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Gong Y, Hu X, Chen M, Wang J. Recent progress of iron-based nanomaterials in gene delivery and tumor gene therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:309. [PMID: 38825720 PMCID: PMC11145874 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02550-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy aims to modify or manipulate gene expression and change the biological characteristics of living cells to achieve the purpose of treating diseases. The safe, efficient, and stable expression of exogenous genes in cells is crucial for the success of gene therapy, which is closely related to the vectors used in gene therapy. Currently, gene therapy vectors are mainly divided into two categories: viral vectors and non-viral vectors. Viral vectors are widely used due to the advantages of persistent and stable expression, high transfection efficiency, but they also have certain issues such as infectivity, high immunological rejection, randomness of insertion mutation, carcinogenicity, and limited vector capacity. Non-viral vectors have the advantages of non-infectivity, controllable chemical structure, and unlimited vector capacity, but the transfection efficiency is low. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, the unique physicochemical properties of nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention in the field of drug and gene delivery. Among many nanomaterials, iron-based nanomaterials have attracted much attention due to their superior physicochemical properties, such as Fenton reaction, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetothermal therapy, photothermal therapy, gene delivery, magnetically-assisted drug delivery, cell and tissue targeting, and so on. In this paper, the research progress of iron-based nanomaterials in gene delivery and tumor gene therapy is reviewed, and the future application direction of iron-based nanomaterials is further prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100864, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Koukourakis IM, Gkegka AG, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI. Neoplasia-related and treatment-induced lymphopenia: impact on the outcome of chemoradiotherapy in laryngeal cancer. Int J Radiat Biol 2024; 100:736-743. [PMID: 38394349 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2024.2316608] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of the immune system in the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) has been well established. We examined the role of neoplasia-related and treatment-induced lymphopenia in the outcome of RT or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in squamous cell laryngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a series of 135 laryngeal carcinomas treated with radical or postoperative RT/CRT. Six lymphocyte-related variables were defined and examined: i. lymphocyte counts (LCs) before a brief course of induction chemotherapy, ii. pre-RT LCs, iii. post-RT LCs, iv. pre-RT neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L), v. pre-RT monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (M/L), and vi. pre-RT platelet/lymphocyte ratio (Pt/L). RESULTS RT and CRT resulted in a significant decrease of LCs at the end of therapy, and this was significantly more prominent in patients treated with radical intent and neck irradiation (median LC nadir 810/μl vs. 1250/μl; p = .0003). Induction chemotherapy did not intensify the lymphotoxic effect of RT. LCs lower than the 33rd percentile before RT (<1718/μl) and after RT (<720/μl) were significantly linked to poor locoregional progression-free survival (LRFS; p = .02 and p = .08, respectively) and disease-specific overall survival (OS; p = .02 and p = .03, respectively). This was also confirmed multivariate analysis (LRFS: p = .006/HR = 2.41 and p = .08/HR = 1.76, respectively; OS: p = .001/HR = 3.06 and p = .02/HR = 2.07, respectively). High pre-RT N/L, M/L, and Pt/L ratios were also of ominous prognostic relevance. CONCLUSIONS Both neoplasia-related and RT-induced lymphopenia define the outcome of RT in terms of locoregional failure, incidence of metastasis, and, finally, disease-specific survival of patients with laryngeal cancer. Restoration of pre-RT lymphopenia and protection of peripheral lymphocytes during RT emerge as critical issues that demand therapeutic interventions to maximize the efficacy of RT/CRT in patients with laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia G Gkegka
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Giatromanolaki A, Kavazis C, Gkegka AG, Kouroupi M, Tsaroucha A, Pitiakoudis M, Koukourakis MI. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1, and MMR-deficiency combined characterization may identify subgroups of rectal cancer patients who would benefit from immunotherapy. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152756. [PMID: 38860277 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152756] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mismatch repair deficiency, immunological fertility, and PD-L1 expression status are key histopathological and molecular features defining tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy and, eventually, prognosis. These were investigated in a series of locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density was assessed in hematoxylin-eosin tissue sections. PD-L1 expression and the expression of MMR proteins (MLH1, PSM2, MSH2, and MSH6) were assessed with immunohistochemistry. Their association with histopathological variables (node involvement and tumor budding) and prognosis was assessed. RESULTS The TIL-density was significantly higher in the invading tumor front and was inversely related to tumor budding and directly with better overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (p = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). Cancer cell PD-L1 expression was related to high TIL-density (p < 0.01) but not to prognosis, although its overexpression defined a trend for poorer OS in patients with high TIL-density. High PD-L1 expression by stroma infiltrating immune cells was linked with better OS and DMFS (p = 0.007 and 0.001, respectively. MMR deficiency was recorded in 26.2 % of cases, and this was linked with higher TIL-density, but not with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Dense intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration relates to a better prognosis in rectal cancer, although it is also linked with PD-L1 expression that may adversely modulate the anti-tumor effects of TILs. This latter subgroup of patients (high TIL-density/high cancer cell PD-L1 expression) could be an additional target for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, along with the established subgroup of MMR deficient patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Kavazis
- Departments of Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia G Gkegka
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Kouroupi
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Tsaroucha
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael Pitiakoudis
- Departments of Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece; Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Filippatos K, Koukourakis IM, Anevlavis S, Giaktzidis A, Koukourakis MI. Ultra-Hypofractionated Re-Irradiation with Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Locoregionally Recurrent (after Radical Chemo-Radiotherapy) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5083. [PMID: 37894449 PMCID: PMC10605411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Large fractions of radiotherapy of 8 Gy (ultra-hypofractionated RT, ultra-hypoRT) promote anti-tumor immune responses that have been clinically substantiated in combination trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In the current study, we postulated that ultra-hypoRT in combination with ICIs may enhance tumor clearance in NSCLC patients with locoregional relapse after radical chemo-RT. Between 2019 and 2021, eleven patients received re-irradiation with one or two fractions of 8 Gy concurrently with anti-PD1 immunotherapy (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). RT-related toxicities were negligible, while immune-related adverse events enforced immunotherapy interruption in 36% of patients. The overall response rate was 81.8%. Tumor reduction between 80 and 100% was noted in 63.5% of patients. Within a median follow-up of 22 months, the locoregional relapse-free rate was 54.5%, while the projected 2-year disease-specific overall survival was 62%. The results were independent of PD-L1 status. The current report provides encouraging evidence that a relatively low biological dose of RT delivered with 8 Gy fractions is feasible and can be safely combined with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Despite the low number of patients, the significant tumor regression achieved and the long-lasting locoregional control and overall progression-free intervals provide a basis to pursue immuno-RT trials with U-hypoRT schemes in this group of NSCLC patients of poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Filippatos
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Ioannis M. Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavros Anevlavis
- Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Axiotis Giaktzidis
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Michael I. Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (K.F.); (A.G.)
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Gao L, Zhang A. Low-dose radiotherapy effects the progression of anti-tumor response. Transl Oncol 2023; 35:101710. [PMID: 37320873 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT or LDR) as a treatment modality for malignant tumors dates back to the 1920s. Even with the minimal total dose administered during treatment, LDRT can result in long-lasting remission. Autocrine and paracrine signaling are widely recognized for fostering the growth and development of tumor cells. LDRT exerts systemic anti-tumor effects through various mechanisms, such as enhancing the activity of immune cells and cytokines, shifting the immune response towards an anti-tumor phenotype, influencing gene expression, and blocking crucial immunosuppressive pathways. Additionally, LDRT has been demonstrated to enhance the infiltration of activated T cells and initiate a series of inflammatory processes while modulating the tumor microenvironment. In this context, the objective of receiving radiation is not to directly kill tumor cells but to reprogram the immune system. Enhancing anti-tumor immunity may be a critical mechanism by which LDRT plays a role in cancer suppression. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the clinical and preclinical efficacy of LDRT in combination with other anti-cancer strategies, such as the interaction between LDRT and the tumor microenvironment, and the remodeling of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gao
- Medical Imaging Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Oncology Department, Huabei Petroleum Administration Bureau General Hospital, Renqiu, China.
