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Ploeg EM, Samplonius DF, Xiong X, Ke X, Hendriks MAJM, Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Zhang H, Helfrich W. Bispecific antibody CD73xEGFR more selectively inhibits the CD73/adenosine immune checkpoint on cancer cells and concurrently counteracts pro-oncogenic activities of CD73 and EGFR. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006837. [PMID: 37734877 PMCID: PMC10514638 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD73 is an ecto-enzyme that is involved in the conversion of pro-inflammatory extracellular ATP (eATP) excreted by cancer cells under stress to anti-inflammatory adenosine (ADO). A broad variety of solid cancer types was shown to exploit CD73 overexpression as a suppressive immune checkpoint. Consequently, CD73-antagonistic antibodies, most notably oleclumab, are currently evaluated in several multicenter trials for clinical applicability. However, the efficacy of conventional monospecific CD73-inhibiting antibodies may be limited due to on-target/off-tumor binding to CD73 on normal cells. Therefore, a novel approach that more selectively directs CD73 immune checkpoint inhibition towards cancer cells is warranted. METHODS To address this issue, we constructed a novel tetravalent bispecific antibody (bsAb), designated bsAb CD73xEGFR. Subsequently, the anticancer activities of bsAb CD73xEGFR were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo tumor models. RESULTS In vitro treatment of various carcinoma cell types with bsAb CD73xEGFR potently inhibited the enzyme activity of CD73 (~71%) in an EGFR-directed manner. In this process, bsAb CD73xEGFR induced rapid internalization of antigen/antibody complexes, which resulted in a prolonged concurrent displacement of both CD73 and EGFR from the cancer cell surface. In addition, bsAb CD73xEGFR sensitized cancer to the cytotoxic activity of various chemotherapeutic agents and potently inhibited the proliferative/migratory capacity (~40%) of cancer cells. Unexpectedly, we uncovered that treatment of carcinoma cells with oleclumab appeared to enhance several pro-oncogenic features, including upregulation and phosphorylation of EGFR, tumor cell proliferation (~20%), and resistance towards cytotoxic agents and ionizing radiation (~39%). Importantly, in a tumor model using immunocompetent BALB/c mice inoculated with syngeneic CD73pos/EGFRpos CT26 cancer cells, treatment with bsAb CD73xEGFR outperformed oleclumab (65% vs 31% tumor volume reduction). Compared with oleclumab, treatment with bsAb CD73xEGFR enhanced the intratumoral presence of CD8pos T cells and M1 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS BsAb CD73xEGFR outperforms oleclumab as it inhibits the CD73/ADO immune checkpoint in an EGFR-directed manner and concurrently counteracts several oncogenic activities of EGFR and CD73. Therefore, bsAb CD73xEGFR may be of significant clinical potential for various forms of difficult-to-treat solid cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Maria Ploeg
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe Freerk Samplonius
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiao Xiong
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Faculty of Medical Science and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiurong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Isabel Britsch
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Paulien van Wijngaarden
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Precision Cancer Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Minister of Education Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Ploeg EM, Britsch I, van Wijngaarden AP, Ke X, Hendriks MAJM, Samplonius DF, Helfrich W. A Novel Bispecific Antibody for EpCAM-Directed Inhibition of the CD73/Adenosine Immune Checkpoint in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3651. [PMID: 37509310 PMCID: PMC10378099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1-inhibiting antibodies have shown disappointing efficacy in patients with refractory ovarian cancer (OC). Apparently, OC cells exploit nonoverlapping immunosuppressive mechanisms to evade the immune system. In this respect, the CD73-adenosine inhibitory immune checkpoint is of particular interest, as it rapidly converts pro-inflammatory ATP released from cancer cells to immunosuppressive adenosine (ADO). Moreover, cancer-cell-produced ADO is known to form a highly immunosuppressive extra-tumoral 'halo' that chronically inhibits the anticancer activity of various immune effector cells. Thus far, conventional CD73-blocking antibodies such as oleclumab show limited clinical efficacy, probably due to the fact that it indiscriminately binds to and blocks CD73 on a massive surplus of normal cells. To address this issue, we constructed a novel bispecific antibody (bsAb) CD73xEpCAM that inhibits CD73 expressed on the OC cell surface in an EpCAM-directed manner. Importantly, bsAb CD73xEpCAM showed potent capacity to inhibit the CD73 enzyme activity in an EpCAM-directed manner and restore the cytotoxic activity of ADO-suppressed anticancer T cells. Additionally, treatment with bsAb CD73xEpCAM potently inhibited the proliferative capacity of OC cells and enhanced their sensitivity to cisplatin, doxorubicin, 5FU, and ionizing radiation. BsAb CD73xEpCAM may be useful in the development of tumor-directed immunotherapeutic approaches to overcome the CD73-mediated immunosuppression in patients with refractory OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Maria Ploeg
