MART-10, the vitamin D analog, is a potent drug to inhibit anaplastic thyroid cancer cell metastatic potential

Association between vitamin D status and thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

Cumulative evidence has suggested that vitamin D deficiency is related with an increased susceptibility to various types of cancers. However, the association between vitamin D and thyroid cancer (TC) has remained to be unknown. Thus, there has been an urgent need for a meta-analysis to summarize existing evidence on vitamin D levels and the risk of TC.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to figure out the association between vitamin D level and the risk of TC.

Methods

A systematic search was performed for eligible articles on the association between vitamin D and TC based on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Outcomes were the vitamin D level of cases with TC and the incidence of vitamin D deficiency in cases with TC comparing with the controls. The effect measures included standardized mean difference (SMD), ratio of means (RoM), and odds ratio (OR). A dose-response meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between vitamin D level and the risk of TC. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to explore the source of heterogeneity. And publication bias was evaluated through Begg's and Egger's tests.

Results

Results of the meta-analysis revealed lower levels of vitamin D in TC cases comparing with those in control [SMD = -0.25, 95% CI: (-0.38, -0.12); RoM = 0.87, 95% CI: (0.81, 0.94)] and the levels of 1,25 (OH)D in cases with TC were also lower than controls [SMD = -0.49, 95% CI: (-0.80, -0.19); RoM = 0.90, 95% CI: (0.85, 0.96)]. And vitamin D deficiency was associated with the increased risk of TC [OR = 1.49, 95% CI: (1.23, 1.80)]. Additionally, results from the dose-response meta-analysis showed that there is a 6% increase in the risk of TC for each 10 ng/ml decrease in 25 (OH)D levels [OR = 0.94; 95% CI: (0.89, 0.99)].

Conclusions

Individuals with TC had lower levels of vitamin D compared to controls, and vitamin D deficiency was correlated with an increase risk of TC.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=504417, identifier: CRD42024504417.

Association of circulating vitamin levels with thyroid diseases: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Previous observational studies have shown conflicting results of vitamins supplementation for thyroid diseases. The causal relationships between vitamins and thyroid diseases are unclear. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore association of circulating vitamin levels with thyroid diseases.

Methods

We performed a bidirectional MR analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic tool variables for circulating vitamin levels include vitamins A, B9, B12, C, D, and E, Genetic tool variables of thyroid diseases include autoimmune hyperthyroidism, autoimmune hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules (TNs), and Thyroid cancer (TC). Inverse-variance weighted multiplicative random effects (IVW-RE) was mainly used for MR Analysis, weighted median (WM) and MR Egger were used as supplementary methods to evaluate the relationships between circulating vitamin levels and thyroid diseases. Sensitivity and pluripotency were evaluated by Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO, Radial MR, MR-Egger regression and leave-one-out analysis.

Results

Positive MR evidence suggested that circulating vitamin C level is a protective factor in autoimmune hypothyroidism (ORIVW-RE=0.69, 95%CI: 0.58-0.83, p = 1.05E-04). Reverse MR Evidence showed that genetic susceptibility to autoimmune hyperthyroidism is associated with reduced level of circulating vitamin A(ORIVW-RE = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-1.00, p = 4.38E-02), genetic susceptibility of TNs was associated with an increased level of circulating vitamin D (ORIVW-RE = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 6.86E-03). No causal and reverse causal relationship was detected between other circulating vitamin levels and thyroid diseases.

Conclusion

Our findings provide genetic evidence supporting a bi-directional causal relationship between circulating vitamin levels and thyroid diseases. These findings provide information for the clinical application of vitamins prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.

Combined effects of vitamin D and neferine on the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To investigate the synergistic effect of vitamin D and neferine on the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The synergistic effect of biologically active form of vitamin D, VD3 and neferine on the treatment of CRC was investigated by bliss analysis. Colony formation and wound healing ability, migration and invasion ability, and epithelial mesenchymal transition of HCT-116 cells, as a response to the combination treatment with VD3 and neferine were evaluated.

RESULTS

VD3 and neferine showed a synergistic effect on CRC cell growth at a relatively low dose. The wound healing and colony formation capacity, cell migration and invasion abilities were all decreased by combination use of VD3 and neferine, compared to the VD3 or neferine treated single group. Furthermore, VD3 and neferine significantly decreased the expressions of N-cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug in HCT-116 cells.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that neferine enhances the anticancer capability of VD3 and reduces the dose dependency of VD3. The combination of vitamin D with neferine appears to be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC.

