STAT3 activation by IL-6 from adipose-derived stem cells promotes endometrial carcinoma proliferation and metastasis

The role of ncRNAs and exosomes in the development and progression of endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. In recent years, research has focused on the genetic characteristics of the tumors to detail their prognosis and tailor therapy. In the case of EC, genetic mutations have been shown to underlie their formation. It is very important to know the mechanisms of EC formation related to mutations induced by estrogen, among other things. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), composed of nucleotide transcripts with very low protein-coding capacity, are proving to be important. Their expression patterns in many malignancies can inhibit tumor formation and progression. They also regulate protein coding at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), several varieties of which are associated with normal endometrium as well as its tumor, also play a particularly important role in gene expression. MiRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect many pathways in EC tissues and play important roles in cancer development, invasion, and metastasis, as well as resistance to anticancer drugs through mechanisms such as suppression of apoptosis and progression of cancer stem cells. It is also worth noting that miRNAs are highly precise, sensitive, and robust, making them potential markers for diagnosing gynecologic cancers and their progression. Unfortunately, as the incidence of EC increases, treatment becomes challenging and is limited to invasive tools. The prospect of using microRNAs as potential candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic use in EC seems promising. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released from many types of cells, including cancer cells. They contain proteins, DNA, and various types of RNA, such as miRNAs. The noncoding RNA components of exosomes vary widely, depending on the physiology of the tumor tissue and the cells from which they originate. Exosomes contain both DNA and RNA and have communication functions between cells. Exosomal miRNAs mediate communication between EC cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and play a key role in tumor cell proliferation and tumor microenvironment formation. Oncogenes carried by tumor exosomes induce malignant transformation of target cells. During the synthesis of exosomes, various factors, such as genetic and proteomic data are upregulated. Thus, they are considered an interesting therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial cancer by analyzing biomarkers contained in exosomes. Expression of miRNAs, particularly miR-15a-5p, was elevated in exosomes derived from the plasma of EC patients. This may suggest the important utility of this biomarker in the diagnosis of EC. In recent years, researchers have become interested in the topic of prognostic markers for EC, as there are still too few identified markers to support the limited treatment of endometrial cancer. Further research into the effects of ncRNAs and exosomes on EC may allow for cancer treatment breakthroughs.

Potential Consequences of the Use of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the most prevalent of primary liver cancers and stands as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-stage HCC can be effectively managed with available treatment modalities ranging from invasive techniques, such as liver resection and thermoablation, to systemic therapies primarily employing tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Unfortunately, these interventions take a significant toll on the body, either through physical trauma or the adverse effects of pharmacotherapy. Consequently, there is an understandable drive to develop novel HCC therapies. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a promising therapeutic tool. Their facile extraction process, coupled with the distinctive immunomodulatory capabilities of their secretome, make them an intriguing subject for investigation in both oncology and regenerative medicine. The factors they produce are both enzymes affecting the extracellular matrix (specifically, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors) as well as cytokines and growth factors affecting cell proliferation and invasiveness. So far, the interactions observed with various cancer cell types have not led to clear conclusions. The evidence shows both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on tumor growth. Notably, these effects appear to be dependent on the tumor type, prompting speculation regarding their potential inhibitory impact on HCC. This review briefly synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies examining the effects of ADSCs on cancers, with a specific focus on HCC, and emphasizes the need for further research.

Trends in Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium: A Bibliometric and Visualized Review

Adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) has been widely studied and used as a stem cell-based cell-free therapy. Due to the explosion of scientific publications in this field, it is difficult to review all relevant publications systematically, not mention quantitively. In this study, we combined bibliometrics with the conventional review method to summarize, analyze, and visualize the characteristics of nearly all published articles related to ADSC-CM using CiteSpace-a bibliometrics software. We applied this software to quantitively and vividly show (a) annual publications and citations; (b) distributions and co-occurrence networks of countries/regions, authors, journals, and institutions; (c) keyword co-occurrence networks and clusters in different time periods; (d) cocitation networks of references; and (e) ongoing challenges and new topics in ADSC-CM. Altogether, we found that ADSC-CM is at a hot stage with an increasing number of publications and citations, extensive and close scientific collaborations, and dense cocited networks. Impact statement To our best knowledge, it is the first bibliometric and visualized review in the field of adipose-derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM). This review systematically and quantitatively revealed the developments, challenges, and emerging hot spots of ADSC-CM, providing a panoramic view to assist researchers to decide the direction of their future study in the fields of ADSCs and CM derived from stem cells.