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Isabel Britsch
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Paulien van Wijngaarden
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiurong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Alexander Johannes Martinus Hendriks
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe Freerk Samplonius
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Iser IC, Vedovatto S, Oliveira FD, Beckenkamp LR, Lenz G, Wink MR. The crossroads of adenosinergic pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:202-213. [PMID: 35779713 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key mechanism related to tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, resistance to therapy and poor prognosis in several types of cancer. However, targeting EMT or partial-EMT, as well as the molecules involved in this process, has remained a challenge. Recently, the CD73 enzyme, which hydrolyzes AMP to produce adenosine (ADO), has been linked to the EMT process. This relationship is not only due to the production of the immunosuppressant ADO but also to its role as a receptor for extracellular matrix proteins, being involved in cell adhesion and migration. This article reviews the crosstalk between the adenosinergic pathway and the EMT program and the impact of this interrelation on cancer development and progression. An in silico analysis of RNAseq datasets showed that several tumor types have a significant correlation between an EMT score and NT5E (CD73) and ENTPD1 (CD39) expressions, with the strongest correlations in prostate adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, it is evident that the cooperation between EMT and adenosinergic pathway in tumor progression is context and tumor-dependent. The increased knowledge about this topic will help broaden the view to explore new treatments and therapies for different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Cristiana Iser
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Samlai Vedovatto
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Dittrich Oliveira
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liziane Raquel Beckenkamp
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guido Lenz
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Márcia Rosângela Wink
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Tamura K, Miyato H, Kanamaru R, Sadatomo A, Takahashi K, Ohzawa H, Koyanagi T, Saga Y, Takei Y, Fujiwara H, Lefor AK, Sata N, Kitayama J. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) reduce the diffusion of doxorubicin which may attenuate its ability to induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09730. [PMID: 35756123 PMCID: PMC9218137 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are present in various tumors, their roles in tumor biology have not been clarified yet. In this study, we examined how NETs affect the pharmacokinetics and effects of doxorubicin (DOX). Methods NETs were generated by neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DOX was added to NETs and their distribution was observed under fluorescein microscopy, and the diffusion of DOX through 3 μM pores from lower to upper chambers was evaluated with a fluorescence-based assay. Ovarian cancer cells, KOC-2S and SKOV3, were embedded in collagen gel droplets and cultured in 3D way and their apoptosis was examined with flow cytometry. Results DOX was mostly co-localized with NETs. The transfer of DOX to upper chambers increased over time, which was significantly decreased by the presence of neutrophils stimulated with PMA or LPS in the lower chamber. DOX outside of the gel increased the rates of annexin V (+) apoptotic cells, which were significantly reduced by the addition of LPS-stimulated neutrophils in media both in KOC-2S and SKOV3. The reduced diffusion and apoptosis were mostly restored by the destruction of the NETs structure with 1000 u/ml DNAse I. Conclusion NETs efficiently trap and inhibit the diffusion of DOX which may attenuate its ability to induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Degradation of NETs with DNAse I may augment the response of ovarian cancer to DOX. Doxorubicin is efficiently trapped by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs suppress diffusion of doxorubicin through micro-pores and infiltration into resected tumor. NETs suppress doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of tumor cells in 3-D culture. DNAse may augment the effect of anti-cancer drugs by modulating pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideyo Miyato
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Rihito Kanamaru
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Ai Sadatomo
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ohzawa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Takahiro Koyanagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yasushi Saga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yuji Takei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | | | - Naohiro Sata
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Joji Kitayama
- Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Center for Clinical Research, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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Dietrich F, Cappellari AR, Filippi-Chiela EC, de Paula PB, de Souza JB, Agatti SW, Andrejew R, Roesler R, Morrone FB, Battastini AMO. High P2X6 receptor expression in human bladder cancer predicts good survival prognosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2047-2057. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Adami BS, Diz FM, Oliveira Gonçalves GP, Reghelin CK, Scherer M, Dutra AP, Papaléo RM, de Oliveira JR, Morrone FB, Wieck A, Xavier LL. Morphological and mechanical changes induced by quercetin in human T24 bladder cancer cells. Micron 2021; 151:103152. [PMID: 34607251 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a great variety of foods such as vegetables and fruits. This compound has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of various types of cancer cells, as well as the growth of tumors in animal models. In the present study, we analyze morphological and mechanical changes produced by quercetin in T24 bladder cancer cells. Decreased cell viability and cell number were observed following quercetin treatment at 40 μM and 60 μM, respectively, as observed by the MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion test, supporting the hypothesis of quercetin anticancer effect. These assays also allowed us to determine the 40, 60, and 80 μM quercetin concentrations for the following analyses, Lactate Dehydrogenase assay (LDH); Nuclear Morphometric Analysis (NMA); and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The LDH assay showed no cytotoxic effect of quercetin on T24 cancer cells. The AFM showed morphological changes following quercetin treatment, namely decreased cell body, cytoplasmic retraction, and membrane condensation. Following quercetin treatment, the NMA evidenced an increased percentage of nuclei characteristic to the apoptotic and senescence processes. Cells also presented biophysical alterations consistent with cell death by apoptosis, as increased roughness and aggregation of membrane proteins, in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular elasticity, obtained through force curves, showed increased stiffness after quercetin treatment. Data presented herein demonstrate, for the first time, in a quantitative and qualitative form, the morphological and mechanical alterations induced by quercetin on bladder cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Silveira Adami
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando Mendonça Diz
- Pós-Graduação em Engenharia e Tecnologia de Materiais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia Aplicada, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Petry Oliveira Gonçalves
- Laboratório Central de Microscopia e Microanálise (LabCeMM), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Camille Kirinus Reghelin
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Scherer
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Artur Pereira Dutra
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Aplicada, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Meurer Papaléo
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Nanociências e Micro-Nanotecnologia - NanoPUCRS, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Jarbas Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bueno Morrone
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Aplicada, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andrea Wieck
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil; Laboratório Central de Microscopia e Microanálise (LabCeMM), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP: 90619-900, Brazil
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AMP hydrolysis reduction in blood plasma of breast cancer elderly patients after different treatments. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3719-3727. [PMID: 34089473 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adenine nucleotides are important signaling molecules that mediate biological functions in many conditions, including cancer. The enzymes CD39 and CD73 produce adenosine in the extracellular milieu that has a very important role in tumor development. This study aimed to evaluate nucleotide hydrolysis in the plasma blood of breast cancer elderly patients. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the ectonucleotidases activity in breast cancer elderly patients, at the moment of diagnosis and after treatment. Control group consisted of elderly women without cancer diagnostic. The nucleotide hydrolysis assay was performed by the malachite green method and used ATP, ADP, or AMP as substrates. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used. Our data showed that breast cancer patients presented high levels of ATP and AMP hydrolyses when compared to control group at the moment of diagnosis. When analyzing the differences between the samples at the time of diagnostic and 6 months after treatment, we observed a significant reduction on CD73 activity after all treatments used: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy. The results with APCP, a specific CD73 inhibitor, showed that the AMP hydrolysis was inhibited in all conditions evaluated. We observed a diminished ADPase activity in the patients without metastasis when compared to metastatic breast cancer patients. The results showed that AMP hydrolysis was reduced in the blood plasma of breast cancer elderly patients after different treatments. This study strengthens the potential role of CD73 enzyme as a biomarker for breast cancer treatment response.
