|
1
|
Loukopoulou C, Nikolouzakis T, Koliarakis I, Vakonaki E, Tsiaoussis J. Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity as Potential Biomarkers for Gastrointestinal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3370. [PMID: 39409990 PMCID: PMC11482595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16193370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, such as colorectal and gastric cancers, pose significant global health challenges due to their high rates of incidence and mortality. Even with advancements in treatment and early detection, many patients still face poor outcomes, highlighting the critical need for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Telomere length (TL) and telomerase activity (TA) have gained attention in this context. Telomeres, protective nucleotide sequences at chromosome ends, shorten with each cell division, leading to cellular aging. Telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein enzyme, counteracts this shortening by adding telomeric repeats, a process tightly regulated in normal cells but often dysregulated in cancer. This review critically evaluates the role of TL and TA in the pathogenesis of GI cancers, examining their potential as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. It explores how alterations in telomere biology contribute to the initiation and progression of GI tumors and assesses the therapeutic implications of targeting telomerase. By integrating findings from diverse studies, this review aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between telomere dynamics and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, offering insights into how TL and TA could be leveraged to enhance the early detection, treatment, and prognosis of GI cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Loukopoulou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (T.N.); (I.K.)
| | - Taxiarchis Nikolouzakis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (T.N.); (I.K.)
| | - Ioannis Koliarakis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (T.N.); (I.K.)
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (C.L.); (T.N.); (I.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Zuo S, Sasitharan V, Di Tanna GL, Vonk JM, De Vries M, Sherif M, Ádám B, Rivillas JC, Gallo V. Is exposure to pesticides associated with biological aging? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102390. [PMID: 38925480 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for various diseases, yet its association with biological aging remains unclear. We aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and biological aging. METHODS PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2023. Observational studies investigating the association between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging were included. Three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Twenty studies evaluating the associations between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging in 10,368 individuals were included. Sixteen reported telomere length and four reported epigenetic clocks. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant associations between pesticide exposure and the Hannum clock (pooled β = 0.27; 95 %CI: -0.25, 0.79), or telomere length (pooled Hedges'g = -0.46; 95 %CI: -1.10, 0.19). However, the opposite direction of effects for the two outcomes showed an indication of possible accelerated biological aging. After removal of influential effect sizes or low-quality studies, shorter telomere length was found in higher-exposed populations. CONCLUSION The existing evidence for associations between pesticide exposure and biological aging is limited due to the scarcity of studies on epigenetic clocks and the substantial heterogeneity across studies on telomere length. High-quality studies incorporating more biomarkers of biological aging, focusing more on active chemical ingredients of pesticides and accounting for potential confounders are needed to enhance our understanding of the impact of pesticides on biological aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zuo
- University of Groningen, Campus Fryslân, Department of Sustainable Health, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology and Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Judith M Vonk
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology and Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike De Vries
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Epidemiology and Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Moustafa Sherif
- United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Balázs Ádám
- United Arab Emirates University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Juan Carlos Rivillas
- Imperial College London, MRC Centre Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Gallo
- University of Groningen, Campus Fryslân, Department of Sustainable Health, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
|
3
|
Dilixiati D, Kadier K, Laihaiti D, Lu JD, Azhati B, Rexiati M. Association between leucocyte telomere length and erectile dysfunction in US adults: a secondary study based on 2001-2002 NHANES data. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077808. [PMID: 38643009 PMCID: PMC11033652 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the association between the leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a nationally representative sample of US adults. DESIGN Secondary population-based study. SETTING The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2001-2002). PARTICIPANTS A total of 1694 male participants were extracted from the NHANES database for 2001-2002. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary focus of the study was to determine the association between the LTL and ED, using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models for examination. The secondary outcome measures involved conducting stratified subgroup analyses to exclude interactions of different variables with the LTL. RESULTS Participants with ED had shorter LTLs than those without ED (p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the reference lowest LTL quartile, the ORs and 95% CIs for the second, third and fourth LTL quartiles were (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.26), (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.24 to 2.58) and (OR 1.25; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.11), respectively. In addition, restricted cubic splines showed an inverted J-curve relationship between the LTL and ED. At an LTL of 1.037, the curve showed an inflection point. The ORs (95% CI) of ED on the left and right sides of the inflection point were (OR 1.99; 95% CI 0.39 to 10.20; p=0.385) and (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.90; p=0.039). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated an inverted J-curve relationship between the LTL and ED. When the LTL was ≥1.037, the incidence of ED decreased with increasing LTL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diliyaer Dilixiati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kaisaierjiang Kadier
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Duolikun Laihaiti
- Department of Joint Surgery, Changji Branch of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Changji, China
| | - Jian-De Lu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Baihetiya Azhati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mulati Rexiati
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
4
|
Tsatsakis A, Oikonomopoulou T, Nikolouzakis TK, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis M, Flamourakis M, Renieri E, Fragkiadaki P, Iliaki E, Bachlitzanaki M, Karzi V, Katsikantami I, Kakridonis F, Hatzidaki E, Tolia M, Svistunov AA, Spandidos DA, Nikitovic D, Tsiaoussis J, Berdiaki A. Role of telomere length in human carcinogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:78. [PMID: 37232367 PMCID: PMC10552730 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is considered the most important clinical, social and economic issue regarding cause‑specific disability‑adjusted life years among all human pathologies. Exogenous, endogenous and individual factors, including genetic predisposition, participate in cancer triggering. Telomeres are specific DNA structures positioned at the end of chromosomes and consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, which, together with shelterin proteins, facilitate the maintenance of chromosome stability, while protecting them from genomic erosion. Even though the connection between telomere status and carcinogenesis has been identified, the absence of a universal or even a cancer‑specific trend renders consent even more complex. It is indicative that both short and long telomere lengths have been associated with a high risk of cancer incidence. When evaluating risk associations between cancer and telomere length, a disparity appears to emerge. Even though shorter telomeres have been adopted as a marker of poorer health status and an older biological age, longer telomeres due to increased cell growth potential are associated with the acquirement of cancer‑initiating somatic mutations. Therefore, the present review aimed to comprehensively present the multifaceted pattern of telomere length and cancer incidence association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Tatiana Oikonomopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Evaggelia Iliaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Bachlitzanaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Fotios Kakridonis
- Department of Spine Surgery and Scoliosis, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andrey A. Svistunov
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
|
5
|
Zheng X, Wezel F, Azoitei A, Meessen S, Wang W, Najjar G, Wang X, Kraus JM, Kestler HA, John A, Zengerling F, Bolenz C, Günes C. Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Associated with Worse Survival of Patients with Bladder Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3774. [PMID: 34359672 PMCID: PMC8345040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomeres are protein-DNA complexes at the tips of linear chromosomes. They protect the DNA from end-to-end fusion and exonucleolytic degradation. Shortening of telomeric DNA during aging can generate dysfunctional telomeres, promoting tumorigenesis. More recent data indicate that both short and long telomeres of peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) cells can serve as prognostic biomarkers for cancer risk and may be associated with survival of patients with solid cancers. Telomere length in PBL cells could also be a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in bladder cancer (BC) or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS The relative telomere length (RTL) of PBL cells was assessed in patients with BC (n = 144) and RCC (n = 144) by using qPCR. A control population of patients without malignant disease (NC, n = 73) was included for comparison. The correlation and association of RTL with histopathological parameters and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to patients without malignant disease. Within the cancer cohorts, multivariate analysis revealed that short RTL is an independent predictor of worse survival in BC (p = 0.039) and RCC (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION Patients with BC and RCC had significantly shorter telomeres compared to the normal population. Shorter RTL in BC and RCC was an independent predictor of reduced survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zheng
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Anca Azoitei
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Sabine Meessen
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Wenya Wang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Gregoire Najjar
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Johann M. Kraus
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.K.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.K.); (H.A.K.)