Emerging role of mesenchymal stromal cells in gynecologic cancer therapy

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show considerable promise in regenerative medicine with superior anti-fibrotic, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic functions. More recently, discovered with the tumor tropism, MSCs have been exploited as the basis of targeted cancer therapy. In this scenario, MSCs can directly home to tumor tissues and play anti-tumor properties. In addition, MSCs, MSC-derived exosomes and MSC-derived membranes are often developed as carriers for precisely delivering cytotoxic agents to cancer sites, including chemotherapeutic drugs, therapeutic genes, or oncolytic viruses. However, it has revealed the tumorigenic risk of MSCs as an important component within the tumor microenvironment, hampering the translation of MSC-based cancer therapies into clinical settings. Therefore, in this review, we introduce the specific tumor-tropic ability of MSCs and underlying mechanisms. We also summarize the current application of MSC-based therapeutic approaches in treating gynecologic cancers, mainly including cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Moreover, we discuss the main challenges that the current MSC-based cancer therapies are facing.

The tumor multi-omic landscape of endometrial cancers developed on a germline genetic background of adiposity

High body mass index (BMI) is a causal risk factor for endometrial cancer but the tumor molecular mechanisms affected by adiposity and their therapeutic relevance remain poorly understood. Here we characterize the tumor multi-omic landscape of endometrial cancers that have developed on a background of lifelong germline genetic exposure to elevated BMI. We built a polygenic score (PGS) for BMI in women using data on independent, genome-wide significant variants associated with adult BMI in 434,794 women. We performed germline (blood) genotype quality control and imputation on data from 354 endometrial cancer cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We assigned each case in this TCGA cohort their genetically predicted life-course BMI based on the BMI PGS. Multivariable generalized linear models adjusted for age, stage, microsatellite status and genetic principal components were used to test for associations between the BMI germline PGS and endometrial cancer tumor genome-wide genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenomic and immune traits in TCGA. High BMI germline PGS was associated with (i) upregulated tumor gene expression in the IL6-JAK-STAT3 pathway (FDR=4.2×10-7); (ii) increased estimated intra-tumor activated mast cell infiltration (FDR=0.008); (iii) increased single base substitution (SBS) mutational signatures 1 (FDR=0.03) and 5 (FDR=0.09) and decreased SBS13 (FDR=0.09), implicating age-related and APOBEC mutagenesis, respectively; and (iv) decreased tumor EGFR protein expression (FDR=0.07). Alterations in IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling gene and EGFR protein expression were, in turn, significantly associated with both overall survival and progression-free interval. Thus, we integrated germline and somatic data using a novel study design to identify associations between genetically predicted lifelong exposure to higher BMI and potentially actionable endometrial cancer tumor molecular features. These associations inform our understanding of how high BMI may influence the development and progression of this cancer, impacting endometrial tumor biology and clinical outcomes.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) Is Associated with Cervical Stromal Involvement in Endometrial Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in South China

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant health issue closely associated with multiple extrahepatic cancers. The association between MAFLD and clinical outcomes of endometrial cancer (EC) remains unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 725 EC patients between January 2012 and December 2020. The odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Among EC patients, the prevalence of MAFLD was 27.7% (201/725, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 0.245-0.311). MAFLD was significantly associated with cervical stromal involvement (CSI) (OR = 1.974, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 1.065-3.659, p = 0.031). There was a significant correlation between overall survival (OS) and CSI (HR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.12-0.83; p = 0.020), while patients with MAFLD had a similar OS to those without MAFLD (p = 0.952). Moreover, MAFLD was significantly associated with CSI in the type I EC subgroup (OR = 2.092, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 1.060-4.129, p = 0.033), but not in the type II EC subgroup (p = 0.838). Further logistic regression analysis suggested that the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was significantly associated with CSI among type I EC patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR = 1.079, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 1.020-1.139, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

About one-quarter of our cohort had MAFLD. MAFLD was associated with the risk of CSI in EC patients, and this association existed in type I EC patients but not in type II EC patients. Furthermore, the HSI can help predict CSI in type I EC patients without T2DM.

Analysis of EMT induction in a non-invasive breast cancer cell line by mesenchymal stem cell supernatant: Study of 2D and 3D microfluidic based aggregate formation and migration ability, and cytoskeleton remodeling

AIMS

The process of Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a phenotypic invasive shift and the factors affecting it, are under extensive research. Application of supernatants of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) on non-invasive cancer cells is a well known method of in vitro induction of EMT like process. While previous researches have focused on the effects of hADMSCs supernatant on the biochemical signaling pathways of the cells through expression of different proteins and genes, we investigated pro-carcinogic alterations of physico-mechanical cues in terms of changes in cell motility and aggregated formation in 3D microenvironments, and cytoskeletal actin-myosin content and fiber arrangement.

MAIN METHODS

MCF-7 cancer cells were treated by the supernatant from 48 hour-starved hADMSCs, and their vimentin/E-cadherin expressions were evaluated. The invasive potential of treated and non-treated cells was measured and compared through aggregate formation and migration capability. Furthermore, alterations in cell and nucleus morphologies were studied, and F-actin and myosin-II alterations in terms of content and arrangement were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

Results indicated that application of hADMSCs supernatant enhanced vimentin expression as the biomarker of EMT, and induced pro-carcinogenic effects on non-invasive cancer cells through increased invasive potential by higher cell motility and reduced aggregate formation, rearrangement of actin structure and generation of more stress fibers, together with increased myosin II that lead to enhanced cell motility and traction force.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results indicated that in vitro induction of EMT through mesenchymal supernatant influenced biophysical features of cancer cells through cytoskeletal remodeling that emphasizes the interconnection of chemical and physical signaling pathways during cancer progress and invasion. Results give a better insight to EMT as a biological process and the synergy between biochemical and biophysical parameters that contribute to this process, and eventually assist in improving cancer treatment strategies.

