Metal- and redox homeostasis in prostate cancer with vitamin D3 supplementation

Exploration of Redox-Related Molecular Patterns and the Redox Score for Prostate Cancer

Redox homeostasis is the key to cell survival, and its imbalance can promote the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, it remains unclear whether these redox-related genes (RRGs) have potential roles in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity. Here, we performed a systematic and comprehensive analysis of 489 prostate cancer (PC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and 214 PC samples from 8 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus database to determine redox modification patterns and the redox scoring system for PC. We identified two modification patterns (Redox_A and Redox_B) in PC using unsupervised consensus clustering based on 1410 differential expression RRGs. We then compared the prognostic value, tumor microenvironment characteristics, immune cell infiltration, and molecular characteristics of the two patterns. The Redox_A pattern was significantly enriched in the carcinogenic activation signaling pathways and had a poor prognosis, while the Redox_B pattern was mainly enriched in a variety of metabolic and redox pathways and had a good prognosis. Next, redox-related characteristic genes were extracted from these two patterns, and a scoring system (Redox_score) was constructed to evaluate PC patients. Further analysis indicated that lower Redox_score patients had a better prognosis, while higher Redox_score patients had a higher tumor mutation burden, driver gene mutation rate, and immune checkpoint inhibitor gene expression. We also found that higher Redox_score patients were more responsive to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Moreover, Redox_score was determined to be significantly correlated with anticancer drug sensitivity and resistance. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of redox modifications in PC and reveals new patterns of PC based on RRGs, which will provide insights into the complex mechanisms of PC and develop more effective individualized therapeutic strategies.

Vitamin D and liver fibrosis: Molecular mechanisms and clinical studies

Vitamin D plays a primary role in regulation of bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests protective effects of vitamin D against liver fibrogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms of this action remain mysterious. Herein, this review aimed to summarize the role of vitamin D in liver fibrosis pathology and to update the current comprehensive knowledge regarding the clinical utility of vitamin D-based treatment in liver fibrosis. In regard to its effect on liver fibrosis, vitamin D possesses an anti-fibrotic effect on hepatic stellate cells via vitamin D receptor-mediated specific signal transduction pathways, which in turn inhibit expression of pro-fibrogenic genes. Furthermore, several studies demonstrated a significant association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of liver fibrosis. Additionally, high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was noted in patients with liver fibrosis, suggesting the use of vitamin D status as a biochemical marker reflecting the progression of liver fibrosis. It is therefore reasonable to postulate that vitamin D supplementation being a cost effective and relative simple procedure may benefit to liver fibrosis. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully elucidate its regulatory role in inhibiting liver fibrogenesis and to estimate the safety and efficiency of vitamin D supplementation as a relatively inexpensive treatment for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases.