Prostate cancer: The main risk and protective factors-Epigenetic modifications

Real‑world retrospective study of early‑stage prostate cancer at a Portuguese Comprehensive Cancer Centre: The PEarlC study

Despite the high prevalence of localised prostate cancer (LPC) and locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPC), evidence on the characteristics of patients, treatments and clinical outcomes stratified by disease risk is limited. The PEarlC study was conducted to characterise a cohort of patients with early-stage prostate cancer that included real-world clinical outcomes. Retrospective data from a cohort of patients diagnosed with LPC/LAPC between 2015 and 2017 and followed up until December 2020 at a Portuguese comprehensive cancer centre (IPO Porto) was analysed. Patients were classified as LPC (high- or non-high-risk) or LAPC according to European Association of Urology guidelines, were eligible if diagnosed at stage I-III and followed up in Urology, Medical Oncology or Radiation Oncology outpatient clinics of IPO Porto. Data was collected from the medical/administrative records database. Clinical outcomes included prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, overall survival (OS), PSA response (palliative) and no evidence of residual tumour (prostatectomy). Time-to-event outcomes were compared between subgroups using the log-rank test. A total of 790 patients were included (54.8% non-high-risk LPC, 30.9% high-risk LPC, 14.3% LAPC) and the median follow-up was 46.7 months. Patients had a median age of 68.0 years. The majority of patients were stage II (52.9%) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1 (99.9%) and received treatment with curative intent (85.4%). The median was only achieved in progression-free survival (29.9 months; 95% CI, 26.5-41.0 months), as evaluated in palliative patients. At year 5, 82.9% were free of PSA progression (curative), 87.5% were metastasis-free, 83.7% were disease-free, all patients in palliative treatment progressed and the 5-year OS rate was 92.9% (CI 95%, 90.2-95.7%). Among patients with LPC, OS was worse in high-risk vs. non-high-risk patients (5-year OS rate, 88.8% vs. 96.8%; hazard ratio=3.34, CI 95%, 1.64-7.05; P=0.001). PSA response rate was 81.4% in the palliative setting. There was no evidence of residual tumour in 61.6% of patients who underwent prostatectomy. Although most patients with early-stage prostate cancer treated at IPO Porto showed positive 5-year real-world outcomes, patients with high-risk LPC showed worse OS compared with patients with non-high-risk LPC and therefore a poorer prognosis. The present large-sample real-world study is an important contribution to reducing the evidence gap on prostate cancer.

Marijuana Use May Be Associated with Reduced Prevalence of Prostate Cancer: A National Survey on Drug Use and Health Study from United States of America

Preclinical evidence indicates the potential anti-tumor capabilities of cannabinoids in prostate cancer (PC). We undertook a cross-sectional study using National Survey on Drug Use and Health data from 2002 to 2020, involving 2503 participants in the USA. The independent variable was marijuana use status (current, former, never), while the dependent variable was self-reported PC (yes, no). Eleven other demographic variables were assessed as covariates. PC prevalence was lower among current marijuana users (46/145, 31.7%) and former users (323/1021, 31.6%) compared to non-users (534/1337, 39.9%, p < 0.001). PC prevalence was lower among users versus non-users in the elderly (≥65) (36.4% vs. 42.4%, p = 0.016) and non-Hispanic white subgroups (28.9% vs. 38.3%, p < 0.001). There were no significant PC prevalence differences between users and non-users in the younger population (50-64) or other race/ethnicity. In the multivariable analyses, former marijuana use was associated with lower PC compared to never using (odd ratio = 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.90, p = 0.001). Current use was also suggestive of reduced prevalence but was not statistically significant (odd ratio = 0.77, 95% CI 0.52-1.14, p = 0.198), possibly due to low sample size. Our findings from a large national survey provide additional data to link marijuana use with lower PC prevalence.