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Iser IC, de Andrade Mello P, Davies S, de Souza Santos JF, Pilger DA, Buffon A, Bertoni APS, Wink MR. A three-dimensional microenvironment alters CD73 expression in cervical cancer. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:780-790. [PMID: 34031899 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Stem-like cells (CSCs) have a tumour-initiating capacity and play critical role in tumour metastasis, relapse and resistance to therapy. The ectoenzyme CD73, encoded by the NT5E gene, which catalyses the hydrolysis of AMP into adenosine, has been associated to an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, tumour cell adhesion and migration. Therefore, we investigated the expression and activity of CD73 in sphere-forming cells from cervical cancer in comparison to monolayer cells in vitro. In addition, in silico analysis was performed to determine the expression of CD73 and other members of purinergic signalling in CSC-like population derived from different tumour types in comparison to monolayer cells. CD73 protein expression levels and functionality in SiHa cells were analysed by flow cytometry and enzymatic assay, respectively. In silico investigation was performed through the analysis of seven datasets from different tumour types using GEO database. In vitro analysis showed a decreased CD73 protein expression and enzymatic activity in cervical spheres, when compared to monolayers. In addition, when sphere-derived cells are re-plated as monolayer culture, the CD73 expression and activity are restored. Supporting the in vitro results, in silico analysis showed that three-dimensional spheres derived from cervical, thyroid and breast cancer presented decreased expression of CD73, when compared to their adherent counterparts. The decreased expression of CD73 in sphere-derived cells or CSC-enriched population reinforce its important role in cell adhesion, tumour spreading ability and metastasis, suggesting CD73 as potential target to be further investigated in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Cristiana Iser
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde and Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paola de Andrade Mello
- Departments of Medicine and Anesthesia, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School (HMS), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel Davies
- Laboratório de Análises Bioquímicas e Citológicas, Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Fraga de Souza Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde and Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diogo André Pilger
- Laboratório de Análises Bioquímicas e Citológicas, Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Andreia Buffon
- Laboratório de Análises Bioquímicas e Citológicas, Departamento de Análises, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Santin Bertoni
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde and Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcia Rosângela Wink
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde and Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Enhanced migration of breast and lung cancer cells deficient for cN-II and CD73 via COX-2/PGE2/AKT axis regulation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 44:151-165. [PMID: 32970317 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Purine metabolism involves various intracellular and extracellular enzymes, including cN-II and CD73 that dephosphorylate intracellular and extracellular nucleoside monophosphates into their corresponding nucleosides. We conducted a study to better understand the biological roles of these enzymes in breast and lung cancer cells. METHODS We modified cN-II and/or CD73 expression in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human lung cancer cells (NCI-H292) and murine breast cancer cells (4T1) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, and evaluated their impact on various cellular parameters such as proliferation, migration, invasion, intracellular nucleotide pools and nucleotide metabolism-related gene expression under extracellular nucleotide stress conditions. RESULTS Intracellular nucleotide contents were found to be altered in the modified cancer cell models both at their basal levels and after exposure to adenosine or AMP. Altered cN-II and CD73 levels were also found to be associated with cell migration and invasion alterations, involving TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, as well as alterations in the COX-2/PGE2/AKT pathway. CONCLUSION Our results highlight new cell-specific roles of cN-II and CD73 in cancer cell biology and provide insight into their interactions with different intracellular pathways.
