FABP4 in macrophages facilitates obesity-associated pancreatic cancer progression via the NLRP3/IL-1β axis

Identifying Lipid Metabolism-Related Therapeutic Targets and Diagnostic Markers for Lung Adenocarcinoma by Mendelian Randomization and Machine Learning Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lipid metabolic disorders are emerging as a recognized influencing factors of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study aims to investigate the influence of lipid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) on the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD and to identify significant biomarkers.

METHODS

DESeq2 and robust rank aggregation (RRA) analyses were employed to determine the differential expression of LMRGs from TCGA-LUAD and five GEO datasets. Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted utilizing protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) in the deCODE, prot-a, and UKB-PPP Study to estimate causal relationships between plasma proteins and LUAD within the ieu-a-984, ieu-a-965, and FinnGen R10 cohorts as potential drug targets of LUAD. Subsequently, an optimal machine learning model for diagnosing LUAD was established by comparing four models: support vector machine, random forest (RF), glmBoost, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting. Finally, the diagnostic performance of five plasma proteins was validated through nomogram analysis, calibration curve assessment, decision curve analysis (DCA), independent internal and external datasets.

RESULT

A total of five biomarkers were identified from 1034 LMRGs via MR and differential expression analysis. TNFRSF21 exhibited a positive association with LUAD risk; conversely, BCHE, FABP4, LPL, and PLBD1 demonstrated negative correlations with this risk. The RF machine learning model was determined to be the optimal model for diagnosing LUAD using these five plasma proteins. Ultimately, nomogram construction, calibration curve analysis, DCA, as well as independent internal and external dataset validation confirmed that these biomarkers exhibit excellent diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSIONS

BCHE, FABP4, LPL, PLBD1, and TNFRSF21 represent potential novel reliable diagnostic markers as well as therapeutic targets for LUAD.

FABP4 as a therapeutic host target controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection

Host metabolic fitness is a critical determinant of infectious disease outcomes. Obesity, aging, and other related metabolic disorders are recognized as high-risk disease modifiers for respiratory infections, including coronavirus infections, though the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our study highlights fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), a key regulator of metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, as a modulator of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, correlating strongly with disease severity in COVID-19 patients. We demonstrate that loss of FABP4 function, by genetic or pharmacological means, reduces SARS-CoV-2 replication and disrupts the formation of viral replication organelles in adipocytes and airway epithelial cells. Importantly, FABP4 inhibitor treatment of infected hamsters diminished lung viral titers, alleviated lung damage and reduced collagen deposition. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting host metabolism in limiting coronavirus replication and mitigating the pathogenesis of infection.

Multi-Omic Analysis Reveals a Lipid Metabolism Gene Signature and Predicts Prognosis and Chemotherapy Response in Thyroid Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Lipid metabolic reprogramming is closely intertwined with the development and progression of thyroid carcinoma (TC); however, its specific mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the association between lipid metabolism and TC progression.

METHODS

We employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for an untargeted metabolomics analysis, comparing 12 TC patients and 12 healthy controls (HC). Additionally, we conducted the screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and identified differentially expressed lipid metabolism genes (LMGs). Multi-omic findings related to lipid metabolism were integrated to establish a prognostic risk model. The resulting risk score stratified TC patients into high- and low-risk groups. Overall survival (O.S.) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis. The immune landscape was evaluated using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and chemotherapeutic response was predicted utilizing the "pRRophetic" R package.

RESULTS

Our metabolomic analysis revealed heightened lipid metabolic activity in TC, corroborated by similar findings in transcriptomic analysis. Multi-omic analysis identified key LMGs (FABP4, PPARGC1A, AGPAT4, ALDH1A1, TGFA, and GPAT3) associated with fatty acids and glycerophospholipids metabolism. A novel risk model, incorporating these LMGs, confirmed significantly worse O.S. (p = 0.0045) in the high-risk group based on TCGA_THCA. Furthermore, high-risk TC patients exhibited lower immune cell infiltration, and predictive outcomes indicated the efficacy of potential therapeutic drugs across risk groups.