The anti-cancer effect and mechanism of animal scale-derived extract on malignant melanoma cells

Melanoma is a type of cancer with abnormal proliferation of melanocytes and is one of the most diagnosed cancer types. In traditional Chinese medicine, pangolin scales have been used to treat various diseases, including human cancers. However, its efficacy has not been scientifically proven. Here we studied the anticancer effect and mechanism of pangolin scale extract (PSE) on melanoma cell lines using scientific approaches. Our cell viability assay shows that PSE exhibits up to approximately 50-80% inhibition on SK-MEL-103 and A375 melanoma cell lines. Mechanically, PSE inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and causes changes in cell morphology. The apoptosis assay showed a significant chromosomal condensation inside the PSE-treated melanoma cells. The sequencing and analysis of A375 melanoma cell transcriptomes revealed 3077 differentially expressed genes in the 6 h treatment group and 8027 differentially expressed genes in the 72 h treatment group. Transcriptome analysis suggests that PSE may cause cell cycle arrest in melanoma cells and promote apoptosis mainly by up-regulating the p53 signaling pathway and down-regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In this study, the anticancer effect of PSE was demonstrated by molecular biological means. PSE shows a significant inhibition effect on melanoma cell proliferation and cell migration in vitro, causes cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis through p53 and PI3K-AKT pathways. This study provides better insights into the anti-cancer efficacy and underlying mechanism of PSE and a theoretical basis for mining anticancer compounds or the development of new treatments for melanoma in the future. It is worth noting that this study does not advocate the use of the pangolin scale for disease treatment, but only to confirm its usefulness from a scientific research perspective and to encourage subsequent research around the development of active compounds to replace pangolin scales to achieve the conservation of this endangered species.

Potential Mechanisms of Pyrrosiae Folium in Treating Prostate Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective The network pharmacology approach and molecular docking were employed to explore the mechanism of Pyrrosiae Folium(PF) against prostate cancer (PCa). Methods The active compounds and their corresponding putative targets of PF were identified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), the gene names of the targets were obtained from the UniProt database. The collection of genes associated with PCa were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET database. We merged the drug targets and disease targets by online software, Draw Venn Diagram. The resulting gene list was imported into R software (v3.6.3) for GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis. The STRING database was utilized for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape was used to identify core genes. Further, molecular docking analysis of the hub targets were carried out using AutoDock Vina software (v1.5.6). Results A total of 6 active components were screened by PF, with 167 corresponding putative targets, 1395 related targets for PCa, and 113 targets for drugs and diseases. The "drug-component-disease-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape software and the target genes mainly involved in the complex treating effects associated with response to oxidative stress, cytokine activity, pathways in cancer, prostate cancer pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Core genes in the PPI network were TNF, JUN, IL6, IL1B, CXCL8, RELA, CCL2, TP53, IL10 and FOS. The molecular docking results reveal the better binding affinity of 6 active components to the core targets. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that PF may be have a certain anti-PCa effect by regulating related target genes, affecting Pathways in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, Hepatitis B signaling pathway.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains the second most common type of cancer in men worldwide in 2020. Despite its low death rate, the need for new therapies or prevention strategies is critical. The prostate carcinogenesis process is complex and multifactorial. PCa is caused by a variety of mutations and carcinogenic events that constitutes the disease’s multifactorial focus, capable of not only remodeling cellular activity, but also modeling metabolic pathways to allow adaptation to the nutritional requirements of the tumor, creating a propitious microenvironment. Some risk factors have been linked to the development of PCa, including Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). MetS is intrinsically related to PCa carcinogenic development, increasing its aggressiveness. On the other hand, T2DM has the opposite impact, although in other carcinomas its effect is similar to the MetS. Although these two metabolic disorders may share some developmental processes, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, their influence on PCa prognosis appears to have an inverse effect, which makes this a paradox. Understanding the phenomena behind this paradoxical behavior may lead to new concepts into the comprehension of the diseases, as well as to evaluate new therapeutical targets. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the impact of metabolic disorders in PCa’s aggressiveness state and metabolism.

Impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on prostate function and cancer

Because of their historical mode of action, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with sex-steroid receptors, namely the two estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and the androgen receptor (AR). Broadly, EDCs can modulate sex-steroid receptor functions. They can also indirectly impact the androgen and estrogen pathways by influencing steroidogenesis, expression of AR or ERs, and their respective activity as transcription factors. Additionally, many of these chemicals have multiple cellular targets other than sex-steroid receptors, which results in a myriad of potential effects in humans. The current article reviews the association between prostate cancer and the endocrine-disrupting functions of four prominent EDC families: bisphenols, phthalates, phytoestrogens, and mycoestrogens. Results from both in vitro and in vivo models are included and discussed to better assess the molecular mechanisms by which EDCs can modify prostate biology. To overcome the heterogeneity of results published, we established common guidelines to properly study EDCs in the context of endocrine diseases. Firstly, the expression of sex-steroid receptors in the models used must be determined before testing. Then, in parallel to EDCs, pharmacological compounds acting as positive (agonists) and negative controls (antagonists) have to be employed. Finally, EDCs need to be used in a precise range of concentrations to modulate sex-steroid receptors and avoid off-target effects. By adequately integrating molecular endocrinology aspects in EDC studies and identifying their underlying molecular mechanisms, we will truly understand their impact on prostate cancer and distinguish those that favor the progression of the disease from those that slow down tumor development.

Long Non-Coding RNAs at the Chromosomal Risk Loci Identified by Prostate and Breast Cancer GWAS

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key players in a variety of cellular processes. Deregulation of the lncRNAs has been implicated in prostate and breast cancers. Recently, germline genetic variations associated with cancer risk have been correlated with lncRNA expression and/or function. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at well-characterized cancer-associated lncRNAs have been analyzed for their association with cancer risk. These SNPs may occur within the lncRNA transcripts or spanning regions that may alter the structure, function, and expression of these lncRNA molecules and contribute to cancer progression and may have potential as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Additionally, some of these lncRNA have a tissue-specific expression profile, suggesting them as biomarkers for specific cancers. In this review, we highlight some of the cancer risk-associated SNPs that modulated lncRNAs with a potential role in prostate and breast cancers and speculate on how these lncRNAs may contribute to cancer development.

Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis of Key Regulatory Genes in Prostate Cancer Using the TCGA Database

Prostate cancer (PC) is a polygenic disease with multiple gene interactions. Therefore, a detailed analysis of its epidemiology and evaluation of risk factors can help to identify more accurate predictors of aggressive disease. We used the transcriptome data from a cohort of 243 patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Key regulatory genes involved in proliferation activity, in the regulation of stress, and in the regulation of inflammation processes of the tumor microenvironment were selected to test a priori multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) models and create a combined score to better predict the patients' survival and disease-free intervals. Survival was positively correlated with cortisol expression and negatively with Mini-Chromosome Maintenance 7 (MCM7) and Breast-Related Cancer Antigen2 (BRCA2) expression. The disease-free interval was negatively related to the expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), MCM7, BRCA2, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). MDS suggested two separate pathways of activation in PC. Within these two dimensions three separate clusters emerged: (1) cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF, (2) PD-L1 and cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTL4); (3) and finally EZH2, MCM7, BRCA2, and c-Myc. We entered the three clusters of association shown in the MDS in several Kaplan-Meier analyses. It was found that only Cluster 3 was significantly related to the interval-disease free, indicating that patients with an overall higher activity of regulatory genes of proliferation and DNA repair had a lower probability to have a longer disease-free time. In conclusion, our data study provided initial evidence that selecting patients with a high grade of proliferation and DNA repair activity could lead to an early identification of an aggressive PC with a potentials for metastatic development.

STK10 knockout inhibits cell migration and promotes cell proliferation via modulating the activity of ERM and p38 MAPK in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer and is a serious threat to men's health due to the high rate of incidence and metastasis. However, the exact underlying pathology of this malignant disease has yet to be fully elucidated. The ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins are associated with the development and metastasis of various types of cancer. Serine threonine kinase 10 (STK10) is an ERM kinase that is involved in the activation of ERM proteins and serves essential roles in the aggregation and adhesion of lymphocytes. To evaluate the functional roles of STK10 in the pathogenesis of PCa, a STK10-knockout (KO) DU145 PCa cell line was generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, and the effects of STK10 deletion on tumor biological behaviors were further analyzed. The present data suggested that STK10 KO promoted PCa cell proliferation by inhibiting p38 MAPK activation and suppressed migration primarily via the inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling and ERM protein activation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence that STK10 plays important roles in the proliferation and migration of PCa cells, which will be useful for further investigation into the pathogenesis of this disease.