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Koukourakis IM, Platoni K, Tiniakos D, Kouloulias V, Zygogianni A. Immune Response and Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Patients with Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4495-4517. [PMID: 37232754 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that tumor antigens and molecules expressed and secreted by cancer cells trigger innate and adaptive immune responses. These two types of anti-tumor immunity lead to the infiltration of the tumor's microenvironment by immune cells with either regulatory or cytotoxic properties. Whether this response is associated with tumor eradication after radiotherapy and chemotherapy or regrowth has been a matter of extensive research through the years, mainly focusing on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and monocytes and their subtypes, and the expression of immune checkpoint and other immune-related molecules by both immune and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment. A literature search has been conducted on studies dealing with the immune response in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, assessing its impact on locoregional control and survival and underlying the potential role of immunotherapy in the treatment of this cancer subtype. Here, we provide an overview of the interactions between local/systemic anti-tumor immunity, cancer-related immune checkpoint, and other immunological pathways and radiotherapy, and how these affect the prognosis of rectal cancer patients. Chemoradiotherapy induces critical immunological changes in the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells that can be exploited for therapeutic interventions in rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Platoni
- Medical Physics Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Vassilis Kouloulias
- Radiotherapy Unit, 2nd Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, 1st Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), 11528 Athens, Greece
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Dehghani T, Shahrjerdi A, Kahrizi MS, Soleimani E, Ravandeh S, Merza MS, Rahnama N, Ebrahimzadeh F, Bakhshesh M. Targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) for treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); the recent advances. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154470. [PMID: 37150133 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The immune system uses various immune checkpoint axes to adjust responses, support homeostasis, and deter self-reactivity and autoimmunity. Nevertheless, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) can use protective mechanisms to facilitate immune evasion, which leads to potentiated cancer survival and proliferation. In this light, many blocking anti-bodies have been developed to negatively regulate checkpoint molecules, in particular, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) / PD-ligand 1 (L1), and bypass these immune suppressive mechanisms. Meanwhile, anti-PD-1 anti-bodies such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab, and sintilimab have shown excellent competence in successfully inspiring immune responses versus NSCLC. Accordingly, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved nivolumab (alone or in combination with ipilimumab) and pembrolizumab (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC patients. However, PD-1 blockade monotherapy remains inefficient in more than 60% of NSCLC patients, and many patients don't respond or acquire resistance to this modality. Also, toxicities related to anti-PD-1 anti-body have been progressively identified in clinical trials and oncology practice. Herein, we will outline the clinical benefits of PD-1 blockade therapy alone or in combination with other treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, we will take a glimpse into the recently identified predictive biomarkers to determine patients most likely to suffer serious adverse events to decrease untoward toxicity risk and diminish treatment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Dehghani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Lorestan, Iran
| | - Alireza Shahrjerdi
- National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P.O. Box: 14965/161, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elnaz Soleimani
- Departmant of Genetic, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Muna S Merza
- Prosthetic Dental Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal university College, Babylon 51001, Iraq
| | - Negin Rahnama
- Department of Internal Medicine and Health Services, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Morteza Bakhshesh
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran.
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Yao S, Zhao L, Chen S, Wang H, Gao Y, Shao NY, Dai M, Cai H. Cervical cancer immune infiltration microenvironment identification, construction of immune scores, assisting patient prognosis and immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135657. [PMID: 36969161 PMCID: PMC10037308 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe immune microenvironment is of great significance in cervical cancer. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on the immune infiltration environment of cervical cancer.MethodsWe obtained cervical cancer transcriptome data and clinical information from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, evaluated the immune microenvironment of cervical cancer, determined immune subsets, constructed an immune cell infiltration scoring system, screened key immune-related genes, and performed single-cell data analysis and cell function analysis of key genes.ResultsWe combined the TCGA and GEO data sets and obtained three different immune cell populations. We obtained two gene clusters, extracted 119 differential genes, and established an immune cell infiltration (ICI) scoring system. Finally, three key genes, IL1B, CST7, and ITGA5, were identified, and single-cell sequencing data were mined to distribute these key genes in different cell types. By up-regulating CST7 and down-regulating IL1B and ITGA5, cervical cancer cells’ proliferation ability and invasion ability were successfully reduced.ConclusionWe conducted a comprehensive assessment of the state of the tumor immune microenvironment in cervical cancer, constructed the ICI scoring system, and identified the ICI scoring system as a potential indicator of susceptibility to immunotherapy for cervical cancer, identifying key genes suggesting that IL1B, CST7, and ITGA5 play an essential role in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Yao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liyang Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Ministry of Education (MoE) Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Siming Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ning-Yi Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Ministry of Education (MoE) Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbing Cai, ; Mengyuan Dai, ; Ning-Yi Shao,
| | - Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbing Cai, ; Mengyuan Dai, ; Ning-Yi Shao,
| | - Hongbing Cai
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Hongbing Cai, ; Mengyuan Dai, ; Ning-Yi Shao,
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Razi S, Yaghmoorian Khojini J, Kargarijam F, Panahi S, Tahershamsi Z, Tajbakhsh A, Gheibihayat SM. Macrophage efferocytosis in health and disease. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:152-165. [PMID: 36794573 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Creating cellular homeostasis within a defined tissue typically relates to the processes of apoptosis and efferocytosis. A great example here is cell debris that must be removed to prevent unwanted inflammatory responses and then reduce autoimmunity. In view of that, defective efferocytosis is often assumed to be responsible for the improper clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs). This predicament triggers off inflammation and even results in disease development. Any disruption of phagocytic receptors, molecules as bridging groups, or signaling routes can also inhibit macrophage efferocytosis and lead to the impaired clearance of the apoptotic body. In this line, macrophages as professional phagocytic cells take the lead in the efferocytosis process. As well, insufficiency in macrophage efferocytosis facilitates the spread of a wide variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, kidney problems, types of cancer, asthma, and the like. Establishing the functions of macrophages in this respect can be thus useful in the treatment of many diseases. Against this background, this review aimed to recapitulate the knowledge about the mechanisms related to macrophage polarization under physiological or pathological conditions, and shed light on its interaction with efferocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokufeh Razi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Yaghmoorian Khojini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Kargarijam
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Advanced Technology in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Susan Panahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zahra Tahershamsi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibihayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Munich, Germany
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Liu W, Gao Y, Li H, Wang X, Jin M, Shen Z, Yang D, Zhang X, Wei Z, Chen Z, Li J. Association between oxidative stress, mitochondrial function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gastrointestinal cancers. J Transl Med 2023; 21:107. [PMID: 36765353 PMCID: PMC9921196 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rate of gastrointestinal cancers are high worldwide. Increasing studies have illustrated that the occurrence, progression, metastasis and prognosis of cancers are intimately linked to the immune system. Mitochondria, as the main source of cellular energy, play an important role in maintaining the physiological function of immune cells. However, the relationship between mitochondrial function of immune cells and tumorigenesis has not yet been systematically investigated. METHODS A total of 150 cases, including 60 healthy donors and 90 primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments (30 with gastric cancer, 30 with liver cancer and 30 with colorectal cancer) were involved in our study. The oxidant/antioxidant and cytokine levels in plasma, the ROS level, mitochondrial function and apoptosis ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated. RESULTS The imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant in plasma was discovered in the primary gastrointestinal cancer patients. The levels of cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS in PBMCs of primary gastrointestinal cancers were significantly increased compared with that in healthy donors. Meanwhile, the ATP content, the mtDNA copy number and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in PBMCs of patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers were lower than those in control group. The decreased MMP also occurred in immune cells of gastrointestinal cancers, including T cell, B cell, NK cell and monocyte. Furthermore, the PBMCs apoptosis ratio of primary gastrointestinal cancer patients was significantly higher than that of control group. Importantly, an increase of IL-2 and IL-6 and a decrease of IgG in plasma were found in the patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers. These changes of mitochondrial function in immune cells were consistent among primary gastrointestinal cancers without anti-tumor treatments, such as liver cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that the imbalance of oxidation/antioxidation in primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments results in excessive ROS. The oxidative stress was associated to the mitochondrial dysfunction, the apoptosis of immune cells and eventually the abnormal immune function in primary gastrointestinal cancers. The application of immune cell mitochondrial dysfunction into clinical evaluation is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China ,Maternity & Child Care Center of Dezhou, Dezhou, Shandong China
| | - Hua Li
- grid.411918.40000 0004 1798 6427Department of Endoscopy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zilin Wei
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoli Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Junwen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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11
