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Mäenpää N, Tiainen L, Hämäläinen M, Luukkaala T, Tanner M, Lahdenperä O, Vihinen P, Karihtala P, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Moilanen E, Jukkola A. Neuropilin-1 and placental growth factor as prognostic factors in metastatic breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:331. [PMID: 38468231 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12070-7] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor development, progression, and metastasizing. The most important regulator of angiogenesis is the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, which is involved in multiple pathways in tumor microenvironment. The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the VEGF family in patients treated for metastatic breast cancer. The emphasis was on neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). MATERIALS AND METHODS An analysis of eight members of the VEGF family was performed using baseline plasma samples of 65 patients treated for metastatic HER2 negative breast cancer in a phase II first-line bevacizumab plus chemotherapy trial. The patients were divided into two groups, high or low, according to the median for each VEGF family member. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined for each VEGF family member. RESULTS The patients with low plasma levels of NRP-1 and PlGF had a longer OS than those with high plasma levels [multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) 2.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-5.82, p = 0.02) and 3.11 (95% CI 1.30-7.47, p = 0.01), respectively]. The patients with low levels of both NRP-1 and PlGF had a remarkably long OS with HR of 6.24, (95% CI 1.97-19.76, p = 0.002). In addition, high baseline NRP-1 level was associated with a significantly shorter PFS [multivariable adjusted HR 2.90 (95% CI 1.02-8.28, p = 0.04)] than that in the low-level group, and a high baseline vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 level was associated with a longer PFS [multivariable adjusted HR 0.43 (95% CI 0.19-0.98, p = 0.04)]. CONCLUSION Especially NRP-1 and PlGF have prognostic potential in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with a bevacizumab-taxane combination. Patients with low plasma levels of NRP-1 or PlGF have longer OS than patients with high levels. Patients with both low NRP-1 and PlGF levels appear to have excellent long-term survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00979641, registration date 18/09/2009. The regional Ethics Committee: R08142M, registration date 18/11/2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina Mäenpää
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland.
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Leena Tiainen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Hämäläinen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, P.O. Box 100, Finland
| | - Tiina Luukkaala
- Research, Development and Innovation Center, Tampere University Hospital, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
- Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, FI-33521, Tampere, P.O. Box 2000, Finland
| | - Minna Tanner
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Outi Lahdenperä
- FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, P.O. Box 52, Finland
| | - Pia Vihinen
- FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, P.O. Box 52, Finland
| | - Peeter Karihtala
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Helsinki, FI-00029, Helsinki, P.O. Box 180, Finland
| | - Pirkko-Liisa Kellokumpu-Lehtinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Research, Development and Innovation Center, Tampere University Hospital, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eeva Moilanen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, P.O. Box 100, Finland
| | - Arja Jukkola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, FICAN Mid, Teiskontie 35, FI-33521, Tampere, Finland
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Baghaie L, Haxho F, Leroy F, Lewis B, Wawer A, Minhas S, Harless WW, Szewczuk MR. Contemporaneous Perioperative Inflammatory and Angiogenic Cytokine Profiles of Surgical Breast, Colorectal, and Prostate Cancer Patients: Clinical Implications. Cells 2023; 12:2767. [PMID: 38067195 PMCID: PMC10706122 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgery-induced tumor growth acceleration and synchronous metastatic growth promotion have been observed for decades. Surgery-induced wound healing, orchestrated through growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines, can negatively impact patients harboring residual or metastatic disease. We provide detailed clinical evidence of this process in surgical breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients. Plasma samples were analyzed from 68 cancer patients who had not received treatment before surgery or adjuvant therapy until at least four weeks post-surgery. The levels of plasma cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were simultaneously quantified and profiled using multiplexed immunoassays for eight time points sampled per patient. The immunologic processes are induced immediately after surgery in patients, characterized by a drastic short-term shift in the expression levels of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic molecules and cytokines. A rapid and significant spike in circulating plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), placental growth factor (PLGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) after surgery was noted. The rise in these molecules was concomitant with a significant drop in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AB/BB), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (MCP-2). If not earlier, each plasma analyte was normalized to baseline levels within 1-2 weeks after surgery, suggesting that surgical intervention alone was responsible for these effects. The effects of surgical tumor removal on disrupting the pro-inflammatory and angiogenic plasma profiles of cancer patients provide evidence for potentiating malignant progression. Our findings indicate a narrow therapeutic window of opportunity after surgery to prevent disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Baghaie
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.B.); (F.H.); (F.L.)
| | - Fiona Haxho
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.B.); (F.H.); (F.L.)
- Dermatology Residency Program, the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T 5C7, Canada
| | - Fleur Leroy
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.B.); (F.H.); (F.L.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Maïeutique et Sciences de la Santé, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Beth Lewis
- ENCYT Technologies Inc., Membertou, NS B1S 0H1, Canada; (B.L.); (A.W.); (S.M.)
| | - Alexander Wawer
- ENCYT Technologies Inc., Membertou, NS B1S 0H1, Canada; (B.L.); (A.W.); (S.M.)
| | - Shamano Minhas
- ENCYT Technologies Inc., Membertou, NS B1S 0H1, Canada; (B.L.); (A.W.); (S.M.)
| | - William W. Harless
- ENCYT Technologies Inc., Membertou, NS B1S 0H1, Canada; (B.L.); (A.W.); (S.M.)
| | - Myron R. Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.B.); (F.H.); (F.L.)