| | - Axel John
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedemann Zengerling
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Christian Bolenz
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.Z.); (F.W.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (W.W.); (G.N.); (X.W.); (A.J.); (F.Z.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
6
|
Samavat H, Luu HN, Beckman KB, Jin A, Wang R, Koh WP, Yuan JM. Leukocyte telomere length, cancer incidence and all-cause mortality among Chinese adults: Singapore Chinese Health Study. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:352-362. [PMID: 33459354 PMCID: PMC10693991 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres play a key role in chromosomal maintenance and stability. To date, few studies have investigated the association of leukocyte telomere length with risk of cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in a large prospective cohort, particularly of the Asian population. Relative telomere lengths in genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples were quantified using a validated quantitative real-time PCR among 26 540 middle-aged or older Chinese adults. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cancer and deaths by quintiles of telomere length were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression method with adjustment for age, sex and other potential confounders. After baseline blood collection, 4353 persons developed cancer and 7609 died. Participants with the longest decile of telomeres had a 26% (95% CI: 11%-44%) higher risk of total cancer incidence compared to the shortest decile after controlling for age, sex and other potential founders (Ptrend < .0001). In contrast, longer telomeres were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.84-1.03), noncancer death (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71-0.92), specifically, death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.89) and digestive diseases (HR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88). Our findings demonstrated that longer telomeres are associated with increased risk of cancer development overall and several common cancer types including breast, rectal, prostate, pancreatic cancer and lung adenocarcinoma. Our study also confirmed that longer telomeres are associated with a reduced risk of noncancer related death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Samavat
- Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hung N. Luu
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth B. Beckman
- University of Minnesota Genomics Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Aizhen Jin
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Renwei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Woon-Puay Koh
- Health Services and Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jian-Min Yuan
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
|
7
|
Association Between Leukocyte Telomere Length and Colorectal Cancer Risk in the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 10:1-9. [PMID: 31117113 PMCID: PMC6602767 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres and telomerase play important roles in maintaining chromosome integrity and genomic stability. To address a lack of consensus about the association between leukocyte telomere length and colorectal cancer, we investigated this association in the Singapore Chinese Health Study.
Collapse
|
|
8
|
Shanta K, Nakayama K, Ishikawa M, Ishibashi T, Yamashita H, Sato S, Sasamori H, Sawada K, Kurose S, Mahmud HM, Razia S, Iida K, Ishikawa N, Kyo S. Prognostic Value of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Telomere Length in Gynecologic Malignant Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061469. [PMID: 32512904 PMCID: PMC7352644 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lymphocyte telomere length is strongly correlated with patient prognosis in several malignant tumor types and is thought to be related to tumor immunity. However, this correlation has not been studied in gynecological cancers. We determined the prognostic significance of peripheral blood lymphocyte telomere length in gynecologic cancers. Methods: Telomere length of lymphocytes from patients with gynecological malignant tumors (ovarian cancer (OC), N = 72; cervical cancer (CC), N = 63; endometrial cancer (EC), N = 87) was examined by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR of isolated mononuclear cells. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to determine the association between lymphocyte telomere length and clinicopathological factors. Results: The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients were based on the dichotomized lymphocyte telomere length using the median as a threshold (OC: 0.75, CC: 1.94, and EC: 1.09). A short telomere length was significantly correlated with residual tumors (≥1 cm) in OC and with advanced stage (III and IV) of CC. In OC and CC, patients with shorter relative lymphocyte telomere length (RLT) had significantly poorer OS and PFS than patients with longer RLT (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, and p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). However, in EC, RLT was not significantly associated with OS or PFS (p = 0.567 and p = 0.304, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis showed that shorter RLT was a significant independent prognostic factor of PFS and OS for OC (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively) and CC (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with OC and CC with shorter lymphocyte telomeres have significantly reduced survival; therefore, the peripheral blood lymphocyte telomere length is a prognostic biomarker in OC and CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamrunnahar Shanta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Kentaro Nakayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Masako Ishikawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Tomoka Ishibashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Hitomi Yamashita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Seiya Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Hiroki Sasamori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Kiyoka Sawada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Sonomi Kurose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Hossain Mohammad Mahmud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Sultana Razia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Kouji Iida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Noriyoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Organ Pathology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501, Japan;