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Tsolou A, Koparanis D, Lamprou I, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI. Increased glucose influx and glycogenesis in lung cancer cells surviving after irradiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:692-701. [PMID: 35976051 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2113837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung cancer is considered as one of the most frequent malignancies worldwide. Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality applied for locally advanced disease, but remnant surviving cancer tissue results in disease progression in the majority of irradiated lung carcinomas. Metabolic reprogramming is regarded as a cancer hallmark and is associated with resistance to radiation therapy. Here, we explored metabolic alterations possibly related to cancer cell radioresistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared the expression of metabolism-related enzymes in the parental A549 lung cancer cell line along with two new cell lines derived from A549 cells after recovery from three (A549-IR3) and six (A549-IR6) irradiation doses with 4 Gy. Differential GLUT1 and GYS1 expression on proliferation and radioresistance were also comparatively investigated. RESULTS A549-IR cells displayed increased extracellular glucose absorption, and enhanced mRNA and protein levels of the GLUT1 glucose transporter. GLUT1 inhibition with BAY-876, suppressed cell proliferation and the effect was significantly more profound on A549-IR3 cells. Protein levels of molecules associated with aerobic or anaerobic glycolysis, or the phosphate pentose pathway were similar in all three cell lines. However, glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) was upregulated, especially in the A549-IR3 cell line, suggestive of glycogen accumulation in cells surviving post irradiation. GYS1-gene silencing repressed the proliferation capacity of A549, but this increased their radioresistance. The radio-protective effect of the suppression of proliferative activity induced by GYS1 silencing did not protect A549-IR3 cells against further irradiation. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that GYS1 activity is a critical component of the metabolism of lung cancer cells surviving after fractionated radiotherapy. Targeting the glycogen metabolic reprogramming after irradiation may be a valuable approach to pursue eradication of the post-radiotherapy remnant of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avgi Tsolou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Koparanis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Lamprou
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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12
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Koukourakis IM, Tiniakos D, Kouloulias V, Zygogianni A. The molecular basis of immuno-radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:715-736. [PMID: 36383201 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2144960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiotherapy (RT) and immunotherapy are powerful anti-tumor treatment modalities. Experimental research has demonstrated an important interplay between the cytotoxic effects of RT and the immune system. This systematic review provides an overview of the basics of anti-tumor immunity and focuses on the mechanisms underlying the interplay between RT and immune anti-tumor response that set the molecular basis of immuno-RT. CONCLUSIONS An 'immunity acquired equilibrium' mimicking tumor dormancy can be achieved post-irradiation treatment, with the balance shifted toward tumor eradication or regrowth when immune cells' cytotoxic effects or cancer proliferation rate prevail, respectively. RT has both immunosuppressive and immune-enhancing properties. The latter effect is also known as radio-vaccination. Its mechanisms involve up- or down-regulation of membrane molecules, such as PD-L1, HLA-class-I, CD80/86, CD47, and Fas/CD95, that play a vital role in immune checkpoint pathways and increased cytokine expression (e.g. INFα,β,γ, IL1,2, and TNFα) by cancer or immune cells. Moreover, the interactions of radiation with the tumor microenvironment (fibroblasts, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells are also an important component of radio-vaccination. Thus, RT may have anti-tumor vaccine properties, whose sequels can be exploited by immunotherapy agents to treat different cancer subtypes effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M. Koukourakis
- Radiation Oncology Unit, First Department of Radiology, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Vassilis Kouloulias
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Second Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Rimini 1, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Zygogianni
- Radiation Oncology Unit, First Department of Radiology, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUOA), Athens, Greece
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13
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Is anti-PD-1 immunotherapy a means for post-irradiation tumor clearance in head and neck cancer? MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:186. [PMID: 36071248 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemo-radiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced head-neck cancer (LA-HNC). However, about 30% of tumors do not respond or even progress shortly after the completion of radiotherapy. We investigated whether anti-PD1 immunotherapy can eradicate the irradiated tumor and reverse the ominous prognosis of these patients. We retrospectively analyzed a small series of 9 patients with LA-HNC who did not respond (6/9) or showed local disease progression (3/9) during chemo-radiotherapy and were treated with nivolumab anti-PD1 immunotherapy. Immunotherapy started 1.5 months after the end of radiotherapy. Out of 9 patients, 3 (33.3%) had a complete response and 3 (33.3%) partial response at 6 months after the onset of immunotherapy. Two patients are alive with no evidence of disease at 36 months. One more patient with partial response and without disease progression survived 16 months after therapy when he died from intercurrent disease. Immunotherapy showed an excellent tolerance profile. One patient developed an extensive skin rash on the 16th cycle. Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy after radiotherapy can lead to clearance of the remnant tumor and ameliorate the prognosis of patients. Randomized trials are necessary to establish post-irradiation immunotherapy as a standard of care in this ill-fated subgroup of HNC patients.
