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Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Xia Y, Dong J. Circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1255112. [PMID: 37790757 PMCID: PMC10542895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1255112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ghrelin plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer has not been systematically analyzed. Objective This work explored the association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer. Methods The literature search for relevant articles published until November 2022 was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science with the keywords "ghrelin" and "gastric cancer". Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the effectiveness. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model. Results Of 5,302 identified studies, nine were included (N=3,196 participants). Circulating ghrelin levels were lower in gastric cancer patients (SMD=-0.255, 95%CI: -0.528 to 0.017, P < 0.00001), but with high heterogeneity (I2 = 88.8%). Conclusion The circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer were lower than in controls. However, there was heterogeneity among results; therefore, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caishun Zhang
- College of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqing Yu
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunqiu Xia
- Laboratory of Human Body Function, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Physiology Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Role of the Ghrelin System in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105380. [PMID: 35628187 PMCID: PMC9141034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ghrelin system contains several components (e.g., ghrelin with growing number of alternative peptides, growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), and ghrelin-O-acyl-transferase (GOAT) and participates in regulation of a number of key processes of gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancer progression, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, inflammation, and angiogenesis. However, its exact role in promoting or inhibiting cancer progression is still unclear. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide. Molecular studies suggest an autocrine/paracrine mechanism for the secretion of ghrelin in colorectal carcinogenesis and its contribution to its initial stages. However, the signalling pathways of CRC development involving the ghrelin system are poorly understood. Potential mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis involving components of the ghrelin system were previously described in an animal model and in in vitro studies. However, the diagnostic–prognostic role of serum ghrelin concentrations, tissue expression, or genetic changes of this system in various stages of CRC progression remains an open case. Thus, the aim of this study is to discuss the role of the ghrelin system in colon carcinogenesis, diagnostics and CRC prognostics, as well as the results of studies on the use of ghrelin and its analogues in the therapy of CRC-related syndromes (e.g., cachexia and sarcopenia).
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Hang Z, Lei T, Zeng Z, Cai S, Bi W, Du H. Composition of intestinal flora affects the risk relationship between Alzheimer's disease/Parkinson's disease and cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112343. [PMID: 34864312 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of epidemiological studies have shown that there is a significant inverse relationship between the onset of Alzheimer's disease/Parkinson's disease (AD/PD) and cancer, but the mechanism is still unclear. Considering that intestinal flora can connect them, we tried to explain this phenomenon from the intestinal flora. This review briefly introduced the relationship among AD/PD, cancer, and intestinal flora, studied metabolites or components of the intestinal flora and the role of intestinal barriers and intestinal hormones in AD/PD and cancer. After screening, a part of the flora capable of participating in the occurrence processes of the three diseases at the same time was obtained, the abundance changes of the special flora in AD/PD and various types of cancers were summarized, and they were classified according to the flora function and abundance, which in turn innovatively and reasonably explained the fact that AD/PD and cancer showed certain antagonism in epidemiological statistics from the perspective of intestinal flora. This review also proposed that viewing the risk relationship between diseases from the perspective of intestinal flora may provide new research ideas for the treatment of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongci Hang
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China; School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
| | - Tong Lei
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China; School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
| | - Zehua Zeng
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
| | - Shanglin Cai
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China; School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
| | - Wangyu Bi
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China; School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China; School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China.
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Protective and Healing Effects of Ghrelin and Risk of Cancer in the Digestive System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910571. [PMID: 34638910 PMCID: PMC8509076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the ghrelin receptor, previously known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This hormone is mainly produced by endocrine cells present in the gastric mucosa. The ghrelin-producing cells are also present in other organs of the body, mainly in the digestive system, but in much smaller amount. Ghrelin exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects, such as stimulation of growth hormone secretion, gastric secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and food intake, as well as regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone formation, and inhibition of inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning animal and human data showing protective and therapeutic effects of ghrelin in the gut, and also presents the role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in these effects. In addition, the current data on the possible influence of ghrelin on the carcinogenesis, its importance in predicting the risk of developing gastrointestinal malignances, as well as the potential usefulness of ghrelin in the treatment of cancer, have been presented.
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Ghrelin Regulates Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression and Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Progression. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5576808. [PMID: 34122616 PMCID: PMC8166482 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5576808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim To research the molecular mechanism of ghrelin in apoptosis, migratory, and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Methods After GC AGS cells were handled with ghrelin (10–8 M), cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398 (100 μM), and Akt inhibitor perifosine (10uM), the rates of apoptosis were detected by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry assay. We assessed the expressions of PI3K, p-Akt, and COX-2 proteins by making use of Western blot analysis. The cell migratory and invasion were detected by using wound-healing and transwell analysis. Results The migratory and invasion were increased in ghrelin-treated cells, while the rates of apoptosis were decreased. GC AGS cells treated with ghrelin showed an increase in protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and COX-2. After cells were treated with Akt inhibitor perifosine, the protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and COX-2 and the cell migratory, invasion, and apoptosis were partly recovered. After cells were treated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398, the protein expression of COX-2 and the cell migratory and invasion were decreased, while the rates of apoptosis were increased. Conclusion Ghrelin regulates cell migration, invasion, and apoptosis in GC cells through targeting PI3K/Akt/COX-2. Ghrelin increases the expression of COX-2 in GC cells by targeting PI3K/Akt. Ghrelin is suggested to be one of the molecular targets in GC.