| | - Satoru Kyo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (K.S.); (M.I.); (T.I.); (H.Y.); (S.S.); (H.S.); (K.S.); (S.K.); (H.M.M.); (S.R.); (K.I.); (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
|
9
|
Screening and Identification of Molecular Targets Involved in Preventing Gastric Precancerous Lesions in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Qilianshupi Decoction. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2019:5804710. [PMID: 31929816 PMCID: PMC6942842 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5804710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common and possibly precancerous digestive tract disease. Development of drugs with effect of preventing precancerous lesions draws the eyes of global researchers. Qilianshupi decoction (QLSP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is commonly used to treat CAG, but few studies have explored the mechanism of QLSP on treating CAG. This study investigated the molecular targets of the component herbs of QLSP in preventing precancerous lesions based on network pharmacology. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the 6 herbs regulated multiple CAG-related genes, among which the most important were cancer-related pathway (apoptosis, p53, and VEGF) and epithelial cell signaling in Helicobacter pylori infection. Further animal experiments showed that the expression of survivin and p53 in precancerous lesions of CAG rats was significantly increased which was suppressed by QLSP. Moreover, telomerase activity was inhibited in precancerous lesions of CAG rats, and telomere length of gastric mucosa was increased, which was reversed by QLSP. Our results suggest that the components of QLSP prevents gastric precancerous lesions through decreasing the expression of survivin and p53 and regulating telomerase activity and telomere length in CAG.
Collapse
|
|
10
|
Li J, An C, Zheng H, Lei T, Zhang N, Zheng Y, Yang M. Leukocyte Telomere Length and Risk of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:2712-2718. [PMID: 30817819 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Telomere length may contribute to predisposition to papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). OBJECTIVE To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between leukocyte telomere length and PTC risk. DESIGN/SETTING Case-control study in a Chinese Han population. PARTICIPANTS/INTERVENTION A total of 1200 PTC cases and 1201 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated by logistic regression. RESULTS Short relative telomere length (RTL) was significantly associated with elevated risk of PTC (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.35 to 1.92; P = 1.30 × 10-7). Interestingly, when individuals were categorized into four groups on the basis of quartile distribution of relative telomere length (RTL) in controls, we observed a reverse U-shaped association between telomere length and PTC risk. Compared with those in the first (the longest) quartile as the reference group, ORs (95% CIs) were 5.61 (4.04 to 7.78) (P = 6.10 × 10-25), 9.33 (6.78 to 12.83) (P = 6.99 × 10-43), and 1.23 (0.83 to 1.81) (P = 0.300) for individuals in the second, third, and fourth (the shortest) quartiles, respectively. This reverse U-shaped relationship was more apparent in younger individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that RTL is significantly associated with susceptibility to PTC. There is an obvious reverse U-shaped association between telomere length and PTC risk. Telomere length may be a potential pronouncing biomarker to identify individuals with a high risk of developing PTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Li
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Changming An
- Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zheng
- Yuhuangding Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tianshui Lei
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nasha Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
|
11
|
Leukocyte telomere length and risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14584. [PMID: 30275518 PMCID: PMC6167366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32954-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As a chromosome stabilizer, telomeres play an essential part in maintaining the stability and integrity of human genome. Shortened telomeres have been associated with the development of cancers but it is still largely unclear whether leukocyte telomere length contributes to predisposition of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA). We conducted a case-control study consisting of 524 GCA cases and 510 controls to assess the association between telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes and GCA risk in a Chinese Han population. The GCA patients had significantly overall shorter relative leukocyte telomere length (RTL) (median ± SD: 1.10 ± 0.54) when compared with the controls (1.24 ± 0.58). Individuals with the shortest quartile of RTL performed a doubled GCA risk (OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.47–3.22, P = 9.90 × 10−5) when compared with those with the highest quartile. We also found that telomere shortening and smoking have a significantly synergistic effect in intensifying risk of GCA (OR = 7.03, 95% CI = 4.55–10.86, P = 1.43 × 10−18). These findings indicate that short RTL contributes to increased susceptibility of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and might be a promising marker to identify high-risk individuals combined with lifestyle risk factors.
Collapse
|