The origins of tumor-promoting inflammation

Ferroptosis and cuproptosis: Metal-dependent cell death pathways activated in response to classical chemotherapy - Significance for cancer treatment?

Apoptosis has traditionally been regarded as the desired cell death pathway activated by chemotherapeutic drugs due to its controlled and non-inflammatory nature. However, recent discoveries of alternative cell death pathways have paved the way for immune-stimulatory treatment approaches in cancer. Ferroptosis (dependent on iron) and cuproptosis (dependent on copper) hold promise for selective cancer cell targeting and overcoming drug resistance. Copper ionophores and iron-bearing nano-drugs show potential for clinical therapy as single agents and as adjuvant treatments. Here we review up-to-date evidence for the involvement of metal ion-dependent cell death pathways in the cytotoxicity of classical chemotherapeutic agents (alkylating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and mitotic spindle inhibitors) and their combinations with cuproptosis and ferroptosis inducers, indicating the prospects, advantages, and obstacles of their use.

Humanistic Health Management and Cancer: Associations of Psychology, Nutrition, and Exercise with Cancer Progression and Pathogenesis

The incidence rate of cancer is increasing year by year due to the aging of the population, unhealthy living, and eating habits. At present, surgery and medication are still the main treatments for cancer, without paying attention to the impact of individual differences in health management on cancer. However, increasing evidence suggests that individual psychological status, dietary habits, and exercise frequency are closely related to the risk and prognosis of cancer. The reminder to humanity is that the medical concept of the unified treatment plan is insufficient in cancer treatment, and a personalized treatment plan may become a breakthrough point. On this basis, the concept of "Humanistic Health Management" (HHM) is proposed. This concept is a healthcare plan that focuses on self-health management, providing an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of individual lifestyle habits, psychology, and health status, and developing personalized and targeted comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment plans. This review will provide a detailed explanation of the relationship between psychological status, dietary, and exercise habits, and the regulatory mechanisms of cancer. Intended to emphasize the importance of HHM concept in cancer prevention and better prognostic efficacy, providing new ideas for the new generation of cancer treatment.

Preoperative inflammation and nutrition-based comprehensive biomarker for predicting prognosis in resectable colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health concern, with significant morbidity and mortality rates. In this study, we aimed to develop a comprehensive blood indicator based on systemic inflammation and nutritional condition to predict the prognosis of resectable CRC patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 210 CRC patients who underwent radical resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China, between January 2015 and December 2017, was included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, preoperative blood markers, including neutrophil count, monocyte count, lymphocyte count, platelets, albumin, and CEA were retrospectively reviewed. Various blood indicators, such as NLR, PLR, MLR, SIRI and OPNI were calculated. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was employed to select indicators to establish a novel comprehensive biomarker (named PSI). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of preoperative OPNI, SIRI, and PSI. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model were conducted to identify independent prognostic factors for CRC. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method assessed the predictive ability of PSI, stage, OPNI, and SIRI.

RESULTS

Patients with higher preoperative OPNI and lower SIRI values had significantly better overall survival (OS). PSI was identified as an independent prognostic factor for OS in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Patients with medium (28.3-43.4) and high (>43.4) PSI scores exhibited superior OS compared to those with low (≤ 28.3) PSI scores. PSI showed higher predictive ability (AUC: 0.734) than individual indicators alone (OPNI: 0.721, SIRI: 0.645, stage: 0.635).

CONCLUSION

The novel indicator, PSI, based on preoperative SIRI and OPNI, demonstrated significant prognostic value for resectable CRC patients. PSI outperformed individual indicators and could serve as a reliable tool for prognostic evaluation in CRC patients.

Neighborhood deprivation, racial segregation and associations with cancer risk and outcomes across the cancer-control continuum

The racial/ethnic disparities in cancer incidence and outcome are partially due to the inequities in neighborhood advantage. Mounting evidences supported a link between neighborhood deprivation and cancer outcomes including higher mortality. In this review, we discuss some of the findings related to work on area-level neighborhood variables and cancer outcomes, and the potential biological and built/natural environmental mechanisms that might explain this link. Studies have also shown that residents of deprived neighborhoods or of racially or economically segregated neighborhoods have worse health outcomes than residents of more affluent neighborhoods and/or less racially or economically segregated neighborhoods, even after adjusting for the individual-level socioeconomic status. To date, little research has been conducted investigating the biological mediators that may play roles in the associations of neighborhood deprivation and segregation with cancer outcomes. The psychophysiological stress induced by neighborhood disadvantage among people living in these neighborhoods could be a potential underlying biological mechanism. We examined a number of chronic stress-related pathways that may potentially mediate the relationship between area-level neighborhood factors and cancer outcomes, including higher allostatic load, stress hormones, altered epigenome and telomere maintenance and biological aging. In conclusion, the extant evidence supports the notion that neighborhood deprivation and racial segregation have unfavorable impacts on cancer. Understanding how neighborhood factors influence the biological stress response has the potential to inform where and what types of resources are needed within the community to improve cancer outcomes and reduce disparities. More studies are warranted to directly assess the role of biological and social mechanisms in mediating the relationship between neighborhood factors and cancer outcomes.