An overview of the latest in state-of-the-art murine models for prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a complex, heterogenous and multifocal disease, which is debilitating for patients and often fatal - due to bone metastasis and castration-resistant cancer. The use of murine models that mimic human disease has been crucial in the development of innovative therapies and for better understanding the mechanisms associated with initiation and progression of PCa.

AREAS COVERED

This review presents a critical analysis of murine models for the study of PCa, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses and applications.

EXPERT OPINION

In animal models, disease may not occur exactly as it does in humans, and sometimes the levels of efficacy that certain treatments obtain in animal models cannot be translated into clinical practice. To choose the most appropriate animal model for each research work, it is crucial to understand the anatomical and physiological differences between the mouse and the human prostate, while it is also important to identify biological similarities and differences between murine and human prostate tumors. Although significant progress has already been made, thanks to many years of research and study, the number of new challenges and obstacles to overcome mean there is a long and difficult road still to travel.

Development of genistein-loaded gold nanoparticles and their antitumor potential against prostate cancer cell lines

Soy isoflavone genistein (Gen) exerts beneficial effects against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. However, its use as a chemoprevention/therapeutic agent is largely limited due to its low bioavailability. In this study we synthesized two variants of a new delivery system, genistein-gold nanoparticles conjugates Gen@AuNPs1 and Gen@AuNPs2, by an environmentally friendly method, using a dual role of Gen to reduce Au³⁺ and stabilize the formed AuNPs, with no additional component. The formation of Gen@AuNPs was confirmed via UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectra measurements. The spherical shape and uniform size of Gen@AuNPs1 and Gen@AuNPs2 (10 ± 2 and 23 ± 3 nm, respectively), were determined by transmission electron microscopy. The nano-conjugates also varied in hydrodynamic diameter (65.0 ± 1.7 and 153.0 ± 2.2 nm) but had similar negative zeta potential (-35.0 ± 2.5 and -37.0 ± 1.6 mV), as measured by dynamic light scattering. The Gen loading was estimated to be 46 and 48%, for Gen@AuNPs1 and Gen@AuNPs2, respectively. The antiproliferative activities of GenAuNPs were confirmed by MTT test in vitro on three malignant prostate carcinoma cell lines (PC3, DU 145, and LNCaP), while selectivity toward malignant phenotype was confirmed using non-cancerous MRC-5 cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the inhibition on cell proliferation of more potent Gen@AuNPs1 nano-conjugate is comparable with the effects of free Gen. In conclusion, the obtained results, including physicochemical characterization of newly synthesized AuNPs loaded with Gen, cytotoxicity, and IC₅₀ assessments, indicate their stability and bioactivity as an antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer agent, with low toxicity against human primary cells.

Pharmacological Modulation of Steroid Activity in Hormone-Dependent Breast and Prostate Cancers: Effect of Some Plant Extract Derivatives

The great majority of breast and prostate tumors are hormone-dependent cancers; hence, estrogens and androgens can, respectively, drive their developments, making it possible to use pharmacological therapies in their hormone-dependent phases by targeting the levels of steroid or modulating their physiological activity through their respective nuclear receptors when the tumors relapse. Unfortunately, at some stage, both breast and prostate cancers become resistant to pharmacological treatments that aim to block their receptors, estrogen (ER) or androgen (AR) receptors, respectively. So far, antiestrogens and antiandrogens used in clinics have been designed based on their structural analogies with natural hormones, 17-β estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Plants are a potential source of drug discovery and the development of new pharmacological compounds. The aim of this review article is to highlight the recent advances in the pharmacological modulation of androgen or estrogen levels, and their activity through their cognate nuclear receptors in prostate or breast cancer and the effects of some plants extracts.