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Yao M, Chen L, Peng P, Zhong Z. Women with preeclampsia may have reduced risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies with 7.8 million participants. Hypertens Pregnancy 2023; 42:2265482. [PMID: 37847190 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2023.2265482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
This review pooled data from the literature to examine the association between preeclampsia (PE) and subsequent risk of breast cancer in women. Cohort studies published in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 18 July 2023 were searched. Adjusted data were pooled to obtain the risk ratio (RR). Eleven studies with 15 cohorts and a cumulative sample size of 7,838,693 women were included. Meta-analysis of all studies demonstrated a reduced risk of breast cancer in women with PE as compared to those without PE (RR: 0.89 95% CI: 0.83, 0.95 p < 0.001 I2 = 50%). Follow-up ranged from 8 to 29.2 years. Results did not change during sensitivity analysis. Outcomes varied on subgroup analysis based on location, study type, data extraction method, incidence of breast cancer, and follow-up. To conclude, women with PE may have a reduced risk of breast cancer later in life. However, the risk reduction is minimal and may not have much clinical significance. The evidence is also limited by high inter-study heterogeneity and lack of adjustment of all possible confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Lijie Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Puchao Peng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, China
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Brogowska KK, Zajkowska M, Mroczko B. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Ligands and Receptors in Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062412. [PMID: 36983412 PMCID: PMC10056253 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy responsible for the largest number of deaths in women worldwide. The risk of developing BC is predisposed by many factors such as age, presence of genetic mutations or body weight. The diagnosis is mostly made relatively late, which is why patients are exposed to radical surgical treatments, long-term chemotherapy and lower survival rates. There are no sufficiently sensitive and specific screening tests; therefore, researchers are still looking for new diagnostic biomarkers that would indicate the appearance of neoplastic changes in the initial stage of neoplasm. The VEGF family of proteins (VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, EG-VEGF, PlGF) and their receptors are significant factors in the pathogenesis of BC. They play a significant role in the process of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in both physiological and pathological conditions. The usefulness of these proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers has been initially proven. Moreover, the blockage of VEGF-related pathways seems to be a valid therapeutic target. Recent studies have tried to describe novel strategies, including targeting pericytes, use of miRNAs and extracellular tumor-associated vesicles, immunotherapeutic drugs and nanotechnology. This indicates their possible contribution to the formation of breast cancer and their usefulness as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Zajkowska
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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Liu XY, Wang YM, Zhang XY, Jia MQ, Duan HQ, Qin N, Chen Y, Yu Y, Duan XC. Alkaloid Derivative ( Z)-3β-Ethylamino-Pregn-17(20)-en Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis and Angiogenesis by Targeting HSP90α. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27207132. [PMID: 36296726 PMCID: PMC9611734 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is an important cause of cancer-related death. Previous studies in our laboratory found that pregnane alkaloids from Pachysandra terminalis had antimetastatic activity against breast cancer cells. In the current study, we demonstrated that treatment with one of the alkaloid derivatives, (Z)-3β-ethylamino-pregn-17(20)-en (1), led to the downregulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway, suppressed the phosphorylation of downstream molecules Akt, mTOR, FAK, and inhibited breast cancer metastasis and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the antimetastasis and antiangiogenesis effects of 1 treatment (40 mg/kg) were more effective than that of Sorafenib (50 mg/kg). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis was performed and the result suggested that HSP90α was a direct target of 1. Taken together, our results suggested that compound 1 might represent a candidate antitumor agent for metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yu-Miao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Mei-Qi Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hong-Quan Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Nan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (X.-C.D.); Tel.: +86-22-83336680 (X.-C.D.); Fax: +86-22-83336560 (X.-C.D.)
| | - Xiao-Chuan Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (X.-C.D.); Tel.: +86-22-83336680 (X.-C.D.); Fax: +86-22-83336560 (X.-C.D.)
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Nifuroxazide Mitigates Angiogenesis in Ehlrich's Solid Carcinoma: Molecular Docking, Bioinformatic and Experimental Studies on Inhibition of Il-6/Jak2/Stat3 Signaling. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226858. [PMID: 34833950 PMCID: PMC8621155 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nifuroxazide is an antidiarrheal medication that has promising anticancer activity against diverse types of tumors. The present study tested the anticancer activity of nifuroxazide against Ehrlich’s mammary carcinoma grown in vivo. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of nifuroxazide on IL-6/jak2/STAT3 signaling and the possible impact on tumor angiogenesis. The biological study was supported by molecular docking and bioinformatic predictions for the possible effect of nifuroxazide on this signaling pathway. Female albino mice were injected with Ehrlich carcinoma cells to produce Ehrlich’s solid tumors (ESTs). The experimental groups were as follows: EST control, EST + nifuroxazide (5 mg/kg), and EST + nifuroxazide (10 mg/kg). Nifuroxazide was found to reduce tumor masses (730.83 ± 73.19 and 381.42 ± 109.69 mg vs. 1099.5 ± 310.83) and lessen tumor pathologies. Furthermore, nifuroxazide downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, NFk-β, angiostatin, and Jak2 proteins, and it also reduced tumoral VEGF, as indicated by ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, nifuroxazide dose-dependently downregulated STAT3 phosphorylation (60% and 30% reductions, respectively). Collectively, the current experiment shed light on the antitumor activity of nifuroxazide against mammary solid carcinoma grown in vivo. The antitumor activity was at least partly mediated by inhibition of IL-6/Jak2/STAT3 signaling that affected angiogenesis (low VEGF and high angiostatin) in the EST. Therefore, nifuroxazide might be a promising antitumor medication if appropriate human studies will be conducted.
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Lin Y, Li Z, Liu M, Ye H, He J, Chen J. CD34 and Bcl-2 as predictors for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 304:495-501. [PMID: 33392721 PMCID: PMC8277608 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could improve the surgical resection rate and radical curability of patients with cervical cancer, but only a subset of patients benefits. Therefore, identifying predictive biomarkers are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of CD34 and Bcl-2 in the NACT effectiveness of cervical cancer. METHODS Sixty-seven patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stages IB3, IIA2 or IIB) were classified into two groups based on effective (n = 48) and ineffective (n = 19) response to NACT. Immunohistochemistry was employed to identify CD34 and Bcl-2 expression before and after NACT. We analyzed the associations between the pre-NACT expression of these two biomarkers and the response of NACT. The expression of these two biomarkers before and after NACT was also assessed and compared. RESULTS More patients were CD34 positive expression before NACT in effective group compared to ineffective group (p = 0.005). However, no statistically significant difference in Bcl-2 expression before NACT were found between two groups (p = 0.084). In NACT effective group, the expression of both CD34 and Bcl-2 after NACT are down-regulated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), while there are no statistical differences between the pre- and post-NACT expression of CD34 and Bcl-2 in NACT ineffective group (p = 0.453 and p = 0.317, respectively). CONCLUSION The positive CD34 expression before NACT may serve as a predictive biomarker for NACT of cervical cancer, but the pre-NACT expression of Bcl-2 is not an independent predictor. The down-regulated expression of these two indicators after NACT may indicate effective NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mubiao Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Ye