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Roh M, Wainwright DA, Wu JD, Wan Y, Zhang B. Targeting CD73 to augment cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 53:66-76. [PMID: 32777746 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase) is a novel immunoinhibitory protein that plays a key role for tumor growth and metastasis. Its main function is to convert extracellular ATP to immunosuppressive adenosine in concert with CD39 in normal tissues to limit excessive immune response. However, tumors take advantage of the CD73-mediated adenosinergic mechanism to protect them from immune attack. In particular, inducible expression of CD73 along with other adenosinergic molecules on both cancer cells and host cells sustains immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by affecting multiple aspects of the immune response. Owing to its multifaceted capacity to tumor promotion as an emerging immune checkpoint, CD73 is an ideal therapeutic target for cancer treatment especially in combination with conventional therapy and/or other immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the roles of CD73 on tumor and immune cells and will highlight the therapeutic value of CD73 for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meejeon Roh
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Derek A Wainwright
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer D Wu
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Tsukui H, Horie H, Koinuma K, Ohzawa H, Sakuma Y, Hosoya Y, Yamaguchi H, Yoshimura K, Lefor AK, Sata N, Kitayama J. CD73 blockade enhances the local and abscopal effects of radiotherapy in a murine rectal cancer model. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:411. [PMID: 32397971 PMCID: PMC7218548 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06893-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-tumor effects of radiation therapy (RT) largely depend on host immune function. Adenosine with its strong immunosuppressive properties is an important immune checkpoint molecule. Method We examined how intra-tumoral adenosine levels modify anti-tumor effects of RT in a murine model using an anti-CD73 antibody which blocks the rate-limiting enzyme to produce extracellular adenosine. We also evaluated CD73 expression in irradiated human rectal cancer tissue. Results LuM-1, a highly metastatic murine colon cancer, expresses CD73 with significantly enhanced expression after RT. Subcutaneous (sc) transfer of LuM-1 in Balb/c mice developed macroscopic sc tumors and microscopic pulmonary metastases within 2 weeks. Adenosine levels in the sc tumor were increased after RT. Selective RT (4Gyx3) suppressed the growth of the irradiated sc tumor, but did not affect the growth of lung metastases which were shielded from RT. Intraperitoneal administration of anti-CD73 antibody (200 μg × 6) alone did not produce antitumor effects. However, when combined with RT in the same protocol, anti-CD73 antibody further delayed the growth of sc tumors and suppressed the development of lung metastases presumably through abscopal effects. Splenocytes derived from RT+ CD73 antibody treated mice showed enhanced IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity against LuM-1 compared to controls. Immunohistochemical studies of irradiated human rectal cancer showed that high expression of CD73 in remnant tumor cells and/or stroma is significantly associated with worse outcome. Conclusion These results suggest that adenosine plays an important role in the anti-tumor effects mediated by RT and that CD73/adenosine axis blockade may enhance the anti-tumor effect of RT, and improve the outcomes of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Tsukui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hisanaga Horie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Koji Koinuma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ohzawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yasunaru Sakuma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hosoya
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hironori Yamaguchi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yoshimura
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Alan Kawarai Lefor
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Naohiro Sata
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Joji Kitayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
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Alban L, Monteiro WF, Diz FM, Miranda GM, Scheid CM, Zotti ER, Morrone FB, Ligabue R. New quercetin-coated titanate nanotubes and their radiosensitization effect on human bladder cancer. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 110:110662. [PMID: 32204090 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.110662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interest in nanostructures such as titanate nanotubes (TNT) has grown notably in recent years due to their biocompatibility and economic viability, making them promising for application in the biomedical field. Quercetin (Qc) has shown great potential as a chemopreventive agent and has been widely studied for the treatment of diseases such as bladder cancer. Motivated by the possibilities of developing a new hybrid nanostructure with potential in biomedical applications, this study aimed to investigate the incorporation of quercetin in sodium (NaTNT) and zinc (ZnTNT) titanate nanotubes, and characterize the nanostructures formed. Qc release testing was also performed and cytotoxicity in Vero and T24 cell lines evaluated by the MTT assay. The effect of TNTs on T24 bladder cancer cell radiosensitivity was also assessed, using cell proliferation and a clonogenic assay. The TNT nanostructures were synthesized and characterized by FESEM, EDS, TEM, FTIR, XRD and TGA. The results showed that the nanostructures have a tubular structure and that the exchange of Na+ ions for Zn2+ and incorporation of quercetin did not alter this morphology. In addition, interaction between Zn and Qc increased the thermal stability of the nanostructures. The release test showed that maximum Qc delivery occurred after 24 h and the presence of Zn controlled its release. Biological assays indicated that the NaTNTQc and ZnTNTQc nanostructures decreased the viability of T24 cells after 48 h at high concentrations. Furthermore, the clonogenic assay showed that NaTNT, NaTNTQc, ZnTNT and ZnTNTQc combined with 5 Gy reduced the formation of polyclonal colonies of T24 cells after 48 h. The results suggest that the nanostructures synthesized in this study interfere in cell proliferation and can therefore be a powerful tool in the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Alban
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Wesley Formentin Monteiro
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Mendonça Diz
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Messias Miranda
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Carolina Majolo Scheid
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Rosa Zotti
- School of Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bueno Morrone
- School of Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil
| | - Rosane Ligabue
- Graduate Program in Materials Engineering and Technology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil; School of Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul - PUCRS, Brazil.
