alone or in combination, on two human PDAC cell lines, PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2, examining expression profiles of 92 pancreatic adenocarcinoma associated genes, cytotoxicity, migration properties, and cell death. Finally, we assess the combination effects with gemcitabine and paclitaxel. Summarizing, for the first time the antitumoral effect of combined therapy with CBD and oxygen-ozone therapy in PDAC is evidenced.

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia as a prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) is a common adverse event of chemotherapy. Several reports have suggested that CIN could be an important prognostic factor in chemotherapy of various cancers. However, whether CIN is a prognostic factor in unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC) treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) is unknown. The primary endpoint of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) between patients with severe CIN (grade ≥ 3) and those with absent/mild CIN (grade ≤ 2) in unresectable PC cases treated with GnP as first-line chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data from a computerized database. A total of 290 patients with pathologically confirmed PC treated with GnP as first-line chemotherapy were analyzed (severe CIN: ≥ grade 3, n = 174; absent/mild CIN: ≤ grade 2, n = 116).

RESULTS

The median OS was longer in the severe CIN group than in the absent/mild CIN group (19.2 months vs 11.3 months, respectively; P < 0.001). After adjustment, severe CIN was an independent predictive factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.74; P < 0.001). After adjustment by time-varying covariates, severe CIN was still a significant prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.69-0.91, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present results show that severe CIN is an independent and useful prognostic factor in PC patients treated with GnP.

Updated risk factors to inform early pancreatic cancer screening and identify high risk patients

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with poor clinical outcomes and incomplete responses to conventional therapy. Therefore, there is an unmet clinical need to better understand the predisposing factors for pancreatic cancer in hopes of providing early screening to high-risk patients. While select risk factors such as age, race, and family history, or predisposing syndromes are unavoidable, there are several new and established risk factors that allow for intervention, namely by counseling patients to make the appropriate lifestyle modifications. Here, we discuss the best-studied risk factors for PDAC such as tobacco use and chronic pancreatitis, as well as newly emerging risk factors including select nutritional deficits, bacterial infections, and psychosocial factors. As several of these risk factors appear to be additive or synergistic, by understanding their relationships and offering coordinated, multidisciplinary care to high-risk patients, it may be possible to reduce pancreatic cancer incidence and improve clinical outcomes through early detection.

Men1 maintains exocrine pancreas homeostasis in response to inflammation and oncogenic stress

A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis and cancer, is essential to improve clinical management. MEN1 has established roles in epigenetic regulation and tumor suppression in the endocrine pancreas; however, intriguing recent data suggest MEN1 may also function in the exocrine pancreas. Using physiologically relevant genetic mouse models, we provide direct evidence that Men1 is essential for exocrine pancreas homeostasis in response to inflammation and oncogenic stress. Men1 loss causes increased injury and impaired regeneration following acute caerulein-induced pancreatitis, leading to more severe damage, loss of the normal acinar compartment, and increased cytokeratin 19-positive metaplasias and immune cell infiltration. We further demonstrate the Men1 protein is stabilized in response to insult, and loss of Men1 is associated with the overexpression of proinflammatory Jund target genes, suggesting that loss of Men1-mediated repression of Jund activity is, at least in part, responsible for the impaired response. Finally, we demonstrate that Men1 loss significantly accelerates mutant Kras-dependent oncogenesis. Combined, this work establishes Men1 as an important mediator of pancreas homeostasis in vivo.

Prognostic Value of the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) After Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients with Resected Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), calculated using absolute platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, has recently emerged as a predictor of survival for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) when assessed at diagnosis. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly used in the treatment of PDAC. However, biomarkers of response are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of SII before and after NAT and its association with the pancreatic tumor biomarker carbohydrate-antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9).

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed all PDAC patients treated with NAT before pancreatic resection at a single institution between 2007 and 2017. Pre- and post-NAT lab values were collected to calculate SII. Absolute pre-NAT, post-NAT, and change in SII after NAT were evaluated for their association with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 419 patients and found no significant correlation between pre-NAT SII and clinical outcomes. Elevated post-NAT SII was an independent, negative predictor of overall survival (OS) when assessed as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR], 1.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00003-1.00014; p = 0.006). Patients with a post-NAT SII greater than 900 had a shorter median OS (31.9 vs 26.1 months; p = 0.050), and a post-NAT SII greater than 900 also was an independent negative predictor of OS (HR, 1.369; 95% CI 1.019-1.838; p = 0.037). An 80% reduction in SII independently predicted a CA 19-9 response after NAT (HR, 4.22; 95% CI 1.209-14.750; p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Post-treatment SII may be a useful prognostic marker in PDAC patients receiving NAT.