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui He
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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Hazem RM, Mohamed AA, Ghareb N, Mehanna ET, Mesbah NM, Abo-Elmatty DM, Elgawish MS. Anti-cancer activity of two novel heterocyclic compounds through modulation of VEGFR and miR-122 in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 892:173747. [PMID: 33232730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis in breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women in many countries. This study investigated the anti-cancer role of benzoimidazoquinazoline and benzimidazotriazin; two novel compounds that were designed, synthesized, structurally elucidated, and biologically evaluated as potent anti-angiogenic agents that act through inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2). Breast cancer was induced by inoculation of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells. Seventy swiss albino mice were randomly divided into 7 groups, 10 animals each: (1) normal, (2) control EAC group, (3) cisplatin treated group, (4&5) benzoimidazoquinazoline treated (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg), (6&7) benzimidazotriazin treated (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg). The expression of miR-122 was assessed in the tumor tissue by quantitative PCR, and the VEGF level was determined in serum by ELISA. VEGFR2 and cluster of differentiation (CD)34 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Serum ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea were measured. Treatment with benzoimidazoquinazoline and benzimidazotriazin decreased tumor weight and serum levels of VEGF, and down-regulated expression of VEGFR2 and CD34 in the tumor tissue. miR-122 was upregulated, particularly in the benzimidazotriazin (10 mg/kg) group. Relative to cisplatin, the novel compounds were less toxic to kidneys. Benzoimidazoquinazoline and benzimidazotriazin are promising anti-cancer agents that act through inhibition of angiogenesis and thus provide a new strategy for advancement of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Anhar A Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Nagat Ghareb
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Eman T Mehanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Noha M Mesbah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Dina M Abo-Elmatty
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Saleh Elgawish
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt; Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamic, Institute for Basic Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Two-step mixed model approach to analyzing differential alternative RNA splicing. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232646. [PMID: 33035235 PMCID: PMC7546511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in gene expression can correlate with poor disease outcomes in two ways: through changes in relative transcript levels or through alternative RNA splicing leading to changes in relative abundance of individual transcript isoforms. The objective of this research is to develop new statistical methods in detecting and analyzing both differentially expressed and spliced isoforms, which appropriately account for the dependence between isoforms and multiple testing corrections for the multi-dimensional structure of at both the gene- and isoform- level. We developed a linear mixed effects model-based approach for analyzing the complex alternative RNA splicing regulation patterns detected by whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing technologies. This approach thoroughly characterizes and differentiates three types of genes related to alternative RNA splicing events with distinct differential expression/splicing patterns. We applied the concept of appropriately controlling for the gene-level overall false discovery rate (OFDR) in this multi-dimensional alternative RNA splicing analysis utilizing a two-step hierarchical hypothesis testing framework. In the initial screening test we identify genes that have differentially expressed or spliced isoforms; in the subsequent confirmatory testing stage we examine only the isoforms for genes that have passed the screening tests. Comparisons with other methods through application to a whole transcriptome RNA-Seq study of adenoid cystic carcinoma and extensive simulation studies have demonstrated the advantages and improved performances of our method. Our proposed method appropriately controls the gene-level OFDR, maintains statistical power, and is flexible to incorporate advanced experimental designs.
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Wang F, Zhang L, Zhang F, Wang J, Wang Y, Man D. First trimester serum PIGF is associated with placenta accreta. Placenta 2020; 101:39-44. [PMID: 32916477 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this retrospective study, we investigated whether first trimester serum placental growth factor (PIGF) differed amongst pregnancies with placenta previa-accreta and non-adherent placenta previa and healthy pregnancies. METHODS In 1 January 2017-30 September 2019, a total of 177 pregnant females were included in the study, as follows: 35 cases of placenta previa-accreta, 30 cases of non-adherent placenta previa, and 112 cases of age and BMI-matched, healthy pregnant controls. PIGF multiples of the median (MoM) were acquired from laboratory data files. The predictor of placenta accreta was analyzed by using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS PIGF MoM of placenta previa-accreta group was significantly higher than those of the non-adherent placenta previa group and control group (p = 0.0098 < 0.01, p = 0.0002 < 0.01). Serum PIGF was found to be significantly positively associated with placenta accreta after adjusted gestational week at time of blood sampling, BMI, and age (OR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.91-12.24;p = 0.0009 < 0.01). In addition, previous cesarean section history (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.23-6.17; p = 0.014 < 0.05) and smoking (OR: 9.17; 95% CI: 1.69-49.62; p = 0.010 < 0.05) were also significantly associated with placenta accreta. CONCLUSION Increased first trimester serum PIGF was significantly positively associated with placenta accreta, suggesting that the potential role of PIGF in identifying pregnancies at high risk for placenta accreta. Previous cesarean section history and smoking may be the risk factors for accreta in placenta previa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengge Wang
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fanyong Zhang
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jishui Wang
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yangping Wang
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongmei Man
- Department of Obstetric, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
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Development and validation of prognostic gene signature for basal-like breast cancer and high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 184:689-698. [PMID: 32880016 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05884-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Molecular similarities have been reported between basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). To date, there have been no prognostic biomarkers that can provide risk stratification and inform treatment decisions for both BLBC and HGSOC. In this study, we developed a molecular signature for risk stratification in BLBC and further validated this signature in HGSOC. METHODS RNA-seq data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project for 190 BLBC and 314 HGSOC patients. Analyses of differentially expressed genes between recurrent vs. non-recurrent cases were performed using different bioinformatics methods. Gene Signature was established using weighted linear combination of gene expression levels. Their prognostic performance was evaluated using survival analysis based on progression-free interval (PFI) and disease-free interval (DFI). RESULTS 63 genes were differentially expressed between 18 recurrent and 40 non-recurrent BLBC patients by two different methods. The recurrence index (RI) calculated from this 63-gene signature significantly stratified BLBC patients into two risk groups with 38 and 152 patients in the low-risk (RI-Low) and high-risk (RI-High) groups, respectively (p = 0.0004 and 0.0023 for PFI and DFI, respectively). Similar performance was obtained in the HGSOC cohort (p = 0.0131 and 0.004 for PFI and DFI, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression adjusting for age, grade, and stage showed that the 63-gene signature remained statistically significant in stratifying HGSOC patients (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION A gene signature was identified to predict recurrence in BLBC and HGSOC patients. With further validation, this signature may provide an additional prognostic tool for clinicians to better manage BLBC, many of which are triple-negative and HGSOC patients who are currently difficult to treat.
