Apelin abrogates the stimulatory effects of 17β-estradiol and insulin-like growth factor-1 on proliferation of epithelial and granulosa ovarian cancer cell lines via crosstalk between APLNR and ERα/IGF1R

Chemerin Enhances Migration and Invasion of OC Cells via CMKLR1/RhoA/ROCK-Mediated EMT

Chemerin is a newly described adipokine with significant effects on obesity, metabolic disorders, and immune trafficking. Recently, chemerin has gained prominence for its potential roles in cancer and tumorigenesis with pro- or antitumor effects. To date, most referenced multifunctions of chemerin are attributed to the chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), distributing broadly in many tissues. This study investigates the in vitro roles of chemerin treatment on migration and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells (OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3) and potential underlying mechanisms. Herein, exogenous chemerin treatment promotes growth and invasion of SK-OV-3 cells but has no significant effects on OVCAR-3 cells. SK-OV-3 cells undergo morphological elongation characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Ras homologous genome members A (RhoA)/Rho protein-related curl spiral kinase-1 (ROCK1) activation. Furthermore, chemerin-enhanced invasion and EMT of SK-OV-3 cells are effectively blocked by C3 transferase (C3T) and Y27632 and RhoA and ROCK1 inhibitor, respectively. More importantly, RhoA/ROCK1-EMT-mediated SK-OV-3 cell invasion is orchestrated by CMKLR1 upregulation after chemerin treatment (50 ng/mL). The silencing of CMKLR1 significantly (P < 0.0001) reverses the chemerin-enhanced invasion, EMT, and RhoA/ROCK1 activation of SK-OV-3 cells. Our study indicates that chemerin promotes invasion of OC cells via CMKLR1-RhoA/ROCK1-mediated EMT, offering a novel potential target for metastasis of OC.

The role of asprosin in regulating ovarian granulosa- and theca-cell steroidogenesis: a review with comparisons to other adipokines

Adipose tissues produce a variety of biologically active compounds, including cytokines, growth factors and adipokines. Adipokines are important as they function as endocrine hormones that are related to various metabolic and reproductive diseases. The goal of this review was to summarise the role of asprosin, a recently discovered adipokine, and compare its role in ovarian steroidogenesis with that of other adipokines including adiponectin, leptin, resistin, apelin, visfatin, chemerin, irisin, and gremlin 1. The summary of concentrations of these adipokines in humans, rats and other animals will help researchers identify appropriate doses to test in future studies. Review of the literature indicated that asprosin increases androstenedione production in theca cells (Tc), and when cotreated with FSH increases oestradiol production in granulosa cells (Gc). In comparison, other adipokines (1) stimulate Gc oestradiol production but inhibit Tc androgen production (adiponectin), (2) inhibit Gc oestradiol production and Tc androstenedione production (leptin and chemerin), (3) inhibit Gc steroidogenesis with no effect on Tc (resistin), (4) inhibit Gc oestradiol production but stimulate Tc androgen production (gremlin 1), and (5) increase steroid secretion by Gc, with unknown effects on Tc steroidogenesis (apelin and visfatin). Irisin has direct effects on Gc but its precise role (inhibitory or stimulatory) may be species dependent and its effects on Tc will require additional research. Thus, most adipokines have direct effects (either positive or negative) on steroid production in ovarian cells, but how they all work together to create a cumulative effect or disease will require further research.

The effects of apelin on IGF1/FSH-induced steroidogenesis, proliferation, Bax expression, and total antioxidant capacity in granulosa cells of buffalo ovarian follicles

Apelin (APLN) was believed to be an adipokine secreted from adipose tissue. However, studies demonstrate that it is a pleiotropic peptide and has several effects on the female reproductive system. In this study, We examined the effects of different doses of IGF1 and FSH in the presence of APLN-13 on the production of progesterone in buffalo ovary granulosa cells. Furthermore, different doses of APLN isoforms (APLN-13 and APLN-17) were tested on proliferation, Bax protein expression, and antioxidant capacity in the same cells. Granulosa cells of buffalo ovaries were cultured in the presence of different doses of IGF1 and FSH with or without APLN-13 (10-9 M) to evaluate its effect on the secretion of progesterone tested by ELISA assay. The WST-1 method was used to survey the effect of APLN on granulosa cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the cells in the presence of APLN was assessed using the FRAP method. mRNA and Bax protein levels were measured in granulosa cells treated with APLN using real-time PCR and western blot techniques. APLN-13 (10-9) stimulated the effect of IGF1 on the production of progesterone, and its levels were affected by APLN-13 dose-dependently. However, it did not significantly stimulate the effect of FSH on the secretion of progesterone. APLN-13 (all doses) and APLN-17 (10-8 and 10-9 M) improved the proliferation of granulosa cells. Moreover, preincubation of the cells for an hour by APLN receptor antagonist (ML221, 10 µM) did not significantly affect the proliferation of cells induced by APLN. Neither APLN-13 nor APLN-17 were not cytotoxic for the cells compared to the control treatment. APLN-13 at the doses of 10-6 and 10-8 M substantially up and down-regulated Bax protein expression; however, such effects were not observed when the cells were preincubated with ML221. In addition, APLN-17 did not influence the expression amount of Bax. Furthermore, both APLN-13 and -17 improved the total antioxidant capacity of the ovarian granulosa cells, but such effects were not seen when the cells were preincubated with ML221. According to these results, APLN enhanced the steroidogenesis induced by IGF1 but did not affect the steroidogenesis induced by FSH. APLN also enhanced the cell proliferation and antioxidant capacity of buffalo ovaries follicular granulosa cells; however, its effect on Bax expression was different.