CONCLUSION

This multi-omic analysis underscores the potential utility of the lipid metabolism risk model in guiding clinical treatment and improving outcomes for TC patients.

GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis: molecular mechanisms, diseases and therapeutic targets

Pyroptosis is a regulated form of inflammatory cell death in which Gasdermin D (GSDMD) plays a central role as the key effector molecule. GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis is characterized by complex biological features and considerable heterogeneity in its expression, mechanisms, and functional outcomes across various tissues, cell types, and pathological microenvironments. This heterogeneity is particularly pronounced in inflammation-related diseases and tumors. In the context of inflammatory diseases, GSDMD expression is typically upregulated, and its activation in macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, epithelial cells, and mitochondria triggers both pyroptotic and non-pyroptotic pathways, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exacerbation of tissue damage. However, under certain conditions, GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis may also serve a protective immune function. The expression of GSDMD in tumors is regulated in a more complex manner, where it can either promote immune evasion or, in some instances, induce tumor cell death. As our understanding of GSDMD's role continues to progress, there have been advancements in the development of inhibitors targeting GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis; however, these therapeutic interventions remain in the preclinical phase. This review systematically examines the cellular and molecular complexities of GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, with a particular emphasis on its roles in inflammation-related diseases and cancer. Furthermore, it underscores the substantial therapeutic potential of GSDMD as a target for precision medicine, highlighting its promising clinical applications.

Inflammation, microbiota, and pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy of gastrointestinal tract threatening the life of people around the world. In spite of the advances in the treatment of PC, the overall survival of this disease in advanced stage is less than 12%. Moreover, PC cells have aggressive behaviour in proliferation and metastasis as well as capable of developing therapy resistance. Therefore, highlighting the underlying molecular mechanisms in PC pathogenesis can provide new insights for its treatment. In the present review, inflammation and related pathways as well as role of gut microbiome in the regulation of PC pathogenesis are highlighted. The various kinds of interleukins and chemokines are able to regulate angiogenesis, metastasis, proliferation, inflammation and therapy resistance in PC cells. Furthermore, a number of molecular pathways including NF-κB, TLRs and TGF-β demonstrate dysregulation in PC aggravating inflammation and tumorigenesis. Therapeutic regulation of these pathways can reverse inflammation and progression of PC. Both chronic and acute pancreatitis have been shown to be risk factors in the development of PC, further highlighting the role of inflammation. Finally, the composition of gut microbiota can be a risk factor for PC development through affecting pathways such as NF-κB to mediate inflammation.

Cryptotanshinone Inhibits Obesity-Related Cervical Cancer by Downregulating CXCL8 Expression in Hela Cells

Cervical cancer is one of the cancers commonly found in the female reproductive system and is associated with obesity. However, the exact connection mechanisms remain unclear. Screening of key therapeutic targets and natural products with good antitumor activity has become a crucial strategy for cancer therapy. Cryptotanshinone is one of the main extracts of tanshinone, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Key therapeutic targets and related low-toxicity natural active ingredients were identified as crucial components in cancer treatment strategies. Therefore, network pharmacology and cellular biology techniques were used to screen and validate key targets in obesity-related cervical cancer and to elucidate the mechanisms of its cryptotanshinone. The results indicated that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) might be modulated by cryptotanshinone. The knockdown of CXCL8 significantly reduced Hela cell viability to 15.29% ± 4.59% compared with the control group (p < 0.01), which consequently inhibited both cell proliferation and lipid droplet formation. Moreover, cryptotanshinone (20, 40, and 80 µM) significantly reduced CXCL8 expression and inhibited the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway in Hela cells compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Therefore, this study manifested that cryptotanshinone potentially played an important role in obesity-related cervical cancer. This study provided an important experimental basis for further exploring the pathogenesis and prevention of obesity-related cervical cancer.