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Abstract
Eating food is one of the most complicated behaviours in mammals, especially humans. The primary function of ghrelin is regulation of the appetite level and its stimulation. It is also responsible for the body's energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Ghrelin has been shown to affect many brain structures, which confirms the presence of ghrelin receptors in the brain. Studies are also conducted to assess the possible role of ghrelin in anxiety states and in memory disorders and motor dysfunctions. Ghrelin has been found in saliva and salivary glands, teeth and gums, and in the taste buds of the tongue epithelium; it is also secreted by mucosal cells and gingival fibroblasts. The presence of ghrelin in developmental enamel, especially in odontoblasts and ameloblasts, may suggest its regulatory role in the development of teeth. Patients with chronic periodontitis have significantly higher concentrations of ghrelin in the peripheral blood serum, as compared to the control group. Ghrelin plays a special role in the proliferation of cancer cells and in the development of neoplastic metastases. The abundant presence of ghrelin receptors in cancer cells is considered an important target in the treatment of neoplasms. Ghrelin is a hormone whose multidirectional mechanism of action has not yet been fully understood. However, its ubiquitous occurrence in the human body and its very diverse participation in metabolic processes may prove to be a significant obstacle in achieving the expected clinical effect of ghrelin as an effective drug in selected disease units.
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Hu XL, Zhu YJ, Hu CH, You L, Wu J, He XY, Huang WJ, Wu ZH. Ghrelin Affects Gastric Cancer Progression by Activating AMPK Signaling Pathway. Biochem Genet 2021; 59:652-667. [PMID: 33442814 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-020-10022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), Ghrelin is aberrant expressed in multiple malignant carcinoma, and involved in regulating a number of progression of cancer, especially in metastasis and proliferation. However, the precise role of Ghrelin in tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC) is still poorly understood. In this study, we extensively investigated the roles and mechanisms of Ghrelin in human gastric cancer. Ghrelin levels in cancer tissues and cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Functional studies were performed after Ghrelin overexpressed or knockdown in AGS cell line. Cell proliferation was evaluated in by MTT and clone formation assays. The wound healing and Transwell system were used to assess the cell migration and invasive ability of GC cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and metabolic assays were performed to reveal the function of Warburg effect in the process. Ghrelin was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Ghrelin inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis by activating the AMPK pathway, while D-[lys3]-GHRP-6 (a GHSR agonist) treatment relieved the effect, promoting tumorigenesis. Ghrelin knockdown increased the glucose uptake and lactic acid release, suggesting that Ghrelin elicited an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK pathway to inhibit gastric tumorigenesis. Ghrelin inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by eliciting an anti-Warburg effect via AMPK signaling pathway in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Hua Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Li You
- Department of Pharmacy, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Southwest University Hospital, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jie Huang
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Hui Wu
- Health Management Center, Southwest University Hospital, No. 2, Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
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Zeng X, Chen P, Zhao L, Chen S. Acylated and unacylated ghrelin relieve cancer cachexia in mice through multiple mechanisms. CHINESE J PHYSIOL 2020; 63:195-203. [PMID: 33109785 DOI: 10.4103/cjp.cjp_59_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome resulting from decreased protein synthesis and increased protein degradation. Calpain-dependent cleavage of myofilament is the initial step of myofilament degradation and plays a critical role in muscle atrophy. Ghrelin is a multifunctional hormone known to improve protein synthesis and inhibit protein degradation. However, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Here we investigated whether acylated ghrelin (AG) and unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) could protect against cancer cachexia in mice bearing CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma. We found for the first time that both AG and UnAG could inhibit calpain activity in skeletal muscle of cancer cachectic mice. AG and UnAG also improved tumor-free body weight, grip strength, muscle mass, epididymal fat mass, and nutritional state in tumor-bearing (TB) mice. Moreover, AG and UnAG reduced serum tumor necrosis factor-± concentration, increased Akt activity, and downregulated atrogin-1 expression in TB mice. Our results may contribute to the development of an AG/UnAG-based therapy for cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Sizeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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9
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Camilleri M, Lembo A, McCallum R, Tourkodimitris S, Kemps L, Miller MB, Bertelsen K, Iacob A. Overall safety of relamorelin in adults with diabetic gastroparesis: Analysis of phase 2a and 2b trial data. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 51:1139-1148. [PMID: 32301137 PMCID: PMC7318559 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relamorelin, a pentapeptide ghrelin receptor agonist, accelerated gastric emptying significantly and improved symptoms in adults with diabetic gastroparesis in phase 2 trials. AIM To assess the safety and tolerability of relamorelin across phase 2 trials. METHODS Safety assessments in patients aged 18-75 years (weight, adverse events [AEs] and laboratory tests) from two randomised, double-blind phase 2 trials (NCT01571297, NCT02357420; results published previously) were reviewed descriptively. Analysis of covariance assessed treatment effect on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose post hoc. Phase 2a and 2b trial durations were, respectively, 4 weeks (relamorelin 10 µg once or twice daily [b.d.] or placebo b.d.) and 12 weeks (relamorelin 10, 30 or 100 µg or placebo b.d.) with 1- and 2-week, single-blind placebo run-ins. RESULTS Among 204 phase 2a and 393 phase 2b patients, respectively, 67% and 62% were female, and 88% and 89% had type 2 diabetes. Proportions of patients reporting serious AEs were similar across treatment groups, as were those with ≥1 treatment-emergent AE (TEAE). TEAE-related discontinuations were proportionally higher in relamorelin groups than placebo. Of 12 serious TEAEs in phase 2a, none occurred in >1 patient. In phase 2b, five serious TEAEs were reported in >1 patient, and one (100 µg) died (urosepsis), all unrelated to relamorelin. In phase 2b, increased HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels were dose-related (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0043, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Relamorelin showed acceptable safety and tolerability in phase 2 trials. Relamorelin may elevate blood glucose: this should be managed proactively in relamorelin-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Camilleri