The Role of MMP-9 and MMP-9 Inhibition in Different Types of Thyroid Carcinoma

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), one of the most investigated and studied biomarkers of the MMPs family, is a zinc-dependent proteolytic metalloenzyme whose primary function is degrading the extracellular matrix (ECM). It has been proved that MMP-9 expression elevates in multiple pathological conditions, including thyroid carcinoma. MMP-9 has a detectable higher level in malignant or metastatic thyroid tumor tissues than in normal or benign tissues and acts as an additional marker to distinguish different tumor stages because of its close correlations with clinical features, such as lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, tumor size and so on. Natural and non-natural MMP-9 inhibitors suppress its expression, block the progression of diseases, and play a role in therapy consequently. MMP-9 inhibitory molecules also assist in treating thyroid tumors by suppressing the proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, viability, adhesion, motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and other risk factors of different thyroid cancer cells. In a word, discovering and designing MMP-9 inhibitors provide great therapeutic effects and promising clinical values in various types of thyroid carcinoma.

Vitamin D and the Thyroid: A Critical Review of the Current Evidence

Vitamin D is necessary for the normal functioning of many organs, including the thyroid gland. It is, therefore, not surprising that vitamin D deficiency is considered a risk factor for the development of many thyroid disorders, including autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. However, the interaction between vitamin D and thyroid function is still not fully understood. This review discusses studies involving human subjects that (1) compared vitamin D status (primarily determined by serum calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) levels) with thyroid function assessed by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, and anti-thyroid antibody levels; and (2) evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid function. Due to the many inconsistencies in the results between the studies, it is still difficult to draw a definite conclusion on how vitamin D status affects thyroid function. Studies in healthy participants observed either a negative correlation or no association between TSH and 25(OH)D levels, while the results for thyroid hormones showed high variability. Many studies have observed a negative association between anti-thyroid antibodies and 25(OH)D levels, but equally many studies have failed to observe such an association. Regarding the studies that examined the effect of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid function, almost all observed a decrease in anti-thyroid antibody levels after vitamin D supplementation. Factors that could contribute to the high variability between the studies are the use of different assays for the measurement of serum 25(OH)D levels and the confounding effects of sex, age, body-mass index, dietary habits, smoking, and the time of year when the samples were collected. In conclusion, additional studies with larger numbers of participants are needed to fully understand the effect of vitamin D on thyroid function.

The Controversial Role of Vitamin D in Thyroid Cancer Prevention

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and exhibits rising incidence. Annual incidence varies by sex, age, and geographical location. It has been reported that impairment of vitamin D signalling promotes thyroid cancer progression. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as both a nutrient and a hormone, may have utility in the prevention of autoimmune thyroid-related diseases. However, the precise role of vitamin D in the pathobiology of thyroid cancer is controversial. Previous studies have suggested that elevated serum vitamin D levels have a protective role in thyroid cancer. However, there is also evidence demonstrating no inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, recent data provide evidence that circulating vitamin D concentration is inversely correlated with disease aggressiveness and poor prognosis, while evidence of an association with tumour initiation remains weak. Nevertheless, a variety of data support an anti-tumorigenic role of vitamin D and its potential utility as a secondary chemopreventive agent. In this review, we highlighted recent findings regarding the association of vitamin D status with the risk of thyroid cancer, prognosis, potential mechanisms, and possible utility as a chemopreventive agent.

Relationship Between Vitamin D and Thyroid: An Enigma

Hypothyroidism is a frequently encountered endocrine disorder in clinical practice. Besides its traditional role in bone health, vitamin D has been shown to have favorable effects in a variety of different systems due to its pleiotropic qualities and ubiquitous receptor expression. Over the years, researchers have been fascinated by the intricate molecular interplay between vitamin D and thyroid. In this regard, attempts have emerged to demonstrate the role of vitamin D in thyroid disorders. This article has reviewed the existing literature on the role of vitamin D in hypothyroidism. We explored studies discussing the physiological interactions between vitamin D and thyroid, as well as the clinical consequences, supplemental and prognostic relevancy of vitamin D in auto-immune thyroid disease (AITD) and hypothyroidism.

