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Bostan IS, Mihaila M, Roman V, Radu N, Neagu MT, Bostan M, Mehedintu C. Landscape of Endometrial Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Target Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2027. [PMID: 38893147 PMCID: PMC11171255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112027] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one the most prevalent gynecological cancers and, unfortunately, has a poor prognosis due to low response rates to traditional treatments. However, the progress in molecular biology and understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in tumor processes offers valuable information that has led to the current classification that describes four molecular subtypes of endometrial cancer. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancers, such as genetic mutations, defects in the DNA mismatch repair pathway, epigenetic changes, or dysregulation in angiogenic or hormonal signaling pathways. The preclinical genomic and molecular investigations presented allowed for the identification of some molecules that could be used as biomarkers to diagnose, predict, and monitor the progression of endometrial cancer. Besides the therapies known in clinical practice, targeted therapy is described as a new cancer treatment that involves identifying specific molecular targets in tumor cells. By selectively inhibiting these targets, key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression can be disrupted while normal cells are protected. The connection between molecular biomarkers and targeted therapy is vital in the fight against cancer. Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring the use of standard therapy agents in combination with other treatment strategies like immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy to improve outcomes and personalize treatment for patients with endometrial cancer. This approach has the potential to transform the management of cancer patients. In conclusion, enhancing molecular tools is essential for stratifying the risk and guiding surgery, adjuvant therapy, and cancer treatment for women with endometrial cancer. In addition, the information from this review may have an essential value in the personalized therapy approach for endometrial cancer to improve the patient's life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirela Mihaila
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Titu Maiorescu University, 040314 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viviana Roman
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
| | - Nicoleta Radu
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania;
- Biotechnology Department, National Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry R&D of Bucharest, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Teodora Neagu
- Department of Immunology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marinela Bostan
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Center of Immunology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.M.); (V.R.)
- Department of Immunology, ‘Victor Babes’ National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Claudia Mehedintu
- Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania; (I.-S.B.); (C.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050471 Bucharest, Romania
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Liang X, Xie H, Yu L, Ouyang J, Peng Q, Chen K, Liu F, Chen H, Chen X, Du X, Zhu X, Li G, He R. Study on the effects and mechanisms of Wenzhong Bushen Formula in improving ovarian reserve decline in mice based on network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117756. [PMID: 38218503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Wenzhong Bushen Formula (WZBSF) is a traditional Chinese medicine empirical formula known for its effects in tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen, warming the kidneys, promoting yang, regulating blood circulation, and balancing menstruation. Clinical evidence has demonstrated its significant efficacy in treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) by improving ovarian reserves. However, the specific pharmacological mechanisms of WZBSF remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which WZBSF improves ovarian reserve decline through network pharmacology and animal experiments. METHODS AND MATERIALS WZBSF was analyzed using a dual UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS platform. Effective components and targets of WZBSF were obtained from the TCMSP database and standardized using UniProt. Disease targets were collected from GeneCard, OMIM, PHARMGKB, and DisGeNET databases, with cross-referencing between the two sets of targets. A PPI protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape3.9.1 and STRING database, followed by KEGG and GO enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. Finally, an ovarian reserve decline model was established in mice, different doses of WZBSF were administered, and experimental validation was conducted through serum hormone detection, H&E staining, immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot analysis (WB). RESULTS WZBSF shares 145 common targets with ovarian reserve decline. GO enrichment analysis revealed involvement in biological processes such as response to hormone stimulation and phosphatase binding, while KEGG analysis implicated pathways including the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. In mice with ovarian reserve decline, WZBSF restored weight gain rate, increased ovarian index, normalized estrous cycles, reversed serum hormone imbalances, restored various follicle counts, and improved ovarian morphology. Additionally, WZBSF reduced p-AKT and p-FOXO3a levels, preventing excessive activation of primordial follicles and maintaining ovarian reserve. CONCLUSION WZBSF can ameliorate cyclophosphamide and busulfan-induced ovarian reserve decline, and its mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haibo Xie
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Leyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jiahui Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qingjie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Keming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hua Chen
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaojiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoli Du
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guangyong Li
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
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Pimenta GF, Awata WMC, Orlandin GG, Silva-Neto JA, Assis VO, da Costa RM, Bruder-Nascimento T, Tostes RC, Tirapelli CR. Melatonin prevents overproduction of reactive oxygen species and vascular dysfunction induced by cyclophosphamide. Life Sci 2024; 338:122361. [PMID: 38158040 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122361] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a pathologic hallmark of cyclophosphamide toxicity. For this reason, antioxidant compounds emerge as promising tools for preventing tissue damage induced by cyclophosphamide. We hypothesized that melatonin would display cytoprotective action in the vasculature by preventing cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice (22-25 g) were injected with a single dose of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg; i.p.). Mice were pretreated or not with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.), given during 4 days before cyclophosphamide injection. Functional (vascular reactivity) and oxidative/inflammatory patterns were evaluated at 24 h in resistance arteries. The antioxidant action of melatonin was assessed in vitro in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of mesenteric arteries. KEY FINDINGS Cyclophosphamide induced ROS generation in both mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) and cultured VSMCs, and this was normalized by melatonin. Cyclophosphamide-induced ROS generation and lipoperoxidation in the bladder and kidney was also prevented by melatonin. Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were detected in the MAB of cyclophosphamide-treated mice, all of which were prevented by melatonin. Functional assays using second-order mesenteric arteries of cyclophosphamide-treated mice revealed a decrease in vascular contractility. Melatonin prevented vascular hypocontractility in the cyclophosphamide group. Melatonin partially prevented the decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities in the MAB of the cyclophosphamide group. SIGNIFICANCE Melatonin may constitute a novel and promising therapeutic approach for management of the toxic effects induced by cyclophosphamide in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo F Pimenta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular, DEPCH, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanessa M C Awata
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular, DEPCH, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Vascular Medicine Institute (VMI), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielly G Orlandin
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular, DEPCH, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Julio A Silva-Neto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Victor O Assis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular, DEPCH, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael M da Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rita C Tostes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Tirapelli
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Cardiovascular, DEPCH, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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