The roles and clinical applications of interleukins in endometrial carcinoma

As a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, endometrial carcinoma (EC) seriously endangers women's health with an increasing incidence. The oncogenesis and progression of cancer are closely linked with immune microenvironment, of which interleukins are the important components. In order to illustrate the roles and clinical applications of interleukins in EC, literature of interleukins and EC were reviewed. Based on the present studies, interleukins play crucial roles in the oncogenesis and development of EC via regulating the proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, pyroptosis and autophagy of EC as well as the immune function against EC. And some of the interleukins seems to have prospective clinical applications in EC, such as evaluating the risk of tumorigenesis, discriminating the malignancy from benign disorders or normal condition, indicating cancer aggressiveness, predicting the prognosis of patients and serving as the novel therapy. However, there is still a long way to go before the clinical applications of interleukins in EC come into reality. Nevertheless, it is certain that the exploration of interleukins will definitely be of great benefit to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of EC in the future.

IL-6: The Link Between Inflammation, Immunity and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in females. Over the past decades, intensive efforts have been made to uncover the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic factor which has a vital role in host defense immunity and acute stress. Moreover, a wide range of studies have identified the physiological and pathological roles of IL-6 in inflammation, immune and cancer. Recently, several IL-6 signaling pathway-targeted monoclonal antibodies have been developed for cancer and immune therapy. Combination of IL-6 inhibitory antibody with other pathways blockage drugs have demonstrated promising outcome in both preclinical and clinical trials. This review focuses on emerging studies on the strong linkages of IL-6/IL-6R mediated regulation of inflammation and immunity in cancer, especially in breast cancer.

Adipocytokines and disease progression in endometrial cancer: a systematic review

The objective of the study was to document the effect of adipocytokines on endometrial cancer progression. A search of the databases CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar was performed for English language articles from January 2000 to December 2020 using the keywords: (Endometrial cancer) AND (progression OR metastasis) AND (adipocytokine OR adiponectin OR leptin OR visfatin OR IL-6 OR TNF-α OR adipokine OR cytokine). Forty-nine studies on adipocytokines have been included in this review. Adiponectin has been linked with anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on endometrial cancer cells and is associated with a better prognosis. Leptin, visfatin and resistin are linked to the stimulation of endometrial cancer growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis and are associated with worse prognosis or with a higher grade/stage of endometrial cancer. IL-6, Il-11, IL-31, IL-33, TNF-α, TGF-β1, SDF-1 and CXCR are involved in endometrial cancer cell growth and metastasis or involved in epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) or associated with advanced disease. Adipocytokines have been found to directly impact endometrial cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. These molecules and their signalling pathways may be used to determine prognosis and course of the disease and may also be exploited as potential targets for cancer treatment and prevention of progression.

Dual Mode Sensing of Binding and Blocking of Cancer Exosomes to Biomimetic Human Primary Stem Cell Surfaces

Cancer-derived exosomes (cEXOs) facilitate transfer of information between tumor and human primary stromal cells, favoring cancer progression. Although the mechanisms used during this information exchange are still not completely understood, it is known that binding is the initial contact established between cEXOs and cells. Hence, studying binding and finding strategies to block it are of great therapeutic value. However, such studies are challenging for a variety of reasons, including the need for human primary cell culture, the difficulty in decoupling and isolating binding from internalization and cargo delivery, and the lack of techniques to detect these specific interactions. In this work, we created a supported biomimetic stem cell membrane incorporating membrane components from human primary adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). We formed the supported membrane on glass and on multielectrode arrays to offer the dual option of optical or electrical detection of cEXO binding to the membrane surface. Using our platform, we show that cEXOs bind to the stem cell membrane and that binding is blocked when an antibody to integrin β1, a component of ADSC surface, is exposed to the membrane surface prior to cEXOs. To test the biological outcome of blocking this interaction, we first confirm that adding cEXOs to cultured ADSCs leads to the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, a measure of proangiogenic activity. Next, when ADSCs are first blocked with anti-integrin β1 and then exposed to cEXOs, the upregulation of proangiogenic activity and cell proliferation are significantly reduced. This biomimetic membrane platform is the first cell-free label-free in vitro platform for the recapitulation and study of cEXO binding to human primary stem cells with potential for therapeutic molecule screening as it is compatible with scale-up and multiplexing.

