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Dong MP, Dharmaraj N, Kaminagakura E, Xue J, Leach DG, Hartgerink JD, Zhang M, Hanks HJ, Ye Y, Aouizerat BE, Vining K, Thomas CM, Dovat S, Young S, Viet CT. Stimulator of Interferon Genes Pathway Activation through the Controlled Release of STINGel Mediates Analgesia and Anti-Cancer Effects in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2024; 12:920. [PMID: 38672274 PMCID: PMC11047833 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents significant treatment challenges due to its poor survival and intense pain at the primary cancer site. Cancer pain is debilitating, contributes to diminished quality of life, and causes opioid tolerance. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonism has been investigated as an anti-cancer strategy. We have developed STINGel, an extended-release formulation that prolongs the availability of STING agonists, which has demonstrated an enhanced anti-tumor effect in OSCC compared to STING agonist injection. This study investigates the impact of intra-tumoral STINGel on OSCC-induced pain using two separate OSCC models and nociceptive behavioral assays. Intra-tumoral STINGel significantly reduced mechanical allodynia in the orofacial cancer model and alleviated thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in the hind paw model. To determine the cellular signaling cascade contributing to the antinociceptive effect, we performed an in-depth analysis of immune cell populations via single-cell RNA-seq. We demonstrated an increase in M1-like macrophages and N1-like neutrophils after STINGel treatment. The identified regulatory pathways controlled immune response activation, myeloid cell differentiation, and cytoplasmic translation. Functional pathway analysis demonstrated the suppression of translation at neuron synapses and the negative regulation of neuron projection development in M2-like macrophages after STINGel treatment. Importantly, STINGel treatment upregulated TGF-β pathway signaling between various cell populations and peripheral nervous system (PNS) macrophages and enhanced TGF-β signaling within the PNS itself. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying STINGel-mediated antinociception and anti-tumorigenic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Phuong Dong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (M.P.D.); (M.Z.); (H.-J.H.)
| | - Neeraja Dharmaraj
- Katz Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (N.D.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Estela Kaminagakura
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), São Paulo 12245-00, Brazil;
| | - Jianfei Xue
- Katz Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (N.D.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - David G. Leach
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (D.G.L.); (J.D.H.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Hartgerink
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; (D.G.L.); (J.D.H.)
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Michael Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (M.P.D.); (M.Z.); (H.-J.H.)
| | - Hana-Joy Hanks
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (M.P.D.); (M.Z.); (H.-J.H.)
| | - Yi Ye
- Translational Research Center, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
- NYU Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Bradley E. Aouizerat
- NYU Pain Research Center, Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA;
| | - Kyle Vining
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carissa M. Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Sinisa Dovat
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Simon Young
- Katz Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (N.D.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Chi T. Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (M.P.D.); (M.Z.); (H.-J.H.)
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Chen C, He Y, Ni Y, Tang Z, Zhang W. Identification of crosstalk genes relating to ECM-receptor interaction genes in MASH and DN using bioinformatics and machine learning. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18156. [PMID: 38429902 PMCID: PMC10907849 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify genes shared by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASH) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction genes on them. Datasets with MASH and DN were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pearson's coefficients assessed the correlation between ECM-receptor interaction genes and cross talk genes. The coexpression network of co-expression pairs (CP) genes was integrated with its protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and machine learning was employed to identify essential disease-representing genes. Finally, immuno-penetration analysis was performed on the MASH and DN gene datasets using the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the plausibility of these genes in diseases. We found 19 key CP genes. Fos proto-oncogene (FOS), belonging to the IL-17 signalling pathway, showed greater centrality PPI network; Hyaluronan Mediated Motility Receptor (HMMR), belonging to ECM-receptor interaction genes, showed most critical in the co-expression network map of 19 CP genes; Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1), like FOS, showed a high ability to predict disease in XGBoost analysis. Further immune infiltration showed a clear positive correlation between FOS/FOXC1 and mast cells that secrete IL-17 during inflammation. Combining the results of previous studies, we suggest a FOS/FOXC1/HMMR regulatory axis in MASH and DN may be associated with mast cells in the acting IL-17 signalling pathway. Extracellular HMMR may regulate the IL-17 pathway represented by FOS through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (ERK) or PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. HMMR may serve as a signalling carrier between MASH and DN and could be targeted for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Instrumentation and Service Center for Science and TechnologyBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuxi He
- Pediatric Research InstituteThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Ying Ni
- Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Zhanming Tang
- Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Wensheng Zhang
- Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Engineering Research Center of Natural Medicine, Ministry of Education, Advanced Institute of Natural SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityZhuhaiChina
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3
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Liu B, Xu YJ, Chu FR, Sun G, Zhao GD, Wang SZ. Development of a clinical nomogram for prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:396-408. [PMID: 38463346 PMCID: PMC10921200 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i2.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced gastric cancer (GC) is still a controversial issue. AIM To find factors associated with chemosensitivity to NAC treatment and to provide the optimal therapeutic strategies for GC patients receiving NAC. METHODS The clinical information was collected from 230 GC patients who received NAC treatment at the Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression analysis was used to find the possible predictors. A nomogram model was employed to predict the response to NAC. RESULTS In total 230 patients were finally included in this study, including 154 males (67.0%) and 76 females (33.0%). The mean age was (59.37 ± 10.60) years, ranging from 24 years to 80 years. According to the tumor regression grade standard, there were 95 cases in the obvious response group (grade 0 or grade 1) and 135 cases in the poor response group (grade 2 or grade 3). The obvious response rate was 41.3%. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis showed that four risk factors significantly related to the efficacy of NAC were tumor location (P < 0.001), histological differentiation (P = 0.001), clinical T stage (P = 0.008), and carbohydrate antigen 724 (P = 0.008). The C-index for the prediction nomogram was 0.806. The calibration curve revealed that the predicted value exhibited good agreement with the actual value. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram had a good value in clinical application. CONCLUSION A nomogram combining tumor location, histological differentiation, clinical T stage, and carbohydrate antigen 724 showed satisfactory predictive power to the response of NAC and can be used by gastrointestinal surgeons to determine the optimal treatment strategies for advanced GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou 570208, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou 570208, Hainan Province, China
| | - Feng-Ran Chu
- Clinical College, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, Hainan Province, China
| | - Guang Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou 570208, Hainan Province, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou 570208, Hainan Province, China
| | - Sheng-Zhong Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou 570208, Hainan Province, China