The Potential for Natural Products to Overcome Cancer Drug Resistance by Modulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

The acquisition of resistance and ultimately disease relapse after initial response to chemotherapy put obstacles in the way of cancer therapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biologic process that epithelial cells alter to mesenchymal cells and acquire fibroblast-like properties. EMT plays a significant role in cancer metastasis, motility, and survival. Recently, emerging evidence suggested that EMT pathways are very important in making drug-resistant involved in cancer. Natural products are gradually emerging as a valuable source of safe and effective anticancer compounds. Natural products could interfere with the different processes implicated in cancer drug resistance by reversing the EMT process. In this review, we illustrate the molecular mechanisms of EMT in the emergence of cancer metastasis. We then present the role of natural compounds in the suppression of EMT pathways in different cancers to overcome cancer cell drug resistance and improve tumor chemotherapy. HighlightsDrug-resistance is one of the obstacles to cancer treatment.EMT signaling pathways have been correlated to tumor invasion, metastasis, and drug-resistance.Various studies on the relationship between EMT and resistance to chemotherapy agents were reviewed.Different anticancer natural products with EMT inhibitory properties and drug resistance reversal effects were compared.

Vitamin D Reduces Thyroid Cancer Cells Migration Independently From the Modulation of CCL2 and CXCL8 Chemokines Secretion

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D3 is largely involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis. More recently, it was demonstrated that vitamin D exerts several beneficial effects against cancer progression through several mechanisms, including the reduction of cancer cells proliferation and migration. CXCL8 and CCL2 are two chemokines secreted by thyroid tumor cells. In the thyroid tumor microenvironment, these chemokines exert several pro-tumorigenic effects including the one to increase the metastatic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate if vitamin D could modulate both thyroid cancer cell migration and their ability to secrete CCL2 and CXCL8.

METHODS

TPC-1 (RET/PTC rearranged) and 8505C (BRAFV600e mutated) thyroid cancer cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of 1,25-OH-vitamin D3 (0-1,000 nM). Cell viability was assessed by WST-1 assay, cell migration was evaluated by transwell-migration chamber system, and CCL2 and CXCL8 levels were measured in the cell culture supernatants by ELISA.

RESULTS

Vitamin D did not affect cell viability but reduced, in a dose-dependent and significant manner, thyroid cancer cell migration (ANOVAs p < 0.05 for both TPC-1 and 8505C). Vitamin D differently modulated the secretion of CCL2 and CXCL8, by significantly inhibiting the secretion of CCL2 in both thyroid cancer cell lines and inhibiting the secretion of CXCL8 only in TPC-1 (ANOVAs p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D treatment of thyroid cancer cell lines reduces cell migration independently from the inhibition of the secretion of pro-tumorigenic chemokines. Future studies specifically designed at clarifying the pathways involved in the different inhibitory effects of vitamin D on CCL2 and CXCL8 in thyroid cancer cells appear worthwhile.

Vitamin D Enhances Radiosensitivity of Colorectal Cancer by Reversing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often resistant to conventional therapies. Previous studies have reported the anticancer effects of vitamin D in several cancers, its role in radiotherapy (RT) remains unknown. We found that 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (VD₃), the biologically active form of vitamin D, had antitumor effect on CRC and sensitized CRC cells to ionizing radiation (IR). VD₃ demonstrated synergistic effect in combination with IR, which were detected by colony formation and cell proliferation assay. Radiosensitivity restoration induced by VD₃ was associated with a series of phenotypes, including apoptosis, autophagy, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using proteomics, “regulation of cell migration” and “cadherin” were found to be obviously enriched GO terms. Moreover, cystatin D and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the differentially expressed proteins, were associated with EMT. Next, we confirmed the contributions of these two genes in enhancing IR sensitivity of CRC cells upon inhibition of EMT. As determined by proteomics, the mechanism underlying such sensitivity involved partially block of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, VD₃ also elicited sensitization to RT in xenograft CRC models without additional toxicity. Our study revealed that VD₃ was able to act in synergy with IR both in vitro and in vivo and could also confer radiosensitivity by regulating EMT, thereby providing a novel insight for elevating the efficacy of therapeutic regimens.

