Erythropoietin, Stem Cell Factor, and Cancer Cell Migration

Causal associations of cytokines and growth factors with cholelithiasis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that patients with cholelithiasis may have changes in levels of cytokines and growth factors, while their causal relationships were still unclear.

METHODS

This study was a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Datasets of 41 circulation cytokines and growth factors and the data on cholelithiasis were obtained. Six steps of strict instrumental variable filtration were set, and inverse-variance weighted analysis, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median test were used to identify the causal relationships. Benjamini-Hochberg method was used to adjust the P-values.

RESULTS

After adjustments of P-values, four cytokines and growth factors were still causally associated with cholelithiasis significantly: interleukin 2 receptor alpha (adjusted P: 4.59E-02), interleukin 8 (adjusted P: 1.09E-02), monocyte-specific chemokine 3 (adjusted P: 2.73E-04), and stem cell factor (adjusted P: 2.73E-04). In the reverse MR analysis, no significant causal relationship was detected after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Four cytokines and growth factors, including interleukin 2 receptor alpha, interleukin 8, monocyte-specific chemokine 3, and stem cell factor, were proven to relate to cholelithiasis causally and unidirectionally.

Correlations between histopathologic findings, serum biomarker levels, and clinical outcomes in Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe dermatological emergencies. The role of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis, progression of the disease, and histopathologic features is not fully elucidated. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective study examining the associations between 42 serum biomarkers, histopathologic findings, and clinical outcomes in SJS/TEN patients. We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients diagnosed with SJS/TEN. Regarding histopathology, our study did not reveal any significant associations between the degree of epidermal necrosis, dermal mononuclear cell infiltration, and clinical outcomes. However, an intriguing observation was made regarding the degree of dermal infiltration of CD8 + cells, which showed a negative correlation with the severity of acute ocular complications. Notably, serum levels of IFN-γ positively correlated with the number of CD8 + cells in dermal infiltration. Additionally, higher serum levels of myeloperoxidase were associated with greater degrees of epidermal necrosis, while serum Fas ligand and stem cell factor levels were elevated in individuals with increased dermal mononuclear cell infiltration. Furthermore, the levels of S100A8/A9 were significantly correlated with the SCORTEN and mortality rate. These findings provide insights into the intricate pathogenesis of the disease.

MicroRNA-based therapy for glioblastoma: Opportunities and challenges

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor and is characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates and unpredictable clinical behavior. The disappointing prognosis for patients with GBM even after surgery and postoperative radiation and chemotherapy has fueled the search for specific targets to provide new insights into the development of modern therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) act as oncomirs and tumor suppressors to posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of various genes and silence many target genes involved in cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, stem cell behavior, angiogenesis, the microenvironment and chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, which makes them attractive candidates as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets or agents to advance GBM therapeutics. However, one of the major challenges of successful miRNA-based therapy is the need for an effective and safe system to deliver therapeutic compounds to specific tumor cells or tissues in vivo, particularly systems that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This challenge has shifted gradually as progress has been achieved in identifying novel tumor-related miRNAs and their targets, as well as the development of nanoparticles (NPs) as new carriers to deliver therapeutic compounds. Here, we provide an up-to-date summary (in recent 5 years) of the current knowledge of GBM-related oncomirs, tumor suppressors and microenvironmental miRNAs, with a focus on their potential applications as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as recent advances in the development of carriers for nontoxic miRNA-based therapy delivery systems and how they can be adapted for therapy.

Controversial role of mast cells in NSCLC tumor progression and angiogenesis

Mast cells (MCs) are multifunctional immune cells implicated in both physiological and pathological processes. Among the latter, MCs play a crucial role in cancer. Many studies have shown a correlation between MCs and tumor progression in several solid and hematological malignancies. In particular, MCs can directly promote tumor growth via c-kit/stem cell factor-dependent signaling and via the release of histamine, which modulate tumor growth through H1 and H2 receptors. At the same time, MCs can increase tumor progression by stimulating angiogenesis via both proangiogenic cytokines stored in their cytoplasm, and by acting on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. With regard to NSCLC, the role of MCs has not yet been established, with studies showing a correlation with a poor prognosis on the one hand and suggesting a protective effect of MCs on the other hand. These controversial evidences are at least, in part, due to the heterogeneity of the studies exploring the role of MCs in NSCLC, with some studies describing only the MC count without specification of the activation and degranulation state, and without reporting the intratumoral localization and the proximity to other immune and cancer cells. A better knowledge of the role of MCs in NSCLC is mandatory, not only to define their prognostic and predictive proprieties but also because targeting them could be a possible therapeutic strategy.

Carbon Dots as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Anemia

Due to the adverse effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on cancer patient survival, it is necessary to develop new agents that can be used to efficiently manage and treat cancer-related anemia. In this study, novel distinctive carbon dots, J-CDs, derived from jujube are designed, synthesized, and characterized. Based on the obtained results, this material comprises sp² and sp³ carbon atoms, as well as oxygen/nitrogen-based groups, and it specifically promotes the proliferation of erythroid cells by stimulating the self-renewal of erythroid progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, J-CDs have no discernible effects on tumor proliferation and metastasis, unlike EPO. Transcriptome profiling suggests that J-CDs upregulate the molecules involved in hypoxia response, and they also significantly increase the phosphorylation levels of STAT5, the major transducer of signals for erythroid progenitor cell proliferation. Overall, this study demonstrates that J-CDs effectively promote erythrocyte production without affecting tumor proliferation and metastasis; thus, they may be promising agents for the treatment of cancer-related anemia.

