Anti-carcinogenic effects of exercise-conditioned human serum: evidence, relevance and opportunities

Functional assays reflective of cancer hallmarks in BT-549 cells are not impacted by media supplemented with exercise-trained plasma

Media supplemented with sera from acutely exercised men has been shown to have 'anti-cancer' effects on prostate and breast cancer cell lines. This study investigated whether media supplemented with plasma samples taken at rest (≥30 h since the most recent exercise session) from men who were endurance-trained (END), strength-trained (STR) or recreationally active controls (CON) impacted the results of four assays that mimic hallmarks of cancer (proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix invasion and anoikis resistance) in the BT-549 breast cancer cell line. Compared to control conditions of either serum-free media or fetal bovine serum as appropriate, BT-549 cells cultured with plasma-supplemented media regardless of group resulted in greater cell proliferation (∼20-50%) and cell migration (∼15-20%), and lower extracellular matrix invasion (∼10-20%) and anoikis resistance (∼15-20%). Supplementing media with plasma from END or STR did not impact any outcomes of these assays compared to plasma from CON. Media supplemented with human plasma can impact functional assays reflective of cancer hallmarks in BT-549 cells, but effects of exercise on proliferation, migration, extracellular matrix invasion and anoikis resistance were not evident in resting blood samples of individuals with a prior history of exercise training.

A home-based lifestyle intervention program reduces the tumorigenic potential of triple-negative breast cancer cells

Translational research for the evaluation of physical activity habits and lifestyle modifications based on nutrition and exercise has recently gained attention. In this study, we evaluated the effects of serum samples obtained before and after a 12-week home-based lifestyle intervention based on nutrition and exercise in breast cancer survivors in terms of modulation of the tumorigenic potential of breast cancer cells. The home-based lifestyle intervention proposed in this work consisted of educational counselling on exercise and nutritional behaviors and in 12 weeks of structured home-based exercise. Triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured in semi-solid medium (3D culture) with sera collected before (PRE) and after (POST) the lifestyle intervention program. Spheroid formation was evaluated by counting cell colonies after 3 weeks of incubation. Results show a slight but significant reduction of spheroid formation induced by serum collected POST in comparison to those obtained PRE. Moreover, statistical analyses aimed to find physiologic and metabolic parameters associated with 3D cell proliferation revealed the proliferative inducer IGF-1 as the only predictor of cell tumorigenic potential. These results highlight the importance of lifestyle changes for cancer progression control in a tertiary prevention context. Translational research could offer a useful tool to identify metabolic and physiological changes induced by exercise and nutritional behaviors associated with cancer progression and recurrence risk.

Somatic Mutations in Latin American Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Somatic mutations may be connected to the exposome, potentially playing a role in breast cancer's development and clinical outcomes. There needs to be information regarding Latin American women specifically, as they are underrepresented in clinical trials and have limited access to somatic analysis in their countries. This study aims to systematically investigate somatic mutations in breast cancer patients from Latin America to gain a better understanding of tumor biology in the region. (2) Methods: We realize a systematic review of studies on breast cancer in 21 Latin American countries using various databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, RedAlyc, Dianlet, and Biblioteca Virtual en Salud. Of 392 articles that fit the criteria, 10 studies have clinical data which can be used to create a database containing clinical and genetic information. We compared mutation frequencies across different breast cancer subtypes using statistical analyses and meta-analyses of proportions. Furthermore, we identified overexpressed biological processes and canonical pathways through functional enrichment analysis. (3) Results: 342 mutations were found in six Latin American countries, with the TP53 and PIK3CA genes being the most studied mutations. The most common PIK3CA mutation was H1047R. Functional analysis provided insights into tumor biology and potential therapies. (4) Conclusion: evaluating specific somatic mutations in the Latin American population is crucial for understanding tumor biology and determining appropriate treatment options. Combining targeted therapies may improve clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Moreover, implementing healthy lifestyle strategies in Latin America could enhance therapy effectiveness and clinical outcomes.

One bout of endurance exercise does not change gene expression or proliferation in a C26 colon carcinoma in immunocompetent mice

PURPOSE

Exercise typically reduces tumour growth, proliferation and improves outcomes. Many of these effects require exercise to change gene expression within a tumour, but whether exercise  actually affects gene expression within a tumour has not been investigated yet. The aim of this study was, therefore, to find out whether one bout of endurance exercise alters gene expression and proliferation in a C26 carcinoma in immunocompetent mice.

METHODS

BALB/c were injected with C26 colon carcinoma cells. Once the tumours had formed, the mice either ran for 65 min with increasing intensity or rested before the tumour was dissected. The tumours were then analysed by RNA-Seq and stained for the proliferation marker KI67.

RESULTS

One bout of running for 65 min did not systematically change gene expression in C26 carcinomas of BALB/c mice when compared to BALB/c mice that were rested. However, when analysed for sex, the expression of 17, mostly skeletal muscle-related genes was higher in the samples of the female mice taken post-exercise. Further histological analysis showed that this signal likely comes from the presence of muscle fibres from the panniculus carnosus muscle inside the tumours. Also, we found no differences in the positivity for the proliferation marker KI67 in the control and exercise C26 carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

A bout of exercise did not systematically affect gene expression or proliferation in C26 carcinomas in immunocompetent BALB/c mice.