Effect of chronic stress on tumorigenesis and development

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to aggravates tumorigenesis and development. Although the importance of SNS and HPA in maintaining homeostasis has already attracted much attention, there is still a lot remained unknown about the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress influence the occurrence and development of tumor. While some researches have already concluded the mechanisms underlying the effect of chronic stress on tumor, complicated processes of tumor progression resulted in effects of chronic stress on various stages of tumor remains elusive. In this reviews we concluded recent research progresses of chronic stress and its effects on premalignancy, tumorigenesis and tumor development, we comprehensively summarized the molecular mechanisms in between. And we highlight the available treatments and potential therapies for stressed patients with tumor.

Exploring racial disparities on the association between allostatic load and cancer mortality: A retrospective cohort analysis of NHANES, 1988 through 2019

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Impact

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Allostatic load (AL) is a biologic measure for the ‘wear and tear’ of chronic stress.

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Studies suggests that racial minorities have higher allostatic load.

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There is limited knowledge on the association between allostatic and cancer, by race.

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We observed that AL may increase the risk of cancer death by 14%.

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Among those aged <40 years, high AL increased cancer death risk by more than 80%.

Tumor-promoting inflammation in lung cancer: A literature review

Tumor-promoting inflammation is an inflammation that occurs because tumor cells cause necrosis of healthy cells which releases cell contents into the environment, triggering the release of proinflammatory mediators. There are intrinsic and outside factors of tumor-promoting inflammation. Intrinsic factors are genetically related, while extrinsic factors are due to mediators and inflammatory cells. The primary inflammatory mediators in the tumorigenesis process include NF-kB, STAT3, HIF-1, and TNF-α. in contrast, the inflammatory cells that play a role are TAM, a collection of tumor-associated leukocytes. Bacteria is also one of the extrinsic factors that can cause tumors because of the chronic inflammation it causes.

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Chronic inflammation in the lung increases lung cancer risk.

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As small as inflammatory in lung risk of becoming lung cancer.

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Tumor-Promoting Inflammation is one of the mechanisms of Lung Cancer.

Does Inflammation Contribute to Cancer Incidence and Mortality during Aging? A Conceptual Review

Aging is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, cancer incidence and mortality. As inflammation contributes to cancer initiation and progression, one could hypothesize that age-associated chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the increase in cancer incidence and/or mortality observed during aging. Here, we review the evidence supporting this hypothesis: (1) epidemiological associations between biomarkers of systemic inflammation and cancer incidence and mortality in older people, (2) therapeutic clues suggesting that targeting inflammation could reduce cancer incidence and mortality and (3) experimental evidence from animal models highlighting inflammation as a link between various mechanisms of aging and cancer initiation and progression. Despite a large body of literature linking aging, inflammation and cancer, convincing evidence for the clear implication of specific inflammatory pathways explaining cancer incidence or mortality during aging is still lacking. Further dedicated research is needed to fill these gaps in evidence and pave the way for the development of applications in clinical care.

Peripheral blood inflammation indices are effective predictors of anastomotic leakage in elective esophageal surgery

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the predictive value of peripheral inflammatory indices, including neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), in anastomotic leakage during elective esophageal surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from 2016 to 2020 in our institution. The peripheral blood inflammatory indices were obtained on preoperative days 1-7 (PRD 1-7), and postoperative days 1-3 (POD 1-3) and 4-7 (POD 4-7). Univariate, multivariate logistic, and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of these peripheral blood inflammatory indices.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included in the study, and 25 (13%) patients experienced anastomotic leakage. Multivariate analyses identified diet, neutrophil count, and PLR on POD 1-3, and NLR on POD 4-7 as independent factors associated with anastomotic leakage. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the variable with the best area under curve was a neutrophil cutoff count of 4.1 [0.737; 95% CI: 0.639-0.835], with a sensitivity and specificity of 60.0% and 66.5%, respectively. This was followed by an NLR cutoff value of 9.5 on POD 4-7 (0.628; 95% CI: 0.505-0.752) and a cutoff PLR value of 220.1 on POD 1-3 (0.643; 95% CI: 0.536-0.750). Diet showed a poor result on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil count and PLR on POD 1-3 and NLR on POD 4-7 were shown to have predictive value for anastomotic leakage in elective esophageal surgery.