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14
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Prognostic and Predictive Relevance of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Squamous Cell Head-Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy/Chemo-Radiotherapy. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:4274-4284. [PMID: 35735451 PMCID: PMC9222114 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29060342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microenvironmental conditions control the entrance and thriving of cytotoxic lymphocytes in tumors, allowing or preventing immune-mediated cancer cell death. We investigated the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density in the outcome of radiotherapy in a series of squamous cell head−neck tumors (HNSCC). Moreover, we assessed the link between markers of hypoxia and TIL density. One-hundred twenty-one patients with HNSCC treated prospectively with radical radiotherapy/chemo-radiotherapy were analyzed. The assessment of TIL density was performed on hematoxylin and eosin biopsy sections before radiotherapy. TIL density ranged from 0.8 to 150 lymphocytes per ×40 optical field (median 27.5). Using the median value, patients were grouped into two categories of low and high TIL density. Early T-stage tumors had a significantly higher TIL density (p < 0.003), but we found no association with N-stage. Overexpression of HIF1α, HIF2α, and CA9 was significantly linked with poor infiltration by TILs (p < 0.03). A significant association of high TIL density with better disease-specific overall survival and improved locoregional relapse-free survival was noted (p = 0.008 and 0.02, respectively), which was also confirmed in multivariate analysis. It is concluded that HNSCC phenotypes that allow for the intratumoral accumulation of lymphocytes have a better outcome following radical radiotherapy/chemo-radiotherapy. Intratumoral-activated HIF- and CA9-related pathways characterize immunologically cold tumors and may be used as targets for therapeutic interventions.
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15
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Tumor draining lymph nodes, immune response, and radiotherapy: Towards a revisal of therapeutic principles. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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16
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de Faria FP, Petroianu A, Mota LG, Fernandes SOA, Geraldo JM, Nascimento CB, Vital KD. Splenic, hepatic, renal and pulmonary clearance dysfunction associated with high-energy X-rays. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1257-1260. [PMID: 34919028 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify the high-energy X-rays effects on the blood clearance of colloidal particles by the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n = 5) - control - non-irradiated animals, group 2 (n = 6) - irradiated animals studied 24 h after irradiation, and group 3 (n = 6) - irradiated animals studied 48 h after irradiation. The animals were anesthetized and irradiated with a non-fractionated 8 Gy dose in the abdominal region divided into two parallel and opposite fields, 4 Gy was given to the anteroposterior and 4 Gy to the posteroanterior. This high dose of high-energy X-rays causes extensive cell killing, tissue disorganization and break down cell to cell communication. According to the groups, 50 µCi of technetium-phytate were injected into the right internal jugular vein. After 30 minutes, the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs were removed. The clot was harvested from the abdominal cavity two minutes after the sectioning of the abdominal aorta and cava vein. The organs and clot were placed into plastic flasks to be weighed and studied for the emission of radioactivity in a gamma radiation detector. The uptake function of each organ was calculated based on the count of gamma rays emitted per minute and normalized with the organ mass, having as a reference the radioactivity count of a standard sample. The arithmetic mean of each organ uptake was calculated and compared among the groups. RESULTS After irradiation, the spleen uptake of colloidal radiopharmaceutical was greater, while the hepatic, renal, and pulmonary uptake were lower. The renal uptake decreased slower than the hepatic and pulmonary uptake. CONCLUSIONS A single high dose of high-energy X-rays enhances the splenic clearance function, while it reduces the hepatic, renal, and pulmonary clearance until 48 h after irradiation, with a rapid deterioration of the hepatic and pulmonary uptake function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando P de Faria
- Departamento de Engenharia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil.,Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Andy Petroianu
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Luciene G Mota
- Departamento de Anatomia e Imagem, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Simone O A Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Jony M Geraldo
- Centro de Radioterapia do Hospital Luxemburgo, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | | | - Katia D Vital
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
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17