Vitamin D Effects on Cell Differentiation and Stemness in Cancer

Vitamin D₃ is the precursor of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃), a pleiotropic hormone that is a major regulator of the human genome. 1,25(OH)₂D₃ modulates the phenotype and physiology of many cell types by controlling the expression of hundreds of genes in a tissue- and cell-specific fashion. Vitamin D deficiency is common among cancer patients and numerous studies have reported that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ promotes the differentiation of a wide panel of cultured carcinoma cells, frequently associated with a reduction in cell proliferation and survival. A major mechanism of this action is inhibition of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which in turn is largely based on antagonism of the Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β and EGF signaling pathways. In addition, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ controls the gene expression profile and phenotype of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are important players in the tumorigenic process. Moreover, recent data suggest a regulatory role of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in the biology of normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here, we revise the current knowledge of the molecular and genetic basis of the regulation by 1,25(OH)₂D₃ of the differentiation and stemness of human carcinoma cells, CAFs and CSCs. These effects support a homeostatic non-cytotoxic anticancer action of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ based on reprogramming of the phenotype of several cell types.

Prognosis and targeting of pre-metastatic niche

As the main cause of tumoral fatality, metastasis remains to be one of the most urgent difficulties researcher struggled to overcome. During the development and progression of metastasis, the establishment of pre-metastatic niche is crucial in preparing fertile microenvironment for disseminated tumor cells settlement and colonization in distant metastatic target sites. The key participators, including the primary tumor-derived factors, bone marrow-derived cells, stromal cells of both the host and the potential metastatic sites, regulate the temporal progress of potential metastasis. Firstly, pioneers are sent from primary tumor, recruiting immunosuppressive cells; then circulating tumor cells settled and colonized; and finally, micrometastases develop. Here, we summarize the therapeutic strategies presented in recent years targeting different stages of the pre-metastatic niche formation and discuss their chances and challenges in clinical translation, providing promising approaches for metastasis prevention and therapeutic interventions.

Metastatic propagation of thyroid cancer; organ tropism and major modulators

Thyroid cancer, as the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, comprises nearly 1% of all cancers in the world. The metastatic propagation of thyroid cancer is under the control of a number of modulating processes and factors such as signaling pathways and their components, cell division regulators, metabolic reprogramming factors, extracellular matrix remodelers, epithelial to mesenchymal transition modulators, epigenetic mechanisms, hypoxia and cytokines. Identifying the exact molecular mechanisms of these dysregulated processes could help to discover the key targets for therapeutic purposes and utilizing them as diagnostic, prognostic and predictors of the clinical course of patients. In this review article, we describe different aspects of thyroid cancer metastasis by focusing on defective genes and pathways involved in its metastatic spread.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D in Thyroid Diseases

Vitamin D is a secosteroid with a pleiotropic role in multiple physiological processes. Besides the well-known activity on bone homeostasis, recent studies suggested a peculiar role of vitamin D in different non-skeletal pathways, including a key role in the modulation of immune responses. Recent evidences demonstrated that vitamin D acts on innate and adaptative immunity and seems to exert an immunomodulating action on autoimmune diseases and cancers. Several studies demonstrated a relationship between vitamin D deficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and thyroid cancer. This review aims to summarize the evidences on the immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D on thyroid diseases.