Assessing the effect of human mesenchymal stem cell-derived conditioned media on human cancer cell lines: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit differential effect (augmentation or inhibition) on cancer cells depending on the tissue of origin. Given the increasing demand to use MSCs in regenerative medicine, it is vital to ensure that the MSCs being employed are not pro-carcinogenic.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of human MSC derived conditioned media (CM) on human cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched using the keyword combination 'human mesenchymal stem cell and conditioned media and human cancer cell line and in-vitro'.

RESULTS

MSC-CM pro-carcinogenic molecules were IL-6, IL-8, FGF10, VEGF, PDGF, TGF-b1, IGF-1, GRO-a, OSP, MMPs, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IL-1 β, G-CSF, MCP‑1, MIP‑1α, MIP‑1β, RANTES, MIG, IP‑10, HGFa, ETX, DKK1; anti-carcinogenic molecules were IFN-β, OST, LIGHT, FRTK3, INF-γ, IP-10, LAP, IL‑1RA, IL‑2, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IFN-α, IFN‑γ. Effector pathways were STAT 1, JAK2/STAT3, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, ERK1/2, PI3K/ Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK. BMSC, ADMSC, UCMSC, WJMSC DPMSC, AMSC, and UTCMSC had a differential effect on carcinogenesis. GMSC, LMSC, FDMSC were anti-carcinogenic. OMSC was pro-carcinogenic.

CONCLUSION

Use of MSC-CM with a pro-carcinogenic effect must be restricted in cancer patients irrespective of the nature of the application.

Adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration: Molecular insights and clinical applications

Endometrial damage is an important cause of female reproductive problems, manifested as menstrual abnormalities, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other complications. These conditions are collectively termed "Asherman syndrome" (AS) and are typically associated with recurrent induced pregnancy terminations, repeated diagnostic curettage and intrauterine infections. Cancer treatment also has unexpected detrimental side effects on endometrial function in survivors independently of ovarian effects. Endometrial stem cells act in the regeneration of the endometrium and in repair through direct differentiation or paracrine effects. Nonendometrial adult stem cells, such as bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, with autologous and allogenic applications, can also repair injured endometrial tissue in animal models of AS and in human studies. However, there remains a lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium after the reversal of tumors, especially endometrial cancers. Here, we review the biological mechanisms of endometrial regeneration, and research progress and challenges for adult stem cell therapy for damaged endometrium, and discuss the potential applications of their use for endometrial repair after cancer remission, especially in endometrial cancers. Successful application of such cells will improve reproductive parameters in patients with AS or cancer. Significance: The endometrium is the fertile ground for embryos, but damage to the endometrium will greatly impair female fertility. Adult stem cells combined with tissue engineering scaffold materials or not have made great progress in repairing the injured endometrium due to benign lesions. However, due to the lack of research on the repair of the damaged endometrium caused by malignant tumors or tumor therapies, the safety and effectiveness of such stem cell-based therapies need to be further explored. This review focuses on the molecular insights and clinical application potential of adult stem cells in endometrial regeneration and discusses the possible challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome in stem cell-based therapies for tumor survivors. The development of adult stem cell-related new programs will help repair damaged endometrium safely and effectively and meet fertility needs in tumor survivors.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Preclinical Infertility Cytotherapy: A Retrospective Review

Infertility is a global reproductive disorder which is caused by a variety of complex diseases. Infertility affects the individual, family, and community through physical, psychological, social and economic consequences. The results from recent preclinical studies regarding stem cell-based therapies are promising. Stem cell-based therapies cast a new hope for infertility treatment as a replacement or regeneration strategy. The main features and application prospects of mesenchymal stem cells in the future of infertility should be understood by clinicians. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with abundant source, active proliferation, and multidirectional differentiation potential. MSCs play a role through cell homing, secretion of active factors, and participation in immune regulation. Another advantage is that, compared with embryonic stem cells, there are fewer ethical factors involved in the application of MSCs. However, a number of questions remain to be answered prior to safe and effective clinical application. In this review, we summarized the recent status of MSCs in the application of the diseases related to or may cause to infertility and suggest a possible direction for future cytotherapy to infertility.

Cyr61 from adipose-derived stem cells promotes colorectal cancer metastasis and vasculogenic mimicry formation via integrin αV β5

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) play a vital role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, but the mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we found that ADSCs isolated from CRC patients produced more cysteine‐rich 61 (Cyr61) than those from healthy donors, and the elevated serum Cyr61 levels were associated with advanced TNM stages. Moreover, serum Cyr61 displayed a better diagnostic value for CRC compared to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA19‐9). Mechanistically, integrin α_Vβ₅ was identified as the functional receptor by which Cyr61 promotes CRC cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo by activating the α_Vβ₅/FAK/NF‐κB signaling pathway. In addition, Cyr61 promotes vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis through a α_Vβ₅/FAK/HIF‐1α/STAT3/MMP2 signaling cascade. Histologically, xenografts and clinical samples of CRC both exhibited VM, which was correlated with HIF‐1α and MMP2 activation. Notably, we demonstrated the synergistic effect of combined anti‐VM therapy (integrin α_Vβ₅ inhibitor) and anti‐VEGF therapy (bevacizumab) in patient‐derived xenograft models. Further investigation showed that CRC cell‐derived exosomal STAT3 promoted Cyr61 transcription in ADSCs. These findings indicate that Cyr61 derived from ADSCs plays a critical role in promoting CRC progression via integrin α_Vβ₅ and provides a novel antitumor strategy by targeting Cyr61/α_Vβ₅.