TRIM66 promotes malignant progression of prostate carcinoma through the JAK/STAT pathway

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in males globally. Tripartite Motif Containing 66 (TRIM66) functions as transcriptional repressor and exerts its effect at least partially through promotion of deacetylase. TRIM66 has been previously reported to play an oncogenic role in a number of human cancers. Here, we investigated the potential oncogenic properties of TRIM66 in prostate cancer. We report that shRNA‐mediated knockdown of TRIM66 significantly suppressed viability and proliferation of both PC‐3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines. Furthermore, TRIM66 deficiency inhibited migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, TRIM66 positively regulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) expression. The predominance of STAT2–IL‐2 in mediating the oncogenic properties of TRIM66 was determined using a rescue assay, wherein overexpression of either STAT2 or IL‐2 almost completely abolished the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration and invasion elicited by TRIM66 deficiency in prostate cancer cells. Our study highlights the importance of the TRIM66–STAT2–IL‐2 signaling axis in the tumor biology of prostate cancer.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Subjects

The oxidant/antioxidant balance has been implicated in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer. We investigated oxidative damage and antioxidant status in high-risk prostate cancer subjects. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in erythrocytes, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in leukocytes and plasma levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lipid peroxide products were measured in high-risk and age-matched healthy subjects. Serum PSA levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects, whereas GST (p < 0.0001) and GSH (p < 0.002) were higher in healthy controls. Levels of 8-OHdG, an oxidized nucleoside of DNA, were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in high-risk subjects. No marked difference in the levels of CAT (p = 0.237), GSH-Px (p = 0.74), GSH-R (p = 0.344), SOD (p = 0.109), and lipid peroxide products (p = 0129) were observed between two groups. Pearson's correlation between GST and PSA (r = -0.69 (p < 0.0001)), GST and 8-OHdG (r = -0.62 (p < 0.0004)), GSH and 8-OHdG (r= -0.39 (p = 0.038)), and CAT and GSH-Px (r= -0.33 (p = 0.04)) were found to be negatively correlated, whereas 8-OHdG and PSA were positively associated (r= 0.57 (p < 0.002). These results indicate a significant role of oxidative damage in prostate carcinogenesis, particularly during the early stages of development. In conclusion, our data support the importance of antioxidant defense as a valuable diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in prostate cancer.

Effects of Isolated Isoflavones Intake on Health

BACKGROUND

Isoflavones are naturally occurring flavonoids, commonly found in the food consumed for centuries in the East-Asian population, characterized by a structure able to exert nonsteroidal estrogen-like activity on human cells. They have attracted researcher interest all around the word, following the results obtained in epidemiological and clinical studies. The involvement of isoflavones and their metabolites in various biological processes suggests that they can influence several metabolic pathways and can influence the gene expression at epigenetic level, involving effects that probably are due to early life exposure. They show positive health effects on several diseases, especially in the prevention of coronary heart and neurological diseases, hormone-related cancers, osteoporosis, and postmenopausal symptoms.

METHODS

We have performed a critical evaluation of available literature trough a structured search of bibliographic databases about isoflavones health promoting properties, risk assessment and mechanisms of action. In addition, we supplied useful information on their biochemical properties, sources and bioavailability.

RESULTS

Although these molecules have been the subjects of numerous researches, their role for the wellness of the human organism remains controversial. Moreover, there are substantial inconsistencies between the results obtained by epidemiologic studies conducted on Eastern population, which found high health promoting properties, and Western clinical trials, which found much less positive effects.

CONCLUSION

Further epidemiologic studies and well-designed prospective human studies are to determine the beneficial effects of isoflavones exposure, as well as establishing its safe therapeutic.

Let food be your medicine: nutraceutical properties of lycopene

In this review, we highlight research and clinical trials involving lycopene and its impact on human health.