Emerging Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. While the use of prostate-specific antigen has improved the ability to screen and ultimately diagnose PCa, there still remain false positives due to noncancerous conditions in the prostate gland itself and other prognostic biomarkers for PCa are needed. Contents within extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising biomarkers that can give valuable information about disease state, and have the additional benefit of being acquired through noninvasive liquid biopsies. Meaningful communication between cancer cells and the microenvironment are carried by EVs, which impact important cellular processes in prostate cancer such as metastasis, immune regulation, and drug resistance.

Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Diamine-PEGylated Oleanolic Acid Derivative

Recent evidence has shown that inflammation can contribute to all tumorigenic states. We have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a diamine-PEGylated derivative of oleanolic acid (OADP), in vitro and in vivo with inflammation models. In addition, we have determined the sub-cytotoxic concentrations for anti-inflammatory assays of OADP in RAW 264.7 cells. The inflammatory process began with incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitric oxide production levels were also determined, exceeding 75% inhibition of NO for a concentration of 1 µg/mL of OADP. Cell-cycle analysis showed a reversal of the arrest in the G0/G1 phase in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, through Western blot analysis, we have determined the probable molecular mechanism activated by OADP; the inhibition of the expression of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2; and the blocking of p-IκBα production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Finally, we have analyzed the anti-inflammatory action of OADP in a mouse acute ear edema, in male BL/6J mice treated with OADP and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA). Treatment with OADP induced greater suppression of edema and decreased the ear thickness 14% more than diclofenac. The development of new derivatives such as OADP with powerful anti-inflammatory effects could represent an effective therapeutic strategy against inflammation and tumorigenic processes.

Diclofenac N-Derivatives as Therapeutic Agents with Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Effect

A series of diclofenac N-derivatives (2, 4, 6, 8c, 9c, 10a-c) were synthesized in order to test their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. The anticarcinogen activity has been assayed against three cancer cell lines: HT29, human colon cancer cells; Hep-G2, human hepatic cells; and B16-F10, murine melanoma cells. First, we determined the cytotoxicity of the different compounds, finding that the most effective compound was compound 8c against all cell lines and both compounds 4 and 6 in human Hep-G2 and HT29 cell lines. Compounds 4 and 8c were selected for the percentage of apoptosis determination, cell cycle distribution, and mitochondrial membrane potential measure because these products presented the lowest IC₅₀ values in two of the three cancer cell lines assayed (B16-F10 and HepG2), and were two of the three products with lowest IC₅₀ in HT29 cell line. Moreover, the percentages of apoptosis induction were determined for compounds 4 and 8c, showing that the highest values were between 30 to 60%. Next, the effects of these two compounds were observed on the cellular cycle, resulting in an increase in the cell population in G2/M cell cycle phase after treatment with product 8c, whereas compound 4 increased the cells in phase G0/G1, by possible differentiation process induction. Finally, to determine the possible apoptosis mechanism triggered by these compounds, mitochondrial potential was evaluated, indicating the possible activation of extrinsic apoptotic mechanism. On the other hand, we studied the anti-inflammatory effects of these diclofenac (DCF) derivatives on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages-monocytes murine cells by inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production. As a first step, we determined the cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds, as well as DCF, against these cells. Then, sub-cytotoxic concentrations were used to determine NO release at different incubation times. The greatest anti-inflammatory effect was observed for products 2, 4, 8c, 10a, 10b, and 9c at 20 µg·mL^-1 concentration after 48 h of treatment, with inhibition of produced NO between 60 to 75%, and a concentration that reduces to the 50% the production of NO (IC_{50 NO}) between 2.5 to 25 times lower than that of DCF. In this work, we synthesized and determined for the first time the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory potential of eight diclofenac N-derivatives. In agreement with the recent evidences suggesting that inflammation may contribute to all states of tumorigenesis, the development of these new derivatives capable of inducing apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects at very low concentrations represent new effective therapeutic strategies against these diseases.