MicroRNA‑199a/b‑5p inhibits endometrial cancer cell metastasis and invasion by targeting FAM83B in the epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition signaling pathway

Our previous study demonstrated the role of family with sequence similarity 83, member B (FAM83B) in endometrial cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. FAM83B is involved in epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the regulatory network of EMT, which promotes endometrial cancer cell metastasis, involving microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and FAM83B, has not been elucidated. To investigate the potential mechanism underlying miR‑199a/b‑5p in endometrial cancer, the effect of miR‑199a/b‑5p and its targeted FAM83B gene on the biological behaviour of endometrial cancer cells was assessed. The Gene Expression Omnibus dataset analysis results revealed that the expression levels of 150 miRNAs in non‑cancerous endometrial tissues were upregulated compared with those in endometrial cancer tissues. TargetScan predicted that the nucleotides 672‑679 of FAM83B 3'‑untranslated region (UTR) were the target sites of miR‑199a/b‑5p. The differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of miR‑199a/b‑5p in the endometrial non‑cancerous cell lines were significantly upregulated compared with those in the six endometrial cancer cell lines. miR‑199a/b‑5p inhibited the EMT signaling pathway by regulating the expression levels of E‑cadherin, N‑cadherin, Snail, α‑smooth muscle actin, vimentin and Twist. This suggested that miR‑199a/b‑5p inhibited endometrial cancer cell proliferation and migration through the inhibition of the EMT signaling pathway. Furthermore, the nucleotides 672‑679 of the FAM83B 3'‑UTR were demonstrated to be the binding site of miR‑199a/b‑5p. These results suggested that miR‑199a/b‑5p inhibited endometrial cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting the 3'‑UTR of FAM83B, which is involved in the EMT signaling pathway.

hsa_circ_0001610 knockdown modulates miR-646-STAT3 axis to suppress endometrial carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) development is associated with dysregulated circular RNA profiles. The purpose of the current research is to study the role and mechanism of hsa_circ_0001610 (circ_0001610) in EC progression.

METHODS

circ_0001610, microRNA (miR)-646, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression levels were measured in EC. Functional analyses were performed using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, transwell, wound healing, flow cytometry, glycolysis, and xenograft analyses. Binding association was evaluated with dual-luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

circ_0001610 levels were upregulated in EC samples (n = 30) and cells. circ_0001610 interference restrained cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. circ_0001610 downregulation constrained glycolysis through reducing glucose consumption, lactate production, and levels of adenosine triphosphate, extracellular acidification, hexokinase 2, and lactate dehydrogenase A, and increasing oxygen consumption rate. miR-646 is targeted by circ_0001610, and miR-646 inhibition attenuated interference of circ_0001610-mediated suppression of EC development. STAT3 was modulated by miR-646, and miR-646 upregulation restrained EC progression by decreasing STAT3. circ_0001610 silencing reduced STAT3 levels by sponging miR-646 and reduced the growth of xenograft tumor established by EC cells.

CONCLUSION

circ_0001610 knockdown represses EC progression through modulating the miR-646-STAT3 axis.

CCDC68 Upregulation by IL-6 Promotes Endometrial Carcinoma Progression

The elevation of circulating interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the major molecular characteristics of endometrial carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the role of coiled-coil domain-containing 68 (CCDC68) in IL-6-associated endometrial carcinoma progression. CCDC68 expression levels and the activation of IL-6 pathway were detected by qPCR and Western blot. Stable CCDC68 knockdown Ishikawa and RL-95 cells were created to investigate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion with or without IL-6 administration. Kaplan-Meier's analysis was used to determine the correlation between CCDC68 expression and overall survival or recurrence-free survival in endometrial carcinoma patients. CCDC68 expression level is significantly uregulated by IL-6 stimulation. Increased CCDC68 expression predicts poor prognosis in endometrial carcinoma patients. CCDC68 knockdown dramatically inhibit IL-6-associated cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and downregulate the expression of proto-oncogenes in endometrial carcinoma cells. CCDC68 acts as a cancer-promoting factor in IL-6-stimulated endometrial carcinoma cells, and blocking the expression of CCDC68 might be a novel therapeutic strategy for the endometrial carcinoma treatment.