Nutritional status and follicular-derived thyroid cancer: An update

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer has been increasing in the last decades all over the world. Such a steady growth cannot be entirely attributable to more intensive thyroid nodule screening and more sensitive diagnostic procedures. Several environmental factors have changed with sufficient rapidity in the same time frame and may represent credible candidates for this increase. They include modified iodine intake, lifestyle-associated risk factors, exposure to various toxic compounds, pollutants and xenobiotics, nutritional deficiencies, eating habits and comorbidities. Foremost, nutritional patterns have gained high interest as possible promoters and modifiable risk factors for thyroid cancer in recent years. The aim of this narrative review is to focus on the relationship between thyroid cancer and nutritional factors, dietary habits and obesity. Low iodine intake has been associated to increased risk of thyroid cancer, favoring the development of more aggressive histotypes. Moreover, correction of iodine deficiency can shift thyroid cancer subtypes toward less aggressive forms, without affecting the overall risk for cancer. Actually, evidence regarding the association between selenium and vitamin D deficiency and thyroid cancer is very limited, despite their well-known anti-cancer potentials, and the clinical usefulness of their supplementation is still uncertain in this setting. Albeit the relationship between single foods and thyroid cancer is difficult to examine, fish and iodine-rich foods, vegetables, and fruits might exert protective effects on thyroid cancer risk. Conversely, no clear association has been found for other foods to date. Lastly, a clear association between obesity and the risk of thyroid cancer, with more aggressive behavior, seems to emerge from most studies, likely involving variations in thyroid function and chronic inflammation mediated by cytokines, insulin, leptin and adiponectins. Although no definite association between dietary factors and thyroid cancer has been firmly established so far, some nutritional patterns, together with excessive weight, seem to play a relevant role in thyroid cancer carcinogenesis as well as in its severity and aggressiveness. These effects may play an additive role to the well-established one exerted by environmental carcinogens, such as pollutants and radiation exposure.

Calcitriol inhibits migration and invasion of renal cell carcinoma cells by suppressing Smad2/3-, STAT3- and β-catenin-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Low vitamin D status is associated with progression in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The present study found that vimentin, a mesenchymal marker, was accordingly upregulated, and E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, was downregulated in RCC patients with low vitamin D status. Thus, we investigated the effects of calcitriol or vitamin D3, an active form of vitamin D, on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in RCC cells. RCC cells were treated by two models. In model 1, three RCC cell lines, ACHN, 786-O and CAKI-2, were incubated with either LPS (2.0 μg/mL) or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (10 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of calcitriol (200 nmol/L). In model 2, two RCC cell lines, ACHN and CAKI-2, were incubated with calcitriol (200 nmol/L) only. Calcitriol inhibited migration and invasion not only in TGF-β1-stimulated but also in TGF-β1-unstimulated RCC cells. Moreover, calcitriol suppressed E-cadherin downregulation and vimentin upregulation not only in TGF-β1-stimulated but also in TGF-β1-unstimulated ACHN and CAKI-2 cells. Calcitriol attenuated LPS-induced upregulation of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-26 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) in ACHN cells. In addition, calcitriol blocked TGF-β1-induced nuclear translocation of ZEB1, Snail and Twist1 in ACHN and CAKI-2 cells. Mechanistically, calcitriol suppressed EMT through different signaling pathways: (i) calcitriol suppressed Smad2/3 phosphorylation by reinforcing physical interaction between vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Smad3 in TGF-β1-stimulated RCC cells; (ii) calcitriol inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 activation in LPS-stimulated RCC cells; (iii) calcitriol inhibited β-catenin/TCF-4 activation by promoting integration of VDR with β-catenin in TGF-β1-unstimulated RCC cells. Taken together, calcitriol inhibits migration and invasion of RCC cells partially by suppressing Smad2/3-, STAT3- and β-catenin-mediated EMT.

1,25‑Dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances the susceptibility of anaplastic thyroid cancer cells to adriamycin‑induced apoptosis by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a very aggressive malignancy that is resistant to various types of chemotherapy in humans. Most patients with late-stage ATC cannot undergo surgery and receive chemotherapy drugs. The present study investigated the influence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) pretreatment on adriamycin (ADM) chemotherapy efficacy in the 8305c and 8505c ATC cell lines. The apoptotic effects of ADM on ATC cells pretreated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ were evaluated. Cell viability was identified by using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and staining with Hoechst 33342. The expression of the apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3 was tested with a colorimetric assay kit and by western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and the assay H₂-DCFDA. In addition, ROS production could be reversed by NAC treatment. The present study demonstrated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ enhanced ADM-induced apoptosis in 8305c and 8505c cell lines. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ improved the ADM-induced ROS production and expression of cleaved caspase-3. NAC treatment inhibited the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in ATC cells, and reduced apoptosis in cells that were pretreated with 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and ADM. These results demonstrated that 1,25(OH)₂D₃ may enhance ADM-induced apoptosis by increasing ROS generation in ATC cells.

Interferon α-inducible protein 27 is an oncogene and highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma patients with poor survival

Objective

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease. Interferon α-inducible protein 27 (IFI27), originally known to involve in innate immunity, is later found to intervene in cell proliferation, leading to inventive studies regarding the role of IFI27 in cancer treatment. We aimed to investigate the role of IFI27 in CCA.