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Talia M, De Francesco EM, Rigiracciolo DC, Muoio MG, Muglia L, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Sims AH, Lappano R. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Expression Correlates with Pro-Metastatic Pathways in ER-Negative Breast Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030622. [PMID: 32143514 PMCID: PMC7140398 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, formerly known as GPR30) is a seven-transmembrane receptor that mediates estrogen signals in both normal and malignant cells. In particular, GPER has been involved in the activation of diverse signaling pathways toward transcriptional and biological responses that characterize the progression of breast cancer (BC). In this context, a correlation between GPER expression and worse clinical-pathological features of BC has been suggested, although controversial data have also been reported. In order to better assess the biological significance of GPER in the aggressive estrogen receptor (ER)-negative BC, we performed a bioinformatics analysis using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets. Gene expression correlation and the statistical analysis were carried out with R studio base functions and the tidyverse package. Pathway enrichment analysis was evaluated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) website, whereas gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed with the R package phenoTest. The survival analysis was determined with the R package survivALL. Analyzing the expression data of more than 2500 primary BC, we ascertained that GPER levels are associated with pro-migratory and metastatic genes belonging to cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion (FA) signaling pathways. Thereafter, evaluating the disease-free interval (DFI) in ER-negative BC patients, we found that the subjects expressing high GPER levels exhibited a shorter DFI in respect to those exhibiting low GPER levels. Overall, our results may pave the way to further dissect the network triggered by GPER in the breast malignancies lacking ER toward a better assessment of its prognostic significance and the action elicited in mediating the aggressive features of the aforementioned BC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Maria Grazia Muoio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy; (E.M.D.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.H.S.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.T.); (D.C.R.); (M.G.M.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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13
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Ramadan WS, Zaher DM, Altaie AM, Talaat IM, Elmoselhi A. Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Lung and Breast Cancers through Understanding the Anti-Angiogenesis Resistance Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020565. [PMID: 31952335 PMCID: PMC7014257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast and lung cancers are among the top cancer types in terms of incidence and mortality burden worldwide. One of the challenges in the treatment of breast and lung cancers is their resistance to administered drugs, as observed with angiogenesis inhibitors. Based on clinical and pre-clinical findings, these two types of cancers have gained the ability to resist angiogenesis inhibitors through several mechanisms that rely on cellular and extracellular factors. This resistance is mediated through angiogenesis-independent vascularization, and it is related to cancer cells and their microenvironment. The mechanisms that cancer cells utilize include metabolic symbiosis and invasion, and they also take advantage of neighboring cells like macrophages, endothelial cells, myeloid and adipose cells. Overcoming resistance is of great interest, and researchers are investigating possible strategies to enhance sensitivity towards angiogenesis inhibitors. These strategies involved targeting multiple players in angiogenesis, epigenetics, hypoxia, cellular metabolism and the immune system. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms of resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors and to highlight recently developed approaches to overcome this resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa S. Ramadan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Alaa M. Altaie
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, 21526 Alexandria, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-65057221
| | - Adel Elmoselhi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE; (W.S.R.); (D.M.Z.); (A.M.A.); (A.E.)
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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14
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Ma Q, Gu JT, Wang B, Feng J, Yang L, Kang XW, Duan P, Sun X, Liu PJ, Wang JC. PlGF signaling and macrophage repolarization contribute to the anti-neoplastic effect of metformin. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 863:172696. [PMID: 31562866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) related signaling pathway has been shown to have close relationship with the progression of cancers. Metformin has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on PlGF expression in a breast cancer model. However, little is known about whether the anti-neoplastic activity of metformin is contributed by its inhibitory effect on PlGF expression. Protein, mRNA and secretion levels of PlGF were tested and the proliferation of cancer cells was determined. After treatment of metformin, BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors were sacrificed and immunohistochemistry staining of the tumor sections was obtained. Baseline expression of autocrine PlGF varied between different breast cancer cell lines, while the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) was comparable between cell lines. Other clinical data showed that the expression of PlGF other than VEGFR-1 had a prognostic value for patients with breast cancers. Metformin significantly decreased the secretion and mRNA levels of PlGF, which greatly contributed to its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of breast cancer cells with high P1GF expression. The unresponsiveness of tumor cells with low PlGF expression to genetic silencing was reversed by the supplementation of exogenous PlGF. Systemic metformin administration apparently inhibited the in vivo growth of 4T1 carcinoma, which was accompanied by the repolarization of macrophages from M2 to M1. These findings indicated that both autocrine and paracrine PlGF signaling and macrophage repolarization are involved in the progression of breast cancer, which could be targeted by metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Ma
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Jing-Tao Gu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Wei Kang
- Education Administration Office, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Peng Duan
- Emergency Department, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Pei-Jun Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China; Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
| | - Ji-Chang Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China; Center for Translational Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710061, PR China.
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15
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Liu X, Yang Y, Feng X, Shen H, Liu J, Liu X, Niu Y. Early versus late distant metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy alone versus both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in molecular apocrine breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:48905-48917. [PMID: 27340922 PMCID: PMC5226479 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As a new subtype of breast cancer, molecular apocrine breast cancer (MABC) is estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negative expression, but androgen receptor (AR) positive expression. The prognostic significance and clinical biological behavior of MABC have remained unclear up to now. This study aimed to analysis the distant metastasis behavior and response to adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy of MABC subgroup. The report showed that there were significant differences between early and late distant metastasizing tumors with respect to Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions by a retrospective analysis consisting of 410 invasive breast cancer patients, which included 205 MABC and 205 nonMABC cases. MABC subgroup metastasized earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and MABC showed a tendency for a higher metastasis rate in lung, liver and brain, but lower in bone. HER2-positive or VEGF-positive tumors were more inclined to develop bone metastasis within MABC subgroup. The survival rate was superior for patients undergone both adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy than those undergone chemotherapy alone in nonMABC subgroup, but there was no significant difference in MABC subgroup. Our data suggested that MABC subgroup seemed to develop distant metastasis earlier than nonMABC subgroup, and patients with MABC indicated poor prognosis. This study might also provide a foundation for helping patients receive reasonable treatments according to molecular subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Honghong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Niu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
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16
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Neuropilin-1 Associated Molecules in the Blood Distinguish Poor Prognosis Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3301. [PMID: 28607365 PMCID: PMC5468252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03280-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) cells provide an informative snapshot of the systemic physiological state. Moreover, they provide a non-invasively accessible compartment to identify biomarkers for personalized medicine in advanced breast cancer. The role of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) and its interacting molecules in breast tumor tissue was correlated with cancer progression; however, the clinical impact of their systemic levels was not extensively evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, we found that circulating and tumor tissue expression of NRP-1 and circulating placental growth factor (PlGF) increase in advanced nodal and metastatic breast cancer compared with locally advanced disease. Tumor tissue expression of NRP-1 and PlGF is also upregulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other subtypes. Conversely, in PBMCs, NRP-1 and its interacting molecules SEMA4A and SNAI1 are significantly downregulated in breast cancer patients compared to healthy controls, indicating a protective role. Moreover, we report differential PBMC expression profiles that correlate inversely with disease stage (SEMA4A, SNAI1, PLXNA1 and VEGFR3) and can differentiate between the TNBC and non-TNBC tumor subtypes (VEGFR3 and PLXNA1). This work supports the importance of NRP-1-associated molecules in circulation to characterize poor prognosis breast cancer and emphasizes on their role as favorable drug targets.