An underutilized bean: hyacinth bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet]: bioactive compounds, functional activity, and future food prospect and applications

Hyacinth bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a plant belonging to the leguminous family and traditionally used for medicinal purposes in China, is a valuable resource with a wide range of health benefits. This review examines the bioactive compounds, health-promoting properties and functional food potential of hyacinth bean, highlighting its role in protecting against metabolic diseases and the underlying molecular mechanisms. According to existing research, hyacinth bean contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, Consumption of hyacinth beans and hyacinth bean-related processed food products, as well as their use in medicines, is associated with a variety of health benefits that are increasingly favoured by the scientific community. In light of these findings, we posit that hyacinth bean holds great promise for further research and food application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Burden of Multiple Myeloma in China: Trends from 1990 to 2021 and Forecasts for 2050

This study updates the disease burden of multiple myeloma (MM) in thirty-three provincial administrative units in China from 1990 to 2021 and forecast the disease burden for 2050. Data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database was used for analysis. In 2021, there were an estimated 17,250 new MM cases and 12,984 deaths in China. The age-standardized incidence, mortality, and prevalence rates per 100,000 population were 0.8, 0.6, and 2.2, respectively. The highest disease burden was observed in provinces with the highest per capita GDP. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence and mortality increased by 3.1% and 2.2%, respectively, while prevalence increased disproportionately by 5.8%, reflecting improved treatment efficacy and extended patient survival. The age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate increased by 2.2%. A more rapid rise in the disease burden was observed in younger populations compared to the elderly. In 2021, 5.5% of MM deaths were attributed to high body mass index. Over the past three decades, the MM burden in China has steadily increased. Forecasts for 2050 also indicated this upward trend will likely continue into the future. This study provided comprehensive estimates that can potentially inform efforts toward management of MM in China.

Multiomics integration and machine learning reveal prognostic programmed cell death signatures in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is characterized by notable heterogeneity and the impact of molecular subtypes on treatment and prognosis. The role of programmed cell death (PCD) in cellular processes is critical, yet its specific function in GC is underexplored. This study applied multiomics approaches, integrating transcriptomic, epigenetic, and somatic mutation data, with consensus clustering algorithms to classify GC molecular subtypes and assess their biological and immunological features. A machine learning model was developed to create the Gastric Cancer Multi-Omics Programmed Cell Death Signature (GMPS), targeting PCD-related genes. We verified the expression of the GMPS hub genes using the RT-qPCR method. The prognostic influence of GMPS on GC was then evaluated. Single-cell analysis was performed to examine the heterogeneity of PCD characteristics in GC. Findings indicate that GMPS notably correlates with patient survival rates, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and copy number variations (CNV), demonstrating substantial prognostic predictive power. Moreover, GMPS is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune therapy response. This research elucidates the molecular subtypes of GC, highlighting PCD's critical role in prognosis assessment. The relationship between GMPS and immune therapy response, alongside gastric cancer's microenvironmental features, provides insights for personalized treatment.

Novel perspectives on the link between obesity and cancer risk: from mechanisms to clinical implications

Existing epidemiologic and clinical studies have demonstrated that obesity is associated with the risk of a variety of cancers. In recent years, an increasing number of experimental and clinical studies have unraveled the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and the underlying mechanisms. Obesity-induced abnormalities in immunity and biochemical metabolism, including chronic inflammation, hormonal disorders, dysregulation of adipokines, and microbial dysbiosis, may be important contributors to cancer development and progression. These contributors play different roles in cancer development and progression at different sites. Lifestyle changes, weight loss medications, and bariatric surgery are key approaches for weight-centered, obesity-related cancer prevention. Treatment of obesity-related inflammation and hormonal or metabolic dysregulation with medications has also shown promise in preventing obesity-related cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms through which obesity affects the risk of cancer at different sites and explore intervention strategies for the prevention of obesity-associated cancers, concluding with unresolved questions and future directions regarding the link between obesity and cancer. The aim is to provide valuable theoretical foundations and insights for the in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between obesity and cancer risk and its clinical applications.

Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) inhibition ameliorates acute kidney injury in mice by regulating tubular pyroptosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disease, but lacking effective drug treatments. Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) is a kind of chromodomain protein that has been implicated in transcription regulation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one derivative (compound D03) is the first potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of CDYL (KD = 0.5 μM). In this study, we investigated the expression of CDYL in three different models of cisplatin (Cis)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI mice. By conducting RNA sequencing and difference analysis of kidney samples, we found that tubular CDYL was abnormally and highly expressed in injured kidneys of AKI patients and mice. Overexpression of CDYL in cisplatin-induced AKI mice aggravated tubular injury and pyroptosis via regulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4)-mediated reactive oxygen species production. Treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI mice with compound D03 (2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) effectively attenuated the kidney dysfunction, pathological damages and tubular pyroptosis without side effects on liver or kidney function and other tissue injuries. Collectively, this study has, for the first time, explored a novel aspect of CDYL for tubular epithelial cell pyroptosis in kidney injury, and confirmed that inhibition of CDYL might be a promising therapeutic strategy against AKI.

Unraveling the NLRP family: Structure, function, activation, critical influence on tumor progression, and potential as targets for cancer therapy

The innate immune system serves as the body's initial defense, swiftly detecting danger via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Among these, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing proteins (NLRPs) are pivotal in recognizing pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular patterns, thereby triggering immune responses. NLRPs, the most extensively studied subset within the NLR family, form inflammasomes that regulate inflammation, essential for innate immunity activation. Recent research highlights NLRPs' significant impact on various human diseases, including cancer. With differential expression across organs, NLRPs influence cancer progression by modulating immune reactions, cell fate, and proliferation. Their clinical significance in cancer makes them promising therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, activation mechanism of the NLRPs family and its potential role in cancer progression. In addition, we particularly focused on the concept of NLRP as a therapeutic target and its potential value in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Identification of key programmed cell death genes for predicting prognosis and treatment sensitivity in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in global incidence and second in mortality. However, a comprehensive predictive model for CRC prognosis, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity is still lacking. Various types of programmed cell death (PCD) are crucial for cancer occurrence, progression, and treatment, indicating their potential as valuable predictors. Fourteen PCD genes were collected and subjected to dimensionality reduction using regression methods to identify key hub genes. Predictive models were constructed and validated based on bulk transcriptomes and single-cell transcriptomes. Furthermore, the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity profiles among patients with CRC were explored and stratified by risk. A risk score incorporating the PCD genes FABP4, AQP8, and NAT1 was developed and validated across four independent datasets. Patients with CRC who had a high-risk score exhibited a poorer prognosis. Unsupervised clustering algorithms were used to identify two molecular subtypes of CRC with distinct features. The risk score was combined with the clinical features to create a nomogram model with superior predictive performance. Additionally, patients with high-risk scores exhibited decreased immune cell infiltration, higher stromal scores, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy and first-line clinical drugs compared with low-risk patients. Furthermore, the top ten non-clinical first-line drugs for treating CRC were selected based on their predicted IC50 values. Our results indicate the efficacy of the model and its potential value in predicting prognosis, response to immunotherapy, and sensitivity to different drugs in patients with CRC.

FABP4-mediated lipid metabolism promotes TNBC progression and breast cancer stem cell activity

Metabolic remodeling is a pivotal feature of cancer, with cancer stem cells frequently showcasing distinctive metabolic behaviors. Nonetheless, understanding the metabolic intricacies of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) has remained elusive. In this study, we meticulously characterized the metabolic profiles of TNBC and BCSCs and delved into their potential implications for TNBC treatment. Our findings illuminated the robust lipid metabolism activity within TNBC tumors, especially in BCSCs. Furthermore, we discovered that Fabp4, through its mediation of fatty acid uptake, plays a crucial role in regulating TNBC lipid metabolism. Knocking down Fabp4 or inhibiting its activity significantly suppressed TNBC tumor progression in both the MMTV-Wnt1 spontaneous TNBC model and the TNBC patient-derived xenograft model. Mechanistically, Fabp4's influence on TNBC tumor progression was linked to its regulation of mitochondrial stability, the CPT1-mediated fatty acid oxidation process, and ROS production. Notably, in a high-fat diet model, Fabp4 deficiency proved to be a substantial inhibitor of obesity-accelerated TNBC progression. Collectively, these findings shed light on the unique metabolic patterns of TNBC and BCSCs, underscore the biological significance of Fabp4-mediated fatty acid metabolism in governing TNBC progression, and offer a solid theoretical foundation for considering metabolic interventions in breast cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Triple-negative breast cancer progression and breast cancer stem cell activity can be restricted by targeting a critical regulator of lipid responses, FABP4.