Association with Monoclonal Antibody Promotes Intracellular Delivery of Lycopene

Incubation of B10.MLM cells, a cell line of alveolar macrophages, with lycopene, a carotenoid, leads to an increase of lycopene content in their microsomal fraction. That increase was higher and developed faster when the cells were incubated with immune complexes formed by lycopene and mAb 6B9 (L-6B9 mAb), a monoclonal hapten-specific antibody raised against lycopene, as compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-dissolved lycopene (DMSO-L). Moreover, incubation of B10.MLM cells with L-6B9 mAb complexes was accompanied by more efficient accumulation of lipid droplets in the cultured cells and more significant inhibition of mRNA for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis known to be targeted by lycopene. Additionally, there was a better inhibition of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in B10.MLM cells infected with the pathogen and incubated thereafter with L-6B9 mAb complexes as compared with DMSO-L. Altogether, the results suggest that association with monoclonal antibody promotes intracellular delivery of lycopene in cultured cells possibly through Fc-receptor mediated uptake.

A new metabolic gene signature in prostate cancer regulated by JMJD3 and EZH2

Histone methylation is essential for gene expression control. Trimethylated lysine 27 of histone 3 (H3K27me3) is controlled by the balance between the activities of JMJD3 demethylase and EZH2 methyltransferase. This epigenetic mark has been shown to be deregulated in prostate cancer, and evidence shows H3K27me3 enrichment on gene promoters in prostate cancer. To study the impact of this enrichment, a transcriptomic analysis with TaqMan Low Density Array (TLDA) of several genes was studied on prostate biopsies divided into three clinical grades: normal (n = 23) and two tumor groups that differed in their aggressiveness (Gleason score ≤ 7 (n = 20) and >7 (n = 19)). ANOVA demonstrated that expression of the gene set was upregulated in tumors and correlated with Gleason score, thus discriminating between the three clinical groups. Six genes involved in key cellular processes stood out: JMJD3, EZH2, MGMT, TRA2A, U2AF1 and RPS6KA2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated collocation of EZH2 and JMJD3 on gene promoters that was dependent on disease stage. Gene set expression was also evaluated on prostate cancer cell lines (DU 145, PC-3 and LNCaP) treated with an inhibitor of JMJD3 (GSK-J4) or EZH2 (DZNeP) to study their involvement in gene regulation. Results showed a difference in GSK-J4 sensitivity under PTEN status of cell lines and an opposite gene expression profile according to androgen status of cells. In summary, our data describe the impacts of JMJD3 and EZH2 on a new gene signature involved in prostate cancer that may help identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Multicentre Case-Control Study

This study aims to explore the association between fruit and vegetable intake, high fat, body mass index (BMI) score, physical activity, and the occurrence of prostate cancer among Jordanian men. A case-control study was conducted in three large referral hospitals. The sample included 165 prostate cancer patients in the case group and 177 healthy participants in the control group. The results showed that smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.18, 0.57]), a history of prostate infection (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = [0.11, 0.38]), high-fat intake (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = [0.23, 0.85]), and increased mean of BMI (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = [1.02, 1.13]) increased the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Healthy diet and giving up smoking are recommended, as they may contribute to a reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer. More randomized clinical trials in this area are needed to strengthen the available evidence and reduce the effects of confounding variables.

In vitro and in silico characterisation of Lactobacillus paraplantarum D2-1, a starter culture for soymilk fermentation

Soymilk contains several functional nutrients and is thus a promising ingredient for production of functional foods. The present research aimed to study starter properties, functional characteristics and safety of Lactobacillus paraplantarum D2-1, a promising starter culture for soymilk fermentation. Strain D2-1 actively fermented soymilk within 24 h but had weak activity of additional acid production after 7 d. Succinate and acetoin, which could be linked to flavour and taste, were accumulated in fermented soymilk. In vitro study revealed that the organism has several beneficial properties, including high survival ability in artificial gastric juice, high abilities of mucus adhesion and biofilm formation and production of γ-aminobutyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid, without any significant risks for consumption. Genome sequencing supported the desirable metabolic properties of the strain. These results indicate that L. paraplantarum D2-1 is a suitable starter for soymilk fermentation and is a promising probiotic candidate that can be used safely.