Materials and methods

Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays, Western blot, gene transfection and knockdown, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical stains, and xenograft animal model were applied.

Results

IFI27 knockdown in CCA cells induced cell cycle arrest in S phase, resulting in lower cell proliferative rate in vitro and in vivo. IFI27 knockdown attenuated CCA cell migration and invasion through inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which was supported by increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin and fibronectin. Filamentous actin level was also reduced. IFI27 knockdown further repressed expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), a strong stimulator of angiogenesis, through downregulation of c-jun and c-fos, which was supported in vitro by the finding that human vascular endothelial cells grew more slowly in conditioned medium of IFI27 knockdown on CCA cells and in vivo by the lower erythropoietin concentration found in the xenografted tumors derived from IFI27 knockdown on CCA cells. In addition, anti-VEGF-A antibody treatment was able to repress CCA cell growth. To the contrary, IFI27 overexpression could increase CCA cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Clinically, higher IFI27 expression was linked to inferior overall survival of CCA patients.

Conclusion

Our data strongly suggest that IFI27 could be deemed as a potential target for CCA treatment.

Therapeutic advances in anaplastic thyroid cancer: a current perspective

Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. In 2017, it was the fifth most common cancer in women. Although the majority of thyroid tumors are curable, about 2-3% of thyroid cancers are refractory to standard treatments. These undifferentiated, highly aggressive and mostly chemo-resistant tumors are phenotypically-termed anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). ATCs are resistant to standard therapies and are extremely difficult to manage. In this review, we provide the information related to current and recently emerged first-line systemic therapy (Dabrafenib and Trametinib) along with promising therapeutics which are in clinical trials and may be incorporated into clinical practice in the future. Different categories of promising therapeutics such as Aurora kinase inhibitors, multi-kinase inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, gene therapy using oncolytic viruses, apoptosis-inducing agents, and immunotherapy are reviewed. Combination treatment options that showed synergistic and antagonistic effects are also discussed. We highlight ongoing clinical trials in ATC and discuss how personalized medicine is crucial to design the second line of treatment. Besides using conventional combination therapy, embracing a personalized approach based on advanced genomics and proteomics assessment will be crucial to developing a tailored treatment plan to improve the chances of clinical success.

Current therapies in alleviating liver disorders and cancers with a special focus on the potential of vitamin D

Background

Liver dysfunction is a topic of global concern with many advancing therapies being researched. Though vitamin D takes a center place, other therapies especially nutritional are also gaining ground. Vitamin D has gone beyond its role in skeletal disorders by showcasing its associations in other metabolic dysfunctions too.

Result

Epidemiological evidences show a correlation between the status of vitamin D and different forms of cancer. Vitamin D receptors and alterations in gene expression appear decisive in the development of chronic liver disorders. Nutritional status therefore plays a significant role in avoiding the complications related to liver dysfunctions, making it mandatory in maintaining vitamin D sufficiency in the body. Therapies with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, steroids also render benefits which could be further explored. Recent research on the progression of certain forms of liver cancer using vitamin D analogs like Seocalcitol EB 1089 has shown good promise.

Conclusion

The anti-inflammatory and immuno- regulatory properties of vitamin D makes its analogs, suitable candidates of better choice for the prevention and treatment of liver disorders and cancer.

The Role of Vitamin D in Thyroid Diseases

The main role of vitamin D is regulating bone metabolism and calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Over the past few decades, the importance of vitamin D in non-skeletal actions has been studied, including the role of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and all-cause mortality. Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between low vitamin D status and autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, and impaired vitamin D signaling has been reported in thyroid cancers. This review will focus on recent data on the possible role of vitamin D in thyroid diseases, including autoimmune thyroid diseases and thyroid cancers.

Sunshine vitamin and thyroid

Vitamin D exerts its canonical roles on the musculoskeletal system and in the calcium/phosphorus homeostasis. In the last years, increasing evidences suggested several extra-skeletal actions of this hormone, indicating that vitamin D may produce effects in almost all the body tissues. These are mediated by the presence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and thanks to the presence of the 1-α-hydroxylase, the protein that converts the 25-hydroxyvitamin (calcidiol) to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin (calcitriol). Several studies evaluated the possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of thyroid diseases, and this review will focus on the available data of the literature evaluating the association between vitamin D and thyroid function, vitamin D and autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and post-partum thyroiditis, and vitamin D and thyroid cancer.

Circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and prognosis of lung cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggested a possible influence of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level on the prognosis of lung cancer patients, but conflicting findings were reported. A systematic review and meta-analysis was thus conducted to comprehensively assess the influence of circulating 25(OH)D level on the prognosis of lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Prospective or retrospective cohort studies assessing the influence of circulating 25(OH)D level on the prognosis of lung cancer patients were considered eligible. Hazard Ratios (HR) were pooled using meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 2166 lung cancer patients were included. Meta-analysis of unadjusted HRs from four studies showed low circulating 25(OH)D level was significantly correlated with poor overall survival in lung cancer (HR=1.30, 95%CI 1.08-1.55, P=0.004). Meta-analysis of adjusted HRs from eight studies suggested that low circulating 25(OH)D level was not significantly correlated with poor overall survival (HR=1.25; P=0.13). However, sensitivity analysis suggested an obvious change in the pooled HRs when excluding single study by turns. When the study by Liu et al. was omitted, low circulating 25(OH)D level was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (HR=1.34; P=0.04).

CONCLUSION

The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggested a correlation between low circulating 25(OH)D level and poor overall survival in lung cancer. More studies are needed to further validate the finding above.

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 inhibits migration of human thyroid carcinoma cells by disrupting focal adhesion complex and adherens junction

Metastasis is frequently observed in human follicular thyroid carcinoma. The present study investigated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J² (15d-PGJ₂), and its effect on the migration of CGTH W-2 human thyroid carcinoma cells. 15d-PGJ₂ decreased the survival rate of CGTH W-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The Transwell migration assay demonstrated that 15d-PGJ₂ reduced the migration rate of CGTH W-2 cells by 35% following treatment with 30 µM 15d-PGJ₂ compared with control cells. The cell adhesion assay indicated that, following 15d-PGJ₂ treatment for 24 h, cell adhesion decreased by 26% compared with the control group. The expression levels of focal adhesion proteins, including integrin β1, phospho-focal adhesion kinase and p-paxillin, were downregulated following treatment with 15d-PGJ₂. Immunostaining revealed that the puncta of vinculin were reduced and the actin stress fiber was disassembled following 15d-PGJ₂ treatment. By contrast, p120-catenin (p120-ctn) and β-catenin levels staining accumulated in the region of the lamellipodium following 15d-PGJ₂ treatment. Membrane fractionation revealed that p120-ctn and N-cadherin were decreased in the cell membrane, but increased in the cytoplasm of 15d-PGJ₂-treated cells. Therefore, 15d-PGJ₂ inhibited human thyroid carcinoma cell migration and this may be due to the impairment of focal adhesion complexes and the accumulation of p120-ctn in the cytoplasm in the region of the lamellipodium.

MART-10 represses cholangiocarcinoma cell growth and high vitamin D receptor expression indicates better prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease due to no effective treatments available. Since the non-mineral functions of vitamin D emerges, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, the active form of vitamin D, has been applied in anti-cancer researches. In this study, we demonstrated that both the 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, MART-10, and 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ possessed anti-growth effect on human CCA cells with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. The growth inhibition of both drugs were mediated by induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through upregulation of p27 and downregulation of CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D3. Human neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was found to be involved in 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 meditated growth inhibition for CCA as knockdown of NGAL decreased Ki-67 expression in SNU308 cells and rendered SNU308 cells less responsive to 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 treatment. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockdown partly abolished MART-10-induced inhibition of NGAL and cell growth in SNU308 cells. The xenograft animal study demonstrated MART-10 could effectively repressed CCA growth in vivo without inducing obvious side effects. The IHC examination of human CCA specimen for VDR revealed that higher VDR expression was linked with better prognosis. Collectively, our results suggest that MART-10 could be a promising regimen for CCA treatment.