Precise targeting of lipid metabolism in the era of immuno-oncology and the latest advances in nano-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy

Over the past decade, research has increasingly identified unique dysregulations in lipid metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lipids, diverse biomolecules, not only constitute biological membranes but also function as signaling molecules and energy sources. Enhanced synthesis or uptake of lipids in the TME significantly promotes tumorigenesis and proliferation. Moreover, lipids secreted into the TME influence tumor-resident immune cells (TRICs), thereby aiding tumor survival against chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This review aims to highlight recent advancements in understanding lipid metabolism in both tumor cells and TRICs, with a particular emphasis on exogenous lipid uptake and endogenous lipid de novo synthesis. Targeting lipid metabolism for intervention in anticancer therapies offers a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment. Nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs) have emerged as a means to maximize anti-tumor effects by rewiring tumor metabolism. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent literature on the development of NDDSs targeting tumor lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of tumor immunotherapy. It covers four key aspects: reprogramming lipid uptake, reprogramming lipolysis, reshaping fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and reshuffling lipid composition on the cell membrane. The review concludes with a discussion of future prospects and challenges in this burgeoning field of research.

Enhanced cytokine signaling and ferroptosis defense interplay initiates obesity-associated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Obesity is a significant risk factor for various cancers, including pancreatic cancer (PC), but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In our study, pancreatic ductal epithelial cells were cultured using serum from human subjects with diverse metabolic statuses, revealing that serum from patients with obesity alters inflammatory cytokine signaling and ferroptosis, where a mutual enhancement between interleukin 34 (IL-34) expression and ferroptosis defense was observed in these cells. Notably, oncogenic KRASG12D amplified their interaction and this leads to the initiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in diet-induced obese mice via macrophage-mediated immunosuppression. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human samples showed that cytokine signaling, ferroptosis defense, and immunosuppression are correlated with the patients' body mass index (BMI) during PDAC progression. Our findings provide a mechanistic link between obesity, inflammation, ferroptosis defense, and pancreatic cancer, suggesting novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated PDAC.

ROS-triggered and macrophage-targeted micelles modulate mitochondria function and polarization in obesity

Inflammation involving adipose macrophages is an important inducer of obesity. Regulating macrophages polarization and improving the inflammatory microenvironment of adipose tissue is a new strategy for the treatment of obesity. An amphiphilic chondroitin sulfate phenylborate derivative (CS-PBE) was obtained by modifying the main chain of chondroitin sulfate with the hydrophobic small molecule phenylborate. Using CS-PBE self-assembly, macrophage targeting, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release and celastrol (CLT) encapsulation were achieved. The cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, internalization pathways and transmembrane transport efficiency of CS-PBE micelles were studied in Caco-2 and RAW264.7 cells. Hemolysis and organotoxicity tests were performed to assess the safety of the platform, while its therapeutic efficacy was investigated in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Multifunctional micelles with macrophage targeting and ROS clearance capabilities were developed to improve the efficacy of CLT in treating obesity.In vitrostudies indicated that CS-PBE micelles had better ability to target M1 macrophages, better protective effects on mitochondrial function, better ability to reduce the number of LPS-stimulated M1 macrophages, better ability to reduce the number of M2 macrophages, and better ability to scavenge ROS in inflammatory macrophages.In vivostudies have shown that CS-PBE micelles improve inflammation and significantly reduce toxicity of CLT in the treatment of obesity. In summary, CS-PBE micelles could significantly improve the ability to target inflammatory macrophages and scavenge ROS in adipose tissue to alleviate inflammation, suggesting that CS-PBE micelles are a highly promising approach for the treatment of obesity.