The impact of obesity and adipokines on breast and gynecologic malignancies

The link between obesity and multiple disease comorbidities is well established. In 2003, Calle and colleagues presented the relationship between obesity and several cancer types, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial malignancies. Nearly, 20% of cancer-related deaths in females can be accounted for by obesity. Identifying obesity as a risk factor for cancer led to a focus on the role of fat-secreted cytokines, known as adipokines, on carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Early studies indicated that the adipokine leptin increases cell proliferation, invasion, and inhibition of apoptosis in multiple cancer types. As a greater appreciation of the obesity-cancer link has amassed, we now know that additional adipokines can impact tumorigenesis. A deeper understanding of the adipokine-activated signaling in cancer may identify new treatment strategies irrespective of obesity. Moreover, adipokines may serve as disease biomarkers, harnessing the potential of obesity-associated factors to serve as indicators of treatment response and disease prognosis. As studies investigating obesity and women's cancers continue to expand, it has become evident that breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers are distinctly impacted by adipokines. While complex, these distinct interactions may provide insight into cancer progression in these organs and new opportunities for targeted therapies. This review aims to organize and present the literature from the last 5 years investigating the mechanisms and implications of adipokine signaling in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers with a special focus on leptin and adiponectin.

Anti-Tumoral Effect of Chemerin on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines Mediated by Activation of Interferon Alpha Response

Simple Summary

Chemerin is a multifunctional protein with an important role in the immune system. Recent evidence showed that chemerin also regulates the development of cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common type of tumor in women. In this study, we observed that chemerin decreases the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro when cultivated in standard cell culture or in globular multicellular aggregates. When we examined the mechanisms involved in this process, we found that treatment of ovarian cancer cells with chemerin led to the activation of genes that are known to mediate the effects of interferon alpha (IFNα). The main effect of IFNα is to defend body cells against viral infections, but it is also able to defeat cancer cells. We observed that this activation of IFNα response by chemerin resulted from the increased production of IFNα protein in ovarian cancer cells, which then reduced cancer cells numbers. However, it remains to be investigated how exactly chemerin might be able to activate interferon alpha and its anti-tumoral actions.

Abstract

The pleiotropic adipokine chemerin affects tumor growth primarily as anti-tumoral chemoattractant inducing immunocyte recruitment. However, little is known about its effect on ovarian adenocarcinoma. In this study, we examined chemerin actions on ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro and intended to elucidate involved cell signaling mechanisms. Employing three ovarian cancer cell lines, we observed differentially pronounced effects of this adipokine. Treatment with chemerin (huChem-157) significantly reduced OVCAR-3 cell numbers (by 40.8% on day 6) and decreased the colony and spheroid growth of these cells by half. The spheroid size of SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells was also significantly reduced upon treatment. Transcriptome analyses of chemerin-treated cells revealed the most notably induced genes to be interferon alpha (IFNα)-response genes like IFI27, OAS1 and IFIT1 and their upstream regulator IRF9 in all cell lines tested. Finally, we found this adipokine to elevate IFNα levels about fourfold in culture medium of the employed cell lines. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrate IFNα as a mediator of chemerin action in vitro. The observed anti-tumoral effect of chemerin on ovarian cancer cells in vitro was mediated by the notable activation of IFNα response genes, resulting from the chemerin-triggered increase of secreted levels of this cytokine.

The Apelin/APLNR system modulates tumor immune response by reshaping the tumor microenvironment

Apelin is an endogenous ligand of the Apelin receptor (APLNR), a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, which is widely distributed in human tissue. The Apelin/APLNR system is involved in regulating several physiological and pathological processes. The Apelin expression is increased in a variety of cancer and the Apelin/APLNR system could regulate the development of tumors through mediating autophagy, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and other biological processes to regulate tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The Apelin/APLNR system also participates in immune response and immune regulation through PI3K-Akt, ERK-MAPK, and other signal pathways. The latest research points out that there is a negative regulatory relationship between APLNR and immune checkpoint PD-L1. In this review, we outline the significance of the Apelin/APLNR signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of Apelin/APLNR in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments for cancers.