A Psychosocial Genomics Pilot Study in Oncology for Verifying Clinical, Inflammatory and Psychological Effects of Mind-Body Transformations-Therapy (MBT-T) in Breast Cancer Patients: Preliminary Results

Several studies have highlighted the key role of chronic inflammation in breast cancer development, progression, metastasis, and therapeutic outcome. These processes are mediated through a variety of cytokines and hormones that exert their biological actions either locally or distantly via systemic circulation. Recent findings suggest that positive psychosocial experiences, including psychotherapeutic interventions and therapeutic mind-body protocols, can modulate the inflammatory response by reducing the expression of genes/proteins associated with inflammation and stress-related pathways. Our preliminary results indicate that a specific mind-body therapy (MBT-T) could induce a significant reduction of the release of different cytokines and chemokines, such as SCGFβ, SDF-1α, MCP3, GROα, LIF, and IL-18, in the sera of breast cancer patients compared to a control group, suggesting that MBT-T could represent a promising approach to improve the wellness and outcome of breast cancer patients.

Tumor-associated macrophages: Harbingers of aggressiveness in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a modulator of tumor behavior was acknowledged by Hanahan and Weinberg in 2011 as the emerging hallmarks and enabling characteristics of the hallmarks of cancer. Subsequently, the role of inflammation, in conferring aggressiveness to a tumor, was regarded as a fundamental process in the evolution of the TME. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are distinctly polarized inflammatory cells and key shapers of a protumorigenic microenvironment.

AIMS

The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of TAMs and the expression of CD-163 as a marker to evince tumor aggressiveness, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A retrospective institutional study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and random sampling was carried out. Cases fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to S(site), T(tumor), N( node), M( metastasis), P(pathology) STNMP staging along with immunohistochemical evaluation of CD-163.

METHODS

Samples for this study included 58 archival cases of OSCC. Demographic details were recorded, and the STNMP stage ascertained, following which, each case was reevaluated histopathologically for the invasive front. Cases with sufficient stroma and demonstrating the invasive front were further subjected to immunohistochemical evaluation of CD-163 for TAMs. The density of CD-163-positive cells was assessed by three pathologists, independently, in a double-blinded evaluation using Image-J©.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Descriptive data were evaluated and analyzed statistically using Spearman's/Pearson's correlation tests based on the distribution of data.

RESULTS

The density of TAMs was noted to be directly proportional to the STNMP stage. In addition, a strong positive, statistically significant correlation was noted between the density of TAMs and tumor size, nodal status and STNMP stage.

CONCLUSION

The crucial role of the tumor microenvironment must be considered when evaluating OSCC. TAMs prove to be a reliable marker for assessing tumor aggressiveness and could aid in improved prognostication of OSCC, while also being potential targets for therapy.

Chronic Stress Promotes Cancer Development

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Chronic stress on account of reasons like adversity, depression, anxiety, or loneliness/social isolation can endanger human health. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress can induce tumorigenesis and promote cancer development. This review describes the latest progress of research on the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress promotes cancer development. Primarily, chronic stress activates the classic neuroendocrine system [the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis] and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and leads to a decline and dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus under stress. Stress hormones produced during the activation of both the HPA axis and the SNS can promote tumorigenesis and cancer development through a variety of mechanisms. Chronic stress can also cause corresponding changes in the body's immune function and inflammatory response, which is significant because a long-term inflammatory response and the decline of the body's immune surveillance capabilities are implicated in tumorigenesis. Stress management is essential for both healthy people and cancer patients. Whether drugs that limit the signaling pathways downstream of the HPA axis or the SNS can suppress chronic stress-induced cancers or prolong patient survival deserves further study.

Preventive effects of Korean red ginseng on experimentally induced colitis and colon carcinogenesis

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) exerts chemopreventive effects on experimentally induced carcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms. In this study, we investigated effects of KRG on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and azoxymethane (AOM) plus DSS-induced colon carcinogenesis in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed diet containing 1% KRG or a standard diet throughout the experiment. The mouse colitis was induced by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water for 1 week. DSS caused body weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding and colon length shortening, and all these symptoms were ameliorated by KRG treatment. KRG inhibited DSS-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by suppressing activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3). In another experiment, colon carcinogenesis was initiated by single intraperitoneal injection of AOM (10 mg/kg) and promoted by 2% DSS in drinking water. KRG administration relieved the symptoms of colitis and reduced the incidence, the multiplicity and the size of colon tumor. The up-regulation of COX-2, iNOS, c-Myc and Cyclin D1 by AOM plus DSS was attenuated in KRG fed mice which was associated with suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 activation. These results suggest that KRG is a potential candidate for chemoprevention of inflammation-associated cancer in the colon.

Overcoming cancer therapeutic bottleneck by drug repurposing

Ever present hurdles for the discovery of new drugs for cancer therapy have necessitated the development of the alternative strategy of drug repurposing, the development of old drugs for new therapeutic purposes. This strategy with a cost-effective way offers a rare opportunity for the treatment of human neoplastic disease, facilitating rapid clinical translation. With an increased understanding of the hallmarks of cancer and the development of various data-driven approaches, drug repurposing further promotes the holistic productivity of drug discovery and reasonably focuses on target-defined antineoplastic compounds. The "treasure trove" of non-oncology drugs should not be ignored since they could target not only known but also hitherto unknown vulnerabilities of cancer. Indeed, different from targeted drugs, these old generic drugs, usually used in a multi-target strategy may bring benefit to patients. In this review, aiming to demonstrate the full potential of drug repurposing, we present various promising repurposed non-oncology drugs for clinical cancer management and classify these candidates into their proposed administration for either mono- or drug combination therapy. We also summarize approaches used for drug repurposing and discuss the main barriers to its uptake.

Contributions of HOX genes to cancer hallmarks: Enrichment pathway analysis and review

Homeobox genes function as master regulatory transcription factors during development, and their expression is often altered in cancer. The HOX gene family was initially studied intensively to understand how the expression of each gene was involved in forming axial patterns and shaping the body plan during embryogenesis. More recent investigations have discovered that HOX genes can also play an important role in cancer. The literature has shown that the expression of HOX genes may be increased or decreased in different tumors and that these alterations may differ depending on the specific HOX gene involved and the type of cancer being investigated. New studies are also emerging, showing the critical role of some members of the HOX gene family in tumor progression and variation in clinical response. However, there has been limited systematic evaluation of the various contributions of each member of the HOX gene family in the pathways that drive the common phenotypic changes (or "hallmarks") and that underlie the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells. In this review, we investigate the context of the engagement of HOX gene targets and their downstream pathways in the acquisition of competence of tumor cells to undergo malignant transformation and tumor progression. We also summarize published findings on the involvement of HOX genes in carcinogenesis and use bioinformatics methods to examine how their downstream targets and pathways are involved in each hallmark of the cancer phenotype.

A Novel Antitumor Strategy: Simultaneously Inhibiting Angiogenesis and Complement by Targeting VEGFA/PIGF and C3b/C4b

Therapeutic antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have become a critical regimen for tumor therapy, but the efficacy of monotherapy is usually limited by drug resistance and multiple angiogenic mechanisms. Complement proteins are becoming potential candidates for cancer-targeted therapy based on their role in promoting cancer progression and angiogenesis. However, the antitumor abilities of simultaneous VEGF and complement blockade were unknown. We generated a humanized soluble VEGFR-Fc fusion protein (VID) binding VEGFA/PIGF and a CR1-Fc fusion protein (CID) targeting C3b/C4b. Both VID and CID had good affinities to their ligands and showed effective bioactivities. In vitro, angiogenesis effects induced by VEGF and hemolysis induced by complement were inhibited by VID and CID, respectively. Further, VID and CID confer a synergetic therapeutic effect in a colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) model and an orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model. Mechanically, combination therapy inhibited tumor angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and MDSC infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. Our study offers a novel therapeutic strategy for anti-VEGF-resistant tumors and chronic-inflammation-associated tumors.

Exosome: Function and Role in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance

As a kind of nanometric lipidic vesicles, exosomes have been presumed to play a leading role in the regulation of tumor microenvironment through exosomes-mediated transfer of proteins and genetic materials. Tumor-derived exosomes are recognized as a critical determinant of the tumor progression. Intriguingly, some current observations have identified that exosomes are essential for several intercellular exchanges of proteins, messenger RNAs, noncoding RNAs (including long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs) as well as to the process of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Herein, we review the role of exosomes and their molecular cargos in cancer invasion and metastasis, summarize how they interact with antitumor agents, and highlight their translational implications.