The exercise IL-6 enigma in cancer

Interleukin (IL)-6 elicits both anticancer and procancer effects depending on the context, which we have termed the 'exercise IL-6 enigma'. IL-6 is released from skeletal muscles during exercise to regulate short-term energy availability. Exercise-induced IL-6 provokes biological effects that may protect against cancer by improving insulin sensitivity, stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, mobilising immune cells, and reducing DNA damage in early malignant cells. By contrast, IL-6 continuously produced by leukocytes in inflammatory sites drives tumorigenesis by promoting chronic inflammation and activating tumour-promoting signalling pathways. How can a molecule have such opposing effects on cancer? Here, we review the roles of IL-6 in chronic inflammation, tumorigenesis, and exercise-associated cancer prevention and define the factors that underpin the exercise IL-6 enigma.

What is the optimal type and dose of physical activity for colorectal cancer prevention?

Epidemiological evidence shows that higher levels of physical activity reduce the relative risk of colon cancer by up to 20%. To design optimal physical activity interventions for primary prevention, it is important to understand how the specific characteristics of physical activity (type, intensity, overall volume) influence the magnitude of colon cancer risk reduction. Improving our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms will also help to manipulate physical activity characteristics to precisely target mechanisms of action and identify populations most likely to benefit. This review synthesizes the best available evidence to explore how the type and dose of physical activity moderate the protective effect of physical activity on colon cancer.

The effects of acute exercise and inflammation on immune function in early-stage prostate cancer

Background

Patients and methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical trial number

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Exercise mobilizes NK, CD8 T and NKT-like cells in patients with prostate cancer.

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Immune cells exhibit mature and cytotoxic phenotype during high-intensity exercise.

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NK cytotoxic activity against K562 and LNCaP but not PC3 increases with exercise.

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Markers of inflammation inversely correlate with exercise-enhanced immune function.

Potential Anticarcinogenic Effects From Plasma of Older Adults After Exercise Training: An Exploratory Study

Aim: To evaluate the impact of exercise training plasma on in vitro prostate cancer cell viability and proliferation.

Methods: PC3 prostate cancer cells were incubated with plasma obtained from young men with high and low physical fitness (PF) (high PF, n = 5; low PF, n = 5) and with the plasma collected from institutionalized older adults (n = 8) before and after multimodal exercise training. Cell viability and proliferation, mitochondria membrane polarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and apoptosis were evaluated after the cell treatment with plasma. Systemic cytokines were evaluated in the plasma of institutionalized older adults submitted to an exercise training protocol.

Results: Plasma from high-PF men lowers both cell viability and proliferation after the incubation time. PC3 cells also presented lower cell viability and diminished rates of cell proliferation after the incubation with post-training plasma samples of the older adults. The incubation of PC3 cells with post-training plasma of older adults depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Post-training plasma did not change apoptosis or necrosis rates in the PC3 cell line. Multimodal exercise training increased the plasma levels of IL-2, IL-10, IFN-α, and FGF-1 and decreased TNF-α concentrations in institutionalized older adults.

Conclusion: Adaptations in blood factors of institutionalized older adults may alter cell viability and proliferation by targeting mitochondrial ROS in a prostate cancer cell line.

Muscle-to-tumor crosstalk: The effect of exercise-induced myokine on cancer progression

Physical exercise has gradually become a focus in cancer treatment due to its pronounced role in reducing cancer risk, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and improving prognosis. In recent decades, skeletal muscles have been considered endocrine organs, exerting their biological functions via the endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine systems by secreting various types of myokines. The amount of myokines secreted varies depending on the intensity, type, and duration of exercise. Recent studies have shown that muscle-derived myokines are highly involved the effects of exercise on cancer. Multiple myokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), oncostatin M (OSM), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and irisin, directly mediate cancer progression by influencing the proliferation, apoptosis, stemness, drug resistance, metabolic reprogramming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of cancer cells. In addition, IL-6, interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-15 (IL-15), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and irisin can improve obesity-induced inflammation by stimulating lipolysis of adipose tissues, promoting glucose uptake, and accelerating the browning of white fat. Furthermore, some myokines could regulate the tumor microenvironment, such as angiogenesis and the immune microenvironment. Cancer cachexia occurs in up to 80% of cancer patients and is responsible for 22%-30% of patient deaths. It is characterized by systemic inflammation and decreased muscle mass. Exercise-induced myokine production is important in regulating cancer cachexia. This review summarizes the roles and underlying mechanisms of myokines, such as IL-6, myostatin, IL-15, irisin, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and musclin, in cancer cachexia. Through comprehensive analysis, we conclude that myokines are potential targets for inhibiting cancer progression and the associated cachexia.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome and the Potential Benefits of Exercise

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 syndrome is one of those challenges, having become increasingly common as the pandemic evolves. The latest estimates suggest that 10 to 20% of the SARS-CoV-2 patients who undergo an acute symptomatic phase are experiencing effects of the disease beyond 12 weeks after diagnosis. Although research is beginning to examine this new condition, there are still serious concerns about the diagnostic identification, which limits the best therapeutic approach. Exercise programs and physical activity levels are well-known modulators of the clinical manifestations and prognosis in many chronic diseases. This narrative review summarizes the up-to-date evidence on post-COVID-19 syndrome to contribute to a better knowledge of the disease and explains how regular exercise may improve many of these symptoms and could reduce the long-term effects of COVID-19.