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Koukourakis IM, Koukourakis MI. Combining the past and present to advance immuno-radiotherapy of cancer. Int Rev Immunol 2021; 42:26-42. [PMID: 34511006 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2021.1974020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since its first clinical application, 120 years ago, radiotherapy evolved into a major anti-cancer treatment modality, offering high cure rates in many human malignancies. During the past ten years, the establishment of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer therapeutics has vigorously reintroduced the immune system's role in the outcome of radiotherapy and, conversely, the role of radio-vaccination in the efficacy of immunotherapy. The knowledge and clinical experience that founded the current era of immuno-radiotherapy started alongside with the birth of radiotherapy, and evolved through exhaustive experimental work, clinical trials on active specific immunotherapy, frustrating attempts to validate the importance of cytokine administration with radiotherapy, and, finally, the encouraging ICI-based clinical trials that opened the door to a far more encouraging perspective; radio-vaccination, through its old and new methods, is rising as a research field that promises to cure, previously incurable, disease. In this critical review, we focus on the scientific knowledge gathered through more than a century of research on radiotherapy interactions with the immune system. Understanding the origins of this promising therapeutic approach will substantially contribute to developing new immuno-radiotherapy policies in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Koukourakis
- 1st Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy Unit, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael I Koukourakis
- Department of Radiotherapy/Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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18
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Improvement in Redox Homeostasis after Cytoreductive Surgery in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8864905. [PMID: 34381561 PMCID: PMC8352694 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8864905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) as one the most common cancer type is associated with oxidative stress. Surgery is the only curative modality for early-stage CRC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative damage biomarkers as well as enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in patients with CRC before and after tumor resection and in healthy controls. 60 patients with stage I/II colorectal adenocarcinoma and 43 healthy controls were recruited in this study. We measured plasma levels of oxidative damage biomarkers, including advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) at baseline and after tumor removal. We also evaluated the plasma activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as enzymatic antioxidants and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay for nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity. Patients with CRC had significantly higher AGE, AOPP, MDA, and ox-LDL and also FRAP levels and higher SOD and GPx and lower CAT activity levels compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). We did not observe any statistically significant correlation between redox biomarkers and the size and stage of the tumor. AGEs (72.49 ± 4.7 vs. 67.93 ± 8.8, p < 0.001), AOPP (137.64 ± 21.9 vs. 119.08 ± 33.1, p < 0.001), MDA (3.56 ± 0.30 vs. 3.05 ± 0.33, p < 0.001), and ox-LDL (19.78 ± 0.97 vs. 16.94 ± 1.02, p < 0.001) concentrations reduced significantly after tumor removal. The largest effect sizes were found in ox-LDL (d = -2.853, 95% CI 2.50-3.19) and MDA (d = -1.617, 95% CI 0.43-0.57). Serum FRAP levels (1097.5 ± 156.7 vs. 1239.3 ± 290, p < 0.001) and CAT (2.34 ± 0.34 vs. 2.63 ± 0.38, p < 0.001), GPx (102.37 ± 6.58 vs. 108.03 ± 6.95, p < 0.001), and SOD (5.13 ± 0.39 vs. 5.53 ± 0.31, p < 0.001) activity levels increased significantly after surgery. The largest effect sizes among antioxidants were seen in SOD (d = 1.135, 95% CI 0.46-0.34) and GPx (d = 0.836, 95% CI 0.35-0.23). This study indicated that patients with colorectal cancer had higher levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant activity compared to healthy controls. After surgical resection of tumor, we observed a substantial improvement in redox homeostasis.
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19
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A Hypoxia Gene-Based Signature to Predict the Survival and Affect the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Osteosarcoma in Children. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5523832. [PMID: 34337075 PMCID: PMC8299210 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5523832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a quickly developing, malignant cancer of the bone, which is associated with a bad prognosis. In osteosarcoma, hypoxia promotes the malignant phenotype, which results in a cascade of immunosuppressive processes, poor prognosis, and a high risk of metastasis. Nonetheless, additional methodologies for the study of hyperoxia in the tumor microenvironment also need more analysis. We obtained 88 children patients with osteosarcoma from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatment (TARGET) database and 53 children patients with RNA sequence and clinicopathological data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We developed a four-gene signature related to hypoxia to reflect the immune microenvironment in osteosarcoma that predicts survival. A high-risk score indicated a poor prognosis and immunosuppressive microenvironment. The presence of the four-gene signature related to hypoxia was correlated with clinical and molecular features and was an important prognostic predictor for pediatric osteosarcoma patients. In summary, we established and validated a four-gene signature related to hypoxia to forecast recovery and presented an independent prognostic predictor representing overall immune response strength within the osteosarcoma microenvironment.