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17
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Mechanisms governing metastatic dormancy in breast cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 44:72-82. [PMID: 28344165 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a systemic disease characterized by early dissemination of tumor cells to distant organs. In this foreign environment, tumor cells may stay in a dormant state as single cells or as micrometastases for many years before growing out into a macrometastatic lesion. As metastasis is the primary cause for breast cancer-related death, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of dormancy and dormancy escape to find druggable targets to eradicate metastatic tumor cells. Metastatic dormancy is regulated by complex interactions between tumor cells and the local microenvironment. In addition, cancer-directed immunity and systemic instigation play a crucial role.
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18
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The significance of markers in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. MENOPAUSE REVIEW 2016; 15:176-185. [PMID: 27980530 PMCID: PMC5137482 DOI: 10.5114/pm.2016.63500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers experienced by women throughout the world. It is also the most common malignancy within the female reproductive system, representing 37.7% of all disorders. The incidence increases with age, and is diagnosed most frequently in women between 45 and 65 years old. In the last few years, numerous studies have been performed to identify tumour biomarkers. Biomarkers include not only protein routinely used as tumour markers but also genes and chromosomes. The limiting factor in the use of markers in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer is their lack of specificity. However, specific markers for endometrial cancer are the subject of much research attention. Although moderately elevated levels of markers are present in a number of inflammatory or non-malignant diseases, significantly increased levels of markers indicate the development of cancer. Recently, research has been focused on the identification of molecular changes leading to different histological subtypes of endometrial cancer. In this paper the authors reviewed several currently investigated markers. Progress in these investigations is very important in the diagnostics and treatment of endometrial cancer. In particular, the identification of novel mutations and molecular profiles should enhance our ability to personalise adjuvant treatment with genome-guided targeted therapy.
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Falk RT, Staff AC, Bradwin G, Karumanchi SA, Troisi R. A prospective study of angiogenic markers and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial. Cancer Causes Control 2016; 27:1009-17. [PMID: 27357932 PMCID: PMC4958123 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-016-0779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pro-angiogenic factors are positively associated with breast tumor staging and poorer prognosis, but their role in the etiology of breast cancer has not been assessed. METHODS We measured serum levels of the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) and anti-angiogenic soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in 352 incident breast cancer cases [mean age at diagnosis 67 (range 55-83)] and 352 non-cases in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian screening trial (women enrolled 1993-2001, followed through 2005) matched on age and date of enrollment. Cases were followed on average 4.2 years from blood draw to diagnosis, range 3.9-12.8 years; 53 % were estrogen receptor positive/progesterone receptor positive (ER+/PR+), and 13 % were ER-/PR-. Quartile-specific hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for known breast cancer risk factors. An ordinal variable for the angiogenic markers was used to test for trend in the HR. RESULTS Comparing the highest to lowest quartile, multivariable HR were 0.90 for VEGF (95 % CI 0.33-2.43, p trend = 0.88), 1.38 for sFlt-1 (95 % CI 0.63-3.04, p trend = 0.63), and 0.62 for PlGF (95 % CI 0.19-2.00, p trend = 0.73). Risk patterns were not altered when all angiogenic markers were included in the model simultaneously, or by restricting analyses to invasive breast cancers, to cases diagnosed two or more years after blood collection or to ER+ tumors. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence of an increased breast cancer risk associated with circulating levels of pro-angiogenic markers VEGF and PlGF or a reduced risk with circulating levels of anti-angiogenic marker sFlt-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni T. Falk
- />Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, NCI, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20852 USA
| | - Annetine Cathrine Staff
- />Women and Children’s Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gary Bradwin
- />Clinical and Epidemiologic Research Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - S. Ananth Karumanchi
- />Deparments of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Vascular Biology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Rebecca Troisi
- />Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20852 USA
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Parallel Aspects of the Microenvironment in Cancer and Autoimmune Disease. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:4375120. [PMID: 26997761 PMCID: PMC4779817 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4375120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer and autoimmune diseases are fundamentally different pathological conditions. In cancer, the immune response is suppressed and unable to eradicate the transformed self-cells, while in autoimmune diseases it is hyperactivated against a self-antigen, leading to tissue injury. Yet, mechanistically, similarities in the triggering of the immune responses can be observed. In this review, we highlight some parallel aspects of the microenvironment in cancer and autoimmune diseases, especially hypoxia, and the role of macrophages, neutrophils, and their interaction. Macrophages, owing to their plastic mode of activation, can generate a pro- or antitumoral microenvironment. Similarly, in autoimmune diseases, macrophages tip the Th1/Th2 balance via various effector cytokines. The contribution of neutrophils, an additional plastic innate immune cell population, to the microenvironment and disease progression is recently gaining more prominence in both cancer and autoimmune diseases, as they can secrete cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as acquire an enhanced ability to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are now considered important initiators of autoimmune diseases. Understanding the contribution of macrophages and neutrophils to the cancerous or autoimmune microenvironment, as well as the role their interaction and cooperation play, may help identify new targets and improve therapeutic strategies.