The epigenetic integrator UHRF1: on the road to become a universal biomarker for cancer

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world causing record number of mortalities in both developed and undeveloped countries. Despite a lot of advances and breakthroughs in the field of oncology still, it is very hard to diagnose and treat the cancers at early stages. Here in this review we analyze the potential of Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and Ring Finger domain 1 (UHRF1) as a universal biomarker for cancers. UHRF1 is an important epigenetic regulator maintaining DNA methylation and histone code in the cell. It is highly expressed in a variety of cancers and is a well-known oncogene that can disrupt the epigenetic code and override the senescence machinery. Many studies have validated UHRF1 as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic tool to differentially diagnose cancer, predict the therapeutic response and assess the risk of tumor progression and recurrence. Highly sensitive, non-invasive and cost effective approaches are therefore needed to assess the level of UHRF1 in patients, which can be deployed in diagnostic laboratories to detect cancer and monitor disease progression.

MiR-215, an activator of the CTNNBIP1/β-catenin pathway, is a marker of poor prognosis in human glioma

MicroRNA-215 (miR-215) promotes tumor growth in various human malignancies. However, its role has not yet been determined in human glioma. Here, we found that levels of miR-215 were higher in glioma tissues than in corresponding non-neoplastic brain tissue. High miR-215 expression was correlated with higher World Health Organization (WHO) grades and shorter overall survival. Multivariate and univariate analysis indicated that miR-215 expression was an independent prognostic factor. We also found that TGF-beta1, phosphorylated beta-catenin, alpha-SMA, and fibronectin were increased in glioma tissues. Additionally, CTNNBIP1, a direct target of miR-215, was decreased in glioma compared to adjacent normal tissue. These data indicate that miR-215 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by increasing β-catenin phosphorylation, α-SMA expression, and fibronectin expression. It promotes TGF-β1-induced oncogenesis by suppressing CTNNBIP1 in glioma. In summary, miR-215 is overexpressed in human glioma, is involved in TGF-β1-induced oncogenesis, and can be used as a marker of poor prognosis in glioma patients.

Epigenetic and miRNAs Dysregulation in Prostate Cancer: The role of Nutraceuticals

The control of cancer onset and progression is recognized to benefit from specific molecular targeting. MiRNAs are increasingly being implicated in prostate cancer, and the evidence suggests they are possible targets for molecular therapy and diagnosis. In cancer cells, growing attention has been dedicated to novel molecular mechanisms linking the epigenetic scenario to miRNA dysregulation. Currently, the rising evidence shows that nutritional and natural agents, the so-called nutraceuticals, could modulate miRNAs expression, and, as a consequence, might influence cellular responses in health or diseases conditions, including cancer. Among dietary components, plant-derived polyphenols are receiving wide interest, either for their anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties, or for their more general "cell-protective" effects. Above all, their role in preventing the occurrence/recurrence of cancer and, in particular, their potentiality in nutritional intervention for modulating the functions of miRNAs and the epigenetic mechanisms, is still under active debate. This review is focused on the more recent highlights of the impact of miRNAs dysregulation on the onset and progression of prostate cancer, their interplay with epigenetic control and their modulation by natural agents.

Aberrant Protocadherin17 (PCDH17) Methylation in Serum is a Potential Predictor for Recurrence of Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Patients After Radical Prostatectomy

Background

Prostate cancer is a one of the most common malignant diseases in men worldwide. Now it is a challenge to identify patients at higher risk for relapse and progression after surgery, and more novel prognostic biomarkers are needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of protocadherin17 (PCDH17) methylation in serum and its predictive value for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy.

Material/Methods

We evaluated the methylation status of PCDH17 in serum samples of 167 early-stage prostate cancer patients and 44 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then evaluated the relationship between PCDH17 methylation and clinicopathologic features. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were used to evaluate its predictive value for BCR.

Results

The ratio of PCDH17 methylation in prostate cancer patients was higher than in patients with BPH. Moreover, PCDH17 methylation was significantly associated with advanced pathological stage, higher Gleason score, higher preoperative PSA levels, and BCR. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with methylated PCDH17 had shorter BCR-free survival time compared to patients with unmethylated PCDH17. Cox regression analysis indicated that PCDH17 methylation was an independent predictive factor for the BCR of patients after radical prostatectomy.

Conclusions

PCDH17 methylation in serum is a frequent event in early-stage prostate cancer, and it is an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy.