Genetic analysis of ADIPOQ variants and gastric cancer risk: a hospital-based case–control study in China

Classification and treatment strategy for Moyamoya disease-related aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive unilateral or bilateral stenosis of the distal internal carotid artery. As hemodynamic features in MMD patients alter, the comorbidity of intracranial aneurysm (IA) is sometimes observed clinically. We aim to investigate clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies for the comorbidity of Moyamoya disease with intracranial aneurysms (MMD-IA).

METHODS

A total of 13 MMD-IA patients were recruited in this study and were manifested to be intracranial hemorrhage. We reviewed the surgical technique notes for all patients.

RESULTS

According to the locations of an aneurysm, MMD-IA could be divided into several categories: (1) MMD-IA at a circle of Willis-aneurysms usually located at the trunk of Willis circle; (2) MMD-IA at collateral anastomosis-aneurysms located at the distal end of collateral anastomosis; and (3) MMA-IA at basal ganglia region. In this report, aneurysms in 10 patients located at Willis circle, 2 at the pericallosal artery, and 1 at the basal ganglia region. Among them, endovascular embolism was performed among 5 patients. Aneurysm clipping was conducted among 7 patients. A patient with an aneurysm at the basal ganglia region just accepted revascularization treatment. All the treatments were successful. Follow-up studies, ranging from 6 to 24 months, demonstrated all patients received satisfactory curative effects.

CONCLUSION

Diverse clinical presentations could be observed among MMD-IA patients. Individualized neurosurgical treatments should be chosen according to the locations of the aneurysm.

Beyond Body Size: Adiponectin as a Key Player in Obesity-Driven Cancers

Obesity, a complex and multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, has reached epidemic proportions globally, posing a significant health challenge. In addition to its established association with cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for various cancers. However, the precise biological mechanisms linking obesity and cancer remain largely understood. Adipose tissue, an active endocrine organ, produces numerous hormones and bioactive molecules known as adipokines, which play a crucial role in metabolism, immune responses, and systemic inflammation. Notably, adiponectin (APN), the principal adipocyte secretory protein, exhibits reduced expression levels in obesity. In this scoping review, we explore and discuss the role of APN in influencing cancer in common malignancies, including lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, gastric, and endometrial cancers. Our review aims to emphasize the critical significance of investigating this field, as it holds great potential for the development of innovative treatment strategies that specifically target obesity-related malignancies. Furthermore, the implementation of more rigorous and comprehensive prevention and treatment policies for obesity is imperative in order to effectively mitigate the risk of associated diseases, such as cancer.

The role of alcohol intake in the pharmacogenetics of treatment with clozapine

Clozapine (CLZ) is an atypical antipsychotic reserved for patients with refractory psychosis, but it is associated with a significant risk of severe adverse reactions (ADRs) that are potentiated with the concomitant use of alcohol. Additionally, pharmacogenetic studies have explored the influence of several genetic variants in CYP450, receptors and transporters involved in the interindividual response to CLZ. Herein, we systematically review the current multiomics knowledge behind the interaction between CLZ and alcohol intake, and how its concomitant use might modulate the pharmacogenetics. CYP1A2*1F, *1C and other alleles not yet discovered could support a precision medicine approach for better therapeutic effects and fewer CLZ ADRs. CLZ monitoring systems should be amended and include alcohol intake to protect patients from severe CLZ ADRs.

Gastric cancer: epidemiology, biology, and prevention: a mini review

Gastric cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The objective of this article is to review the epidemiology and biology of gastric cancer risk. This literature review explores the biological, clinical, and environmental factors that influence the rates of this disease and discuss the different intervention methods that may not only increase the awareness of gastric cancer but also increase screening in efforts to reduce the risk of gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer. Additional risk factors include geographical location, age, sex, smoking, socioeconomic status, dietary intake, and genetics. Primary and secondary prevention strategies such as dietary modifications and screenings are important measures for reducing the risk of gastric cancer. Interventions, such as H. pylori eradication through chemoprevention trials, have shown some potential as a preventative strategy. Although knowledge about gastric cancer risk has greatly increased, future research is warranted on the differentiation of gastric cancer epidemiology by subsite and exploring the interactions between H. pylori infection, genetics, and environmental factors. Better understanding of these relationships can help researchers determine the most effective intervention strategies for reducing the risk of this disease.

Resveratrol inhibits Interleukin-6 induced invasion of human gastric cancer cells

Previous studies show that migration and invasion are the primary causes of death in patients with gastric carcinoma. Increasing evidences have been shown Interleukin-6 could stimulate cancer cells invasion and be associated with cancer development. However, its role in gastric cancer has never been investigated. As an anticancer drug isolated from Chinese medicine, resveratrol was reported to inhibit cancer cells growth and induce apoptosis, but its roles in gastric cancer have not been well understood. In this study, we found that Interleukin-6 was upregulated in blood of gastric cancer patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In gastric cancer cell line model, we found that non-cytotoxic concentration of resveratrol inhibited the Interleukin-6 induced SGC7901 cell invasion and matrix metalloproteinases activation. Our studies showed that IL-6 induced SGC7901 cell invasion depends on the Raf/MAPK pathway activation, resveratrol could inhibit this pathway activation. We further showed that resveratrol inhibits the IL-6 induced metastasis by vein injection of luciferase-labeled cancer cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that Interleukin-6 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in gastric cancer, resveratrol has the potential to prevent the Interleukin-6 induced gastric cancer metastasis by blocking the Raf/MAPK signaling activation.

Associations of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) gene polymorphisms and AdipoR2 protein expression levels with the risk of colorectal cancer: A case-control study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) gene polymorphisms, AdipoR2 protein expression levels and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). From April 2012 to May 2015, 281 CRC patients (case group) admitted to the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and 325 healthy control subjects (control group) were recruited for the study. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected and the DNA was extracted. Genotyping was performed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography in the condition of partial degeneration. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype were analyzed using SHEsis analysis software. AdipoR2 protein expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of CRC. The distribution of the TT genotype of AdipoR2 rs10773989 and the CC genotype of AdipoR2 rs1044471 was higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05). The AdipoR2 rs10773989 polymorphism was associated with the degree of tumor infiltration in CRC (P<0.05) and the AdipoR2 rs1044471 polymorphism was associated with the degree of differentiation and Dukes' staging in CRC (P<0.05). The CT haplotype was identified as a protective factor, while the TC haplotype was a risk factor in a healthy population. AdipoR2 protein expression was associated with the degree of differentiation, Dukes' staging, degree of tumor infiltration and lymphatic metastasis in CRC (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the TT genotype of AdipoR2 rs10773989 and CC genotype of AdipoR2 rs1044471 were independent risk factors for CRC. The AdipoR2 rs10773989 and rs1044471 polymorphisms may be correlated with the susceptibility to CRC. In addition, the TC haplotype and AdipoR2 positive expression may increase the risk of CRC.

New bioactive peptide reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs and increases drug sensitivity

Anticancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) is extracted from normal goat spleens and exhibits antitumor activity alone and in combination with low cisplatin doses to achieve antitumor efficacy similar to higher cisplatin doses via sustained medication modes. In the present study, we investigated whether elevated levels of induced or normal ACBP in MKN‑45 gastric cancer (GC) cells may reduce their toxicity to oxaliplatin (L‑OHP) in a dose‑dependent manner. The growth inhibition rate (IR), morphological changes and gene expression were examined in MKN‑45 GC cells. Compared with normal ACBP, induced ACBP alone significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of L‑OHP‑mediated apoptosis and reduced the amount and side‑effects of L‑OHP (P<0.05). The inhibition of cancer cell growth at high concentrations of induced ACBP and L‑OHP was significantly more effective than at low concentrations. In addition, for the first time, we examined the potential of a combination of induced ACBP and L‑OHP to increase L‑OHP sensitivity in human gastric carcinoma xenograft tumors. Nude mice were implanted with human gastric carcinoma MKN‑45 cells and treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml of normal saline, 30 µg/ml ACBP, 20 µg/ml L‑OHP or 30 µg/ml ACBP + 20 µg/ml L‑OHP [combination of anticancer bioactive peptide and oxaliplatin (A+L)] via the tail vein twice a week. In vivo short‑term intermittent use of induced ACBP alone significantly inhibited MKN‑45 tumor growth. The combination of induced ACBP and L‑OHP also significantly improved the quality of life of the nude mice and reduced the toxicity of L‑OHP. Based on flow cytometry and gene expression analyses, A+L significantly increased the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase (P<0.05) relative to ACBP or L‑OHP alone, and short‑term intraperitoneal injection of ACBP increased the sensitizing effect of L‑OHP. Collectively, these results suggest that high levels of induced ACBP in combination with L‑OHP via a short‑term intermittent medication mode could be a useful clinical therapeutic strategy for GC.

Evolving role of adiponectin in cancer-controversies and update

Adiponectin (APN), an adipokine produced by adipocytes, has been shown to have a critical role in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated malignancies. Through its receptor interactions, APN may exert its anti-carcinogenic effects including regulating cell survival, apoptosis and metastasis via a plethora of signalling pathways. Despite the strong evidence supporting this notion, some work may indicate otherwise. Our review addresses all controversies critically. On the whole, hypoadiponectinaemia is associated with increased risk of several malignancies and poor prognosis. In addition, various genetic polymorphisms may predispose individuals to increased risk of obesity-associated malignancies. We also provide an updated summary on therapeutic interventions to increase APN levels that are of key interest in this field. To date efforts to manipulate APN levels have been promising, but much work remains to be done.

Genetic variants in adiponectin and blood pressure responses to dietary sodium or potassium interventions: a family-based association study

Previous studies have shown that genetic factors might have an important role in blood pressure (BP) responses to dietary salt or potassium intake. The aim of this study was to assess the association of common genetic variants of the adiponectin gene with BP responses to controlled dietary sodium or potassium interventions. Subjects (n=334) from 124 families in rural areas of Northern China were recruited. After a 3-day baseline observation, participants sequentially maintained a 7-day low-sodium diet (NaCl, 3 g per day; or sodium, 51.3 mmol per day), followed by a 7-day high-sodium diet (NaCl, 18 g per day; or sodium, 307.8 mmol per day) and a 7-day high-sodium plus potassium supplementation intervention (KCl, 4.5 g per day; or potassium, 60 mmol per day). A total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene were selected as the study sites. After adjustment for multiple testing, the adiponectin SNP rs16861205 was significantly associated with the diastolic BP (DBP) response to low-salt intervention, and the DBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to high-salt intervention (P=0.028, 0.023 and 0.027, respectively). SNP rs822394 was associated with the DBP and MAP responses to low-salt intervention and the DBP response to high-salt intervention (P=0.023, 0.030 and 0.033 respectively). Meanwhile, significant association also existed between SNP rs16861194 and the systolic BP response to potassium supplementation intervention (P=0.026). In addition, SNP rs822394 was significantly associated with basal DBP after adjustment for multiple testing (P=0.033). Our study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium intake.

RETRACTED: ATPase inhibitory factor 1 is a prognostic marker and contributes to proliferation and invasion of human gastric cancer cells

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors, who have informed the Editor-in-Chief that the regulatory effect of IF1 on apoptosis reported in the paper cannot be repeated. In subsequent experiments, two independent shRNAs designed to knockdown IF1 were unable to induce apoptosis in SGC-7901 or MGC-803 cells. The authors cannot explain why the results are not reproducible, but speculate that the original findings may reflect an off-target effect of IF1 shRNA knockdown. The authors no longer have confidence in the reliability of the results and would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused. The Editor-in-Chief agreed to retract the article.