The Role of Autophagy in Pancreatic Cancer-Recent Advances

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers with a 5-year survival rate of only 9%, despite ongoing efforts to improve treatment. This dismal prognosis is due to the difficulty of early stage diagnosis, drug resistance, and likelihood of metastasis development. It is therefore of great importance to identify appropriate therapeutic targets and gain a greater understanding of PDAC biology. Autophagy is a membrane-mediated degradation and recycling mechanism, which is crucial for cell homeostasis. There is evidence for both a tumor-suppressive and a tumor-promoting role of autophagy in cancer, and this is likely context dependent. Within PDAC, a large body of evidence points towards autophagy being required for tumor survival and metabolism. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the understanding of the role and regulation of autophagy in PDAC.

Early pancreatic cancer in IgG4-related pancreatic mass: A case report

BACKGROUND

IgG4-related disease can manifest diversely, including autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4-related cholangiopathy. We are reporting a very unusual cause of pancreatic cancer triggered in a previously unknown IgG4-related disease.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with a 43 mm × 33 mm pancreatic head tumor after consulting for abdominal pain and jaundice. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was carried out uneventfully, and the histopathology report showed an early stage of acinar-cell pancreatic cancer. The patient reconsulted on the 30^th postoperative day with fever, jaundice and asthenia. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography evidenced an extense bile duct stricture. A percutaneous biliary drainage proved to be ineffective, even after exchanging it with larger bore drainage. Reviewing the surgical specimen, features compatible with IgG4-related disease were observed. Consequently, empiric treatment with steroids was initiated achieving excellent results.

CONCLUSION

IgG4-related disease may cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas and can condition pancreatic malignancies.

PRSS1 genotype is associated with prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The prognostic value of the genotype of the PRSS1 gene in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the PRSS1 genotype and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with PDAC, as well as to explore the prognostic significance of the PRSS1 genotype in patients with PDAC. A total of 124 patients with PDAC patients were included in the current study and the PRSS1 genotype of the enrolled patients was determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Associations between the PRSS1 genotype and clinicopathological characteristics were subsequently analyzed using the Chi-square test. The impact of the PRSS1 genotype on patient prognosis was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and predictive factors of overall survival (OS) time were analyzed by Cox regression. A total of 56 patients with PDAC (45.16%) had the T/C PRSS1 genotype, which was associated with large tumor sizes (P=0.027) and higher tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages (P=0.041). Following a median follow-up of 19 months, the T/C genotype of PRSS1 genotype was associated with a shorter OS time (P=0.037) compared with the C/C or T/T PRSS1 genotypes. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that PRSS1 genotype was identified to be an independent prognostic factor for the OS time of patients with PDAC. The results obtained in the current study suggested that the PRSS1 genotype, as well as factors such as the serum level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and the TNM stage, may act as independent prognostic factors for the OS time of patients with PDAC.

The Predictive Value of the CRP-to-Albumin Ratio for Patients With Pancreatic Cancer After Curative Resection: A Retrospective Single Center Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Prognostic factors like the CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) represent potential predictors for survival of pancreatic cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the prognostic strength of the CAR for overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreatic resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from a total of 202 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who had undergone curative pancreatic resection were subjected to a retrospective review. Overall survival was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used for calculating the prognostic strength of CAR.

RESULTS

CAR was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Elevated CAR was associated with a higher median value of Charlson Index, higher Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) classification and increased carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels.

CONCLUSION

CAR is a useful prognostic factor for the prediction of overall survival for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. The impact of CAR in individual risk assessment should be evaluated in further studies.