ROS‑mediated hypomethylation of PRDX5 promotes STAT3 binding and activates the Nrf2 signaling pathway in NSCLC

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) epigenetic modification has been linked to specific sequences of CpG islands and plays roles in the progression of lung cancer. In this study, it was found that peroxiredoxin‑5 (PRDX5) was highly expressed in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues; however, its specific regulatory mechanisms and functions in NSCLC remain unknown. The present study therefore explored the regulatory mechanism of PRDX5 under conditions of oxidative stress (OS) in NSCLC. The results revealed that 79 of 121 NSCLC patients exhibited demethylation in the PRDX5 promoter region, which was related to the tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) stage (P=0.027). PRDX5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression positively correlated with the demethylation status of the promoter region. The results of bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP) revealed lower demethylation frequencies in H1299 cells treated with 0 µM H2O2, but maximum demethylation following treatment with 100 µM H2O2. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase detection assays, the effective binding of STAT3 to the transcriptional binding sites of the PRDX5 promoter region was confirmed (2 sites confirmed: Site 1, ‑444 to ‑434 bp; and site 4, ‑1,417 to ‑1,407 bp). STAT3 knockdown significantly decreased the protein expression of PRDX5, while the overexpression of STAT3 significantly increased the protein levels of PRDX5. When PRDX5 was overexpressed in lung cancer cells under conditions of OS, the levels of the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, E‑cadherin and vimentin, were significantly decreased and increased, respectively. By contrast, PRDX5 knockdown resulted in significantly increased E‑cadherin and decreased vimentin protein expression levels. Ultimately, when PRDX5‑small interfering RNA (siRNA) or pcDNA3.1‑PRDX5 expression vector were constructed and transfected into H1299 cells pre‑treated with 100 µM H2O2, the nuclear factor (erythroid‑derived 2)‑like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was inhibited or activated. All these results suggested that the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‑mediated hypomethylation of PRDX5 enhanced STAT3 binding affinity with the promoter region, and resulted in the promotion of cell migration and invasion, as well as in the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in NSCLC. The demethylation status of the PRDX5 promoter may thus be used as an epigenetic biomarker in NSCLC. STAT3/PRDX5 signaling may also prove to be a potential strategy for the treatment of this type of cancer.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote the malignant phenotype of cervical cancer

Epidemiological studies indicate that obesity negatively affects the progression and treatment of cervical-uterine cancer. Recent evidence shows that a subpopulation of adipose-derived stem cells can alter cancer properties. In the present project, we described for the first time the impact of adipose-derived stem cells over the malignant behavior of cervical cancer cells. The transcriptome of cancer cells cultured in the presence of stem cells was analyzed using RNA-seq. Changes in gene expression were validated using digital-PCR. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify the main transduction pathways disrupted in cancer cells due to the presence of stem cells. In vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to validate cellular and molecular processes altered in cervical cancer cells owing to stem cells. Our results show that the expression of 95 RNAs was altered in cancer cells as a result of adipose-derived stem cells. Experimental assays indicate that stem cells provoke an increment in migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis of cancer cells; however, no alterations were found in proliferation. Bioinformatics and experimental analyses demonstrated that the NF-kappa B signaling pathway is enriched in cancer cells due to the influence of adipose-derived stem cells. Interestingly, the tumor cells shift their epithelial to a mesenchymal morphology, which was reflected by the increased expression of specific mesenchymal markers. In addition, stem cells also promote a stemness phenotype in the cervical cancer cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that adipose-derived stem cells induce cervical cancer cells to acquire malignant features where NF-kappa B plays a key role.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Inhibited the Proliferation of Bladder Tumor Cells by S Phase Arrest and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which are present in most organs and tissues, were evaluated as a novel medium for stem cell therapy. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of ADSCs in bladder tumor (BT) cells. SV-HUC, T24, and EJ cells were cultured with ADSCs and conditioned medium from ADSCs (ADSC-CM). We observed that in routine culture, ADSCs significantly inhibited the proliferation of T24 and EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ADSC-CM attenuated the viability of T24 and EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis indicated that ADSC-CM was capable of inducing T24 and EJ cells S phase arrest and downregulating the expression of CDK 1, whereas the expression of cyclin A was increased. ADSC-CM could induce apoptosis in T24 cells. The mechanism of this effect likely involved the caspase3/7 pathway and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings demonstrated that ADSCs could inhibit the proliferation of BT cells via secretory factors.

Association between metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Existing evidence has revealed inconsistent results on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and endometrial cancer (EC) risk. Herein, we aim to better understand this association. Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through 12 December 2019 were conducted. Observational studies that provided risk estimates of MetS and EC risk were eligible. The quality of the included studies was judged based on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Six studies, comprising 17,772 EC cases and 150,371 participants were included. MetS, diagnosed according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program—Third Adult Treatment Panel, was associated with an increased risk of EC (OR: 1.62; 95% CI = 1.26–2.07) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 78.3%). Furthermore, we found that women with MetS, diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, had a significantly higher risk of EC compared to healthy controls (OR: 1.45; 95% CI = 1.16–1.81; I² = 64.6%). Our findings were generally consistent with the main results in the majority of prespecified subgroups, as well as in sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, MetS is associated with EC risk.