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20
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Fiorica F, Belluomini L, Giuliani J, Urbini B, Milella M, Frassoldati A, Pilotto S, Giorgi C. Abscopal effect and resistance reversion in nivolumab-treated non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing palliative radiotherapy: a case report. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:971-976. [PMID: 34180714 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abscopal effect has been mentioned for a long time, but only recently a deeper knowledge about underlying mechanisms supporting the interaction between immune system and radiation therapy became available. Furthermore, the introduction of immune-checkpoint inhibitors makes appealing the idea of combining them with radiotherapy (RT) to elicit abscopal effect and ideally revert an intrinsic or acquired resistance. Herein, we present the case of a non-small-cell lung cancer patient undergoing, during second line nivolumab, palliative RT on thoracic wall lesion, achieving a complete response in the metastatic adrenal site. This case report suggests that the abscopal effect exists in clinical practice of lung cancer care likely due to a synergism between immune-checkpoint and RT, even when administered with a palliative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorica
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Hospital Mater Salutis, 37045, AUSLSS 9, Verona, Italy.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine & Verona University Hospital Trust, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Jacopo Giuliani
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Hospital Mater Salutis, 37045, AUSLSS 9, Verona, Italy
| | - Benedetta Urbini
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine & Verona University Hospital Trust, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine & Verona University Hospital Trust, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Oncology & Experimental Biology, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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21
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Tajbakhsh A, Gheibi Hayat SM, Movahedpour A, Savardashtaki A, Loveless R, Barreto GE, Teng Y, Sahebkar A. The complex roles of efferocytosis in cancer development, metastasis, and treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111776. [PMID: 34062411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When tumor cells are killed by targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy, they trigger their primary tumor by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Microenvironmental interactions can also promote tumor heterogeneity and development. In this line, several immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, including macrophages, dendritic cells, regulatory T-cells, and CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, are involved in the clearance of apoptotic tumor cells through a process called efferocytosis. Although the efficiency of apoptotic tumor cell efferocytosis is positive under physiological conditions, there are controversies regarding its usefulness in treatment-induced apoptotic tumor cells (ATCs). Efferocytosis can show the limitation of cytotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Since cytotoxic treatments lead to extensive cell mortality, efferocytosis, and macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype, the immune response may get involved in tumor recurrence and metastasis. Tumor cells can use the anti-inflammatory effect of apoptotic tumor cell efferocytosis to induce an immunosuppressive condition that is tumor-tolerant. Since M2 polarization and efferocytosis are tumor-promoting processes, the receptors on macrophages act as potential targets for cancer therapy. Moreover, researchers have shown that efferocytosis-related molecules/pathways are potential targets for cancer therapy. These include phosphatidylserine and calreticulin, Tyro3, Axl, and Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), receptors of tyrosine kinase, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1, annexin V, CD47, TGF-β, IL-10, and macrophage phenotype switch are combined with conventional therapy, which can be more effective in cancer treatment. Thus, we set out to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of efferocytosis in treatment-induced apoptotic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ahmad Movahedpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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22
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Mattei F, Andreone S, Mencattini A, De Ninno A, Businaro L, Martinelli E, Schiavoni G. Oncoimmunology Meets Organs-on-Chip. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:627454. [PMID: 33842539 PMCID: PMC8032996 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.627454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncoimmunology represents a biomedical research discipline coined to study the roles of immune system in cancer progression with the aim of discovering novel strategies to arm it against the malignancy. Infiltration of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment is an early event that results in the establishment of a dynamic cross-talk. Here, immune cells sense antigenic cues to mount a specific anti-tumor response while cancer cells emanate inhibitory signals to dampen it. Animals models have led to giant steps in this research context, and several tools to investigate the effect of immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment are currently available. However, the use of animals represents a challenge due to ethical issues and long duration of experiments. Organs-on-chip are innovative tools not only to study how cells derived from different organs interact with each other, but also to investigate on the crosstalk between immune cells and different types of cancer cells. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of microfluidics and the impact of OOC in the field of oncoimmunology underlining the importance of this system in the advancements on the complexity of tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Andreone
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Mencattini
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Studies on Lab-on-Chip and Organ-on-Chip Applications (ICLOC), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele De Ninno
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Businaro
- Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Martinelli
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Studies on Lab-on-Chip and Organ-on-Chip Applications (ICLOC), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Schiavoni
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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