Proinflammatory cytokines and colorectal cancer - the impact of the stage

Colorectal cancer is one of the most often diagnosed malignant tumors. In Kazakhstan, high incidence of CC is registered along with other oncology diseases. Despite a significant progress in the disease treatment achieved lately, CC is still one of the major reasons of mortality due to oncologic pathologies.

To study the samples MilliplexMap HumanCirculationBiomarker panel in blood serum was used. XMap-based Fluorescence immunoassay was implemented, which comprised magnetic-bead-based simultaneous fluorescence detection of IL-6, IL-8, MIF, FGF-2, SCF, TGF, TNF, TRAIL analytes. Proinflammatory biomarker concentration detection at different CC stages allows to reveal the dynamics of inflammatory response of the organism to tumor and to use them (biomarkers) in further diagnostic and forecast in particular in CC. As a result of our study, it was found that IL-6, which showed the brightest reaction, due to its range of change and considerable shift already in the I stage can be recommended as a component of a complex diagnostic panel. Such markers as FGF2 and MIF also have a role in CC early stage detection.

Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Effects of Epo and VEGF: Perspectives for New Therapeutic Approaches to Neurological Diseases

BACKGROUND

Erythropoietin (Epo) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are two vasoactive molecules with essential trophic effects for brain development. The expression and secretion of both molecules increase in response to neuronal damage and they exert protective and restorative effects, which may also be accompanied by adverse side effects.

OBJECTIVE

We review the most relevant evidence on the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Epo and VEGF in three of the most frequent neurological disorders, namely, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, to develop new therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

Several original scientific manuscripts and reviews that have discussed the evidence in critical way, considering both the beneficial and adverse effects of Epo and VEGF in the selected neurological disorders, were analysed. In addition, throughout this review, we propose several considerations to take into account in the design of therapeutic approaches based on Epo and VEGF signalling.

RESULTS

Although the three selected disorders are triggered by different mechanisms, they evolve through similar processes: excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, glial reactivity and vascular remodelling. Epo and VEGF exert neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects by acting on these processes due to their pleiotropism. In general, the evidence shows that both Epo and VEGF reduce neuronal death but that at the vascular level, their effects are contradictory.

CONCLUSION

Because the Epo and VEGF signalling pathways are connected in several ways, we conclude that more experimental studies, primarily studies designed to thoroughly assess the functional interactions between Epo and VEGF in the brain under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, are needed.

Inflammatory Serum Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer in Kazakhstan Population

Colorectal cancer is a type of oncopathology widespread in Kazakhstan. The genetic component, as well as the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms, is widely studied. One of the most promising areas is the study of diagnostic and prognostic possibilities of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with different degrees of tumor differentiation. The following biomarkers were included in the study panel: stem cell factor (SCF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 8 (IL8), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), soluble Fas (SFAS), soluble Fas ligand (sFASL), transforming growth factor β (TGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The data of our study show that most of the basic proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the systemic process and their levels do not depend on the level of tissue differentiation. Serum PD-L1 has shown itself to be a promising marker for tumor growth, which depends on the degree of differentiation.

Recent advances of the regulation roles of MicroRNA in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant neural tumors, and patients with GBM often die soon after the onset. The pathogenesis of GBM is very complicated, and there is no effective treatment for GBM. The current research results show that a variety of microRNA (miRNA) are involved in the regulation of GBM occurrence and development through specific signal pathways. Meanwhile, as a non-invasive biological indicator, there is an important clinical value of miRNA in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBM. The research of targeted miRNA treatment for GBM is still in the cell and animal model stage, although the basic research shows a good result, there is still a certain distance to the clinical application.

Identification of Potential Biomarkers for Thyroid Cancer Using Bioinformatics Strategy: A Study Based on GEO Datasets

Background

The molecular mechanisms and genetic markers of thyroid cancer are unclear. In this study, we used bioinformatics to screen for key genes and pathways associated with thyroid cancer development and to reveal its potential molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The GSE3467, GSE3678, GSE33630, and GSE53157 expression profiles downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) contained a total of 164 tissue samples (64 normal thyroid tissue samples and 100 thyroid cancer samples). The four datasets were integrated and analyzed by the RobustRankAggreg (RRA) method to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Using these DEGs, we performed gene ontology (GO) functional annotation, pathway analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and survival analysis. Then, CMap was used to identify the candidate small molecules that might reverse thyroid cancer gene expression.