The cytokine alterations/abnormalities and oxidative damage in the pancreas during hypertension development

The aim of the present study was to compare the content of cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers in the pancreas of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto Rats (WKYs) serving as controls. Enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods were used to measure pancreatic levels of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β, RANES, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, interferon gamma-induced protein 10, malondialdehyde, and sulfhydryl groups. The results showed that the pancreatic concentrations of all studied cytokines and chemokines did not differ between 5-week-old SHRs and WKYs, except RANTES which was significantly reduced in juvenile SHRs. In 10-week-old animals, except interleukin-1ß, the levels of all these proteins were significantly reduced in SHRs. The pancreatic levels of malondialdehyde were significantly reduced in 5-week-old SHRs and significantly elevated in 10-week-old SHRs while the contents of sulfhydryl groups were similar in both rat strains at any age studied. In conclusion, these data provide evidence that in maturating SHRs, the pancreatic levels of cytokines and chemokines are significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde significantly elevated. This suggests that in the pancreas of mature SHRs, the inflammation process is suppressed but there is ongoing oxidative damage.

Targeting NF-κB signaling pathway in cancer by dietary polyphenols

Being a transcription factor, NF-κB regulates gene expressions involving cell survival and proliferation, drug resistance, metastasis, and angiogenesis. The activation of NF-κB plays a central role in the development of inflammation and cancer. Thus, the down-regulation of NF-κB may be an exciting target in prevention and treatment of cancer. NF-κB could act as a tumor activator or tumor suppressant decided by the site of action (organ). Polyphenols are widely distributed in plant species, consumption of which have been documented to negatively regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway. They depress the phosphorylation of kinases, inhibit NF-κB translocate into the nucleus as well as interfere interactions between NF-κB and DNA. Through inhibition of NF-κB, polyphenols downregulate inflammatory cascade, induce apoptosis and decrease cell proliferation and metastasis. This review highlights the anticancer effects of polyphenols on the basis of NF-κB signaling pathway regulation.

Clinical significance and prospective molecular mechanism of C‑C motif chemokine receptors in patients with early‑stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy

The present study aimed to determine the clinical significance and potential molecular mechanisms of C‑C motif chemokine receptor (CCR) genes in patients with early‑stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The transcriptomic, survival and clinical data of 112 patients with early‑stage PDAC who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The prognostic values of the CCR genes involved in early‑stage PDAC were evaluated using Kaplan‑Meier analysis and the multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model, and the potential molecular mechanisms were determined using bioinformatics tools. The identified CCRs closely interacted with each other at both the gene and protein levels. High expression levels of CCR5 [adjusted P=0.012; adjusted hazard ration (HR)=0.478, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.269‑0.852], CCR6 (adjusted P=0.026; adjusted HR=0.527, 95% CI=0.299‑0.927) and CCR9 (adjusted P=0.001; adjusted HR=0.374, 95% CI=0.209‑0.670) were significantly associated with longer overall survival times in patients with early‑stage PDAC. The contribution of CCR5, CCR6 and CCR9 to the outcome of early‑stage PDAC was also demonstrated. Combined survival analysis of CCR5, CCR6 and CCR9 suggested that patients with high expression levels of these CCRs exhibited the most favorable outcomes. A prognostic signature was constructed in terms of the expression level of CC5, CCR6 and CCR9, and time‑dependent receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that this signature was able to effectively predict the outcome of patients with early‑stage PDAC. The potential molecular mechanisms of CCR5, CC6 and CCR9 in PDAC include its intersection of the P53, nuclear factor (NF)‑κB, generic transcription, mitogen‑activated protein kinase and STAT signaling pathways. Collectively, this highlights that CCR5, CCR6 and CCR9 are potential prognostic biomarkers for early‑stage PDAC.

Long non-coding RNA LINC01207 silencing suppresses AGR2 expression to facilitate autophagy and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by sponging miR-143-5p