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Anthony Lembo
- Division of GastroenterologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Richard McCallum
- Division of GastroenterologyTexas Tech University Health Sciences CenterEl PasoTXUSA
| | | | - Lara Kemps
- Clinical DevelopmentAllergan plcMadisonNJUSA
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Worm DJ, Els‐Heindl S, Beck‐Sickinger AG. Targeting of peptide‐binding receptors on cancer cells with peptide‐drug conjugates. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis J. Worm
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of BiochemistryLeipzig University Leipzig Germany
| | - Sylvia Els‐Heindl
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of BiochemistryLeipzig University Leipzig Germany
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11
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Zhu C, Liu Y, Kang W, Zhang Z, Zeng Z, Liu D. Exploration of the role of serum ghrelin in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive tract malignancies. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520920441. [PMID: 32366148 PMCID: PMC7221476 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520920441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of digestive tract malignancies (DTMs) is increasing, early diagnosis is limited, and treatment effects are unsatisfactory. DTMs express ghrelin, which might be involved in tumor formation and development; whether serum ghrelin can provide useful guidance remains unknown. METHODS Sera of healthy individuals were obtained from October 2017 through March 2018; serum samples from patients with gastric (GC), colon (CC), and rectal (RC) cancers were collected during the same period. Serum ghrelin was tested by ELISA and correlated with clinicopathology of patients with DTMs. RESULTS Serum ghrelin was higher in patients (GC, 38 patients; CC, 24; RC, 26) than in 69 healthy individuals and decreased significantly after tumor resection. Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 score and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio affected perioperative serum ghrelin levels. The epithelial cell marker AE1/AE3 (pan keratin) in patients with GC, tumor location in the colon in patients with CC, and age in patients with RC also affected perioperative serum ghrelin. CONCLUSIONS Serum ghrelin might provide early warning of occurrence and guide prognosis of DTMs. Ghrelin can be used when screening for nutritional risk and inflammation. The clinicopathological influence on serum ghrelin in patients with DTMs is related to tumor location in the digestive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzhen Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,
Beijing, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua
Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing,
China
| | - Yuqin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union
Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weiming Kang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,
Beijing, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,
Beijing, China
| | - Ziyang Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,
Beijing, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College
Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,
Beijing, China
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12
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Muta H, Sugita Y, Furuta T, Shiimura Y, Ohshima K, Nakashima K, Sato K, Morioka M, Abe H, Nozawa T, Fujii Y, Kakita A. Expression of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor axis and its functional role in promoting tumor growth in primary central nervous system lymphomas. Neuropathology 2020; 40:232-239. [PMID: 31925841 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin and its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), have been found in a variety of malignant tumor tissues, suggesting a biological function of the ghrelin/GHS-R axis in tumor growth and progression. Among central nervous system tumors, primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) are relatively rare and characterized by a rapid progression and poor prognosis. In order to clarify ghrelin expression and its functional role in promoting tumor growth and progression in PCNSLs, we undertook an immunohistochemical investigation for ghrelin and GHS-R expression in 43 patients and tested the effect of ghrelin inhibition on lymphoma cells. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of CD105, a marker for tumor angiogenesis, to explore its association with the ghrelin/GHS-R axis. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards regression model were used to determine the association of ghrelin/GHS-R expression with overall survival rate. The immunohistochemical study showed moderate/strong immunostaining of cells for ghrelin and GHS-R in 40 patients (93.0%) and 39 patients (90.7%), respectively. A ghrelin inhibitor did not affect tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Expression levels of ghrelin and GHS-R were divided into high and low groups by the rate of moderate-strong staining cells to tumor cells. The survival rate was significantly lower in patients with high GHS-R expression (P = 0.0368 by log-rank test; P = 0.0219 by Wilcoxon test). In addition, multivariate analysis of overall survival using Cox's proportional hazards regression model indicated that GHS-R was a significant independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0426). CD105 expression on tumor vessels was positive in 33 patients (33/37, 89.2%). There was a positive correlation between the moderate-strong staining rate of ghrelin and CD105-positive vessel count. These results indicated that the ghrelin/GHS-R axis plays a potential role in promoting tumor growth and progression through neoangiogenesis, rather than the proliferation of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Muta
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yasuo Sugita
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.,Department of Neuropathology, Neurology Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takuya Furuta
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiimura
- Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan.,Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Ohshima
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Nakashima
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kensaku Sato
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Motohiro Morioka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Abe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takanori Nozawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Fujii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Zhang J, Xie T. Ghrelin inhibits cisplatin-induced MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:1633-1640. [PMID: 32104214 PMCID: PMC7027091 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a multi-functional peptide, its role on cancer cell apoptosis remains controversial. The present study examined the effects and mechanisms of ghrelin on cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. It was identified that ghrelin inhibited apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro and reversed the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bcl2-associated X, and cleaved caspase-3 induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, ghrelin activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway after cisplatin treatment. The effects of ghrelin on the cisplatin-induced apoptosis and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling were reversed by the growth hormone secretagogue receptor small interfering RNA. The present study suggests that ghrelin may serve as a novel target for cisplatin resistance and a potential indicator of cisplatin sensitivity in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Medical College of Heibei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Tianhao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
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14
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Mele C, Samà MT, Bisoffi AA, Caputo M, Bullara V, Mai S, Walker GE, Prodam F, Marzullo P, Aimaretti G, Pagano L. Circulating adipokines and metabolic setting in differentiated thyroid cancer. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:997-1006. [PMID: 31252407 PMCID: PMC6652238 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The associative link relating insulin resistance (IR) and adipokines to the occurrence and phenotype of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IR and adipokines in DTC patients, as compared with carriers of benign thyroid diseases (BTD) and healthy controls. This observational study enrolled 77 subjects phenotyped as DTC (N = 30), BTD (N = 27) and healthy subjects (N = 20). Each subject underwent preoperative analysis of anthropometric parameters, thyroid function and autoimmunity, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and levels of unacylated (UAG) and acylated ghrelin (AG), obestatin, leptin and adiponectin. Multivariate regression models were used to test the predictive role of metabolic correlates on thyroid phenotypes and DTC extension. The three groups showed similar age, gender distribution, smoking habit, BMI and thyroid parameters. Obestatin was significantly higher in DTC group compared to BTD (P < 0.05) and control subjects (P < 0.0001). DTC and BTD groups showed higher levels of UAG (P < 0.01) and AG (P < 0.05). Leptin levels were comparable between groups, whereas adiponectin levels were lower in DTC compared to BTD group (P < 0.0001) and controls (P < 0.01). In parallel, HOMA-IR was higher in DTC than BTD (P < 0.05) and control group (P < 0.01). Stepwise multivariable regression analysis showed that obestatin and UAG were independent predictors of DTC (P = 0.01 for both). In an analysis restricted to the DTC group, obestatin levels were associated with the absence of lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Our results highlight a potential association between metabolic setting, circulating adipokines and thyroid cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mele
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo di Oggebbio (VB), Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to C Mele:
| | - Maria Teresa Samà
- Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital ‘Maggiore della Carità’, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Angelo Bisoffi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Marina Caputo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Valentina Bullara
- Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital ‘Maggiore della Carità’, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefania Mai
- Laboratory of Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo di Oggebbio (VB), Italy
| | | | - Flavia Prodam
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo di Oggebbio (VB), Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Loredana Pagano
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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15
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Maugham ML, Seim I, Thomas PB, Crisp GJ, Shah ET, Herington AC, Brown KA, Gregory LS, Nelson CC, Jeffery PL, Chopin LK. No effect of unacylated ghrelin administration on subcutaneous PC3 xenograft growth or metabolic parameters in a Rag1-/- mouse model of metabolic dysfunction. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198495. [PMID: 30458004 PMCID: PMC6245673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which, when acylated, regulates appetite, energy balance and a range of other biological processes. Ghrelin predominately circulates in its unacylated form (unacylated ghrelin; UAG). UAG has a number of functions independent of acylated ghrelin, including modulation of metabolic parameters and cancer progression. UAG has also been postulated to antagonise some of the metabolic effects of acyl-ghrelin, including its effects on glucose and insulin regulation. In this study, Rag1-/- mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity and hyperinsulinaemia were subcutaneously implanted with PC3 prostate cancer xenografts to investigate the effect of UAG treatment on metabolic parameters and xenograft growth. Daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg/kg UAG had no effect on xenograft tumour growth in mice fed normal rodent chow or 23% high-fat diet. UAG significantly improved glucose tolerance in host Rag1-/- mice on a high-fat diet, but did not significantly improve other metabolic parameters. We propose that UAG is not likely to be an effective treatment for prostate cancer, with or without associated metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Maugham
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Inge Seim
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Patrick B. Thomas
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gabrielle J. Crisp
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Esha T. Shah
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adrian C. Herington
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kristy A. Brown
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura S. Gregory
- Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Research Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colleen C. Nelson
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Penny L. Jeffery
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa K. Chopin
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Comparative and Endocrine Biology Laboratory, Translational Research Institute – Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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16
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Charron CL, McFarland MS, Dhanvantari S, Luyt LG. Development of a [ 68Ga]-ghrelin analogue for PET imaging of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:1761-1767. [PMID: 30429981 DOI: 10.1039/c8md00210j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ghrelin receptor is a member of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) family and is present at low concentrations in tissues such as the brain, kidney, cardiovascular system, and prostate. The ghrelin receptor plays an important role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration associated with the progression of many cancers, including prostate, breast, ovarian, testicular, and intestinal carcinomas. Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand, is a 28 amino acid peptide (IC50 = 3.1 nM) known to have poor in vivo stability. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of [Dpr3(octanoyl),Lys19(Ga-DOTA)]ghrelin(1-19). This new ghrelin analogue has a binding affinity (IC50 = 5.9 nM) comparable to that of natural ghrelin. Preliminary in vivo evaluation shows higher uptake of [Dpr3(octanoyl),Lys19(68Ga-DOTA)]ghrelin(1-19) in HT1080/GHSR-1a xenografts than the non-transfected HT1080 xenografts in NOD-SCID mice, although considerable uptake is observed in the kidneys. This is the first example of ghrelin receptor PET imaging in a xenograft model using a peptide derived directly from the endogenous ligand and serves as motivation for developing more effective ghrelin-based radiopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Charron
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada .
| | - M S McFarland
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada .
| | - S Dhanvantari
- Lawson Health Research Institute , 268 Grosvenor Street , London , Ontario N6A 4V2 , Canada.,Departments of Medical Biophysics , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada
| | - L G Luyt
- Department of Chemistry , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada . .,Department of Oncology , University of Western Ontario , 1151 Richmond Street , London , Ontario N6A 5B7 , Canada.,London Regional Cancer Program , Lawson Health Research Institute , 800 Commissioners Road East , London , Ontario N6A 5W9 , Canada
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17
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Grönberg M, Nilsson C, Markholm I, Hedenfalk I, Blomqvist C, Holmberg L, Tiensuu Janson E, Fjällskog ML. Ghrelin expression is associated with a favorable outcome in male breast cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13586. [PMID: 30206250 PMCID: PMC6134078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31783-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and obestatin are two gastrointestinal peptides, derived from a common precursor. Expression of both peptides have been found in breast cancer tissue and ghrelin has been associated with breast cancer development. Ghrelin expression is associated with longer survival in women diagnosed with invasive and node negative breast cancer. The clinical implications of the peptide expression in male breast cancer are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and potential clinical value of ghrelin and obestatin in male breast cancer. A tissue microarray of invasive male breast cancer specimens from 197 patients was immunostained with antibodies versus the two peptides. The expression of the peptides was correlated to previously known prognostic factors in breast cancer and to the outcome. No strong correlations were found between ghrelin or obestatin expression and other known prognostic factors. Only ghrelin expression was statistically significantly correlated to breast cancer-specific survival (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.83) in univariate analyses and in multivariate models, adjusted for tumor size and node status (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.87). HR for obestatin was 0.38 (95% CI 0.11–1.24). Ghrelin is a potential prognostic factor for breast cancer death in male breast cancer. Patients with tumors expressing ghrelin have a 2.5-fold lower risk for breast cancer death than those lacking ghrelin expression. Drugs targeting ghrelin are currently being investigated in clinical studies treating metabolic or nutritional disorders. Ghrelin should be further evaluated in forthcoming studies as a prognostic marker with the aim to be included in decision algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Grönberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Cecilia Nilsson
- Center for Clinical Research, Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Ida Markholm
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, and CREATE Health Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hedenfalk
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, and CREATE Health Strategic Center for Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carl Blomqvist
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lars Holmberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Tiensuu Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marie-Louise Fjällskog
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Hou J, Kovacs MS, Dhanvantari S, Luyt LG. Development of Candidates for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Ghrelin Receptor in Disease: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Fluorine-Bearing Quinazolinone Derivatives. J Med Chem 2018; 61:1261-1275. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiang Hou
- London Regional Cancer Program, London N6A 4L6, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London N6C 2R5, Canada
| | | | | | - Leonard G. Luyt
- London Regional Cancer Program, London N6A 4L6, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London N6C 2R5, Canada
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19
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Ucan B, Sahin M, Kizilgul M, Ozbek M, Ozdemir S, Calıskan M, Cakal E. Serum ghrelin levels in papillary thyroid carcinoma. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2017; 61:464-469. [PMID: 28977162 PMCID: PMC10522255 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ghrelin plays a role in several processes of cancer progression, and numerous cancer types express ghrelin and its receptor. We aimed to investigate serum levels of ghrelin in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and its association with the prognostic factors in PTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 54 patients with thyroid cancer (7 male, 47 female) and 24 healthy controls (6 male, 18 female) in the study. We compared demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data, and serum ghrelin levels between the groups. Serum ghrelin levels were measured using as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Ghrelin levels were similar between the groups, but plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in tumors larger than 1 cm diameter compared with papillary microcarcinomas. Serum ghrelin levels also correlated with tumor size (r = 0.499; p < 0.001). Body mass index, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and HOMA-IR levels were similar between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences regarding average age and other prognostic parameters including lymph node invasion, capsule invasion, multifocality and surgical border invasion between patients with microcarcinoma and tumors larger than 1 cm. CONCLUSION In our study, no significant difference in serum ghrelin levels was determined between patients with papillary thyroid cancer and healthy controls however, serum ghrelin levels were higher in tumors larger than 1 cm compared to in those with thyroid papillary microcarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekir Ucan
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Ankara UniversitySchool of MedicineDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeyAnkara University, School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Kizilgul
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ozbek
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seyda Ozdemir
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of BiochemistryAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Biochemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Calıskan
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Erman Cakal
- SBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research HospitalDepartment of Endocrinology and MetabolismAnkaraTurkeySBU Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey
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20