The role of vitamin D and VDR in carcinogenesis: Through epidemiology and basic sciences

In the last two decades vitamin D (VD) research has demonstrated new extraskeletal actions of this pre-hormone, suggesting a protective role of this secosteroid in the onset, progression and prognosis of several chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or cancer. Regarding carcinogenesis, both preclinical and epidemiological evidence available show oncoprotective actions of VD and its receptor, the VDR. However, in late neoplastic stages the VD system (VDS) seems to be less functional, which appears to be due to an epigenetic silencing of the system. In preclinical experimental studies, VD presents oncoprotective actions through modulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, invasive and metastatic potential, apoptosis, miRNA expression regulation and modulation of the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Moreover, epidemiological evidence points towards an oncoprotective role of vitamin D and VDR in colorectal cancer. This association is more controversial with breast, ovarian and prostate cancers, although with a few adverse effects. Nonetheless, we should consider other factors to determine the benefit of increased serum concentration of VD. Much of the epidemiological evidence is still inconclusive, and we will have to wait for new, better-designed ongoing RCTs and their results to discern the real effect of vitamin D in cancer risk reduction and therapy. The objective of this literature review is to offer an up-to-date analysis of the role of the VD and VDR, in the onset, progression and prognosis of all types of cancer. We further discuss the available literature and suggest new hypotheses and future challenges in the field of VD research.

Commonalities in the Association between PPARG and Vitamin D Related with Obesity and Carcinogenesis

The PPAR nuclear receptor family has acquired great relevance in the last decade, which is formed by three different isoforms (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPAR ϒ). Those nuclear receptors are members of the steroid receptor superfamily which take part in essential metabolic and life-sustaining actions. Specifically, PPARG has been implicated in the regulation of processes concerning metabolism, inflammation, atherosclerosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Thus, a considerable amount of literature has emerged in the last ten years linking PPARG signalling with metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and, more recently, cancer. This review paper, at crossroads of basic sciences, preclinical, and clinical data, intends to analyse the last research concerning PPARG signalling in obesity and cancer. Afterwards, possible links between four interrelated actors will be established: PPARG, the vitamin D/VDR system, obesity, and cancer, opening up the door to further investigation and new hypothesis in this fascinating area of research.

MART-10, a newly synthesized vitamin D analog, represses metastatic potential of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells

Even with multidisciplinary treatment, the prognosis and quality of life of patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still not satisfactory. Previously, 19-Nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ (MART-10), the new brand 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, has been demonstrated to be an effective drug to inhibit HNSCC growth in vitro. Since most cancer patients die of metastasis, in this study, the antimetastatic effect of MART-10 on HNSCC was investigated. Our results reveal that both 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 effectively repressed the migration and invasion of HNSCC cells, with MART-10 being much more potent than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. The antimetastatic effect of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 was mediated by attenuation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was supported by the finding that the expression of EMT-inducing transcriptional factors, Sail and Twist, was inhibited by 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10. The upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin in FaDu cells induced by both drugs further confirmed the repression of EMT. In addition, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and MART-10 treatment inhibited intracellular MMP-9 expression and extracellular MMP activity in FaDu cells. Collectively, our results suggest that the less-calcemia 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analog, MART-10, is a promising drug for HNSCC treatment. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Effect of vitamin D3 derivative MART-10 on cell growth and expression of survivin mRNA, c-myc protein and P21 protein in BxPC-3 cells

AIM: To analyze the effect of MART-10, a new kind of vitamin D₃ derivative, on cell growth and proliferation and the expression of survivin mRNA, c-myc protein and P21 protein in BxPC-3 cells.

METHODS: After BxPC-3 cells were treated with MART-10, the growth of BxPC-3 cells was assessed by MTT assay, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, survivin mRNA level was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and c-myc and P21 protein expression was detected by Western blot.

RESULTS: Treatment with MART-10 significantly inhibited the growth of BxPC-3 cells, and the IC₅₀ concentration was 10^-7 mmol/L. Flow cytometry results suggested that the proportion of S phase cells was decreased and the proportion of cells in G₀/G₁ phase was increased after treatment with MART-10. RT-PCR results showed that MART-10 significantly downregulated the mRNA level of survivin gene. Western blot results indicated that MART-10 significantly increased the protein levels of P21 but decreased the protein expression of c-myc.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that MART-10 can effectively inhibit the growth and proliferation of BxPC-3 cells, and the mechanism may be related with its influence on the expression of survivin, c-myc and P21.