Pancreatic cancer is a serious malignancy accompanied by a well-documented poor prognosis. Accumulating studies have indicated the crucial roles played by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of lncRNA LINC01207 in autophagy and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells and its regulatory mechanism interacting with miR-143-5p. Initially, expression profiles of lncRNAs and genes associated with pancreatic cancer were identified. The expression patterns of LINC01207, miR-143-5p and AGR2 in both pancreatic cancer and adjacent tissues were then determined. The binding relationship of LINC01207 to miR-143-5p and targeting relationship of miR-143-5p to AGR2 were subsequently verified. Silencing of LINC01207, or up-regulation or down-regulation of miR-143-5p was introduced into the pancreatic cancer cells, so as to analyze their effects on the cell growth, apoptosis and autophagy. Besides, these regulatory effects were further explored with the determination of the autophagy- and apoptosis-related gene or proteins. LINC01207 and AGR2 were highly expressed while miR-143-5p was poorly expressed in pancreatic cancer. Functionally, LINC01207 can bind to miR-143-5p, and AGR2 was a target gene of miR-143-5p. Importantly, silencing of LINC01207 down-regulated the expression of AGR2 by up-regulating miR-143-5p. Moreover, silencing of LINC01207 and up-regulation of miR-143-5p promoted cell apoptosis and autophagy, corresponding to increased expression of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins, in addition to inhibited cell growth. Taken together, silencing of LINC01207 prevents the progression of pancreatic cancer by impairing miR-143-5p-targeted AGR2 expression, providing a potential target for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Identification of MRP4/ABCC4 as a Target for Reducing the Proliferation of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells by Modulating the cAMP Efflux

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of tumors with no effective therapy available; is currently the third leading cause of cancer in developed countries; and is predicted to become the second deadliest cancer in the United States by 2030. Due to the marginal benefits of current standard chemotherapy, the identification of new therapeutic targets is greatly required. Considering that cAMP pathway is commonly activated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its premalignant lesions, we aim to investigate the multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4)-dependent cAMP extrusion process as a cause of increased cell proliferation in human PDAC cell lines. Our results from in silico analysis indicate that MRP4 expression may influence PDAC patient outcome; thus, high MRP4 levels could be indicators of poor survival. In addition, we performed in vitro experiments and identified an association between higher MRP4 expression levels and more undifferentiated and malignant models of PDAC and cAMP extrusion capacity. We studied the antiproliferative effect and the overall cAMP response of three MRP4 inhibitors, probenecid, MK571, and ceefourin-1 in PDAC in vitro models. Moreover, MRP4-specific silencing in PANC-1 cells reduced cell proliferation (P < 0.05), whereas MRP4 overexpression in BxPC-3 cells significantly incremented their growth rate in culture (P < 0.05). MRP4 pharmacological inhibition or silencing abrogated cell proliferation through the activation of the cAMP/Epac/Rap1 signaling pathway. Also, extracellular cAMP reverted the antiproliferative effect of MRP4 blockade. Our data highlight the MRP4-dependent cAMP extrusion process as a key participant in cell proliferation, indicating that MRP4 could be an exploitable therapeutic target for PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: ABCC4/MRP4 is the main transporter responsible for cAMP efflux. In this work, we show that MRP4 expression may influence PDAC patient outcome and identify an association between higher MRP4 expression levels and more undifferentiated and malignant in vitro models of PDAC. Findings prove the involvement of MRP4 in PDAC cell proliferation through a novel extracellular cAMP mitogenic pathway and further support MRP4 inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for PDAC treatment.

The platelet NLRP3 inflammasome is upregulated in a murine model of pancreatic cancer and promotes platelet aggregation and tumor growth

Platelets are activated in solid cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a highly aggressive malignancy with a devastating prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The mechanisms by which activated platelets regulate tumor progression are poorly understood. The nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key inflammatory mechanism recently identified in platelets, which controls platelet activation and aggregation. In an orthotopic PDA mouse model involving surgical implantation of Panc02 murine cancer cells into the tail of the pancreas, we show that the NLRP3 inflammasome in circulating platelets is upregulated in pancreatic cancer. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of NLRP3 in platelets resulted in decreased platelet activation, platelet aggregation, and tumor progression. Moreover, interfering with platelet NLRP3 signaling significantly improved survival of tumor-bearing mice. Hence, the platelet NLRP3 inflammasome plays a critical role in PDA and might represent a novel therapeutic target.