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Chedid V, Camilleri M. Relamorelin for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1189-1197. [PMID: 28847163 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1373088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current treatments for gastroparesis are limited. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) has more treatment options, but none are efficacious for severe cases. Areas covered: Molecular targets to accelerate GI motility are being identified, and relamorelin, a synthetic ghrelin analog, has been promising. In humans, relamorelin increases growth hormone levels and accelerates gastric emptying. Relamorelin was superior to placebo for symptom relief in phase IIA studies for diabetic gastroparesis (DG) and CIC. In phase IIB studies in DG, relamorelin did not significantly reduce vomiting frequency when compared to placebo, but it reduced four symptoms of DG (nausea, fullness, bloating and abdominal pain) and accelerated gastric emptying. To date, relamorelin has been well tolerated and safe in humans without cardiac or neurologic adverse effects. It is still in clinical trial stages and not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Phase III studies are underway. Expert opinion: Relamorelin shows promise in treating DG, with a reduction in core symptoms. Relative to available treatments, it appears to be efficacious and well tolerated. The absence of neurological or cardiovascular adverse effects places it at an advantage over other available therapies. Once approved, it will likely become the drug of first choice for DG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Chedid
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Michael Camilleri
- a Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
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21
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Zeng X, Chen S, Yang Y, Ke Z. Acylated and unacylated ghrelin inhibit atrophy in myotubes co-cultured with colon carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:72872-72885. [PMID: 29069832 PMCID: PMC5641175 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a result of increased protein degradation and decreased protein synthesis. The multifunctional circulating hormone ghrelin promotes synthesis and inhibits degradation of muscle protein, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether co-culturing C2C12 myotubes with CT26 colon carcinoma cells induces myotube atrophy, and whether acylated ghrelin (AG) and unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) had anti-atrophic effects. We found that co-culture induced myotube atrophy and increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and myostatin concentrations in the culture medium. Moreover, co-culture down-regulated myogenin and MyoD expression, inhibited the Akt signaling, up-regulated ubiquitin E3 ligase expression, and activated the calpain system and autophagy in myotubes. Both AG and UnAG inhibited these changes. Our study describes a novel in vitro model that can be employed to investigate cancer cachexia, and our findings suggest a possible use for AG and UnAG in treating cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, China
| | - Sizeng Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, China
| | - Zhao Ke
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, China
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22
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Grönberg M, Ahlin C, Naeser Y, Janson ET, Holmberg L, Fjällskog ML. Ghrelin is a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176059. [PMID: 28419141 PMCID: PMC5395214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and obestatin are gastrointestinal peptides, encoded by the same preproghrelin gene. Both are expressed in breast cancer tissue and ghrelin has been implicated in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Despite recent advances in breast cancer management the need for new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer remains high. We studied the prognostic impact of ghrelin and obestatin in women with node negative breast cancer. Within a cohort of women with breast cancer with tumor size ≤ 50 mm, no lymph node metastases and no initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy, 190 women were identified who died from breast cancer and randomly selected 190 women alive at the corresponding time as controls. Tumor tissues were immunostained with antibodies versus the peptides. Ghrelin expression was associated with better breast cancer specific survival in univariate analyses (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.84) and in multivariate models, adjusted for endocrine treatment and age (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.89). Obestatin expression was non-informative (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.60–2.46). Ghrelin expression is independent prognostic factor for breast cancer death in node negative patients—halving the risk for dying of breast cancer. Our data implies that ghrelin could be a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Grönberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Cecilia Ahlin
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ylva Naeser
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Tiensuu Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Holmberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Louise Fjällskog
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrine Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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23
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Zhu CZ, Liu D, Kang WM, Yu JC, Ma ZQ, Ye X, Li K. Ghrelin and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:1758-1763. [PMID: 28348480 PMCID: PMC5352915 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i10.1758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, as a kind of multifunctional protein polypeptide, is mainly produced in the fundus of the stomach and can promote occurrence and development of many tumors, including gastrointestinal tumors, which has been proved by the relevant researches. Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs, about 80%), as the most common mesenchymal tumor, also develop in the fundus. Scientific research has confirmed that ghrelin, its receptors and mRNA respectively can be found in GISTs, which demonstrated the existence of a ghrelin autocrine/paracrine loop in GIST tissues. However, no reports to date have specified the mechanism whether ghrelin can promote the occurrence and development of GISTs. Studies of pulmonary artery endothelial cells in a low-oxygen environment and cardiac muscle cells in an ischemic environment have shown that ghrelin can activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway. Moreover, some studies of GISTs have confirmed that activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway can indeed promote the growth and progression of GISTs. Whether ghrelin is involved in the development or progression of GISTs through certain pathways remains unknown. Can we find a new target for the treatment of GISTs? This review explores and summaries the relationship among ghrelin, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and the development of GISTs.
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24
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Ghrelin and cancer progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:51-57. [PMID: 28238732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a small peptide with 28 amino acids, and has been characterized as the ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). In addition to its original function in stimulating pituitary growth hormone release, ghrelin is multifunctional and plays a role in the regulation of energy balance, gastric acid release, appetite, insulin secretion, gastric motility and the turnover of gastric and intestinal mucosa. The discovery of ghrelin and GHSR expression beyond normal tissues suggests its role other than physiological function. Emerging evidences have revealed ghrelin's function in regulating several processes related to cancer progression, especially in metastasis and proliferation. We further show the relative GHRL and GHSR expression in pan-cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), suggesting the potential pathological role of the axis in cancers. This review focuses on ghrelin's biological function in cancer progression, and reveals its clinical significance especially the impact on cancer patient outcome.
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Okada Y, Sugita Y, Ohshima K, Morioka M, Komaki S, Miyoshi J, Abe H. Signaling of ghrelin and its functional receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, promote tumor growth in glioblastomas. Neuropathology 2016; 36:535-543. [DOI: 10.1111/neup.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yousuke Okada
- Department of Pathology; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Yasuo Sugita
- Department of Pathology; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Koichi Ohshima
- Department of Pathology; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Motohiro Morioka
- Department of Neurosurgery; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Satoru Komaki
- Department of Neurosurgery; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Junko Miyoshi
- Department of Neurosurgery; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
| | - Hideyuki Abe
- Department of Surgical Pathology; Kurume University School of Medicine; Kurume Japan
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Kraus D, Reckenbeil J, Wenghoefer M, Stark H, Frentzen M, Allam JP, Novak N, Frede S, Götz W, Probstmeier R, Meyer R, Winter J. Ghrelin promotes oral tumor cell proliferation by modifying GLUT1 expression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:1287-99. [PMID: 26407611 PMCID: PMC11108541 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In our study, ghrelin was investigated with respect to its capacity on proliferative effects and molecular correlations on oral tumor cells. The presence of all molecular components of the ghrelin system, i.e., ghrelin and its receptors, was analyzed and could be detected using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. To examine cellular effects caused by ghrelin and to clarify downstream-regulatory mechanisms, two different oral tumor cell lines (BHY and HN) were used in cell culture experiments. Stimulation of either cell line with ghrelin led to a significantly increased proliferation. Signal transduction occurred through phosphorylation of GSK-3β and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. This effect could be inhibited by blocking protein kinase A. Glucose transporter1 (GLUT1), as an important factor for delivering sufficient amounts of glucose to tumor cells having high requirements for this carbohydrate (Warburg effect) was up-regulated by exogenous and endogenous ghrelin. Silencing intracellular ghrelin concentrations using siRNA led to a significant decreased expression of GLUT1 and proliferation. In conclusion, our study describes the role for the appetite-stimulating peptide hormone ghrelin in oral cancer proliferation under the particular aspect of glucose uptake: (1) tumor cells are a source of ghrelin. (2) Ghrelin affects tumor cell proliferation through autocrine and/or paracrine activity. (3) Ghrelin modulates GLUT1 expression and thus indirectly enhances tumor cell proliferation. These findings are of major relevance, because glucose uptake is assumed to be a promising target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kraus
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Reckenbeil
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Wenghoefer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Helmut Stark
- Department of Prosthodontics, Preclinical Education, and Material Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Frentzen
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre Allam
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalija Novak
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stilla Frede
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Werner Götz
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Meyer
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Winter
- Department of Periodontology, Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
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Physiological roles for butyrylcholinesterase: A BChE-ghrelin axis. Chem Biol Interact 2016; 259:271-275. [PMID: 26915976 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) has long been regarded as an "orphan enzyme" with no specific physiological role other than to metabolize exogenous bioactive esters in the diet or in medicines. Human beings with genetic mutations that eliminate all BChE activity appear completely normal, and BChE-knockout mice have been described as "lacking a phenotype" except for faster weight gain on high-fat diets. However, our recent studies with viral gene transfer of BChE in mice reveal that BChE hydrolyzes the so-called "hunger hormone," ghrelin, at a rate which strongly affects the circulating levels of this peptide hormone. This action has important consequences for weight gain and fat metabolism. Surprisingly, it also impacts emotional behaviors such as aggression. Overexpression of BChE leads to low ghrelin levels in the blood stream and reduces aggression and social stress in mice. Under certain circumstances these combined effects contribute to increased life-span in group-housed animals. These findings may generalize to humans, as recent clinical studies by multiple investigators indicate that, among patients with severe cardiovascular disease, longevity correlates with increasing levels of plasma BChE activity.
