Exercise-mediated downregulation of MALAT1 expression and implications in primary and secondary cancer prevention

Sexual Dimorphism in Sex Hormone Metabolism in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells in Response to Different Testosterone Exposure

Muscle tissue is an important target of sex steroids, and particularly, testosterone plays essential roles in muscle cell metabolism. Wide ranges of studies have reported sex differences in basal muscle steroidogenesis, and recently several genes have been identified to be regulated by androgen response elements that show innate sex differences in muscle. However, studies accounting for and demonstrating cell sexual dimorphism in vitro are still scarce and not well characterized. Here, we demonstrated the ability of 46XX and 46XY human primary skeletal muscle cells to differently activate steroidogenesis in vitro, likely related to sex-chromosome onset, and to differently induce hormone release after increasing doses of testosterone exposure. Cells were treated with testosterone at concentrations of 0.5, 2, 5, 10, 32, and 100 nmol/L for 24 h. Variations in 17β-HSD, 5α-R2, CYP-19 expression, DHT, estradiol, and androstenedione release, as well as IL6 and IL8 release, were analyzed, respectively, by RT-PCR, ELISA, and luminex-assay. Following testosterone treatments, and potentially at any concentration level, an increase in the expression of 17β-HSD, 5α-R2, and CYP-19 was observed in 46XY cells, accompanied by elevated levels of DHT, androstenedione, and IL6/IL8 release. Following the same treatment, 46XX cells exhibited an increase in 5α-R2 and CYP-19 expression, a conversion of androgens to estrogens, and a reduction in IL6 and IL8 release. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that sex-chromosome differences may influence in vitro muscle cell steroidogenesis and hormone homeostasis, which are pivotal for skeletal muscle metabolism.

Exploring the Impact of Exercise-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Biology

Cancer remains a major challenge in medicine, prompting exploration of innovative therapies. Recent studies suggest that exercise-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may offer potential anti-cancer benefits. These small, membrane-bound particles, including exosomes, carry bioactive molecules such as proteins and RNA that mediate intercellular communication. Exercise has been shown to increase EV secretion, influencing physiological processes like tissue repair, inflammation, and metabolism. Notably, preclinical studies have demonstrated that exercise-derived EVs can inhibit tumor growth, reduce metastasis, and enhance treatment response. For instance, in a study using animal models, exercise-derived EVs were shown to suppress tumor proliferation in breast and colon cancers. Another study reported that these EVs reduced metastatic potential by decreasing the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Additionally, exercise-induced EVs have been found to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by sensitizing tumor cells to treatment. This review highlights the emerging role of exercise-derived circulating biomolecules, particularly EVs, in cancer biology. It discusses the mechanisms through which EVs impact cancer progression, the challenges in translating preclinical findings to clinical practice, and future research directions. Although research in this area is still limited, current findings suggest that EVs could play a crucial role in spreading molecules that promote better health in cancer patients. Understanding these EV profiles could lead to future therapies, such as exercise mimetics or targeted drugs, to treat cancer.

Impact of Physical Activity on DNA Methylation Signatures in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review with Bioinformatic Analysis

Breast cancer (BC) continues to significantly impact women worldwide. Numerous studies show that physical activity (PA) significantly enhances the quality of life, aids recovery, and improves survival rates in BC patients. PA's influence extends to altering DNA methylation patterns on both a global and gene-specific scale, potentially reverting abnormal DNA methylation, associated with carcinogenesis and various pathologies. This review consolidates the findings of the current literature, highlighting PA's impact on DNA methylation in BC patients. Our systematic analysis indicates that PA may elevate global DNA methylation within tumour tissues. Furthermore, it appears to modify gene-specific promoter methylation across a wide spectrum of genes in various tissues. Through bioinformatic analysis, to investigate the functional enrichment of these affected genes, we identified a predominant enrichment in metabolic pathways, cell cycle regulation, cell cycle checkpoints, mitosis, cellular stress responses, and molecular functions governing diverse binding processes. The Human Protein Atlas corroborates this enrichment, indicating gene functionality across 266 tissues, notably within various breast tissues. This systematic review unveils PA's capacity to systematically alter DNA methylation patterns across multiple tissues, particularly in BC patients. Emphasising its influence on crucial biological processes and functions, this alteration holds potential for restoring normal cellular functionality and the cell cycle. This reversal of cancer-associated patterns could potentially enhance recovery and improve survival outcomes.

Exercise may improve lung immunity after surgical stress: Evidence from a nephrectomy model via a bioinformatic analysis

Exercise offers numerous benefits to cancer patients and plays an essential role in postsurgical cancer rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of research examining the effects of exercise after the surgical stress of nephrectomy. To address this gap, we created an animal model that simulated patients who had undergone nephrectomy with or without an exercise intervention. Next, we performed a bioinformatic analysis based on the data generated by the RNA sequencing of the lung tissue sample. An overrepresentation analysis was conducted using two genome databases (Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG]). A KEGG analysis of the exercise-treated nephrectomy mice revealed enrichment in immune-related pathways, particularly in the NF-κB and B cell-related pathways. The expression of CD79A and IGHD, which are responsible for B cell differentiation and proliferation, was upregulated in the nephrectomy mice. Differential gene expression was categorized as significantly upregulated or downregulated according to nephrectomy and exercise groups. Notably, we identified several gene expression reversals in the nephrectomy groups with exercise that were not found in the nephrectomy without exercise or control groups. Our preliminary results potentially reveal a genetic landscape for the underlying mechanisms of the effects of exercise on our nephrectomy model.

Exosomal YB-1 facilitates ovarian restoration by MALAT1/miR-211-5p/FOXO3 axis

Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects many adult women less than 40 years of age and leads to infertility. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSCs-sEVs) are attractive candidates for ovarian function restoration and folliculogenesis for POF due to their safety and efficacy, however, the key mediator in MSCs-sEVs that modulates this response and underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Herein, we reported that YB-1 protein was markedly downregulated in vitro and in vivo models of POF induced with H2O2 and CTX respectively, accompanied by granulosa cells (GCs) senescence phenotype. Notably, BMSCs-sEVs transplantation upregulated YB-1, attenuated oxidative damage-induced cellular senescence in GCs, and significantly improved the ovarian function of POF rats, but that was reversed by YB-1 depletion. Moreover, YB-1 showed an obvious decline in serum and GCs in POF patients. Mechanistically, YB-1 as an RNA-binding protein (RBP) physically interacted with a long non-coding RNA, MALAT1, and increased its stability, further, MALAT1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to elevate FOXO3 levels by sequestering miR-211-5p to prevent its degradation, leading to repair of ovarian function. In summary, we demonstrated that BMSCs-sEVs improve ovarian function by releasing YB-1, which mediates MALAT1/miR-211-5p/FOXO3 axis regulation, providing a possible therapeutic target for patients with POF.

The impact of physical activity on promoter-specific methylation of genes involved in the redox-status and disease progression: A longitudinal study on post-surgery female breast cancer patients undergoing medical treatment

Most anticancer treatments act on oxidative-stress pathways by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cancer cells, commonly resulting in consequential drug-induced systemic cytotoxicity. Physical activity (PA) has arisen as an integrative cancer therapy, having positive health effects, including in redox-homeostasis. Here, we investigated the impact of an online supervised PA program on promoter-specific DNA methylation, and corresponding gene expression/activity, in 3 antioxidants- (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT) and 3 breast cancer (BC)-related genes (BRCA1, L3MBTL1 and RASSF1A) in a population-based sample of women diagnosed with primary BC, undergoing medical treatment. We further examined mechanisms involved in methylating and demethylating pathways, predicted biological pathways and interactions of exercise-modulated molecules, and the functional relevance of modulated antioxidant markers on parameters related to aerobic capacity/endurance, physical fatigue and quality of life (QoL). PA maintained levels of SOD activity in blood plasma, and at the cellular level significantly increased SOD2 mRNA (≈+77 %), contrary to their depletion due to medical treatment. This change was inversely correlated with DNA methylation in SOD2 promoter (≈-20 %). Similarly, we found a significant effect of PA only on L3MBTL1 promoter methylation (≈-25 %), which was inversely correlated with its mRNA (≈+43 %). Finally, PA increased TET1 mRNA levels (≈+15 %) and decreased expression of DNMT3B mRNA (≈-28 %). Our results suggest that PA-modulated DNA methylation affects several signalling pathways/biological activities involved in the cellular oxidative stress response, chromatin organization/regulation, antioxidant activity and DNA/protein binding. These changes may positively impact clinical outcomes and improve the response to cancer treatment in post-surgery BC patients.

Exercise-induced redox modulation as a mediator of DNA methylation in health maintenance and disease prevention

The evidence for physical activity (PA) as a major public health preventive approach and a potent medical therapy has increased exponentially in the last decades. The biomolecular mechanisms supporting the associations between PA and/or structured exercise training with health maintenance and disease prevention are not completely characterized. However, increasing evidence pointed out the role of epigenetic modifications in exercise adaptation and health-enhancing PA throughout life, DNA methylation being the most intensely studied epigenetic modification induced by acute and chronic exercise. The current data on the modulation of DNA methylation determined by physically active behavior or exercise interventions points out genes related to energy regulation, mitochondrial function, and biosynthesis, as well as muscle regeneration, calcium signaling pathways, and brain plasticity, all consistent with the known exercise-induced redox signaling and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) unbalance. Thus, the main focus of this review is to discuss the role of ROS and redox-signaling on DNA methylation profile and its impact on exercise-induced health benefits in humans.

Sex-Chromosome-Related Dimorphism in Steroidogenic Enzymes and Androgen Receptor in Response to Testosterone Treatment: An In Vitro Study on Human Primary Skeletal Muscle Cells

Gender-related methodology in biomedical sciences receives considerable attention, with numerous studies highlighting biological differences between cisgender males and females. These differences influence the clinical symptoms of various diseases and impact therapeutic approaches. In this in vitro study, we investigate the potential role of sex-chromosome-related dimorphism on steroidogenic enzymes, androgen receptor (AR) expression, and cellular translocation in primary human skeletal muscle cells before and after exposure to testosterone. We analyzed 46XY and 46XX cells for 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), 5α-reductase (5α-R2), aromatase (Cyp-19), and AR gene expression. We also compared AR expression and intracellular translocation after increasing exposure to testosterone. At baseline, we observed higher mRNA expression for 5α-R2 and AR in 46XY cells and higher Cyp-19 mRNA expression in 46XX cells. Following testosterone exposure, we observed an increase in AR expression and translocation in 46XX cells, even at the lowest dose of 0.5 nM, while significant changes in 46XY cells were observed only from 10 nM. Our in vitro results demonstrate that the diverse sex chromosome assets reflect important differences in muscle steroidogenesis. They support the concept that chromosomal disparities between males and females, even in vitro, lead to pivotal variations in cellular physiology and response. This understanding represents a crucial starting point in gender medicine, ensuring a precise approach in clinical practice, sports, and exercise settings and facilitating the translation of in vitro data to in vivo applicability.

Converging protective pathways: Exploring the linkage between physical exercise, extracellular vesicles and oxidative stress

Physical Exercise (EXR) has been shown to have numerous beneficial effects on various systems in the human body. It leads to a decrease in the risk of mortality from chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic and central nervous system disorders. EXR results in improving cardiovascular fitness, cognitive function, immune activity, endocrine action, and musculoskeletal health. These positive effects make EXR a valuable intervention for promoting overall health and well-being in individuals of all ages. These beneficial effects are partially mediated by the role of the regular EXR in the adaptation to redox homeostasis counteracting the sudden increase of ROS, the hallmark of many chronic diseases. EXR can trigger the release of numerous humoral factors, e.g. protein, microRNA (miRs), and DNA, that can be shuttled as cargo of Extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs show different cargo modification after oxidative stress stimuli as well as after EXR. In this review, we aim to highlight the main studies on the role of EVs released during EXR and oxidative stress conditions in enhancing the antioxidant enzymes pathway and in the decrease of oxidative stress environment mediated by their cargo.

Online Home-Based Physical Activity Counteracts Changes of Redox-Status Biomarkers and Fitness Profiles during Treatment Programs in Postsurgery Female Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in women. Oxidative stress may contribute to cancer etiology through several mechanisms. A large body of evidence indicates that physical activity (PA) has positive effects on different aspects of BC evolution, including mitigation of negative effects induced by medical treatment. With the aim to verify the capacity of PA to counteract negative effects of BC treatment on systemic redox homeostasis in postsurgery female BC patients, we have examined the modulation of circulating levels of oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Moreover, we evaluated the impacts on physical fitness and mental well-being by measuring functional parameters, body mass index, body composition, health-related quality of life (QoL), and fatigue. Our investigation revealed that PA was effective in maintaining plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and tGSH, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells' (PBMCs) mRNA levels of SOD1 and heat-shock protein 27. Moreover, we found a significant decrease in plasma interleukin-6 (≈0.57 ± 0.23-fold change, p < 0.05) and increases in both interleukin-10 (≈1.15 ± 0.35-fold change, p < 0.05) and PBMCs' mRNA level of SOD2 (≈1.87 ± 0.36-fold change, p < 0.05). Finally, PA improves functional parameters (6 min walking test, ≈+6.50%, p < 0.01; Borg, ≈-58.18%, p < 0.01; sit-and-reach, ≈+250.00%, p < 0.01; scratch right, ≈-24.12%, and left, ≈-18.81%, p < 0.01) and body composition (free fat mass, ≈+2.80%, p < 0.05; fat mass, ≈-6.93%, p < 0.05) as well as the QoL (physical function, ≈+5.78%, p < 0.05) and fatigue (cognitive fatigue, ≈-60%, p < 0.05) parameters. These results suggest that a specific PA program not only is effective in improving functional and anthropometric parameters but may also activate cellular responses through a multitude of actions in postsurgery BC patients undergoing adjuvant therapy. These may include modulation of gene expression and protein activity and impacting several signaling pathways/biological activities involved in tumor-cell growth; metastasis; and inflammation, as well as moderating distress symptoms known to negatively affect QoL.

Steady-state redox status in circulating extracellular vesicles: A proof-of-principle study on the role of fitness level and short-term aerobic training in healthy young males

Considering the role of redox homeostasis in exercise-induced signaling and adaptation, this study focuses on the exercise training-related intercellular communication of redox status mediated by circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). 19 healthy young males were divided into trained (TG, 7) and untrained (UG, 12) subjects based on their VO_2MAX. The UG subjects were further randomly distributed in experimental (UG_EX, N = 7) and control (UG_CTRL, N = 5) groups. The steady state of plasma EVs in TG and UG_EX have been characterized for total number and size, as well as cargo redox status (antioxidants, transcription factors, HSPs) before, 3 and 24 h after a single bout of aerobic exercise (30', 70% HRM). Plasma EVs from UG_EX and UG_CTRL have been further characterized after 24 h from the last session of a 5-day consecutive aerobic training or no training, respectively. No differences were detected in the EVs' size and distribution at baseline in TG and UG_EX (p>0.05), while the EVs cargo of UG_EX showed a significantly higher concentration of protein carbonyl, Catalase, SOD2, and HSF1 compared to TG (p<0.05). 5 days of consecutive aerobic training in UG_EX did not determine major changes in the steady-state number and size of EVs. The post-training levels of protein carbonyl, HSF1, Catalase, and SOD2 in EVs cargo of UG_EX resulted significantly lower compared with UG_EX before training and UG_CTRL, resembling the steady-state levels in circulating EVs of TG subjects. Altogether, these preliminary data indicate that individual aerobic capacity influences the redox status of circulating EVs, and that short-term aerobic training impacts the steady-state redox status of EVs. Taking this pilot study as a paradigm for physio-pathological stimuli impacting redox homeostasis, our results offer new insights into the utilization of circulating EVs as biomarkers of exercise efficacy and of early impairment of oxidative-stress related diseases.

The physical exercise-induced oxidative/inflammatory response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Signaling cellular energetic stress situations

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a variety of specialized immune cells produced in the bone marrow from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that work together to protect our bodies from harmful pathogens. From a metabolic point of view, these cells can serve as sentinel tissue source for distinguishing multiple types of whole-body physiological perturbations. The significant interaction of PBMCs with systemic physiology makes these cells an attractive target for several interventions such as physical exercise. Analyses of oxidative/inflammatory and metabolic markers of PBMCs obtained from unhealthy and healthy humans have been used in monitoring immune response in different exercise conditions. It is already a common consensus that regular practice of physical exercise, that is planned, structured, and repetitive, influences personal health by altering the metabolic state and the immune system. However, the role of distinct metabolic processes responsible for maintaining metabolic balance during physical exercise in PBMCs is not fully understood. Furthermore, a complete dose-response analysis between different exercise protocols and biomarkers capable of predicting physical performance needs to be better elucidated. The absence of published reviews on this topic compromises the understanding of the crosstalk between the metabolic adaptations of PBMCs and exercise-induced changes in the immune system. Given the above, this review highlights the main findings in the literature involving the responses of PBMCs in the inflammatory/oxidative stress induced by physical exercise. The present review also highlights how distinct phenotypes and functional diversity of PBMCs make these cells an accessible alternative for assessing exercise-induced metabolic adaptations.

LncRNA MALAT1-related signaling pathways in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common and malignant form of bone cancer, which affects children and young adults. OS is identified by osteogenic differentiation and metastasis. However, the exact molecular mechanism of OS development and progression is still unclear. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been proven to regulate OS proliferation and drug resistance. LncRNAs are longer than 200 nucleotides that represent the extensive applications in the processing of pre-mRNA and the pathogenesis of human diseases. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1) is a well-known lncRNA known as a transcriptional and translational regulator. The aberrant expression of MALAT1 has been shown in several human cancers. The high level of MALAT1 is involved in OS cell growth and tumorigenicity by targeting several signaling pathways and miRNAs. Hence, MALAT1 might be a suitable approach for OS diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we will summarize the role of lncRNA MALAT1 in the pathophysiology of OS.

The Preventive Role of Physical Activity in Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Disease Progression

Although exercise is associated with improved health in many medical conditions, little is known about the possible influences of physical activity (PA) habits pre- and post- a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) on disease activity and progression. This cross-sectional study assessed, for the first time, self-reported pre- and post-diagnostic PA levels with the aim to verify if changes in these levels were correlated with demographic/anthropometric data (e.g., weight, height, gender, age, BMI), disease duration, diagnostic/clinical parameters (e.g., skin involvement, pulmonary hemodynamic/echocardiographic data, disease activity) related to disease activity and progression, and quality of life in a population-based sample of patients with SSc. Adult participants (n = 34, age 56.6 ± 13.3 years) with SSc (limited cutaneous SSc, lcSSc, n = 20; diffuse cutaneous SSc, dcSSc, n = 9; sine scleroderma SSc, n = 5) were enrolled at the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology of the Humanitas Research Hospital. All medical data were recorded during periodic clinical visits by a rheumatologist. Moreover, all subjects included in this study completed extensive questionnaires to evaluate their health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and others related to health-related physical activity performed before (PRE) and after (POST) the diagnosis of disease. The linear regression analysis has shown that either a high Sport_index or Leisure_index in the PRE-diagnostic period was correlated with lower disease duration in dcSSc patients. Physical load during sport activity and leisure time accounted for ~61.1% and ~52.6% of the individual variation in disease duration, respectively. In lcSSc patients, a high PRE value related to physical load during sporting activities was correlated with a low pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) and the POST value of the Work_index was positively correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and negatively with creatine kinase levels (CK). Interestingly, the univariate analysis showed that Work_index accounts for ~29.4% of the variance in LVEF. Our analysis clearly reinforces the concept that high levels of physical load may play a role in primary prevention-delaying the onset of the disease in those subjects with a family history of SSc-as well as in secondary prevention, improving SSc management through a positive impact on different clinical parameters of the disease. However, it remains a priority to identify a customized physical load in order to minimize the possible negative effects of PA.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Induced by Decreasing Endogenous Melatonin Mediates the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Obesity

Lifestyle choices, external environment, aging, and other factors influence the synthesis of melatonin. Although the physiological functions of melatonin have been widely studied in relation to specific organs, the systemic effects of endogenous melatonin reduction has not been reported. This study evaluates the systemic changes and possible pathogenic risks in an endogenous melatonin reduction (EMR) mouse model deficient in the rate limiting enzyme in melatonin production, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aanat) gene. Using this model, we identified a new relationship between melatonin, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and gut microbiota. Systematic changes were evaluated using multi-omics analysis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to examine the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenic risks of EMR. EMR mice exhibited a pan-metabolic disorder, with significant transcriptome changes in 11 organs, serum metabolome alterations as well as microbiota dysbiosis. Microbiota dysbiosis was accompanied by increased gut permeability along with gut and systemic inflammation. Correlation analysis revealed that systemic inflammation may be related to the increase of Ruminiclostridium_5 relative abundance. 8-month-old EMR mice had AD-like phenotypes, including Iba-1 activation, A β protein deposition and decreased spatial memory ability. Moreover, EMR mice showed decreased anti stress ability, under high-fat diet, EMR mice had greater body weight and more obvious hepatic steatosis compared with WT group. FMT improved gut permeability, systemic inflammation, and AD-related phenotypes, while reducing obesity in EMR mice. Our findings suggest EMR causes systemic changes mediated by gut microbiota dysbiosis, which may be a pathogenic factor for AD and obesity, we further proved the gut microbiota is a potential target for the prevention and treatment of AD and obesity.

The Beneficial Role of Physical Exercise on Anthracyclines Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients

The increase in breast cancer (BC) survival has determined a growing survivor population that seems to develop several comorbidities and, specifically, treatment-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially those patients treated with anthracyclines. Indeed, it is known that these compounds act through the induction of supraphysiological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which appear to be central mediators of numerous direct and indirect cardiac adverse consequences. Evidence suggests that physical exercise (PE) practised before, during or after BC treatments could represent a viable non-pharmacological strategy as it increases heart tolerance against many cardiotoxic agents, and therefore improves several functional, subclinical, and clinical parameters. At molecular level, the cardioprotective effects are mainly associated with an exercise-induced increase of stress response proteins (HSP60 and HSP70) and antioxidant (SOD activity, GSH), as well as a decrease in lipid peroxidation, and pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, this protection can potentially be explained by a preservation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform distribution. Despite this knowledge, it is not clear which type of exercise should be suggested in BC patient undergoing anthracycline treatment. This highlights the lack of special guidelines on how affected patients should be managed more efficiently. This review offers a general framework for the role of anthracyclines in the physio-pathological mechanisms of cardiotoxicity and the potential protective role of PE. Finally, potential exercise-based strategies are discussed on the basis of scientific findings.

Alpha B-Crystallin in Muscle Disease Prevention: The Role of Physical Activity

HSPB5 or alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB), originally identified as lens protein, is one of the most widespread and represented of the human small heat shock proteins (sHSPs). It is greatly expressed in tissue with high rates of oxidative metabolism, such as skeletal and cardiac muscles, where HSPB5 dysfunction is associated with a plethora of human diseases. Since HSPB5 has a major role in protecting muscle tissues from the alterations of protein stability (i.e., microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filament components), it is not surprising that this sHSP is specifically modulated by exercise. Considering the robust content and the protective function of HSPB5 in striated muscle tissues, as well as its specific response to muscle contraction, it is then realistic to predict a specific role for exercise-induced modulation of HSPB5 in the prevention of muscle diseases caused by protein misfolding. After offering an overview of the current knowledge on HSPB5 structure and function in muscle, this review aims to introduce the reader to the capacity that different exercise modalities have to induce and/or activate HSPB5 to levels sufficient to confer protection, with the potential to prevent or delay skeletal and cardiac muscle disorders.

Alternative Splicing, Epigenetic Modifications and Cancer: A Dangerous Triangle, or a Hopeful One?

Simple Summary

Epigenetics studies the alteration of gene expression without changing DNA sequence and very often, epigenetic dysregulation causes cancer. Alternative splicing is a mechanism that results in the production of several mRNA isoforms from a single gene and aberrant splicing is also a frequent cause of cancer. The present review is built on the interrelations of epigenetics and alternative splicing. In an intuitive way, we say that epigenetic modifications and alternative splicing are at two vertices of a triangle, the third vertex being occupied by cancer. Interconnection between alternative splicing and epigenetic modifications occurs backward and forward and the mechanisms involved are widely reviewed. These connections also provide novel diagnostic or prognostic tools, which are listed. Finally, as epigenetic alterations are reversible and aberrant alternative splicing may be corrected, the therapeutic possibilities to break the triangle are discussed.

Abstract

The alteration of epigenetic modifications often causes cancer onset and development. In a similar way, aberrant alternative splicing may result in oncogenic products. These issues have often been individually reviewed, but there is a growing body of evidence for the interconnection of both causes of cancer. Actually, aberrant splicing may result from abnormal epigenetic signalization and epigenetic factors may be altered by alternative splicing. In this way, the interrelation between epigenetic marks and alternative splicing form the base of a triangle, while cancer may be placed at the vertex. The present review centers on the interconnections at the triangle base, i.e., between alternative splicing and epigenetic modifications, which may result in neoplastic transformations. The effects of different epigenetic factors, including DNA and histone modifications, the binding of non-coding RNAs and the alterations of chromatin organization on alternative splicing resulting in cancer are first considered. Other less-frequently considered questions, such as the epigenetic regulation of the splicing machinery, the aberrant splicing of epigenetic writers, readers and erasers, etc., are next reviewed in their connection with cancer. The knowledge of the above-mentioned relationships has allowed increasing the collection of biomarkers potentially useful as cancer diagnostic and/or prognostic tools. Finally, taking into account on one hand that epigenetic changes are reversible, and some epigenetic drugs already exist and, on the other hand, that drugs intended for reversing aberrations in alternative splicing, therapeutic possibilities for breaking the mentioned cancer-related triangle are discussed.

Systemic Response of Antioxidants, Heat Shock Proteins, and Inflammatory Biomarkers to Short-Lasting Exercise Training in Healthy Male Subjects

Regular physical activity can enhance immune function and effectively prevents the spread of the cytokine response, thus reducing systemic low-grade inflammation and improving various immune markers. Moreover, regular exercise maintains redox homeostasis in skeletal muscle and other tissues, including immune cells, but the interconnection between the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise with the redox status of immune cells is still poorly understood. With the aim to verify the overall beneficial effect of regular training on the immune system, we have examined the acute and short-term effect of a 5-day exercise program on the modulation of protein and lipid oxidation, antioxidants (i.e., superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2), glutathione peroxide 1 (GPx1), thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1), and catalase (CAT)), and heat shock protein expression (i.e., heat shock protein-70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein-27 (HSP27)), at both mRNA and protein levels, as well as the activation of the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, plasmatic markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and stress response (i.e., protein carbonyl content, interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-8 (IL8), interleukin-10 (IL10), interleukin-17E (IL17E), interleukin-17F (IL17F), interleukin-21 (IL21), interleukin-22 (IL22), and interleukin-23 (IL23)) were analyzed in active untrained young adult subjects. Even in the absence of an increased amount of protein or lipid oxidation, we confirmed a PBMC upregulation of SOD1 (1.26 ± 0.07 fold change, p < 0.05), HSP70 (1.59 ± 0.28 fold change, p < 0.05), and HSP27 gene expression (1.49 ± 0.09 fold change, p < 0.05) after 3 hours from the first bout of exercise, followed by an increase in proteins' amount at 24 hours (SOD1, 1.80 ± 0.34 fold change; HSP70, 3.40 ± 0.58 fold change; and HSP27, 1.81 ± 0.20 fold change, p < 0.05) and return to basal levels after the 5 days of aerobic training. Indeed, the posttraining basal levels of oxidized molecules in plasma and PBMCs were statistically lower than the pretraining levels (carbonyl content, 0.50 ± 0.05 fold change, p < 0.01), paralleled by a lower expression of SOD2, Gpx1, and TrxR1, at mRNA (SOD2, 0.63 ± 0.06; GPx1, 0.69 ± 0.07; and TrxR1, 0.69 ± 0.12 fold change, p < 0.05) and protein (TrxR1, 0.49 ± 0.11 fold change, p < 0.05) levels. These results verified the existence of an early phase of redox adaptation to physical exercise already achievable after 5 days of moderate, regular aerobic training. More interestingly, this phenomenon was paralleled by the degree of NFκB activation in PBMCs and the decrease of plasmatic proinflammatory cytokines IL8, IL21, and IL22 in the posttraining period, suggesting an interconnected, short-term efficacy of aerobic exercise towards systemic oxidative stress and inflammation.

Role of Natural Antioxidant Products in Colorectal Cancer Disease: A Focus on a Natural Compound Derived from Prunus spinosa, Trigno Ecotype

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise in industrialized countries, which is why it is important to find new compounds that are effective, with little or no adverse health effects. CRC arises from some cells of the epithelium which, following a series of genetic or epigenetic mutations, obtain a selective advantage. This work consists of a review on endogenous and exogenous antioxidant products that may have an efficacy in the treatment of CRC and an experimental study, in which the treatment was carried out with a natural compound with antitumor and antiproliferative activity, Prunus spinosa Trigno ecotype, patented by us, on HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cell line. The superoxide content was quantified after the treatments at different concentrations (2, 5, or 10 mg/mL) by means of the DHR123 probe; loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential with the tetramethylrodamine methyl ester (TMRM) cationic probe and reduced glutathione content (GSH) from monochlorobimane (MCB). This study revealed the importance of a careful choice of the concentration of the natural compound to be used in the CRC, due to the presence of a paradoxical effect, both antioxidant and pro-oxidant, depending on the different physiological conditions of the cell.

Estrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women: The Role of Body Composition and Physical Exercise

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and the most common cause of cancer-related death. To date, it is still a challenge to estimate the magnitude of the clinical impact of physical activity (PA) on those parameters producing significative changes in future BC risk and disease progression. However, studies conducted in recent years highlight the role of PA not only as a protective factor for the development of ER+ breast cancer but, more generally, as a useful tool in the management of BC treatment as an adjuvant to traditional therapies. In this review, we focused our attention on data obtained from human studies analyzing, at each level of disease prevention (i.e., primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary), the positive impact of PA/exercise in ER+ BC, a subtype representing approximately 70% of all BC diagnoses. Moreover, given the importance of estrogen receptors and body composition (i.e., adipose tissue) in this subtype of BC, an overview of their role will also be made throughout this review.

Exercise Improves Endothelial Function via the lncRNA MALAT1/miR-320a Axis in Obese Children and Adolescents

Background

Endothelial dysfunction commonly occurs in obese children and adolescents, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise has significant protective effects against endothelial dysfunction through regulating some noncoding RNAs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and microRNA-320a (miR-320a) with the exercise-induced improvement of endothelial dysfunction in obese children and adolescents.

Methods

Sixty obese children and adolescents were included in this study, including 40 cases that received 12-week exercise training and 20 cases that received only diet control. The anthropometric and blood indices before and after exercise were recorded and compared, and the endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by examining the levels of markers, including VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin, using an ELISA assay. The expression levels of noncoding RNAs were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR, and their correlation with patients' recorded indices and endothelial dysfunction markers was analyzed.

Results

The 12-week exercise training significantly decreased the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin and could inhibit MALAT1 but promote miR-320a expression in obese children and adolescents. The expression of MALAT1 and miR-320a was correlated with the changes in the anthropometric and blood indices of obese children and adolescents, and their correlations with endothelial dysfunction markers were obtained.

Conclusion

All the data revealed that exercise has significantly protective effects against endothelial dysfunction and can regulate the expression of the MALAT1/miR-320a axis. MALAT1 and miR-320a were correlated with endothelial dysfunction markers, indicating that the MALAT1/miR-320a axis may be related with the alleviating effects of exercise on endothelial function in obese children and adolescents.

LncRNA MALAT1/miR-320a axis is associated with exercise-induced improvement of endothelial dysfunction in obese children

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction commonly occurs in obese children, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Exercise has protective effects against endothelial dysfunction through regulating some noncoding RNAs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 and microRNA-320a (miR-320a) with the exercise-induced improvement of endothelial dysfunction in obese children.

METHODS

Sixty obese children were included in this study, and 40 cases received a 12-week exercise training. The morphological and blood indices before and after exercise were recorded and compared, and the endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by examining the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, IL-6 and TNF-α using ELISA kits. The expression of noncoding RNAs was assessed using Real-Time quantitative PCR. Endothelial cells were used to explore the effects of MALAT1 and miR-320a on endothelial function.

RESULTS

The 12-well exercise training decreased the levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin, and inhibited MALAT1 but promoted miR-320a expression in obese children. The expression of MALAT1 and miR-320a was correlated with the changes of morphological and blood indices in obese children, and their correlations with endothelial dysfunction markers were obtained. Additionally, MALAT1 overexpression or miR-320a reduction led to inhibited proliferation and increased inflammation in HUVECs.

CONCLUSION

All the data revealed that exercise has significantly protective effects against endothelial dysfunction, and can regulate the expression of the MALAT1/miR-320a axis. MALAT1 and miR-320a were correlated with endothelial dysfunction, indicating that the MALAT1/miR-320a axis may be related with the alleviating effects of exercise on endothelial function in obese children.

The effects of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation and the mechanisms from ncRNAs

Ample proof showed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Varied forms of biophysical stimuli like mechanical strain, fluid shear stress (FSS), microgravity and vibration are verified to regulate ncRNAs expression in osteogenic differentiation and influence the expression of target genes associated with osteogenic differentiation and ultimately regulate bone formation. The consequences of biophysical stimulation on osteogenic differentiation validate the prospect of exercise for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we tend to summarize the studies on regulation of osteogenic differentiation by ncRNAs beneath biophysical stimulation and facilitate to reveal the regulatory mechanism of biophysical stimulation on ncRNAs, and provide an update for the prevention of bone metabolism diseases by exercise.