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21
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Liu L, Tong Q, Liu S, Cui J, Zhang Q, Sun W, Yang S. ZEB1 Upregulates VEGF Expression and Stimulates Angiogenesis in Breast Cancer. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148774. [PMID: 26882471 PMCID: PMC4755590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) has been identified as a key factor in the regulation of breast cancer differentiation and metastasis, its potential role in modulating tumor angiogenesis has not been fully examined. Here, we present the novel finding that conditioned medium derived from ZEB1-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells significantly increased the capillary tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whereas ZEB1 knockdown by RNA interference had the opposite effect. ZEB1 caused marked upregulation of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) at both mRNA and protein levels. Pre-incubation of HUVECs with anti-VEGFA neutralized antibody attenuated ZEB1-mediated tube formation of HUVECs. In breast cancer tissues, expression of ZEB1 was positively correlated with those of VEGFA and CD31. At the molecular level, ZEB1 activated VEGFA transcription by increasing SP1 recruitment to its promoter, which was mediated via the activation of PI3K and p38 pathways. Using a nude mouse xenograft model, we demonstrated that elevated expression of ZEB1 promotes in vivo tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in breast cancer. Collectively, we found that ZEB1-expressing breast cancer cells increase VEGFA production and thus stimulate tumor growth and angiogenesis via a paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjia Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qi Tong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianlin Cui
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Quansheng Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- * E-mail: (SY); (WS)
| | - Shuang Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Neurovascular Regulation, Medical College of Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- * E-mail: (SY); (WS)
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Luengo-Gil G, González-Billalabeitia E, Chaves-Benito A, García Martínez E, García Garre E, Vicente V, Ayala de la Peña F. Effects of conventional neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on tumor angiogenesis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015; 151:577-87. [PMID: 25967462 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3421-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The effects of breast cancer conventional chemotherapy on tumor angiogenesis need to be further characterized. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an ideal model to evaluate the results of chemotherapy, allowing intra-patient direct comparison of antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. We sought to analyze the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on tumor angiogenesis and its clinical significance in breast cancer. Breast cancer patients (n = 108) treated with neoadjuvant sequential anthracyclines and taxanes were studied. Pre- and post-chemotherapy microvessel density (MVD) and mean vessel size (MVS) were analyzed after CD34 immunohistochemistry and correlated with tumor expression of pro- and antiangiogenic factors (VEGFA, THBS1, HIF1A, CTGF, and PDGFA) by qRT-PCR. Angiogenic measures at diagnosis varied among breast cancer subtypes. Pre-treatment higher MVS was associated with triple-negative subtype and more advanced disease. Higher MVS was correlated with higher VEGFA (p = 0.003), while higher MVD was correlated with lower antiangiogenic factors expression (THBS1, p < 0.0001; CTGF, p = 0.001). Increased angiogenesis at diagnosis (high MVS and glomeruloid microvascular proliferation) and higher VEGFA expression were associated with tumor recurrence (p = 0.048 and 0.009, respectively). Chemotherapy-induced angiogenic response (defined as decreased MVD) was present in 35.2 % of patients. This response correlated with an increase in antiangiogenic factors (THBS1) without changes in VEGFA expression, and it was associated with tumor downstaging, but not with clinical response, pathologic complete response, or prognosis. Global effects of chemotherapy mainly consisted in an increased expression of antiangiogenic factors (THBS1, CTGF), with significant changes neither of tumor VEGFA nor of MVS. Conventionally scheduled neoadjuvant chemotherapy exerts antiangiogenic effects, through an increase in antiangiogenic factors, THBS1 and CTGF, but the expression of VEGFA is maintained after treatment. Better markers of angiogenic response and a better understanding of the cooperation of chemotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in the neoadjuvant clinical scenario are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginés Luengo-Gil
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Hospital Morales Meseguer, Avda. Marqués de los Vélez, s/n, 30008, Murcia, Spain
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Langsenlehner U, Hofmann G, Renner W, Gerger A, Krenn-Pilko S, Thurner EM, Krippl P, Langsenlehner T. Association of vascular endothelial growth factor--a gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with breast cancer metastases. Acta Oncol 2015; 54:368-76. [PMID: 25152223 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2014.948056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is a key regulator of tumor-induced angiogenesis and essential for tumor growth and distant tumor spread. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of VEGF-A polymorphisms and haplotypes for metastatic progression in breast cancer patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a prospective study including 801 breast cancer patients. Occurrence of metastases was examined in regular follow-up investigations. Seven VEGF-A polymorphisms were selected and determined by 5'-nuclease assays (TaqMan). The selection of VEGF-A variants was based upon their location (promoter or UTR) as well as a minor allele frequency of at least 0.10. Haplotypes and linkage disequilibrium were determined using the Haploview program. RESULTS Within a median follow-up time of 84 months, 165 (21%) patients developed distant metastases. In univariate analysis, carriers of the CCCCC haplotype formed by five polymorphisms upstream the coding region were at decreased risk of distant metastases [hazard ratio (HR)=0.743; 95% CI 0.579-0.953; p=0.019]. Univariate analysis also revealed a decreased risk of distant metastases for postmenopausal patients carrying the -634G>C polymorphism (HR 0.704; 95% CI 0.514-0.965; p=0.029) and the CCCCC haplotype (HR=0.645; 95% CI 0.464-0.898; p=0.009). After adjustment for other co-variates, the HR for distant metastases was 0.651 (95% CI 0.447-0.948) for postmenopausal carriers of the -634G>C polymorphism (p=0.025; corrected p-value=0.262), and 0.586 (95% CI 0.393-0.873) for postmenopausal patients with the CCCCC haplotype (p=0.009, corrected p-value=0.189). CONCLUSION The results from univariate and multivariate analyses suggest an influence of VEGF-A gene variants on the development of distant metastases in breast cancer patients. However, none of the observed associations reached statistical significance after correction for the effects of multiple testing. Additional prospective and sufficiently powered studies are essential before firm conclusions about the role of VEGF-A gene variants for distant progression in breast cancer can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Langsenlehner
- Division of Internal Medicine, GKK Outpatient Department , Graz , Austria
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Zhao Y, Tan YS, Aupperlee MD, Langohr IM, Kirk EL, Troester MA, Schwartz RC, Haslam SZ. Pubertal high fat diet: effects on mammary cancer development. Breast Cancer Res 2014; 15:R100. [PMID: 24156623 PMCID: PMC3978633 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemiological studies linking dietary fat intake and obesity to breast cancer risk have produced inconsistent results. This may be due to the difficulty of dissociating fat intake from obesity, and/or the lack of defined periods of exposure in these studies. The pubertal mammary gland is highly sensitive to cancer-causing agents. We assessed how high fat diet (HFD) affects inflammation, proliferative, and developmental events in the pubertal gland, since dysregulation of these can promote mammary tumorigenesis. To test the effect of HFD initiated during puberty on tumorigenesis, we utilized BALB/c mice, for which HFD neither induces obesity nor metabolic syndrome, allowing dissociation of HFD effects from other conditions associated with HFD. METHODS Pubertal BALB/c mice were fed a low fat diet (12% kcal fat) or a HFD (60% kcal fat), and subjected to carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced tumorigenesis. RESULTS HFD elevated mammary gland expression of inflammatory and growth factor genes at 3 and 4 weeks of diet. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), robustly induced at 4 weeks, has direct mitogenic activity in mammary epithelial cells and, as a potent inducer of NF-κB activity, may induce inflammatory genes. Three weeks of HFD induced a transient influx of eosinophils into the mammary gland, consistent with elevated inflammatory factors. At 10 weeks, prior to the appearance of palpable tumors, there were increased numbers of abnormal mammary epithelial lesions, enhanced cellular proliferation, increased growth factors, chemokines associated with immune-suppressive regulatory T cells, increased vascularization, and elevated M2 macrophages. HFD dramatically reduced tumor latency. Early developing tumors were more proliferative and were associated with increased levels of tumor-related growth factors, including increased plasma levels of HGF in tumor-bearing animals. Early HFD tumors also had increased vascularization, and more intra-tumor and stromal M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Taken together in this non-obesogenic context, HFD promotion of inflammatory processes, as well as local and systemically increased growth factor expression, are likely responsible for the enhanced tumorigenesis. It is noteworthy that although DMBA mutagenesis is virtually random in its targeting of genes in tumorigenesis, the short latency tumors arising in animals on HFD showed a unique gene expression profile, highlighting the potent overarching influence of HFD.