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Liu JY, Zheng JQ, Yin CL, Tang WP, Zhang JN. Hotspots and frontiers of the relationship between gastric cancer and depression: A bibliometric study. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:6076-6088. [PMID: 38130743 PMCID: PMC10731158 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i46.6076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant relationship between gastric cancer (GC) and depression has been found in the last 20 years. However, there is no comprehensive information that helps researchers find popular and potential research directions on GC and depression. AIM To determine the research status and hotspots by bibliometric analysis of relevant publications on the relationship between GC and depression. METHODS We used the Web of Science Core Collection to search and collate the literature on GC and depression from 2000 to 2022 on 31 May, 2023. Then, visualization analysis was performed using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19) and the Bibliometrix package in R software. RESULTS We retrieved 153 pertinent publications from 2000 to 2022. The annual publication count showed an overall upward trend. China had the most prominent publications and significant contributions to this field (n = 64, 41.83%). Before 2020, most studies focused on "the effect of GC on the development and progression of depression in patients." The latest research trends indicate that "the effect of depression on the occurrence and development of GC and its mechanism" will receive more attention in the future. CONCLUSION The study of "the effect of depression on the occurrence and development of GC and its mechanism" has emerged as a novel research theme over the past two years, which may become a research hotspot in this field. This study provides new insights into the hotpots and frontiers of the relationship between GC and depression, potentially guiding researchers toward hot research topics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ji-Qi Zheng
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Yin
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Medical Big Data Application Technology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Wen-Pei Tang
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jian-Ning Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Huang FF, Cui WH, Ma LY, Chen Q, Liu Y. Crosstalk of nervous and immune systems in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1309738. [PMID: 38099290 PMCID: PMC10720593 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1309738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor known for its extremely low survival rate. The combination of genetic disorders within pancreatic cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and progression of this devastating disease. Extensive research has shed light on the nature of the microenvironmental cells surrounding the pancreatic cancer, including peripheral nerves and immune cells. Peripheral nerves release neuropeptides that directly target pancreatic cancer cells in a paracrine manner, while immune cells play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells that have not evaded the immune response. Recent studies have revealed the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune systems in homeostatic condition as well as in cancer development. In this review, we aim to summarize the function of nerves in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the significance to investigate the neural-immune crosstalk during the advancement of this malignant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Huang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Cui
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yue Ma
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Kuol N, Godlewski J, Kmiec Z, Vogrin S, Fraser S, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Cholinergic signaling influences the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and tumor hallmarks in human colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:971. [PMID: 37828429 PMCID: PMC10568879 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cells express immunosuppressive molecules, such as programmed death ligands (PD-L)1 and PD-L2, enabling evasion from the host's immune system. Cancer cells synthesize and secrete acetylcholine (ACh), acting as an autocrine or paracrine hormone to promote their proliferation, differentiation, and migration. METHODS We correlated the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, cholinergic muscarinic receptor 3 (M3R), alpha 7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues with the stage of disease, gender, age, risk, and patient survival. The effects of a muscarinic receptor blocker, atropine, and a selective M3R blocker, 4-DAMP, on the expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers were evaluated in human CRC (LIM-2405, HT-29) cells. RESULTS Increased expression of PD-L1, M3R, and ChAT at stages III-IV was associated with a high risk of CRC and poor survival outcomes independent of patients' gender and age. α7nAChR and PD-L2 were not changed at any CRC stages. Atropine and 4-DAMP suppressed the proliferation and migration of human CRC cells, induced apoptosis, and decreased PD-L1, PD-L2, and M3R expression in CRC cells via inhibition of EGFR and phosphorylation of ERK. CONCLUSIONS The expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers may increase the risk of recurrence of CRC. These markers might be used in determining prognosis and treatment regimens for CRC patients. Blocking cholinergic signaling may be a potential therapeutic for CRC through anti-proliferation and anti-migration via inhibition of EGFR and phosphorylation of ERK. These effects allow the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
| | | | - Zbigniew Kmiec
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
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Khanmammadova N, Islam S, Sharma P, Amit M. Neuro-immune interactions and immuno-oncology. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:636-649. [PMID: 37258398 PMCID: PMC10524972 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), driving tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Neuronal cues (e.g., neurotransmitters and neuropeptides) in the TME cause phenotypic changes in immune cells, such as increased exhaustion and inhibition of effector cells, which promote immune evasion and cancer progression. Two types of immune regulation by tumor-associated nerves are discussed in this review: regulation via neuronal stimuli (i.e., by neural transmission) and checkpoint-mediated neuronal immune regulation. The latter occurs via the expression of immune checkpoints on the membranes of intratumoral nerves and glial cells. Here, we summarize novel findings regarding the neuroimmune circuits in the tumor milieu, while emphasizing the potential targets of new and affordable anticancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmina Khanmammadova
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shajedul Islam
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Immunobiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Târtea EA, Petrescu M, Udriștoiu I, Gheorman V, Biciușcă V, Petrescu AR, Ciurea AM, Vere CC. Clinical Outcomes Depending on Sympathetic Innervation in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113040. [PMID: 37297000 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to evaluate sympathetic neuronal remodeling in patients with pancreatic cancer, together with its correlation with clinical outcomes. METHODS In this descriptive, retrospective study, we analyzed pancreatic cancer specimens and peritumoral pancreatic tissue from 122 patients. We also investigated tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity for the analysis of sympathetic nerve fibers and beta 2 adrenoreceptors immunoreactivity. To investigate the potential interaction between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), beta 2 adrenoreceptors (B2A) immunoreactivity, and clinicopathological outcomes, we used the median to classify each case as TH+, respectively, B2A+ (if it presented a value higher than the median). RESULTS Firstly, the overall survival was analyzed according to TH and B2A immunoreactivity, in both intratumoral and peritumoral tissue. Only B2A immunoreactivity in the peritumoral pancreatic tissue influenced overall survival at 5 years of follow-up; thus, B2A+ patients recorded a 5-year survival of only 3% compared to B2A- patients who recorded an overall survival at 5 years of follow-up of 14% (HR = 1.758, 95% CI of ratio 1.297 to 2.938, p = 0.0004). Additionally, the increased immunoreactivity of B2A in the peritumoral tissue was also associated with other factors of poor prognosis, such as moderately or poorly differentiated tumors, the absence of response to first-line chemotherapy, or metastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS The increased immunoreactivity of beta 2 adrenoreceptors in pancreatic peritumoral tissue represents a poor prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Anca Târtea
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihai Petrescu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ion Udriștoiu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Victor Gheorman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Viorel Biciușcă
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | | | - Ana-Maria Ciurea
- Department of Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cristin Constantin Vere
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Cao Y. Neural induction drives body axis formation during embryogenesis, but a neural induction-like process drives tumorigenesis in postnatal animals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1092667. [PMID: 37228646 PMCID: PMC10203556 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterization of cancer cells and neural stem cells indicates that tumorigenicity and pluripotency are coupled cell properties determined by neural stemness, and tumorigenesis represents a process of progressive loss of original cell identity and gain of neural stemness. This reminds of a most fundamental process required for the development of the nervous system and body axis during embryogenesis, i.e., embryonic neural induction. Neural induction is that, in response to extracellular signals that are secreted by the Spemann-Mangold organizer in amphibians or the node in mammals and inhibit epidermal fate in ectoderm, the ectodermal cells lose their epidermal fate and assume the neural default fate and consequently, turn into neuroectodermal cells. They further differentiate into the nervous system and also some non-neural cells via interaction with adjacent tissues. Failure in neural induction leads to failure of embryogenesis, and ectopic neural induction due to ectopic organizer or node activity or activation of embryonic neural genes causes a formation of secondary body axis or a conjoined twin. During tumorigenesis, cells progressively lose their original cell identity and gain of neural stemness, and consequently, gain of tumorigenicity and pluripotency, due to various intra-/extracellular insults in cells of a postnatal animal. Tumorigenic cells can be induced to differentiation into normal cells and integrate into normal embryonic development within an embryo. However, they form tumors and cannot integrate into animal tissues/organs in a postnatal animal because of lack of embryonic inducing signals. Combination of studies of developmental and cancer biology indicates that neural induction drives embryogenesis in gastrulating embryos but a similar process drives tumorigenesis in a postnatal animal. Tumorigenicity is by nature the manifestation of aberrant occurrence of pluripotent state in a postnatal animal. Pluripotency and tumorigenicity are both but different manifestations of neural stemness in pre- and postnatal stages of animal life, respectively. Based on these findings, I discuss about some confusion in cancer research, propose to distinguish the causality and associations and discriminate causal and supporting factors involved in tumorigenesis, and suggest revisiting the focus of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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10
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Slominski RM, Raman C, Chen JY, Slominski AT. How cancer hijacks the body's homeostasis through the neuroendocrine system. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:263-275. [PMID: 36803800 PMCID: PMC10038913 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
During oncogenesis, cancer not only escapes the body's regulatory mechanisms, but also gains the ability to affect local and systemic homeostasis. Specifically, tumors produce cytokines, immune mediators, classical neurotransmitters, hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, biogenic amines, melatonin, and glucocorticoids, as demonstrated in human and animal models of cancer. The tumor, through the release of these neurohormonal and immune mediators, can control the main neuroendocrine centers such as the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, and thyroid to modulate body homeostasis through central regulatory axes. We hypothesize that the tumor-derived catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, neuropeptides, and other neurotransmitters can affect body and brain functions. Bidirectional communication between local autonomic and sensory nerves and the tumor, with putative effects on the brain, is also envisioned. Overall, we propose that cancers can take control of the central neuroendocrine and immune systems to reset the body homeostasis in a mode favoring its expansion at the expense of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M Slominski
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chander Raman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jake Y Chen
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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11
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Liang XW, Xiao WS, Lei H, Huag QC, Dong YL, Wang F, Qing WP. Risk model and factors for prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer-a two-center cohort study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:41. [PMID: 36631788 PMCID: PMC9832661 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Due to inconsistency in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) response in advanced gastric cancer (GC), the indications remain the source of controversy. This study focused on identifying factors related to NACT chemosensitivity and providing the best treatment for GC cases. METHODS Clinical data in 867 GC cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy were downloaded from two medical centers between January 2014 and December 2020, and analyzed by logistic regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for identifying potential factors that predicted NACT response and might be incorporated in constructing the prediction nomogram. RESULTS After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, totally 460 cases were enrolled, among which, 307 were males (66.74%) whereas 153 were females (33.26%), with the age of 24-77 (average, 59.37 ± 10.60) years. Consistent with RECIST standard, 242 patients were classified into effective group (PR or CR) while 218 were into ineffective group (PD or SD), with the effective rate of 52.61%. In training set, LASSO and logistic regression analysis showed that five risk factors were significantly associated with NACT effectiveness, including tumor location, Smoking history, T and N stages, and differentiation. In terms of our prediction model, its C-index was 0.842. Moreover, calibration curve showed that the model-predicted results were in good consistence with actual results. Validation based on internal and external validation sets exhibited consistency between training set results and ours. CONCLUSIONS This study identified five risk factors which were significantly associated with NACT response, including smoking history, clinical T stage, clinical N stage, tumor location and differentiation. The prediction model that exhibited satisfying ability to predict NACT effectiveness was constructed, which may be adopted for identifying the best therapeutic strategy for advanced GC by gastrointestinal surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Wen Liang
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Present Address: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, China ,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Wei-Sheng Xiao
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hao Lei
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qian-Cheng Huag
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yu-Lan Dong
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fang Wang
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wei-Peng Qing
- grid.412017.10000 0001 0266 8918Radiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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12
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Blocking Muscarinic Receptor 3 Attenuates Tumor Growth and Decreases Immunosuppressive and Cholinergic Markers in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010596. [PMID: 36614038 PMCID: PMC9820315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have evolved to express immunosuppressive molecules allowing their evasion from the host's immune system. These molecules include programmed death ligands 1 and 2 (PD-L1 and PD-L2). Cancer cells can also produce acetylcholine (ACh), which plays a role in tumor development. Moreover, tumor innervation can stimulate vascularization leading to tumor growth and metastasis. The effects of atropine and muscarinic receptor 3 (M3R) blocker, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP), on cancer growth and spread were evaluated in vitro using murine colon cancer cell line, CT-26, and in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model of colorectal cancer. In the in vitro model, atropine and 4-DAMP significantly inhibited CT-26 cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Atropine attenuated immunosuppressive markers and M3R via inhibition of EGFR/AKT/ERK signaling pathways. However, 4-DAMP showed no effect on the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) on CT-26 cells but attenuated M3R by suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. Blocking of M3R in vivo decreased tumor growth and expression of immunosuppressive, cholinergic, and angiogenic markers through inhibition of AKT and ERK, leading to an improved immune response against cancer. The expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers may hold potential in determining prognosis and treatment regimens for colorectal cancer patients. This study's results demonstrate that blocking M3R has pronounced antitumor effects via several mechanisms, including inhibition of immunosuppressive molecules, enhancement of antitumor immune response, and suppression of tumor angiogenesis via suppression of the AKT/ERK signaling pathway. These findings suggest a crosstalk between the cholinergic and immune systems during cancer development. In addition, the cholinergic system influences cancer evasion from the host's immunity.
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13
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Drug Repurposing at the Interface of Melanoma Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010083. [PMID: 36678712 PMCID: PMC9865219 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells have a remarkable ability to evade recognition and destruction by the immune system. At the same time, cancer has been associated with chronic inflammation, while certain autoimmune diseases predispose to the development of neoplasia. Although cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized antitumor treatment, immune-related toxicities and adverse events detract from the clinical utility of even the most advanced drugs, especially in patients with both, metastatic cancer and pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Here, the combination of multi-omics, data-driven computational approaches with the application of network concepts enables in-depth analyses of the dynamic links between cancer, autoimmune diseases, and drugs. In this review, we focus on molecular and epigenetic metastasis-related processes within cancer cells and the immune microenvironment. With melanoma as a model, we uncover vulnerabilities for drug development to control cancer progression and immune responses. Thereby, drug repurposing allows taking advantage of existing safety profiles and established pharmacokinetic properties of approved agents. These procedures promise faster access and optimal management for cancer treatment. Together, these approaches provide new disease-based and data-driven opportunities for the prediction and application of targeted and clinically used drugs at the interface of immune-mediated diseases and cancer towards next-generation immunotherapies.
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14
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Ephraim R, Feehan J, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Cancer Immunotherapy: The Checkpoint between Chronic Colitis and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246131. [PMID: 36551617 PMCID: PMC9776998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that cause intestinal inflammation and lesions because of an abnormal immune response to host gut microflora. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics are often used to reduce non-specific inflammation and relapse rates; however, such treatments are ineffective over time. Patients with chronic colitis are more susceptible to developing colorectal cancer, especially those with a longer duration of colitis. There is often a limit in using chemotherapy due to side effects, leading to reduced efficacy, leaving an urgent need to improve treatments and identify new therapeutic targets. Cancer immunotherapy has made significant advances in recent years and is mainly categorized as cancer vaccines, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, or immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Checkpoint markers are expressed on cancer cells to evade the immune system, and as a result checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer treatment in the last 5-10 years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced long-lasting clinical responses in both single and combination therapies. Winnie mice are a viable model of spontaneous chronic colitis with immune responses like human IBD. Determining the expression levels of checkpoint markers in tissues from these mice will provide insights into disease initiation, progression, and cancer. Such information will lead to identification of novel checkpoint markers and the development of treatments with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines to slow or stop disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ephraim
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Jack Feehan
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
- Correspondence:
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15
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Nerves in gastrointestinal cancer: from mechanism to modulations. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:768-784. [PMID: 36056202 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of gastrointestinal health is challenging as it requires balancing multifaceted processes within the highly complex and dynamic ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. Disturbances within this vibrant environment can have detrimental consequences, including the onset of gastrointestinal cancers. Globally, gastrointestinal cancers account for ~19% of all cancer cases and ~22.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Developing new ways to more readily detect and more efficiently target these malignancies are urgently needed. Whereas members of the tumour microenvironment, such as immune cells and fibroblasts, have already been in the spotlight as key players of cancer initiation and progression, the importance of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancers has only been highlighted in the past few years. Although extrinsic innervations modulate gastrointestinal cancers, cells and signals from the gut's intrinsic innervation also have the ability to do so. Here, we shed light on this thriving field and discuss neural influences during gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. We focus on the interactions between neurons and components of the gastrointestinal tract and tumour microenvironment, on the neural signalling pathways involved, and how these factors affect the cancer hallmarks, and discuss the neural signatures in gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, we highlight neural-related therapies that have potential for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
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16
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The Role of Neural Signaling in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174269. [PMID: 36077804 PMCID: PMC9454556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignant disease with a dense stroma, called the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence indicates the important role of sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory nerves in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Cancer cells and neural cells interact with each other to form a complex network and cooperatively promote cancer growth and invasion. In this review article, we describe the current understanding of the role of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant diseases. Various cells in the tumor microenvironment interact with tumor cells and orchestrate to support tumor progression. Several kinds of nerves are found in the tumor microenvironment, and each plays an essential role in tumor biology. Recent studies have shown that sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory neurons are found in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Neural signaling not only targets neural cells, but tumor cells and immune cells via neural receptors expressed on these cells, through which tumor growth, inflammation, and anti-tumor immunity are affected. Thus, these broad-range effects of neural signaling in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment may represent novel therapeutic targets. The modulation of neural signaling may be a therapeutic strategy targeting the whole tumor microenvironment. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the role of nerves in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, with an emphasis on pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms and the possibility of therapeutic applications.
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17
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Ephraim R, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Checkpoint Markers and Tumor Microenvironment: What Do We Know? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153788. [PMID: 35954452 PMCID: PMC9367329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ephraim
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
- Correspondence:
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18
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Britt NM, Poston MD, Garbe CG, Miller MK, Peeters LD, Wills LJ, Schweitzer JB, Brown RW, Hoover DB. Localization of NGF expression in mouse spleen and salivary gland: Relevance to pleotropic functions. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 366:577846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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19
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Validation of IL-7R as an Immunological Biomarker for Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030853. [PMID: 35159120 PMCID: PMC8834093 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite being the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lacks early diagnostic methods. We performed mRNA sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from PDAC patients and identified IL-7R as a potential early diagnostic biomarker for PDAC. Furthermore, we found that IL-7R had improved diagnostic performance when combined with CA19-9. Our previous study’s results with 23 individuals were validated in a cohort of 522 patients. Our findings suggested that IL-7R in combination with CA19-9 could have important clinical implications that contribute to an earlier PDAC diagnosis and improved patient survival. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer for which no early diagnostic method is available. The immune surveillance hypothesis suggests that the immune system plays crucial roles in tumor development and progression. We validated a PDAC-specific biomarker derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to facilitate early PDAC diagnosis. mRNA levels of interleukin-7R (IL-7R), reportedly a potential immunological marker for PDAC, were measured in PBMCs isolated prospectively from healthy controls (n = 100) and patients with PDAC (n = 135), pancreatic cysts (n = 82), chronic pancreatitis (n = 42), acute pancreatitis (n = 47), and other malignancies (n = 116). The IL-7R level was significantly higher in patients with PDAC than in healthy controls, patients with benign pancreatic disease, and patients with other malignancies. As diagnostic parameters, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for IL-7R were 58.5%, 92%, 90.8%, 62.2%, and 72.8%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.766. IL-7R levels did not differ between resectable and unresectable PDAC cases. The combined measurement of IL-7R and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) significantly improved the diagnostic parameters and AUROC compared with the use of IL-7R or CA19-9 alone. IL-7R is significantly upregulated in PBMCs in patients with PDAC, and it may be a novel diagnostic marker for PDAC. The combined use of IL-7R and CA19-9 enhanced the diagnostic performance.
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20
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Español P, Luna R, Soler C, Caruana P, Altés-Arranz A, Rodríguez F, Porta O, Sanchez O, Llurba E, Rovira R, Céspedes MV. Neural plasticity of the uterus: New targets for endometrial cancer? WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221095537. [PMID: 35465787 PMCID: PMC9047769 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221095537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological malignancy in Western countries and is expected to increase in the following years because of the high index of obesity in the population. Recently, neural signaling has been recognized as part of the tumor microenvironment, playing an active role in tumor progression and invasion of different solid tumor types. The uterus stands out for the physiological plasticity of its peripheral nerves due to cyclic remodeling brought on by estrogen and progesterone hormones throughout the reproductive cycle. Therefore, a precise understanding of nerve-cancer crosstalk and the contribution of the organ-intrinsic neuroplasticity, mediated by estrogen and progesterone, of the uterine is urgently needed. The development of new and innovative medicines for patients with endometrial cancer would increase their quality of life and health. This review compiles information on the architecture and function of autonomous uterine neural innervations and the influence of hormone-dependent nerves in normal uterus and tumor progression. It also explores new therapeutic possibilities for endometrial cancer using these endocrine and neural advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Español
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Luna
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Soler
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Caruana
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amanda Altés-Arranz
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Porta
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Sanchez
- Women and Perinatal Health Research Group, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Hospital Sant Pau and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Maternal and Child Health and Development Network, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Llurba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Women and Perinatal Health Research Group, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Hospital Sant Pau and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Maternal and Child Health and Development Network, Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Rovira
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Virtudes Céspedes
- Gynecology and Oncology Peritoneal Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Alshahrani SA, Al-Qahtani WS, Almufareh NA, Domiaty DM, Albasher GI, Safhi FA, AlQassim FA, Alotaibi MA, Al-Hazani TM, Almutlaq BA. Oral cancer among Khat users: finding evidence from DNA analysis of nine cancer-related gene mutations. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:626. [PMID: 34876124 PMCID: PMC8650367 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Khat leaves contain the alkaloid cathinone. Research shows that khat might provoke toxicity, mutagenicity, as well as carcinogenicity. METHODS Two groups were identified as khat abusers and were categorized by abuse time and diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, 41 participants from Group 2 were short-term khat users, and 42 participants were long-term khat users. The control group included 30 healthy individuals. The coding exons included nine cancer-related genes and were analysed. The histopathological research was conducted with H&E staining along with the TP53 protein expression by implementing immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS Here, 41 short-term khat users carried seven somatic mutations in four out of nine cancer-related genes: 29/41(70.73%) ARID1A, 24/41(58.53%) MLH1, 34/41(82.92%) PIK3CA and 36/41(87.80%) TP53. The 42 long-term khat users incorporated nine somatic mutations in five out of nin ecancer-related genes: 40/42(95.23%) ARID1A, 36/42(85.71%) ARID2, 29/42(69.04%) PIK3CA, 27/42(64.28%) MLH1, and 35/42(83.33%) TP53. Every khat user had somatic mutations related to OSCC affecting the gingiva and the lower lip. TP53 protein expression was confirmed in all immunohistochemical oral tests. Carcinoma was also positive in the histopathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS Khat is a mutagenic and carcinogenic plant that provoked OSCC among short-term khat users (<15 years of use) and long-term users (>15 years of use).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wedad Saeed Al-Qahtani
- Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Criminal Justice, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, P.O. Box 6830, 11452, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nawaf Abdulrahman Almufareh
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Preventive Dental Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Mostafa Domiaty
- College of Science, Department of Biology, University of Jeddah, P.O. Box 13151, 21493, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fatmah Ahmed Safhi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Tahani Mohamed Al-Hazani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 83, 11940, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Sarode GS, Sarode SC, Sengupta N, Ghone U, Sharma NK, Patil S. Hemorrhagic areas as a histological prognosticator in oral cancer: A novel proposition. Med Hypotheses 2021; 154:110642. [PMID: 34274885 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Determination of prognosis in oncology practice is a major challenge and many histological prognosticators have been applied because of the ease and simplicity of using them in day-to-day practice. Our histopathologic observation on 96 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) specimens revealed 34 cases associated with frank hemorrhagic areas, which were close to tumor cells. Hence, we propose that there could be a cross-talk between tumor cells and RBCs which can modulate the biological behavior of the tumor and prognosis of the patient. In the present paper, a scientific foundation is provided for this proposition. Furthermore, an experimental approach is recommended which will facilitate the identification of extracellular metabolites within the tumor microenvironment near RBCs. Such studies may pave the way for a better understanding of the clinical heterogeneity of oral cancer due to differential heme content of red blood cells (RBCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi S Sarode
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant-Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune 411018, MH, India
| | - Sachin C Sarode
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant-Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune 411018, MH, India.
| | - Namrata Sengupta
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant-Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune 411018, MH, India
| | - Urmi Ghone
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant-Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, Pune 411018, MH, India
| | - Nilesh K Sharma
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Yang X, Lou J, Shan W, Ding J, Jin Z, Hu Y, Du Q, Liao Q, Xie R, Xu J. Pathophysiologic Role of Neurotransmitters in Digestive Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:567650. [PMID: 34194334 PMCID: PMC8236819 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.567650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are special molecules that serve as messengers in chemical synapses between neurons, cells, or receptors, including catecholamines, serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters, which play an important role in both human physiology and pathology. Compelling evidence has indicated that neurotransmitters have an important physiological role in various digestive diseases. They act as ligands in combination with central or peripheral receptors, and transmits signals through chemical synapses, which are involved in regulating the physiological and pathological processes of the digestive tract organs. For instance, neurotransmitters regulate blood circulation and affect intestinal movement, nutrient absorption, the gastrointestinal innate immune system, and the microbiome. In this review, we will focus on the role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of digestive tract diseases to provide novel therapeutic targets for new drug development in digestive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rui Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jingyu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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24
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Gysler SM, Drapkin R. Tumor innervation: peripheral nerves take control of the tumor microenvironment. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e147276. [PMID: 34060481 DOI: 10.1172/jci147276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, cancer research has expanded exponentially beyond the study of abnormally dividing cells to include complex and extensive heterotypic interactions between cancer and noncancer cells that constitute the tumor microenvironment (TME). Modulation of stromal, immune, and endothelial cells by cancer cells promotes proliferation, survival, and metabolic changes that support tumor growth and metastasis. Recent evidence demonstrates that tumors can recruit peripheral nerves to the TME, leading to enhanced tumor growth in a range of cancer models through distinct mechanisms. This process, termed tumor innervation, is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and correlates with poor prognosis in clinical studies. Therefore, the peripheral nervous system may play an underrecognized role in cancer development, harboring targetable pathways that warrant investigation. To date, nerves have been implicated in driving proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune evasion through locally delivered neurotransmitters. However, emerging evidence suggests that cell-cell communication via exosomes induces tumor innervation, and thus exosomes may also mediate neural regulation of the TME. In this Review, seminal studies establishing tumor innervation are discussed, and known and putative signaling mechanisms between peripheral nerves and components of the TME are explored as a means to identify potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan M Gysler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology.,Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology.,Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and.,Basser Center for BRCA, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Arcuri E, Mercadante S, Santoni A. Immunity and pain: is it time for the birth of immunoalgology? Minerva Anestesiol 2021; 87:845-847. [PMID: 34036770 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.21.15713-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiano Mercadante
- Main Regional Center of Supportive/Palliative Care, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy
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26
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Precision oncology for breast cancer through clinical trials. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 39:71-78. [PMID: 33950412 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Precision treatment for breast cancers has made several notable advances in recent decades, but challenges of tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and aggressive recurrence and metastases remain. To meet and overcome these challenges, we must refine our understanding of breast subtypes and treatment biomarkers according to the knowledge afforded across the spectrum of 'omics assays. A critical aspect of harnessing this knowledge into actionable biomarkers for treatment decision relies on our ability to integrate knowledge across data types and leverage our insight in evidence-based clinical trials. We review recent advances in cutting-edge clinical trials for precision treatment of breast cancer, including chemotherapies, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combination therapies. We comment on promising future areas of development for this exciting point in precision breast cancer research.
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27
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Interplay between Metabolism Reprogramming and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081973. [PMID: 33923958 PMCID: PMC8072988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumor cells display important plasticity potential. Notably, tumor cells have the ability to change toward immature cells called cancer stem cells under the influence of the tumor environment. Importantly, cancer stem cells are a small subset of relatively quiescent cells that, unlike rapidly dividing differentiated tumor cells, escape standard chemotherapies, causing relapse or recurrence of cancer. Interestingly, these cells adopt a specific metabolism. Most often, they mainly rely on glucose uptake and metabolism to sustain their energy needs. This metabolic reprogramming is set off by environmental factors such as pro-inflammatory signals or catecholamine hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine). A better understanding of this process could provide opportunities to kill cancer stem cells. Indeed, it would become possible to develop drugs that act specifically on metabolic pathways used by these cells. These new drugs could be used to strengthen the effects of current chemotherapies and overcome cancers with poor prognoses. Abstract Tumor cells display important plasticity potential, which contributes to intratumoral heterogeneity. Notably, tumor cells have the ability to retrodifferentiate toward immature states under the influence of their microenvironment. Importantly, this phenotypical conversion is paralleled by a metabolic rewiring, and according to the metabostemness theory, metabolic reprogramming represents the first step of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of stemness features. Most cancer stem cells (CSC) adopt a glycolytic phenotype even though cells retain functional mitochondria. Such adaptation is suggested to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting CSC from detrimental effects of ROS. CSC may also rely on glutaminolysis or fatty acid metabolism to sustain their energy needs. Besides pro-inflammatory cytokines that are well-known to initiate the retrodifferentiation process, the release of catecholamines in the microenvironment of the tumor can modulate both EMT and metabolic changes in cancer cells through the activation of EMT transcription factors (ZEB1, Snail, or Slug (SNAI2)). Importantly, the acquisition of stem cell properties favors the resistance to standard care chemotherapies. Hence, a better understanding of this process could pave the way for the development of therapies targeting CSC metabolism, providing new strategies to eradicate the whole tumor mass in cancers with unmet needs.
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28
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Du L, Sun Y, Wang Q, Wang L, Zhang Y, Li S, Jin H, Yan S, Xiao X. Integrated metabolomics and 16S rDNA sequencing to investigate the mechanism of immune-enhancing effect of health Tonic oral liquid. Food Res Int 2021; 144:110323. [PMID: 34053528 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Health Tonic oral liquid (HT) is a popular functional food in China and is used to enhance host immune response. However, its mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this work, we combined ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS) serum metabolomics with 16S rDNA sequencing to evaluate the effects of HT on metabolomics profiling and microbial community signatures. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contents in fecal were quantified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results indicated that HT use leads to a significant increase in IgG, IgM and IgA. Thirty-four metabolites were identified and quantified using metabolomics, most were aromatic amino acids and metabolites involved in glucose metabolism. HT intervention significantly increased the abundance of Alloprevotella, which may contribute to intestinal barrier integrity and inflammatory response inhabitation. Most SCFAs were highly expressed following HT intake. In summary, HT use maintains glucose and lipid metabolism balance, promotes high expressions of beneficial bacteria, and exerts promising immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Du
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yuanfang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Leqi Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shasha Li
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huizi Jin
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Shikai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Xue Xiao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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29
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Santoni A, Mercadante S, Arcuri E. Chronic cancer and non-cancer pain and opioid-induced hyperalgesia share common mechanisms: neuroinflammation and central sensitization. Minerva Anestesiol 2020; 87:210-222. [PMID: 33300326 DOI: 10.23736/s0375-9393.20.14822-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a peculiar form of inflammation that occurs in response to noxious stimuli in peripheral and central nervous system (CNS), consists in altered vascular permeability followed by leukocyte recruitment and activation in the inflamed tissue, release of inflammatory mediators including cytokines and chemokines, and finally in the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord and CNS. This phenomenon mediates and even worsen the inflammatory pain in many painful states and is responsible for central sensitization leading to pain chronicity. We describe the major neuroinflammatory mechanisms shared by cancer and non-cancer pain. Particular attention is given to two different chronic inflammatory painful diseases such as the complex regional pain syndrome and the rheumatoid arthritis as prototypes of neuroinflammatory diseases (gliopathies). In addition, we describe the complexity of tumor microenvironment, their main cellular components (tumor cells, tumor infiltrating leukocytes and sensory neurons) and their reciprocal interactions that characterize different forms and intensity of cancer pain. We also hypothesize that one type of cancer pain, the breakthrough pain, can be attributable to receptor-mediated interaction of opioids with tumor cells and intratumoral leukocytes. Surprisingly, long-term opioid treatment shares the same neuroinflammatory potential responsible for the chronicity of both cancer and non-cancer pain; thus, resulting in paradoxical worsening rather than relieving pain. This paradox has upset the world of pain therapy, with neuroinflammation now being a main target of emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Mercadante
- Main Regional Center of Supportive/Palliative Care, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Arcuri
- IRCCS Regina Elena Cancer Institute, IFO, Rome, Italy - .,Ars Medica Pain Clinic, Rome, Italy
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30
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Mravec B, Horvathova L, Hunakova L. Neurobiology of Cancer: the Role of β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Various Tumor Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217958. [PMID: 33114769 PMCID: PMC7662752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and progression of cancer depends on both tumor micro- and macroenvironments. In addition, psychosocial and spiritual “environments” might also affect cancer. It has been found that the nervous system, via neural and humoral pathways, significantly modulates processes related to cancer at the level of the tumor micro- and macroenvironments. The nervous system also mediates the effects of psychosocial and noetic factors on cancer. Importantly, data accumulated in the last two decades have clearly shown that effects of the nervous system on cancer initiation, progression, and the development of metastases are mediated by the sympathoadrenal system mainly via β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Here, we provide a new complex view of the role of β-adrenergic receptor signaling within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments as well as in mediating the effects of the psychosocial and spiritual environments. In addition, we describe potential preventive and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mravec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 39 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-(2)-59357527; Fax: +421-(2)-59357601
| | - Lubica Horvathova
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 814 39 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Luba Hunakova
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia;
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31
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Tan M, Schaffalitzky de Muckadell OB, Jøergensen MT. Gene Expression Network Analysis of Precursor Lesions in Familial Pancreatic Cancer. J Pancreat Cancer 2020; 6:73-84. [PMID: 32783019 PMCID: PMC7415888 DOI: 10.1089/pancan.2020.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) are aggressive premalignant lesions, associated with risk of progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A depiction of co-dysregulated gene activity in high-grade familial pancreatic cancer (FPC)-related PanIN lesions may characterize the molecular events during the progression from familial PanIN to PDAC. Materials and Methods: We performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify clusters of coexpressed genes associated with FPC-related PanIN lesions in 13 samples with PanIN-2/3 from FPC predisposed individuals, 6 samples with PDAC from sporadic pancreatic cancer (SPC) patients, and 4 samples of normal donor pancreatic tissue. Results: WGCNA identified seven differentially expressed gene (DEG) modules and two commonly expressed gene (CEG) modules with significant enrichment for Gene Ontology (GO) terms in FPC and SPC, including three upregulated (p < 5e-05) and four downregulated (p < 6e-04) gene modules in FPC compared to SPC. Among the DEG modules, the upregulated modules include 14 significant genes (p < 1e-06): ALOX12-AS1, BCL2L11, EHD4, C4B, BTN3A3, NDUFA11, RBM4B, MYOC, ZBTB47, TTTY15, NAPRT, LOC102606465, LOC100505711, and PTK2. The downregulated modules include 170 genes (p < 1e-06), among them 13 highly significant genes (p < 1e-10): COL10A1, SAMD9, PLPP4, COMP, POSTN, IGHV4-31, THBS2, MMP9, FNDC1, HOPX, TMEM200A, INHBA, and SULF1. The DEG modules are enriched for GO terms related to mitochondrial structure and adenosine triphosphate metabolic processes, extracellular structure and binding properties, humoral and complement mediated immune response, ligand-gated ion channel activity, and transmembrane receptor activity. Among the CEG modules, IL22RA1, DPEP1, and BCAT1 were found as highly connective hub genes associated with both FPC and SPC. Conclusion: FPC-related PanIN lesions exhibit a common molecular basis with SPC as shown by gene network activities and commonly expressed high-connectivity hub genes. The differential molecular pathology of FPC and SPC involves multiple coexpressed gene clusters enriched for GO terms including extracellular activities and mitochondrion function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tan
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ove B. Schaffalitzky de Muckadell
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maiken Thyregod Jøergensen
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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32
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Shurin MR, Shurin GV, Zlotnikov SB, Bunimovich YL. The Neuroimmune Axis in the Tumor Microenvironment. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:280-285. [PMID: 31907270 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex ecosystem and should be considered in the context of its cellular and molecular microenvironment, which includes the nerves. Peripheral nerves can modulate phenotype and behavior of the malignant cells and thus affect tumor growth and metastasis. Only recently has the role of neuroimmune cross-talk surfaced as a key contributor to cancer progression. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory role of the neuroglial cells in cancer progression and metastasis and the response to therapy. Schwann cells, the principal glial cells of the peripheral nervous system, are now considered to be important players in the tumor microenvironment. They can directly accelerate malignant cell migration and the formation of metastases. Better understanding of the neuroimmune circuits in the tumor milieu will be instrumental in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the malignancies known to be associated with inflammation and dysregulated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232; .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232; and
| | - Galina V Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Samuel B Zlotnikov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Yuri L Bunimovich
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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33
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Fiorito V, Chiabrando D, Petrillo S, Bertino F, Tolosano E. The Multifaceted Role of Heme in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1540. [PMID: 32010627 PMCID: PMC6974621 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme, an iron-containing porphyrin, is of vital importance for cells due to its involvement in several biological processes, including oxygen transport, energy production and drug metabolism. Besides these vital functions, heme also bears toxic properties and, therefore, the amount of heme inside the cells must be tightly regulated. Similarly, heme intake from dietary sources is strictly controlled to meet body requirements. The multifaceted nature of heme renders it a best candidate molecule exploited/controlled by tumor cells in order to modulate their energetic metabolism, to interact with the microenvironment and to sustain proliferation and survival. The present review summarizes the literature on heme and cancer, emphasizing the importance to consider heme as a prominent player in different aspects of tumor onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Fiorito
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Deborah Chiabrando
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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34
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Horvathova L, Tillinger A, Padova A, Bizik J, Mravec B. Changes in gene expression in brain structures related to visceral sensation, autonomic functions, food intake, and cognition in melanoma-bearing mice. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 51:2376-2393. [PMID: 31883212 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The brain exerts complex effects on the initiation and progression of cancer in the body. However, the influence of cancer localized in peripheral tissues on the brain has been only partially described. Therefore, we investigated gene expression in brain structures that participate in transmitting viscerosensory signals, regulating autonomic functions and food intake, as well as cognition in C57Bl/6J mice with B16-F10 melanoma. In addition, we investigated the relationship between peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. We found increased neuronal activity in the nucleus of the solitary tract of tumor-bearing mice, whereas neuronal activity in the A1/C1 catecholaminergic cell group, parabrachial nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and hippocampus was decreased. In the majority of investigated brain structures, we found increased gene expression of IL-1β, whereas gene expression of IL-6 and NF-κB was reduced or unchanged compared with controls. Melanoma-bearing mice also showed increased gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the A1/C1 catecholaminergic cell group, nucleus of the solitary tract, and locus coeruleus, as well as reduced mRNA levels of hypocretin neuropeptide precursor protein in the lateral hypothalamic area, and proopiomelanocortin in the arcuate nucleus. In addition, we found reduced mRNA levels of Bcl-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and doublecortin in the hippocampus. Our data indicate that skin melanoma induces complex changes in the brain, and these changes are most probably caused by cancer-related signals mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubica Horvathova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Andrej Tillinger
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Padova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Bizik
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Mravec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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35
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De A, Beligala DH, Birkholz TM, Geusz ME. Anticancer Properties of Curcumin and Interactions With the Circadian Timing System. Integr Cancer Ther 2019. [PMCID: PMC6902383 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419889154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The phytochemical curcumin is a major component of turmeric. It has recognized activity against cancer cells and affects several intracellular signaling pathways. Many molecules targeted by curcumin also regulate the circadian timing system that has effects on carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. Although the circadian clock within cells may be suppressed in tumors, cancer cells are subjected to daily hormonal and neural activity that should be considered when timing optimal curcumin treatments. Rapid curcumin degradation in blood and tissues provides a challenge to maintaining sustained levels suitable for inducing cancer cell death, increasing the need to identify when during the circadian cycle rhythmically expressed molecular targets are present. Curcumin is well tolerated by individuals ingesting it for possible cancer prevention or in combination with conventional cancer therapies, and it shows low toxicity toward noncancerous cells at low dosages. In contrast, curcumin is particularly effective against cancer stem cells, which are treatment-resistant, aggressive, and tumor-initiating. Although curcumin has poor bioavailability, more stable curcumin analogs retain the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimitotic, and pro-apoptotic benefits of curcumin. Anticancer properties are also present in congeners of curcumin in turmeric and after curcumin reduction by intestinal microbes. Various commercial curcuminoid products are highly popular dietary supplements, but caution is warranted. Although antioxidant properties of curcumin may prevent carcinogenesis, studies suggest curcumin interferes with certain chemotherapeutic agents. This review delves into the complex network of curcuminoid effects to identify potential anticancer strategies that may work in concert with daily physiological cycles controlled by the circadian timing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan De
- Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
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36
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Wang K, Zhao XH, Liu J, Zhang R, Li JP. Nervous system and gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1873:188313. [PMID: 31647986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system has been recently shown to exert impact on gastric cancer directly and indirectly. Gastric cancer cells invade nerve fibers to induce outgrowth and branching of neural cells, and nerve fibers in turn infiltrate into tumor microenvironment to promote progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, the neuro-immune interaction also plays an important role in gastric cancer development. The interplay of nerves and gastric cancer is mediated by many nervous system-associated factors, which can not only be synthesized and released by both cancer cells and nerve terminals, but also participate in regulation of many aspects of gastric cancer such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, clinical researches indicate that some of these factors are significant diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for gastric cancer. Herein, we reviewed recent advances and future prospects of the interaction between nervous system and gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Hui Zhao
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ji-Peng Li
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China.