Anti-inflammatory effects of millet bran derived-bound polyphenols in LPS-induced HT-29 cell via ROS/miR-149/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway

The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory maladjustment has been acknowledged as one of the chief causations of inflammatory diseases and even cancers. Previous studies showed that plant-derived polyphenolic compounds were the most potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents among all natural compounds. The present study indicates that bound polyphenols of inner shell (BPIS) from foxtail millet bran can display anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced HT-29 cells and in nude mice. Mechanistically, BPIS restrained the level of various pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), and enhanced the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) by blocking the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)-p65 nuclear translocation. Further, we found the elevated miR-149 expression by BPIS-induced ROS accumulation, directly targeted the Akt expression to block NF-κB nuclear translocation. Taken together, these novel findings provide new insights into the development of BPIS as an anti-inflammatory agent via the signaling cascade of ROS/miR-149/Akt/NF-κB axis.

Types of Immune-Inflammatory Responses as a Reflection of Cell-Cell Interactions under Conditions of Tissue Regeneration and Tumor Growth

Inflammatory infiltration of tumor stroma is an integral reflection of reactions that develop in response to any damage to tumor cells including immune responses to antigens or necrosis caused by vascular disorders. In this review, we use the term "immune-inflammatory response" (IIR) that allows us to give an integral assessment of the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. Two main types of IIRs are discussed: type 1 and 2 T-helper reactions (Th1 and Th2), as well as their inducers: immunosuppressive responses and reactions mediated by Th22 and Th17 lymphocytes and capable of modifying the main types of IIRs. Cellular and molecular manifestations of each IIR type are analyzed and their general characteristics and roles in tissue regeneration and tumor growth are presented. Since inflammatory responses in a tumor can also be initiated by innate immunity mechanisms, special attention is given to inflammation based on them. We emphasize that processes accompanying tissue regeneration are prototypes of processes underlying cancer progression, and these processes have the same cellular and molecular substrates. We focus on evidence that tumor progression is mainly contributed by processes specific for the second phase of "wound healing" that are based on the Th2-type IIR. We emphasize that the effect of various types of immune and stroma cells on tumor progression is determined by the ability of the cells and their cytokines to promote or prevent the development of Th1- or Th2-type of IIR. Finally, we supposed that the nonspecific influence on the tumor caused by the cytokine context of the Th1- or Th2-type microenvironment should play a decisive role for suppression or stimulation of tumor growth and metastasis.

Inflammatory networks underlying colorectal cancer

Inflammation is emerging as one of the hallmarks of cancer, yet its role in most tumors remains unclear. Whereas a minority of solid tumors are associated with overt inflammation, long-term treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is remarkably effective in reducing cancer rate and death. This indicates that inflammation might have many as-yet-unrecognized facets, among which an indolent course might be far more prevalent than previously appreciated. In this Review, we explore the various inflammatory processes underlying the development and progression of colorectal cancer and discuss anti-inflammatory means for its prevention and treatment.

Loss of intestinal O-glycans promotes spontaneous duodenal tumors

Mucin-type O-glycans, primarily core 1- and core 3-derived O-glycans, are the major mucus barrier components throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Previous reports identified the biological role of O-glycans in the stomach and colon. However, the biological function of O-glycans in the small intestine remains unknown. Using mice lacking intestinal core 1- and core 3-derived O-glycans [intestinal epithelial cell C1galt1(-/-);C3GnT(-/-) or double knockout (DKO)], we found that loss of O-glycans predisposes DKO mice to spontaneous duodenal tumorigenesis by ∼1 yr of age. Tumor incidence did not increase with age; however, tumors advanced in aggressiveness by 20 mo. O-glycan deficiency was associated with reduced luminal mucus in DKO mice before tumor development. Altered intestinal epithelial homeostasis with enhanced baseline crypt proliferation characterizes these phenotypes as assayed by Ki67 staining. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis reveals a significantly lower bacterial burden in the duodenum compared with the large intestine. This phenotype is not reduced with antibiotic treatment, implying O-glycosylation defects, rather than bacterial-induced inflammation, which causes spontaneous duodenal tumorigenesis. Moreover, inflammatory responses in DKO duodenal mucosa are mild as assayed with histology, quantitative PCR for inflammation-associated cytokines, and immunostaining for immune cells. Importantly, inducible deletion of intestinal O-glycans in adult mice leads to analogous spontaneous duodenal tumors, although with higher incidence and heightened severity compared with mice with O-glycans constitutive deletion. In conclusion, these studies reveal O-glycans within the small intestine are critical determinants of duodenal cancer risk. Future studies will provide insights into the pathogenesis in the general population and those at risk for this rare but deadly cancer.

Inflammatory cytokines prime adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells to enhance malignancy of MCF-7 breast cancer cells via transforming growth factor-β1

Mesenchymal stem cells from human adipose tissue (hASCs) are proposed as suitable tools for soft tissue engineering and reconstruction. Although it is known that hASCs have the ability to home to sites of inflammation and tumor niche, the role of inflammatory cytokines in the hASCs-affected tumor development is not understood. We found that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and/or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) prime hASCs to produce soluble factors which enhance MCF-7 cell line malignancy in vitro. IFN-γ and/or TNF-α-primed hASCs produced conditioned media (CM) which induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MCF-7 cells by reducing E-Cadherin and increasing Vimentin expression. Induced EMT was accompanied by increased invasion, migration, and urokinase type-plasminogen activator (uPA) expression in MCF-7 cells. These effects were mediated by increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) in cytokines-primed hASCs, since inhibition of type I TGF-β1 receptor on MCF-7 cells and neutralization of TGF-β1 disabled the CM from primed hASCs to increase EMT, cell migration, and uPA expression in MCF-7 cells. Obtained data suggested that IFN-γ and/or TNF-α primed hASCs might enhance the malignancy of MCF-7 cell line by inducing EMT, cell motility and uPA expression in these cells via TGF-β1-Smad3 signalization, with potentially important implications in breast cancer progression.

Associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer risk: evidence from an updated meta-analysis of 25,685 subjects

A meta-analysis incorporating 34 case-control studies from 19 articles involving 12,197 cases and 13,488 controls was conducted to assess the effects of three genetic variants of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9): rs187084, rs352140, and rs5743836. Studies on associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer risk were systematically searched in electronic databases. The reported odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled to assess the strength of any associations. The results showed that the rs187084 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer (CC vs TC+TT: OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.02-1.28), specifically cervical cancer (C vs T: OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.05-1.34; TC vs TT: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.10-1.58; CC vs TT: OR=1.31, 95% CI= 1.03-1.68; CC+TC vs TT: OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.11-1.56), and that this association was significantly positive in Caucasians (CC vs. TC+TT: OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.01-1.38). The rs352140 polymorphism had a protective effect on breast cancer (GA vs GG: OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.66-0.89), whereas the rs5743836 polymorphism was likely protective for digestive system cancers (CC+TC vs TT: OR=0.81, 95% CI=0.66-0.98). In conclusion, our results suggest that the rs187084 polymorphism may be associated with an elevated cancer risk, whereas polymorphisms of rs352140 and rs5743836 may play protective roles in the development of breast and digestive system cancers, respectively. From the results of this meta-analysis further large-scale case-control studies are warranted to verify associations between TLR9 polymorphisms and cancer.

LZ-207, a Newly Synthesized Flavonoid, Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Inflammation-Related Colon Cancer by Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Flavonoids and flavonoid derivatives, which have significant biological and pharmacological activities, including antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities, have been widely used in human healthcare. To design a more effective flavonoid antitumor agent, we altered the flavonoid backbone with substitutions of piperazine and methoxy groups to synthesize a novel flavonoid derivative, LZ-207. The anticancer effect of LZ-207 against HCT116 colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanism of this effect were explored in this study. Specifically, LZ-207 exhibited inhibitory effects on growth and viability in several human colon cancer cell lines and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells both in vitro and in vivo. LZ-207 treatment also suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the phosphorylation of IκB and IKKα/β in a dose-dependent manner in both HCT116 cells and human acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells. Moreover, LZ-207 also reduced the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-induced THP-1 cells, and this effect was confirmed at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, LZ-207 significantly inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation that was elicited by LPS-induced THP-1 cells in a co-culture system. These findings elucidated some potential molecular mechanisms for preventing inflammation-driven colon cancer using the newly synthesized flavonoid LZ-207 and suggested the possibility of further developing novel therapeutic agents derived from flavonoids.

Anti-neoplastic activities of Sepia officinalis ink and Coelatura aegyptiaca extracts against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

OBJECTIVES

With the development of sophisticated instruments for the isolation and elucidation of natural products structures from marine and freshwater organisms, major advances have been made in the discovery of aquatic derived therapeutics. Present investigations were carried out to evaluate cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ink extract (IE) and freshwater clam (Coelatura aegyptiaca) extract (CE) for their anticancer and antioxidant activities as compared to 5-flurouracil (5-Fu), in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC).

METHODS

Sixty female Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups (n = 12). All groups except group I received EAC cells (5 × 10(6) cells/mouse i.p.) and this was taken as the 0th day. Group I served as saline control (5 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl w/v p.o). Group II served as EAC control. Rats of groups III, IV and V received IE, CE (200 mg/kg body weight i.p.), and reference drug (5-Fu, 20 mg/kg body weight i.p.), respectively.

RESULTS

The reduction in tumor volume, packed cell volume, tumor cell counts and increase in median survival time and percentage increase in life span in treated animals were observed. There was a significant increase in RBC count; Hb content in treated animals and reduction in total WBC count. There was a significant decrease in AST, ALT, ALP and liver MDA levels and increase in GSH, SOD and NO levels were observed in all treated animals.

CONCLUSION

Both IE and CE were effective in inhibiting the tumor growth in ascitic tumor models. The biochemical, antioxidants and histopathological studies were also supported their antitumor properties.

Two-signal requirement for growth-promoting function of Yap in hepatocytes

The transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (Yap) promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting that Yap functions as an oncogene. Most oncogenes, however, require a combination of at least two signals to promote proliferation. In this study, we present evidence that Yap activation is insufficient to promote growth in the otherwise normal tissue. Using a mosaic mouse model, we demonstrate that Yap overexpression in a fraction of hepatocytes does not lead to their clonal expansion, as proliferation is counterbalanced by increased apoptosis. To shift the activity of Yap towards growth, a second signal provided by tissue damage or inflammation is required. In response to liver injury, Yap drives clonal expansion, suppresses hepatocyte differentiation, and promotes a progenitor phenotype. These results suggest that Yap activation is insufficient to promote growth in the absence of a second signal thus coordinating tissue homeostasis and repair.

Cytokinome profile evaluation in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

The ‘‘omics sciences’’ (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) are often used to study living organisms as a whole system by evaluating the complex expression patterns of genes, miRNA, proteins, and metabolites. This study aimed, through bioinformatics and systems biology, to decipher the cytokinome profile in the evolution of inflammatory processes leading to cancer. The cytokinome was defined as the totality of cytokines and their interactions in and around biological cells. The system biology approach would provide a better understanding of the complex interaction network of cytokines, especially in cancer patients. Acquired knowledge would enable health providers with tools to evaluate disease onset through progression as well as identifying innovative therapeutic strategies. Understanding the role each cytokine plays in the metabolic network is of great importance. This paper reviews our group’s ‘‘omics’’ work. In particular, it addresses the role cytokines play in liver disease in six different scenarios. The first is the role the cytokines play in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. The second is the significance of the cytokinome profile. The third is the role of liver cirrhosis as an inflammatory disease. The fourth is the comparison of cytokine levels evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) or with HCV-related cirrhosis. The fifth is the comparison of cytokine levels evaluated in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis in the presence and absence of type 2 diabetes. And lastly, we present a comparison of cytokine levels evaluated in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis in the presence and absence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Highly skewed distribution of miRNAs and proteins between colorectal cancer cells and their exosomes following Cetuximab treatment: biomolecular, genetic and translational implications

Exchange of molecules via exosomes is a means of eukaryotic intercellular communication, especially within tumour microenvironments. However, no data are available on alterations of exosomal molecular cargo by environmental cues (eg, pharmacological treatments). To approach this issue, we compared the abundance of 754 miRNAs and 741 cancer-related proteins in exosomes secreted by Caco-2 (Cetuximab-responsive) and HCT- 116 (Cetuximab-resistant) CRC cells, before and after Cetuximab treatment, with that in their source cells. Cetuximab significantly altered the cargo of Caco-2 exosomes: it increased abundance of miRNAs and proteins activating proliferation and inflammation and reduced miRNAs and proteins related to immune suppression. These alterations did not precisely mirror those in source cells, suggesting a Cetuximab-linked effect. Analogous alterations were detected in HCT-116. Transfection of exosomes from Cetuximab-treated Caco-2 into HCT-116 significantly increased HCT-116 viability; conversely, no viability alteration was detected in Caco-2 transfected with exosomes from Cetuximab-treated HCT-116. Analysis of networks, comprising targets of differentially expressed (DE) exosomal miRNAs and DE exosomal proteins, demonstrates a significant involvement of processes related to proliferation, inflammation, immune response, apoptosis. Our data extend existing knowledge on molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic intercellular communication, especially in oncological processes. Their translation to clinical settings may add new weapons to existing therapeutic repertoires against cancer.