Crucial microRNAs and genes in metformin’s anti-pancreatic cancer effect explored by microRNA-mRNA integrated analysis

Decoding the role of microRNA dysregulation in the interplay of pancreatic cancer and type 2 diabetes

This study examines the complex relationship between pancreatic cancer (PC) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) by focusing on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have been implicated in many diseases, including T2D and cancer. To begin, we conducted a literature review to identify miRNAs associated with the PC-T2D link. However, we found limited research on this specific association, with most studies focusing on the antitumor effects of metformin. Furthermore, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify new potential miRNAs that might be relevant in the context of PC-T2D. First, we identified miRNAs and gene expression alterations common to both diseases using publicly available datasets. Subsequently, we performed an integrative analysis between the identified miRNAs and genes alterations. As a result, we identified nine miRNAs that could potentially play an important role in the interplay between PC and T2D. These miRNAs have the potential to influence nearby cells and distant tissues, affecting critical processes like extracellular matrix remodeling and cell adhesion, ultimately contributing to the development of T2D or PC. Taken together, these analyses underscore the importance of further exploring the role of miRNAs in the complex interplay of PC and T2D.

Action Mechanism of Metformin and Its Application in Hematological Malignancy Treatments: A Review

Hematologic malignancies (HMs) mainly include acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other heterogeneous tumors that seriously threaten human life and health. The common effective treatments are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which have limited options and are prone to tumor recurrence and (or) drug resistance. Metformin is the first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Recently, studies identified the potential anti-cancer ability of metformin in both T2DM patients and patients that are non-diabetic. The latest epidemiological and preclinical studies suggested a potential benefit of metformin in the prevention and treatment of patients with HM. The mechanism may involve the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway by metformin as well as other AMPK-independent pathways to exert anti-cancer properties. In addition, combining current conventional anti-cancer drugs with metformin may improve the efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions. Therefore, metformin can also be used as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for HM. This paper highlights the anti-hyperglycemic effects and potential anti-cancer effects of metformin, and also compiles the in vitro and clinical trials of metformin as an anti-cancer and chemosensitizing agent for the treatment of HM. The need for future research on the use of metformin in the treatment of HM is indicated.

Gender-related differentially expressed genes in pancreatic cancer: possible culprits or accomplices?

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, and its incidence and mortality rate in several regions is higher in male patients. Although numerous efforts have been made to enhance the clinical outcomes of existing therapeutic regimens, their efficiency is still low, and drug resistance usually occurs in many patients. In addition, the exact underlying molecular basis that makes PC slightly more prevalent among males remains unknown. Providing information regarding the possible association between gender and PC tumorigenesis may offer important clues for how certain molecular cross-talks can affect PC initiation and/or progression. In this study, we used several microarray expression data to identify the common up- and downregulated genes within one specific gender, which were also specified to have binding sites for androgen and/or estrogen receptors. Using functional enrichment analysis among the others, for all the gene sets found in this study, we have shed light on the plausible importance of the androgenic effectors in tumorigenesis, such as the androgen-regulated expression of the GLI transcription factor and the potential role of testosterone in the extracellular matrix (ECM)–cell interaction, which are known for their importance in tumorigenesis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the biological process axon guidance was highlighted regarding the upregulated genes in male patients. Overall, identification of gene candidates as the possible link between gender and PC progression or survival rates may help in developing strategies to reduce the incidence of this cancer.

The role of MicroRNA networks in tissue-specific direct and indirect effects of metformin and its application

Metformin is a first-line oral antidiabetic agent that results in clear benefits in relation to glucose metabolism and diabetes-related complications. The specific regulatory details and mechanisms underlying these benefits are still unclear and require further investigation. There is recent mounting evidence that metformin has pleiotropic effects on the target tissue development in metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The mechanism of actions of metformin are divided into direct effects on target tissues and indirect effects via non-targeted tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, noncoding, negative gene regulators that have emerged as important regulators of a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is involved in many aspects of miRNA regulation, and metformin treatment in T2DM should be associated with other miRNA targets. A large number of miRNAs regulation by metformin in target tissues with either direct or indirect effects has gradually been revealed in the context of numerous diseases and has gradually received increasing attention. This paper thoroughly reviews the current knowledge about the role of miRNA networks in the tissue-specific direct and indirect effects of metformin. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a novel theoretical basis and suggests therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of metformin and miRNA regulators in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and its complications.

miR-146a Inhibited Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting SOX7

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as a kind of small and noncoding RNA, which have been implicated in the regulation of various pathobiological processes in cancer, including progression in pancreatic cancer and in other human cancers. Previous reports demonstrate that pancreatic cancer has been reported as one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, and some factors including oncogenic genes and environments are involved in tumorigenesis. In our study, we found microRNA-146a (miR-146a) was evidently downregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-146a obviously reduced cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro, as determined by MTT analysis, colony formation analysis, EdU analysis, and cell cycle experiments. Here, we found tumor suppressor sex-determining region Y-box 7 (SOX7) was the direct target of miR-146a. Overexpression of miR-146a decidedly inhibited SOX7 expression, which promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Knockdown of miR-146a increased SOX7 expression. Depression of miR-146a and SOX7 promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro, confirming miR-146a regulated pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting SOX7. In summary, we found miR-146a reduced the cell proliferation of pancreatic cancer through targeting SOX7. In the present study, we demonstrated the function of miR-146a in pancreatic cancer and might provide a new target in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Downregulation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Human Dysmature Cumulus Cells as a Hallmark for Evaluating Oocyte Quality

Background: Dysmature cumulus cells are lower fertilization rates and abnormalities in embryonic development compared to maturation cumulus cells. Morphological evaluation of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) considered the possibility that differences may also be found in gene expression. Purpose: To identify hallmarks for evaluating oocyte quality by investigating gene expression patterns in human cumulus cells surrounding oocytes. Methods: Cumulus cells were obtained from the cumulus–oocyte complex of infertile women treated with assisted reproductive technology. Based on maturity level, the cumulus cells were classified into two categories, i.e., dysmature cumulus cell (DCC) and maturation cumulus cell. DCCs were subjected to gene expression analysis using next-generation sequencing and compared with COCs that are in the process of maturation as controls. Results: The expression levels of genes involved in the Wnt signal/β-catenin pathway were significantly reduced in DCCs compared with those in control cells. Moreover, the expression levels of genes involved in multiple pathways associated with apoptosis were also significantly reduced compared with those in control cells. Conclusions: DCCs showed significant decreases in apoptosis- and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-associated gene expression. DCCs could be classified by morphological evaluation, and the method described in this study may be useful as an oocyte quality estimation tool.

Anticancer mechanisms of metformin: A review of the current evidence

Metformin, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved "star" drug used for diabetes mellitus type 2, has become a topic of increasing interest to researchers due to its anti-neoplastic effects. Growing evidence has demonstrated that metformin may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent, and several clinical trials of metformin use in cancer treatment are ongoing. However, the anti-neoplastic effects of metformin and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we present the newest findings on the anticancer activities of metformin, and highlight its diverse anticancer mechanisms. Several clinical trials, as well as the limitations of the current evidence are also demonstrated. This review explores the crucial roles of metformin and provides supporting evidence for the repurposing of metformin as a treatment of cancer.