Pancreatic cancer and autoimmune diseases: An association sustained by computational and epidemiological case-control approaches

Deciphering the underlying genetic basis behind pancreatic cancer (PC) and its associated multimorbidities will enhance our knowledge toward PC control. The study investigated the common genetic background of PC and different morbidities through a computational approach and further evaluated the less explored association between PC and autoimmune diseases (AIDs) through an epidemiological analysis. Gene-disease associations (GDAs) of 26 morbidities of interest and PC were obtained using the DisGeNET public discovery platform. The association between AIDs and PC pointed by the computational analysis was confirmed through multivariable logistic regression models in the PanGen European case-control study population of 1,705 PC cases and 1,084 controls. Fifteen morbidities shared at least one gene with PC in the DisGeNET database. Based on common genes, several AIDs were genetically associated with PC pointing to a potential link between them. An epidemiologic analysis confirmed that having any of the nine AIDs studied was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PC (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.93) which decreased in subjects having ≥2 AIDs (OR = 0.39, 95%CI 0.21-0.73). In independent analyses, polymyalgia rheumatica, and rheumatoid arthritis were significantly associated with low PC risk (OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.19-0.89, and OR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.53-1.00, respectively). Several inflammatory-related morbidities shared a common genetic component with PC based on public databases. These molecular links could shed light into the molecular mechanisms underlying PC development and simultaneously generate novel hypotheses. In our study, we report sound findings pointing to an association between AIDs and a reduced risk of PC.

The IL-1/IL-1 receptor axis and tumor cell released inflammasome adaptor ASC are key regulators of TSLP secretion by cancer associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

The thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a key cytokine for development of Th2 immunity, is produced by cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic cancer where predominant tumor infiltrating Th2 over Th1 cells correlates with reduced patients' survival. Which cells and molecules are mostly relevant in driving TSLP secretion by CAFs in pancreatic cancer is not defined.

METHODS

We performed in vitro, in vivo and ex-vivo analyses. For in vitro studies we used pancreatic cancer cell lines, primary CAFs cultures, and THP1 cells. TSLP secretion by CAFs was used as a read-out system to identify in vitro relevant tumor-derived inflammatory cytokines and molecules. For in vivo studies human pancreatic cancer cells and CAFs were orthotopically injected in immunodeficient mice. For ex-vivo studies immunohistochemistry was performed to detect ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain) expression in surgical samples. Bioinformatics was applied to interrogate published data sets.

RESULTS

We show in vitro that IL-1α and IL-1β released by pancreatic cancer cells and tumor cell-conditioned macrophages are crucial for TSLP secretion by CAFs. Treatment of immunodeficient mice orthotopically injected with human IL-1 positive pancreatic cancer cells plus CAFs using the IL-1R antagonist anakinra significantly reduced TSLP expression in the tumor. Importantly, we found that pancreatic cancer cells release alarmins, among which ASC, able to induce IL-1β secretion in macrophages. The relevance of ASC was confirmed ex-vivo by its expression in both tumor cells and tumor associated macrophages in pancreatic cancer surgical samples and survival data analyses showing statistically significant inverse correlation between ASC expression and survival in pancreatic cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that tumor released IL-1α and IL-1β and ASC are key regulators of TSLP secretion by CAFs and their targeting should ultimately dampen Th2 inflammation and improve overall survival in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer chemo-resistance is driven by tumor phenotype rather than tumor genotype

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. A major reason for this situation is the fact that these tumors are already resistant or become rapidly resistant to all conventional therapies. Like any transformation process, initiation and development of PDCA are driven by a well known panel of genetic alterations, few of them are shared with most cancers, but many mutations are specific to PDAC and are partially responsible for the great inter-tumor heterogeneity. Importantly, this knowledge has been inefficient in predicting response to anticancer therapy, or in establishing diagnosis and prognosis. Hence, the pre-existing or rapidly acquired resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to therapeutic drugs rely on other parameters and features developed by the cells and/or the micro-environment, that are independent of their genetic profiles. This review sheds light on all major phenotypic, non genetic, alterations known to play important roles in PDAC cells resistance to treatments and therapeutic escape.

Upregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor promotes tumor metastasis and correlates with poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that serves important roles in cancer. MIF overexpression is frequently observed in numerous human cancer types, including pancreatic carcinoma. However, the prognostic value and function of MIF in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, upregulation of MIF expression in PDAC tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue was observed. Furthermore, MIF overexpression was identified to be significantly associated with poor survival rates in patients with PDAC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that MIF was an independent risk factor for poor survival. Functional analyses demonstrated that MIF knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro compared with control cells. IN addition, mechanistic investigations revealed that silencing MIF leads to inhibition of AKT serine/threonine kinase and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase activation, and suppression of cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression, which may suppress tumor proliferation and invasion. These results highlight the importance of MIF overexpression in PDAC aggressiveness, and indicate that MIF may be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.