Results

By integrating the four datasets, 330 DEGs, including 154 upregulated and 176 downregulated genes, were identified. GO analysis showed that the upregulated genes were mainly involved in extracellular region, extracellular exosome, and heparin binding. The downregulated genes were mainly concentrated in thyroid hormone generation and proteinaceous extracellular matrix. Pathway analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly attached to ECM-receptor interaction, p53 signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. Downregulation of DEGs was mainly involved in tyrosine metabolism, mineral absorption, and thyroxine biosynthesis. Among the top 30 hub genes obtained in PPI network, the expression levels of FN1, NMU, CHRDL1, GNAI1, ITGA2, GNA14 and AVPR1A were associated with the prognosis of thyroid cancer. Finally, four small molecules that could reverse the gene expression induced by thyroid cancer, namely ikarugamycin, adrenosterone, hexamethonium bromide and clofazimine, were obtained in the CMap database.

Conclusion

The identification of the key genes and pathways enhances the understanding of the molecular mechanisms for thyroid cancer. In addition, these key genes may be potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Erythropoietin attenuates vascular calcification by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats with chronic kidney disease

Previous studies suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced-apoptosis promoted vascular calcification (VC). Interestingly, erythropoietin (EPO), an endogenous glycoprotein, exerts multiple tissue protective effects by inhibiting ER stress and apoptosis. We investigated the role and potential mechanism of EPO on VC in chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The calcification model was established by subtotal nephrectomy in vivo or phosphate overload in vitro. The protein level of EPO receptor (EPOR) was increased in the calcified aortas of CKD rats. EPO prevented the reduction of VSMC phenotypic markers, and reversed the increased calcium content and calcium salt deposition in the aortas of CKD rats and cultured calcified VSMCs. The protein levels of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) were upregulated in aortas and VSMCs under calcifying conditions, indicating ER stress activation. EPO treatment of CKD rats or calcified VSMCs downregulated the protein levels of ATF4 and GRP94. Furthermore, ER stress-mediated apoptosis, determined by the protein levels of CCAAT⁄enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein and cleaved caspase 12, was increased in tunicamycin or calcification media-treated VSMCs, but the increased effect was reversed in EPO-treated groups. The increased apoptotic cells in calcified VSMCs, as indicated by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry, were downregulated by the co-administration of EPO or 4-phenyl butyric acid. In conclusion, EPO might attenuate VC by inhibiting ER stress mediated apoptosis through EPOR signaling.

Erythropoietin Signaling in the Microenvironment of Tumors and Healthy Tissues

Erythropoietin (EPO), the primary cytokine of erythropoiesis, stimulates both proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitors and their maturation to red blood cells. Basal EPO levels maintain the optimum levels of circulating red blood cells. However, during hypoxia, EPO secretion and its expression is elevated drastically in renal interstitial fibroblasts, thereby increasing the number of erythroid progenitors and accelerating their differentiation to mature erythrocytes. A tight regulation of this pathway is therefore of paramount importance. The biological response to EPO is commenced through the involvement of its cognate receptor, EPOR. The receptor-ligand complex results in homodimerization and conformational changes, which trigger downstream signaling events and cause activation or inactivation of critical transcription factors that promote erythroid expansion. In recent years, recombinant human EPO (rEPO) has been widely used as a therapeutic tool to treat a number of anemias induced by infection, and chemotherapy for various cancers. However, several studies have uncovered a tumor promoting ability of EPO in man, which likely occurs through EPOR or alternative receptor(s). On the other hand, some studies have demonstrated a strong anticancer activity of EPO, although the mechanism still remains unclear. A thorough investigation of EPOR signaling could yield enhanced understanding of the pathobiology for a variety of disorders, as well as the potential novel therapeutic strategies. In this chapter, in addition to the clinical relevance of EPO/EPOR signaling, we review its anticancer efficacy within various tumor microenvironments.

Pleiotropic effects of Erythropoietin. Influence of Erythropoietin on processes of mesenchymal stem cells differentiation

Structure and synthesis of Erythropoietin: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone.

Recombinant Erythropoietin (Epoetin): Human recombinant erythropoietin is characterised as a factor which stimulates differentiation and proliferation of erythroid precursor cells, and as a tissue protective factor.

Anti-ischemic effects of recombinant Erythropoietin: Erythropoietin is one of the most perspective humoral agents which are involved in the preconditioning phenomenon.

Erythropoietin receptors and signal transduction pathways: Erythropoietin effects on cells through their interconnection with erythropoietin receptors, which triggers complex intracellular signal cascades, such as JAK2/STAT signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways.

Mechanisms of the effect of Erythropoietin on hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells and tissues: In addition to regulation of haemopoiesis, erythropoietin mediates bone formation as it has an effect on hematopoietic stem cells and osteoblastic niche, and this illustrates connection between the processes of haematopoiesis and osteopoiesis which take place in the red bone marrow.

The effect of Erythropoietin on mesenchymal stem cells and process of bone tissue formation: Erythropoietin promotes mesenchymal stem cells proliferation, migration and differentiation in osteogenic direction. The evidence of which is expression of bone phenotype by cells under the influence of EPO, including activation of bone specific transcription factors Runx2, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein.

Conclusion: Erythropoietin has a pleiotropic effect on various types of cells and tissues. But the mechanisms which are involved in the process of bone tissue restoration via erythropoietin are still poorly understood.