Risk and prognosis of second primary cancers among ovarian cancer patients, based on SEER database

The purposes of the present study were to elucidate the risk and prognostic effect of second primary cancers (SPCs) development, as well as the factors influencing the prognosis of OC patients with SPCs. A statistically significant increase in SPCs risk was observed among OC patients during 2004-2015. The independent factors were used to construct the SPCs-prediction nomogram and the OS-prediction nomogram. Both nomogram were subjected to internal validation and performed well. OC patients with SPCs have a better prognosis than patients without SPCs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce confounding.

Estradiol and Estrogen-like Alternative Therapies in Use: The Importance of the Selective and Non-Classical Actions

Estrogen is one of the most important female sex hormones, and is indispensable for reproduction. However, its role is much wider. Among others, due to its neuroprotective effects, estrogen protects the brain against dementia and complications of traumatic injury. Previously, it was used mainly as a therapeutic option for influencing the menstrual cycle and treating menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, hormone replacement therapy might be associated with detrimental side effects, such as increased risk of stroke and breast cancer, raising concerns about its safety. Thus, tissue-selective and non-classical estrogen analogues have become the focus of interest. Here, we review the current knowledge about estrogen effects in a broader sense, and the possibility of using selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen-receptor downregulators (SERDs), phytoestrogens, and activators of non-genomic estrogen-like signaling (ANGELS) molecules as treatment.

Hormone therapy for ovarian cancer: Emphasis on mechanisms and applications (Review)

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains the leading cause of mortality due to gynecological malignancies. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that steroid hormones released from the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis can play a role in stimulating or inhibiting OC progression, with gonadotropins, estrogens and androgens promoting OC progression, while gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and progesterone may be protective factors in OC. Experimental studies have indicated that hormone receptors are expressed in OC cells and mediate the growth stimulatory or growth inhibitory effects of hormones on these cells. Hormone therapy agents have been evaluated in a number of clinical trials. The majority of these trials were conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory OC with average efficacy and limited side-effects. A better understanding of the mechanisms through which hormones affect cell growth may improve the efficacy of hormone therapy. In the present review article, the role of hormones (GnRH, gonadotropins, androgens, estrogens and progestins) and their receptors in OC tumorigenesis, and hormonal therapy in OC treatment is discussed and summarized.

Apelin/APJ signaling activates autophagy to promote human lung adenocarcinoma cell migration

AIMS

Beclin1(BECN1) is known as an autophagy-related protein and the expression is promoted by apelin in lung adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting that apelin activates autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma. However, the functions of apelin-induced autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis and deterioration are still unknown. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of apelin-induced autophagy on lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis and deterioration.

MAIN METHODS

Protein expression of exogenous genes were detected by Western blotting analysis. Lung adenocarcinoma cell migration was assessed with cell migration assays. Autophagy was measured with quantification of GFP-LC3 or RFP-GFP-LC3 puncta using fluorescence microscopy in cells by an observed blinded to experimental condition and by western blot analysis of LC3 and p62 in cell lysates as well as autophagy flux. Immunofluorescence staining was performed in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with p-cofilin antibody. The proteins expression in cancer specimens were examined with immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

Here, we reveal that apelin induces autophagy activation in lung adenocarcinoma. Apelin/APJ regulates BECN1 transcription via HIF1A. Apelin/APJ-activated autophagy promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell migration. Moreover, treatment with autophagy inhibitors significantly decreases apelin/APJ-induced lung adenocarcinoma cell migration. Evaluation of patient samples of lung adenocarcinoma reveals an association between APJ with BECN1 expression and a poor prognosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our studies demonstrate that apelin-induced autophagy promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell migration which suggests a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.

Modulation of folliculogenesis in adult laying chickens by bisphenol A and bisphenol S: Perspectives on ovarian morphology and gene expression

Both bisphenol A (BPA) and its analog bisphenol S (BPS) are industrial chemicals that have been used to make certain plastic products applied in chicken farms, including food and water containers. They are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with xenoestrogenic activities and affect reproductive success in many ways. It was hypothesized that BPA and BPS could adversely affect the folliculogenesis in chickens due to their disruption of the estrogen responses, using either genomic or non-genomic mechanisms. This study investigated the deleterious effects of BPA and BPS on the ovaries when adult layer chickens were orally treated with these EDCs at 50 μg/kg body weight, the reference dose for chronic oral exposure of BPA established by the U.S. EPA. The chickens in both BPA and BPS-treated groups showed a decreased number of the preovulatory follicles. BPA-treated chickens showed a significant decrease in the diameter of F1. Additionally, both BPA and BPS treatments increased the infiltrations of lymphocytes and plasma cells in ovaries. Moreover, it was found that the ovaries of BPS-treated chickens weighed the most among the groups. RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that both BPA- and BPS-treatment groups showed significant changes in gene expression and pathways related to reproduction, immune function and carcinogenesis. Taken together, both BPA and BPS are potentially carcinogenic and have deleterious effects on the fertility of laying chickens by inducing inflammation, suggesting that BPS may not be a safe replacement for BPA.