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37
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Mravec B, Tibensky M, Horvathova L, Babal P. E-Cigarettes and Cancer Risk. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2019; 13:137-144. [PMID: 31619443 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-19-0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
From the time of their introduction, the popularity of e-cigarettes (electronic nicotine-delivery systems) has been rising. This trend may reflect the general belief that e-cigarettes are a less hazardous alternative to combustible cigarettes. However, the potential cancer-related effects of increased activation of the sympathoadrenal system induced by the inhalation of nicotine, the primary component of the e-cigarettes, are completely overlooked. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe mechanisms that may connect the use of e-cigarettes and an increased risk for cancer development, as well as their stimulatory effect on cancer progression. Available preclinical data indicate that activation of the sympathetic nervous system by nicotine inhaled from e-cigarettes may stimulate cancer development and growth by several mechanisms. This issue might be especially important for oncological patients as they may have the misconception that compared with combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes represent a risk-free alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mravec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. .,Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Tibensky
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.,Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Horvathova
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Babal
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
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38
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Barriga V, Kuol N, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. The Complex Interaction between the Tumor Micro-Environment and Immune Checkpoints in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081205. [PMID: 31430935 PMCID: PMC6721629 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of breast cancer and its association with clinical outcome and treatment remain largely unexplored. Accumulating data has highlighted the interaction between cells of the immune system and the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, and although studies have identified multiple facets of cancer progression within the development of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its constituents, there is lack of research into the associations between breast cancer subtype and staging. Current literature has provided insight into the cells and pathways associated with breast cancer progression through expression analysis. However, there is lack of co-expression studies between immune pathways and cells of the TME that form pro-tumorigenic relationships contributing to immune-evasion. We focus on the immune checkpoint and TME elements that influence cancer progression, particularly studies in molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Barriga
- College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
| | - Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, Australia
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Kruger D, Yako YY, Devar J, Lahoud N, Smith M. Inflammatory cytokines and combined biomarker panels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Enhancing diagnostic accuracy. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221169. [PMID: 31415645 PMCID: PMC6695103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenged by the absence of accurate early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. CA19-9 is the established, diagnostic tumour marker in PDAC, despite its limitations. Effective primary screening using circulating biomarker panels have only been considered in a handful of studies and we investigated whether combinations of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in multivariate logistic models could facilitate earlier diagnosis in our South African setting. Methods Plasma levels of 38 cytokines and angiogenic factors were measured in 131 Black South African patients, 85 with PDAC, 25 with benign biliary pathology (BBP) and 21 benign non-HPB controls (BC), by use of human magnetic multiplex screening assays. Multivariate biomarker panels were developed by identifying the top performing biomolecules from univariate logistic regression. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUC) are reported. Results Classification modelling to distinguish PDAC patients from BC showed that a panel of CA19-9 and CXCL10 (IP-10) demonstrated improved diagnostic power over CA19-9 alone (AUC = 0.977 vs. AUC = 0.807, p-value = 0.001). A combined panel including age, BMI and IL-15 showed significant diagnostic power in discriminating PDAC from BBP (AUC = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Finally, a combined panel of IL-8, IL-15 and gender demonstrated diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.830, p < 0.0001) in distinguishing PDAC in the presence of jaundice from benign controls with either jaundice, choledocholithiasis or common bile duct injury. Conclusions Combined biomarker panels improve diagnostic accuracy in PDAC. In addition to CA19-9, cytokines CXCL10, IL-8 and IL-15 are strong additions to diagnostic biomarker panels in PDAC in Black South Africans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdré Kruger
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Yandiswa Y. Yako
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - John Devar
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Unit, Department of General Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicola Lahoud
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Martin Smith
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Unit, Department of General Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
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40
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Anti-Tumor Effects of Vitamin B2, B6 and B9 in Promonocytic Lymphoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153763. [PMID: 31374832 PMCID: PMC6696026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation can lead to tumour initiation and progression. Vitamin B complex has the ability to regulate the immune response and, therefore, inflammation but many of the mechanistic and molecular processes involved in this regulation are still not fully understood. This study sought to determine some of these processes by studying the effects of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid) on un-differentiated pro-monocytic lymphoma cells in regard to their ability to alter the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, cytokines and expression levels of programmed death ligand 1. We show that vitamin B2, B6 and B9, on pro-monocytic lymphoma cells exerted an anti-tumorigenic effect. This data could form the basis for future studies in using vitamin B supplementation to reduce cancer cell growth in vivo.
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41
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Apostolopoulos V. Cancer Vaccines: Research and Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081041. [PMID: 31344788 PMCID: PMC6721783 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Designing cancer vaccines has been at the forefront of cancer research for over two-and-a-half decades. In particular, delivery methods used to stimulate effective and long-lasting immune responses have been the major focus. This special issue presents new tumor associated antigens, delivery methods, combination immune therapies, methods of measuring immunity induced following cancer vaccinations, and mechanisms in understanding tumor microenvironments and immunosuppression—all beneficial for the design of improved cancer vaccines.
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Akbarian F, Abolhasani M, Dadkhah F, Asadi F, Ahangari G. Novel Insight into Differential Gene Expression and Clinical Significance of Dopamine Receptors, COMT, and IL6 in BPH and Prostate Cancer. Curr Mol Med 2019; 19:605-619. [PMID: 31288722 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190709180146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most prevalent diseases in male population, implicated with fundamental differences between benign and malignant growth of prostate cells. An imbalance through a network of nervous, endocrine, and immune systems initiate a signal of altered growth from the brain to the prostate gland, leading to adverse effects such as inflammation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of dopamine receptor family, COMT, and IL6 to identify novel correlations in BPH and PCa in both blood and tumor of the patients. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BPH (n= 30) and PCa (n= 30) patients, and prostate tumor tissues (n= 14) along with pathologically normal adjacent tissues (n= 14) were isolated, mRNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized, respectively. Quantitative real- time PCR was applied for DRD1- DRD5, COMT, and IL6 genes in all samples. RESULTS We found, for the first time, that the expression of COMT and IL6 genes were inversely correlated with the expression of DRD1 and DRD2 genes through the extent of differentiation of PCa from BPH condition. In addition, the PSA levels were correlated with the expression of DRD1 in BPH cases and DRD1, DRD4, DRD5, and IL6 in PCa cases. CONCLUSION Results implicate a potential cross- talk between the signaling pathways derived by IL6 cytokine and dopamine receptors in PCa. Thus, it seems promising to reassemble the consequent signaling pathways by adequate agonists and antagonists to help increase therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Akbarian
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Abolhasani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pathology, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Dadkhah
- Department of Surgical Urology, Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farrokh Asadi
- Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Ghasem Ahangari
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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Gasparini G, Pellegatta M, Crippa S, Lena MS, Belfiori G, Doglioni C, Taveggia C, Falconi M. Nerves and Pancreatic Cancer: New Insights into a Dangerous Relationship. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E893. [PMID: 31248001 PMCID: PMC6678884 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is defined as the presence of neoplastic cells along nerves and/or within the different layers of nervous fibers: epineural, perineural and endoneural spaces. In pancreatic cancer-particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-PNI has a prevalence between 70 and 100%, surpassing any other solid tumor. PNI has been detected in the early stages of pancreatic cancer and has been associated with pain, increased tumor recurrence and diminished overall survival. Such an early, invasive and recurrent phenomenon is probably crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. PNI is a still not a uniformly characterized event; usually it is described only dichotomously ("present" or "absent"). Recently, a more detailed scoring system for PNI has been proposed, though not specific for pancreatic cancer. Previous studies have implicated several molecules and pathways in PNI, among which are secreted neurotrophins, chemokines and inflammatory cells. However, the mechanisms underlying PNI are poorly understood and several aspects are actively being investigated. In this review, we will discuss the main molecules and signaling pathways implicated in PNI and their roles in the PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gasparini
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marta Pellegatta
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Crippa
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Schiavo Lena
- Pathology Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulio Belfiori
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Pathology Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carla Taveggia
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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Arthanareeswaran VKA, Berndt-Paetz M, Ganzer R, Stolzenburg JU, Ravichandran-Chandra A, Glasow A, Neuhaus J. Harnessing macrophages in thermal and non-thermal ablative therapies for urologic cancers – Potential for immunotherapy. LAPAROSCOPIC, ENDOSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lers.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Kuol N, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Role of the nervous system in cancer metastasis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:5. [PMID: 29334991 PMCID: PMC5769535 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0674-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer remains as one of the leading cause of death worldwide. The development of cancer involves an intricate process, wherein many identified and unidentified factors play a role. Although most studies have focused on the genetic abnormalities which initiate and promote cancer, there is overwhelming evidence that tumors interact within their environment by direct cell-to-cell contact and with signaling molecules, suggesting that cancer cells can influence their microenvironment and bidirectionally communicate with other systems. However, only in recent years the role of the nervous system has been recognized as a major contributor to cancer development and metastasis. The nervous system governs functional activities of many organs, and, as tumors are not independent organs within an organism, this system is integrally involved in tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyanbol Kuol
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, AIMSS, Melbourne, Australia.
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