Investigating the causal association between obesity and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and underlying mechanisms

Obesity is a global health concern and independent risk factor for cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, evidence on the causal links between obesity and HCC is limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between obesity-related traits and HCC risk and explore underlying mechanisms using bioinformatics approaches. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted leveraging publicly available genome-wide association study summary data on obesity traits (body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral adipose tissue volume) and HCC. Associations of obesity with primary mechanisms (insulin resistance, adipokines, inflammation) and their effects on HCC were examined. Differentially expressed genes in obesity and HCC were identified and functional enrichment analyses were performed. Correlations with tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunotherapy markers were analyzed. Genetically predicted higher body mass index and body fat percentage showed significant causal relationships with increased HCC risk. Overall obesity also demonstrated causal links with insulin resistance, circulating leptin levels, C-reactive protein levels and risk of severe insulin resistant type 2 diabetes. Four differentially expressed genes (ESR1, GCDH, FAHD2A, DCXR) were common in obesity and HCC. Enrichment analyses indicated their roles in processes like RNA capping, viral transcription, IL-17 signaling and endocrine resistance. They exhibited negative correlations with immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy markers in HCC. Overall obesity likely has a causal effect on HCC risk in Europeans, possibly via influencing primary mechanisms. The identified differentially expressed genes may be implicated in obesity-induced hepatocarcinogenesis through regulating cell cycle, inflammation and immune evasion. Further research on precise mechanisms is warranted.

KIF23 promotes cervical cancer progression via inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC), closely linked to persistent human papillomavirus infection, represents a major health problem for women worldwide. The objective of this study is to elucidate KIF23's role in the development of CC and its regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

The bioinformatics methods were utilized to extract pyroptosis-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pivot genes from the GSE9750 and GSE63678 datasets, followed by immune infiltration analysis and quantification of these genes' expression. The effects of kinesin family member 23 (KIF23) were verified through functional experiments in vitro and a mouse xenograft model. The NLPR3 activator, nigericin, was applied for further analyzing the potential regulatory mechanism of KIF23 in CC.

RESULTS

A total of 8 pyroptosis-related DEGs were screened out, among which 4 candidate core genes were identified as candidate hub genes and confirmed upregulation in CC tissues and cells. These genes respectively showed a positive correlation with the infiltration of distinct immune cells or tumor purity. Downregulation of KIF23 could suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities in CC cells and tumorigenesis through enhancing pyroptosis. Conversely, KIF23 overexpression accelerated the malignant phenotypes of CC cells and inhibited pyroptosis activation, which was blocked by nigericin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

KIF23 may play an oncogenic role in CC progression via inhibition of the NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis pathway.

Investigating the Role of FABP4 in Diabetes and Obesity and the Influence of Age and Ethnicity: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Cohort from the KEDP-Study

Adipocyte P2 (aP2), also known as FABP4, is an adipokine that adipose tissue produces and expresses in macrophages. Its primary role is to facilitate the transportation of fatty acids across cell membranes. Numerous studies have reported associations between FABP4 and the development of metabolic disorders. However, there is limited knowledge regarding FABP4 expression in diabetes and obesity, especially about different age groups, genders, and ethnicities. This study aims to investigate the association between FABP4 levels, diabetes mellitus, and obesity within various ethnic groups. We measured plasma FABP4 concentrations in a cohort of 2083 patients from the KDEP study and gathered anthropometric data. Additionally, we collected and analyzed clinical, biochemical, and glycemic markers using multivariate regression analysis. The average FABP4 concentration was significantly higher in female participants than in males (18.8 ng/mL vs. 14.4 ng/mL, p < 0.001, respectively), and in those over 50 years old compared to those under 50 years of age (19.3 ng/mL vs. 16.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001, respectively). In this study, significant positive associations were found between the plasma level of FABP4 and obesity markers: BMI (r = 0.496, p < 0.001), hip circumference (r = 0.463, p < 0.001), and waist circumference (WC) (r = 0.436, p < 0.001). Similar observations were also seen with glycemic markers, which included HbA1c (r = 0.126, p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (r = 0.184, p < 0.001), fasting insulin (r = 0.326, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.333, p < 0.001). Importantly, these associations remained significant even after adjusting for age, gender, and ethnicity. Furthermore, FABP4 levels were negatively associated with male gender (β: -3.85, 95% CI: -4.92, -2.77, p < 0.001), and positively associated with age (β: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.183, p < 0.001), BMI (β: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.644, 0.836, p < 0.001), and fasting insulin (β: 0.115, 95% CI: 0.091, 0.138, p < 0.001). In this study, plasma FABP4 levels were significantly higher in diabetic and obese participants, and they were strongly influenced by age, gender, and ethnicity. These findings suggest that FABP4 may serve as a valuable prognostic and diagnostic marker for obesity and diabetes, particularly among female patients, individuals over 50 years old, and specific ethnic groups.