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Chiron M, Bagley RG, Pollard J, Mankoo PK, Henry C, Vincent L, Geslin C, Baltes N, Bergstrom DA. Differential antitumor activity of aflibercept and bevacizumab in patient-derived xenograft models of colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:1636-44. [PMID: 24688047 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recombinant fusion protein aflibercept (ziv-aflibercept in the United States) binds VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF). The monoclonal antibody bevacizumab binds VEGF-A. Recent studies hypothesized that dual targeting of VEGF/PlGF is more beneficial than targeting either ligand. We compared activity of aflibercept versus bevacizumab in 48 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) colorectal cancer models. Nude mice engrafted subcutaneously with PDX colorectal cancer tumors received biweekly aflibercept, bevacizumab, or vehicle injections. Differential activity between aflibercept and bevacizumab, determined by mouse (m), human (h), VEGF-A, and PlGF levels in untreated tumors, was measured. Aflibercept induced complete tumor stasis in 31 of 48 models and bevacizumab in 2 of 48. Based on statistical analysis, aflibercept was more active than bevacizumab in 39 of 48 models; in 9 of 39 of these models, bevacizumab was considered inactive. In 9 of 48 remaining models, aflibercept and bevacizumab had similar activity. Tumor levels of hVEGF-A (range 776-56,039 pg/mg total protein) were ∼16- to 1,777-fold greater than mVEGF-A (range 8-159 pg/mg total protein). Tumor levels of mPlGF (range 104-1,837 pg/mg total protein) were higher than hPlGF (range 0-543 pg/mg total protein) in 47 of 48 models. Tumor cells were the major source of VEGF; PlGF was primarily produced by tumor stroma. Because tumor levels of hVEGF-A were far greater than mVEGF-A, bevacizumab's inability to bind mVEGF-A is unlikely to explain higher and more consistent aflibercept activity. Neutralizing PlGF and VEGFR-1 activation may be a factor and should be investigated in future studies. In these colorectal cancer PDX models, aflibercept demonstrated greater antitumor activity than bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Chiron
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca G Bagley
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jack Pollard
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Parminder K Mankoo
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christophe Henry
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Loïc Vincent
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Geslin
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Baltes
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Donald A Bergstrom
- Authors' Affiliations: Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine; Sanofi Oncology, Pharmacology, Vitry-sur-Seine, France; Sanofi Oncology, Clinical Development; Sanofi Oncology, Translational & Experimental Medicine, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Oncotest GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
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Sanmartín E, Sirera R, Usó M, Blasco A, Gallach S, Figueroa S, Martínez N, Hernando C, Honguero A, Martorell M, Guijarro R, Rosell R, Jantus-Lewintre E, Camps C. A gene signature combining the tissue expression of three angiogenic factors is a prognostic marker in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 21:612-20. [PMID: 24145997 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are key mechanisms for tumor growth and dissemination. They are mainly regulated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of ligands and receptors. The aim of this study was to analyze relative expression levels of angiogenic markers in resectable non-small cell lung cancer patients in order to asses a prognostic signature that could improve characterization of patients with worse clinical outcomes. METHODS RNA was obtained from tumor and normal lung specimens from 175 patients. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the relative expression of HIF1A, PlGF, VEGFA, VEGFA165b, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, NRP1 and NRP2. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that tumor size and ECOG-PS are prognostic factors for time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). This analysis in the case of angiogenic factors also revealed that PlGF, VEGFA, VEGFB and VEGFD distinguish patients with different outcomes. Taking into account the complex interplay between the different ligands of the VEGF family and to more precisely predict the outcome of the patients, we considered a new analysis combining several VEGF ligands. In order to find independent prognostic variables, we performed a multivariate Cox analysis, which showed that the subgroup of patients with higher relative expression of VEGFA plus lower VEGFB and VEGFD presented the poorest outcome for both TTP and OS. CONCLUSIONS The relative expression of these three genes can be considered as an angiogenic gene signature whose applicability for the selection of candidates for targeted therapies needs to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sanmartín
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Chen EY, Dobrinski KP, Brown KH, Clagg R, Edelman E, Ignatius MS, Chen JYH, Brockmann J, Nielsen GP, Ramaswamy S, Keller C, Lee C, Langenau DM. Cross-species array comparative genomic hybridization identifies novel oncogenic events in zebrafish and human embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003727. [PMID: 24009521 PMCID: PMC3757044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cancer genomes are highly complex, making it challenging to identify specific drivers of cancer growth, progression, and tumor maintenance. To bypass this obstacle, we have applied array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) to zebrafish embryonal rhabdomyosaroma (ERMS) and utilized cross-species comparison to rapidly identify genomic copy number aberrations and novel candidate oncogenes in human disease. Zebrafish ERMS contain small, focal regions of low-copy amplification. These same regions were commonly amplified in human disease. For example, 16 of 19 chromosomal gains identified in zebrafish ERMS also exhibited focal, low-copy gains in human disease. Genes found in amplified genomic regions were assessed for functional roles in promoting continued tumor growth in human and zebrafish ERMS – identifying critical genes associated with tumor maintenance. Knockdown studies identified important roles for Cyclin D2 (CCND2), Homeobox Protein C6 (HOXC6) and PlexinA1 (PLXNA1) in human ERMS cell proliferation. PLXNA1 knockdown also enhanced differentiation, reduced migration, and altered anchorage-independent growth. By contrast, chemical inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling reduced angiogenesis and tumor size in ERMS-bearing zebrafish. Importantly, VEGFA expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with ERMS, implicating inhibitors of the VEGF pathway as a promising therapy for improving patient survival. Our results demonstrate the utility of array CGH and cross-species comparisons to identify candidate oncogenes essential for the pathogenesis of human cancer. Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is often associated with regional gains and losses of genomic DNA segments. These changes result in aberrant gene expression and drive continued tumor growth. Because amplified and deleted DNA segments tend to span large regions of chromosomes, it has been challenging to identify the genes that are required for continued tumor growth and progression. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) is an effective technology in identifying abnormal copy number variations in cancer genomes. In this study, array CGH was used in a zebrafish model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma - a pediatric muscle tumor. Our work shows that the zebrafish cancer genome contains a small number of recurrent DNA copy number changes, which are also commonly amplified in the human disease. Moreover, these chromosomal regions are small, facilitating rapid identification of candidate oncogenes. A subset of genes identified in zebrafish array CGH was prioritized for functional characterization in human ERMS, identifying evolutionarily conserved pathways that regulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and neovascularization. Our results demonstrate the broad utility of cross-species array CGH comparisons of human and zebrafish cancer and provide a much needed discovery platform for identifying critical cancer-causing genes in a wide range of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Y. Chen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kimberly P. Dobrinski
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Southern Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kim H. Brown
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ryan Clagg
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elena Edelman
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Myron S. Ignatius
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jin Yun Helen Chen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jillian Brockmann
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - G. Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sridhar Ramaswamy
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charles Keller
- Pediatric Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Charles Lee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David M. Langenau
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hilfenhaus G, Göhrig A, Pape UF, Neumann T, Jann H, Zdunek D, Hess G, Stassen JM, Wiedenmann B, Detjen K, Pavel M, Fischer C. Placental growth factor supports neuroendocrine tumor growth and predicts disease prognosis in patients. Endocr Relat Cancer 2013; 20:305-19. [PMID: 23463017 DOI: 10.1530/erc-12-0223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF-homolog implicated in tumor angiogenesis and adaptation to antiangiogenic therapy, is emerging as candidate target in malignancies. Here, we addressed the expression, function, and prognostic value of PlGF in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). PlGF was determined in NET patients' sera collected retrospectively (n=88) and prospectively (n=87) using Roche-Elecsys and correlated with clinicopathological data. Tumoral PlGF was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, effects of PlGF on proliferation and migration in vitro were assessed using different NET cell lines and effects on tumor growth in vivo in orthotopic xenografts. Circulating and tumoral PlGF was elevated in patients with pancreatic NETs (pNETs) compared with control sera and respective healthy tissue. De novo PlGF expression occurred primarily in the tumor stroma, suggesting paracrine stimulatory circuits. Indeed, PlGF enhanced NET proliferation and migration in vitro and, conversely, neutralizing antibodies to PlGF reduced tumor growth in vivo. Elevated circulating PlGF levels in NET patients correlated with advanced tumor grading and were associated with reduced tumor-related survival in pNETs. Subsequent determinations confirmed and extended our observation of elevated PlGF levels in a prospective cohort of grade 1 and grade 2 pNETs (n=30) and intestinal NETs (n=57). In low-grade pNETs, normal circulating PlGF levels were associated with better survival. In intestinal NETs, circulating PlGF above median emerged as an independent prognostic factor for shorter time-to-progression in multivariate analyses. These data assign to PlGF a novel function in the pathobiology of NETs and propose PlGF as a prognostic parameter and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Hilfenhaus
- Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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Coenegrachts L, Schrauwen S, Van Bree R, Despierre E, Luyten C, Jonckx B, Stassen JM, Vergote I, Amant F. Increased expression of placental growth factor in high-grade endometrial carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2012; 29:413-8. [PMID: 23232836 PMCID: PMC3583572 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF), a homolog of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), exerts pleiotropic functions in cancer by affecting tumor cells as well as endothelial and inflammatory cells. Moreover, PlGF expression correlates with tumor stage, recurrence, metastasis and patient outcome in different types of cancer. Recently, administration of anti-PlGF therapy reduced tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical tumor models. In the present study, we evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of systemic and local expression of PlGF in primary endometrial carcinomas. PlGF levels in tumor lysates (n=128) and serum (n=88) of patients with primary endometrial cancer were determined using ELISA. PlGF mRNA expression in endometrial carcinoma tissues was quantified by quantitative qRT-PCR. Results were compared to endometrial cancer stage and grade. Systemic PlGF levels were not altered in patients with endometrial cancer (FIGO stage I-II-III) as compared to healthy controls. Only in FIGO stage IV patients, serum PlGF levels were slightly increased. Local PlGF mRNA and protein expression in endometrial tumors progressively increased with tumor grade. In endometrioid carcinomas, PlGF mRNA expression was significantly increased in endometrioid grade 3 tumors as compared to normal endometrial tissue. PlGF protein expression was significantly increased in endometrioid grade 2 and 3 carcinomas and in serous carcinomas as compared to normal endometrial tissue. Our study showed that systemic/serum PlGF levels cannot be used as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in endometrial cancer. However, the increased local expression of PlGF, primarily in high-grade carcinomas, underscores the possibility for preclinical assessment of anti-PlGF therapy in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve Coenegrachts
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy and subsequent lower risk of breast cancer: the common immune and antiangiogenic profile. Br J Cancer 2012; 107:1915-6. [PMID: 23093230 PMCID: PMC3504948 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Kim JY, Jeon TJ, Bae BN, Kwon JE, Kim HJ, Park K, Shin E. The prognostic significance of growth factors and growth factor receptors in gastric adenocarcinoma. APMIS 2012; 121:95-104. [PMID: 23030255 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02942.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated growth factors/receptors expression in gastric adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-D, VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2, VEGFR-3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β-RII in tissue microarrays of adenocarcinoma, dysplasia, metaplasia, and gastritis. In adenocarcinoma, the expression rates of EGFR, VEGF, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, TGF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β-RII were 2.0%, 0%, 10.7%, 4.4%, 11.2%, 26.3%, 9.4%, and 19.5%, respectively. VEGF-D, TGF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β-RII expression rate were higher in adenocarcinoma than in other groups. TGF-β-RII expression was correlated with VEGFR-3, VEGF-D, and TGF-α expression in adenocarcinomas. Tumor location, histologic type, stage, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, angioinvasion, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-2 expressions were associated with patient survival in a log rank test and advanced stage and positive expression of VEGF-D were poor prognostic factors using Cox analysis. VEGF-D expression may be of prognostic value in gastric adenocarcinoma, whereas EGFR and TGF family expression may only have a minor influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yeon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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