A STAT3 of Addiction: Adipose Tissue, Adipocytokine Signalling and STAT3 as Mediators of Metabolic Remodelling in the Tumour Microenvironment

Metabolic remodelling of the tumour microenvironment is a major mechanism by which cancer cells survive and resist treatment. The pro-oncogenic inflammatory cascade released by adipose tissue promotes oncogenic transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and evasion of apoptosis. STAT3 has emerged as an important mediator of metabolic remodelling. As a downstream effector of adipocytokines and cytokines, its canonical and non-canonical activities affect mitochondrial functioning and cancer metabolism. In this review, we examine the central role played by the crosstalk between the transcriptional and mitochondrial roles of STAT3 to promote survival and further oncogenesis within the tumour microenvironment with a particular focus on adipose-breast cancer interactions.

The Role of Metabolic Syndrome in Endometrial Cancer: A Review

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers of the female reproductive system. Although surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy can significantly improve the survival of patients, the treatment of patients with very early lesions and a strong desire to retain reproductive function or late recurrence is still in the early stages. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clustering of at least three of the five following medical conditions: central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high serum triglycerides, and low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Obesity, diabetes and hypertension often coexist in patients with endometrial cancer, which increases the risk of endometrial cancer, also known as the "triple syndrome of endometrial cancer." In recent years, epidemiological and clinical studies have found that MS associated with metabolic diseases is closely related to the incidence of endometrial cancer. However, the key molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of endometrial cancer by MS have not been elucidated to date. Characterizing the tumor metabolism microenvironment will be advantageous for achieving a comprehensive view of the molecular mechanism of metabolic syndrome associated with endometrial cancer and for providing a new target for the treatment of endometrial cancer. This review focuses on recent advances in determining the role of metabolic syndrome-related factors and mechanisms in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer. We suggest that interfering with the tumor metabolic microenvironment-related molecular signals may inhibit the occurrence of endometrial cancer.

YAP promotes the malignancy of endometrial cancer cells via regulation of IL-6 and IL-11

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence shows that Hippo signal pathways can regulate the progression of various cancer. While the roles of Yes-associated protein (YAP), the key transducer of Hippo signals, in the development of endometrial cancer (EC) are rarely investigated.

METHODS

The expression of YAP in endometrial cancer cells and tissues was measured. Its roles in proliferation and expression of interleukins (ILs) were investigated by use of its specific siRNA or inhibitor (verteporfin, VP).

RESULTS

YAP was upregulated in endometrial cancer cells and tissues. Knockdown of YAP or VP can suppress the proliferation while increase its chemo-sensitivity of EC cells. We found that targeted inhibition of YAP can decrease the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-11 in EC cells. Recombinant IL-6 or IL-11 can attenuate si-YAP suppressed proliferation of EC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay suggested that YAP can directly bind with the promoter of IL-6 and induce its transcription. As to IL-11, inhibitor of NF-κB (BAY 11-7082) can significantly down regulate the mRNA expression of IL-11. Over expression of p65 abolished si-YAP suppressed transcription of IL-11. It suggested that NF-κB was involved in the YAP regulated expression of IL-11.

CONCLUSIONS

YAP can regulate the proliferation and progression of EC cells. It suggested that targeted inhibition of YAP might be a potent potential approach for EC therapy.

Epidural adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell activation induced by lung cancer cells promotes malignancy and EMT of lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Spinal metastasis is a major challenge in patients with advanced lung cancer, but the mechanisms in the organotropism of metastasis are still unclear. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) exhibit cancer-promoting properties that influence the tumour microenvironment; however, there is no research on ADSCs from epidural fat thus far.

METHODS

In this study, we isolated and identified ADSCs from epidural adipose tissue for the first time. We examined the activation of epidural ADSCs treated with lung cancer cell-conditioned medium by immunohistochemistry, western blot and qRT-PCR assays. The expression of interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokines in the supernatants of ADSCs were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of epidural ADSCs on the growth and invasion of lung cancer cells were evaluated with the CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), matrix metalloprotease and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers were measured by western blot assays.

RESULTS

Our results showed that ADSCs treated with lung cancer cell-conditioned medium expressed higher levels of the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast activation protein than ADSCs cultured alone. Then, we found that lung cancer cells induced ADSCs to secrete high levels of IL-6 family cytokines and activate the STAT3 signalling pathway. Moreover, activated epidural ADSCs exhibited the ability to promote lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by elevating matrix metalloprotease expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells. Furthermore, blocking IL-6 can counteract the differentiation and tumour-promoting effects of ADSCs.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ADSCs respond to lung cancer cells and are involved in the crosstalk between primary tumours and pre-metastatic niches in epidural fat.