Global Burden of Pancreatic Cancer Attributable to High Body-Mass Index in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2019

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess the global burden of pancreatic cancer attributable to a high BMI in 1990-2019. (2) Methods: An ecological study was carried out. Data about deaths and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for pancreatic cancer were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. The age-standardized rates (ASRs, per 100,000) were presented. In order to determine trends of pancreatic cancer burden, joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the average annual percent change (AAPC). (3) Results: The highest ASRs of DALYs of pancreatic cancer were found in the United Arab Emirates (47.5 per 100,000), followed by countries with about 25.0 per 100,000 (such as Hungary, Czechia, and Montenegro). From 1990 to 2019, the ASRs of deaths and DALYs of pancreatic cancer attributable to a high BMI significantly increased (p < 0.001) for both sexes in all ages, and across all SDI quintiles and all GBD regions. The highest fraction of DALYs attributable to a high BMI was found in the United States of America and China (equally about 15.0%), followed by the Russian Federation, India, Germany, and Brazil (about 5.0%, equally). (4) Conclusions: Further analytical epidemiological studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between pancreatic cancer and a high BMI.

Pyroptosis: a double-edged sword in lung cancer and other respiratory diseases

Pyroptosis is an active cell death process mediated by gasdermin family proteins including Gasdermin A (GSDMA), Gasdermin B (GSDMB), Gasdermin C (GSDMC), Gasdermin D (GSDMD), Gasdermin E (GSDME, DFNA5), and DFNB59. Emerging evidences have shown that pyroptosis contributes to many pulmonary diseases, especially lung cancer, and pneumonia. The exact roles of pyroptosis and gasdermin family proteins are tremendously intricate. Besides, there are evidences that pyroptosis contributes to these respiratory diseases. However, it often plays a dual role in these diseases which is a cause for concern and makes it difficult for clinical translation. This review will focus on the multifaceted roles of pyroptosis in respiratory diseases.

The 'speck'-tacular oversight of the NLRP3-pyroptosis pathway on gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases and tumorigenesis

The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular sensor and an essential component of the innate immune system involved in danger recognition. An important hallmark of inflammasome activation is the formation of a single supramolecular punctum, known as a speck, per cell, which is the site where the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 are converted into their bioactive form. Speck also provides the platform for gasdermin D protein activation, whose N-terminus domain perforates the plasma membrane, allowing the release of mature cytokines alongside with a highly inflammatory form of cell death, namely pyroptosis. Although controlled NLRP3 inflammasome-pyroptosis pathway activation preserves mucosal immunity homeostasis and contributes to host defense, a prolonged trigger is deleterious and could lead, in genetically predisposed subjects, to the onset of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as to gastrointestinal cancer. Experimental evidence shows that the NLRP3 inflammasome has both protective and pathogenic abilities. In this review we highlight the impact of the NLRP3-pyroptosis axis on the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract at molecular level, focusing on newly discovered features bearing pro- and anti-inflammatory and neoplastic activity, and on targeted therapies tested in preclinical and clinical trials.