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13
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Sun N, Liang Y, Chen Y, Wang L, Li D, Liang Z, Sun L, Wang Y, Niu H. Glutamine affects T24 bladder cancer cell proliferation by activating STAT3 through ROS and glutaminolysis. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:2189-2200. [PMID: 31661119 PMCID: PMC6844601 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in metabolism are common phenomena in tumors. Glutamine (Gln) has been documented to play a critical role in tumor growth. In this study, we aimed to to explore the mechanisms through which bladder cancer cells utilize Gln to fulfill their biosynthetic needs during proliferation. In addition, the roles of Gln in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression were examined in vitro in the T24 bladder cancer cell line. The results revealed that the T24 cell line was markedly Gln-dependent and that Gln supplementation promoted T24 proliferation through the actions of Gln as a ROS moderator and as a metabolic fuel in the TCA cycle. Importantly, extracellular Gln deprivation deregulated the production of the transcription factor, STAT3. Additionally, STAT3 expression was affected by the degree of Gln metabolism, as regulated by Gln intermediates and ROS. Thus, on the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that Gln promotes the proliferation of the Gln-dependent bladder cancer cell line, T24, by supplementing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and neutralizing ROS to activate the STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningchuan Sun
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Ye Liang
- Key Laboratory of Urinary System Diseases, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Yuanbin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urinary System Diseases, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urinary System Diseases, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Urinary System Diseases, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Zhijuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Urinary System Diseases, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Lijiang Sun
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Yonghua Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Niu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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Morello S, Turiello R, Madonna G, Pinto A, Ascierto PA, Capone M. Enzyme activity of circulating CD73 in human serum. Methods Enzymol 2019; 629:257-267. [PMID: 31727244 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CD73 is an ectonucleotidase able to catabolize 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP) into adenosine at the extracellular level. Extracellular adenosine plays a critical role in regulating many processes under physiological and pathological conditions. In the context of cancer, the expression and activity of CD73, either in tissue and in biological fluids, is increased leading to high levels of adenosine that potently suppress T-cell mediated responses, promoting tumor progression through stimulation of adenosine receptors. Compelling evidence indicates that elevated levels of CD73-generating adenosine limit the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Inhibitors of ectonucleotidases and antagonists of adenosine receptors have emerged as new therapeutic tools to improve anti-tumor immune response and potentially synergize with currently used immunotherapeutic agents. Measurement of CD73 levels in serum of cancer patients is a promising approach that, although it needs to be validated, may help to select patients who will benefit from adenosine-targeting agents and predict response to immunotherapy. Here, we describe a simple and fast method to evaluate the AMPase activity of CD73 in peripheral blood that may also be applied to other biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Morello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Roberta Turiello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy; PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Aldo Pinto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Paolo A Ascierto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
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15
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Shi L, Yang L, Wu Z, Xu W, Song J, Guan W. Adenosine signaling: Next checkpoint for gastric cancer immunotherapy? Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 63:58-65. [PMID: 30075429 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine (ADO), generated by the ectonucleotidase CD39 and CD73 from ATP, interacts with its specific G protein-coupled receptors, which can impair anti-tumor immune responses inhibiting the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell. Recent studies have also identified that ADO pathway plays a critical role in tumor immune surveillance, especially for some non-solid cancers. In addition, although immune checkpoint therapy targeting ADO pathway in gastric cancer is still in an early phase, encouraging results have come out from some drugs targeting ADO pathway. Therefore, target ADO signaling may be a new promising strategy to treat gastric cancer. In this review, we summarized recent works on the role of ADO in cancer immunotherapy and also discussed relative mechanisms underlying the function of ADO signaling in cancer immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsen Shi
- Departments of Gastrointestinal surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China; The Affiliated Drum Tower Clinical College of NanJing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Lin Yang
- XuZhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Zhaoyin Wu
- XuZhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Wei Xu
- Departments of Gastrointestinal surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Jun Song
- Departments of Gastrointestinal surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China.
| | - Wenxian Guan
- Departments of Gastrointestinal surgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower hospital of NanJing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China.
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