Effects of LncRNA Lnc-LIF-AS on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in a human cervical cancer cell line

This study explored the effect of LncRNA Lnc-LIF-AS on cell proliferation, migration and invasion in the human cervical cancer (HCC) cell line SiHa. SiHa cells had the lowest expression of Lnc-LIF-AS in the 4 human cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa, ME-180, C-33A and HeLa) and were transfected and divided into the SiHa/con (transfected with pMIGRI) cell group, SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS (transfected with pMIGRI-Lnc-LIF-AS) cell group, and SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS-DN (transfected with pMIGRI-Lnc-LIF-AS-DN, in which the sequences overlapping with LIF mRNA was deleted) cell group. Overexpression of Lnc-LIF-AS could promote the proliferation, colony formation, invasion and migration in SiHa and ME-180 cells. And the low expression of Lnc-LIF-AS suppress the proliferation, colony formation invasion and migration in HeLa cells when the Lnc-LIF-AS expression has been suppressed. In the SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS cells group, the cell cycle was mainly halted in the S phase and overexpression of Lnc-LIF-AS had no effect on the apoptosis of SiHa cells. Overexpression of Lnc-LIF-AS could promote the secretion of LIF in SiHa cells, and the supernatant from SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS cells could promote cell proliferation in the SiHa/con cells. The STAT3 inhibitor could inhibit cell proliferation in the SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS cells. The expression level of Lnc-LIF-AS in cervical cancer tissues was higher than that in normal tissues and the expression level of Lnc-LIF-AS was positively correlated with the level of LIF. In the SiHa/con and SiHa/Lnc-LIF-AS-DN cell groups, there were no significant differences in cell proliferation, cell migration and cell invasion. The overexpression of Lnc-LIF-AS can promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cervical cancer cells, and the core function domain of this lncRNA was located in the overlapping a 3'-UTR base sequence of LIF mRNA.

Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Atopic Dermatitis by Regulating the Expression of MIP-2, miR-122a-SOCS1 Axis, and Th1/Th2 Responses

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) on atopic dermatitis (AD) in the BALB/c mouse model. The AdMSCs attenuated clinical symptoms associated with AD, decreased numbers of degranulated mast cells (MCs), IgE level, amount of histamine released, and prostaglandin E2 level. Atopic dermatitis increased the expression levels of cytokines/chemokines, such as interleukin-5 (IL-5), macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß (MIP-1ß), MIP-2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5), and IL-17, in BALB/c mouse. The AdMSCs showed decreased expression levels of these cytokines in the mouse model of AD. In vivo downregulation of MIP-2 attenuated the clinical symptoms associated with AD. Atopic dermatitis increased the expression levels of hallmarks of allergic inflammation, induced interactions of Fc𝜀RIβ with histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and Lyn, increased ß-hexosaminidase activity, increased serum IgE level, and increased the amount of histamine released in an MIP-2-dependent manner. Downregulation of MIP-2 increased the levels of several miRNAs, including miR-122a-5p. Mouse miR-122a-5p mimic inhibited AD, while suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), a predicted downstream target of miR-122a-5p, was required for AD. The downregulation of SOCS1 decreased the expression levels of MIP-2 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) in the mouse model of AD. The downregulation of CXCL13 attenuated AD and allergic inflammation such as passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. The role of T cell transcription factors in AD was also investigated. Atopic dermatitis increased the expression levels of T-bet and GATA-3 [transcription factors of T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells, respectively] but decreased the expression of Foxp3, a transcription factor of regulatory T (Treg) cells, in an SOCS1-dependent manner. In addition to this, miR-122a-5p mimic also prevented AD from regulating the expression of T-bet, GATA-3, and Foxp3. Atopic dermatitis increased the expression of cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163), a marker of M2 macrophages, but decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), a marker of M1 macrophages. Additionally, SOCS1 and miR-122a-5p mimic regulated the expression of CD163 and iNOS in the mouse model of AD. Experiments employing conditioned medium showed interactions between MCs and macrophages in AD. The conditioned medium of AdMSCs, but not the conditioned medium of human dermal fibroblasts, negatively inhibited the features of allergic inflammation. In summary, we investigated the anti-atopic effects of AdMSCs, identified targets of AdMSCs, and determined the underlying mechanism for the anti-atopic effects of AdMSCs.

Chronic Niche Inflammation in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: Current Understanding and Future Therapeutic Strategies

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age and accounts for up to 50% of female infertility cases. It has been highly associated with poorer outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including decreased oocyte retrieval, lower implantation, and pregnancy rates. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility is crucial for improving infertility treatment outcomes. Current theories regarding how endometriosis reduces fertility include anatomical distortion, ovulatory dysfunction, and niche inflammation-associated peritoneal or implantation defects. This review will survey the latest evidence on the role of inflammatory niche in the peritoneal cavity, ovaries, and uterus of endometriosis patients. Nonhormone treatment strategies that target these inflammation processes are also included. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies are highlighted for potential endometriosis treatment because of their immunomodulatory effects and tropism toward inflamed lesion foci. Potential applications of stem cell therapy in treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility in particular for safety and efficacy are discussed.