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Mechanisms of anorexia-cachexia syndrome and rational for treatment with selective ghrelin receptor agonist. Cancer Treat Rev 2015; 41:793-7. [PMID: 26386985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a multi-organ, multifactorial and often irreversible syndrome affecting many patients with cancer. Cancer cachexia is invariably associated with weight loss, mainly from loss of skeletal muscle and body fat, conditioning a reduced quality of life due to asthenia, anorexia, anaemia and fatigue. Treatment options for treating cancer cachexia are limited. The approach is multimodal and may include: treatment of secondary gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional treatments, drug, and non-drug treatments. Nutritional counselling and physical training may be beneficial in delaying or preventing the development of anorexia-cachexia. However, these interventions are limited in their effect, and no definitive pharmacological treatment is available to address the relevant components of the syndrome. Anamorelin is a first-in-class, orally active ghrelin receptor agonist that binds and stimulates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor centrally, thereby mimicking the appetite-enhancing and anabolic effects of ghrelin. It represents a new class of drug and an additional treatment option for this patient group, whose therapeutic options are currently limited. In this review we examine the mechanisms of anamorelin by which it contrasts catabolic states, its role in regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis, the data of recent trials in the setting of cancer cachexia and its safety profile.
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Wang J, Guo S, Han L, Fang M, Wang L, Bartsch JW, Li J. Correlation of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor expression with clinical features in human pituitary adenomas. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:1909-1914. [PMID: 26136913 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, as a brain-gut peptide, has growth hormone (GH)-releasing and appetite-inducing activities and a widespread tissue distribution. Furthermore, ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR), and both ghrelin and GHSR are expressed in the pituitary; however, the data regarding the expression of ghrelin and GHSR in pituitary adenomas are divergent and conflicting. In the present study, therefore, the expression of ghrelin and GHSR was examined in the full spectrum of human pituitary adenoma subtypes (n=34) and in normal pituitary tissue (n=3). The mRNA and protein expression levels were quantified using a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting and the correlation of the results with the clinical parameters was assessed. mRNA and protein expression of ghrelin and GHSR was detected in all samples with the highest mean level in GH adenomas, a moderate level in clinically non-functioning adenomas and the lowest level in adrenocorticotropin adenomas. A significant correlation between the ghrelin and GHSR mRNA expression levels was observed in the GH adenomas (n=12) (r=0.8435, P=0.0006). The ghrelin mRNA expression level in the GH adenomas correlated positively with the basic serum GH level (n=12) (r=0.6488, P=0.0225). Furthermore, the mean level of ghrelin mRNA expression was significantly higher in invasive adenomas than in noninvasive adenomas (P<0.01). Collectively, the results of the study provided evidence that ghrelin and GHSR are expressed in the various subtypes of pituitary adenoma, with specific overexpression in GH adenomas. The study suggests that the binding of ghrelin to GHSR promotes the secretion of GH and plays an important role in the development of GH adenomas via autocrine and/or paracrine effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan Central Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Songbo Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Lin Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Mingbo Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan Central Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan Central Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Jörg W Bartsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Marburg University, D-35033 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan Central Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
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Camilleri M, Acosta A. Emerging treatments in Neurogastroenterology: relamorelin: a novel gastrocolokinetic synthetic ghrelin agonist. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:324-32. [PMID: 25545036 PMCID: PMC4424792 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic ghrelin agonists, predominantly small molecules, are being developed as prokinetic agents that may prove useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. Relamorelin (RM-131) is a pentapeptide synthetic ghrelin analog that activates the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS)-1a (also called the ghrelin) receptor with approximately sixfold greater potency than natural ghrelin. The ability of relamorelin to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release is comparable to that of native ghrelin. Relamorelin has enhanced efficacy and plasma stability compared to native ghrelin. PURPOSE In this review, we discuss the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and potential indications for relamorelin. Relamorelin is administered subcutaneously, dosed daily or twice daily. Relamorelin is being studied for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. Phase IIA pharmacodynamic studies have demonstrated acceleration of gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 DM (T2DM) and upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In a phase IIA study in patients with diabetic gastroparesis, relamorelin accelerated gastric emptying and significantly improved vomiting frequency compared to placebo and improved other symptoms of gastroparesis in a prespecified subgroup of patients with vomiting at baseline. In patients with chronic idiopathic constipation with defined transit profile at baseline, relamorelin relieved constipation and accelerated colonic transit compared to placebo. These characteristics suggest that this new ghrelin analog shows great promise to relieve patients with upper or lower gastrointestinal motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Camilleri
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.); Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
| | - A. Acosta
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.); Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
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Tang J, Lin J. Relationship between ghrelin and gastrointestinal diseases. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2014; 22:5447-5453. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v22.i35.5447] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a newly found 28-amino acid brain-gut peptide, which is mainly secreted by the gastric mucosa. It has two forms, acyl-ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin, and the former is the major active form. Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and plays an important role in regulating food intake, gastric acid secretion, gastrointestinal motility, gastric mucosa protection, and inhibition of inflammatory reaction in paracrine, autocrine and endocrine manners. Recent studies have found that ghrelin levels are abnormal in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, tumors and so on, suggesting that ghrelin may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Ghrelin may become an index for disease diagnosis and prognosis evaluation and a new target for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Clinical application of ghrelin in the field of surgery. Surg Today 2014; 45:801-7. [PMID: 25366350 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-014-1040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin was discovered as an intrinsic ligand for the growth hormone (GH)-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) in 1999. The endogenous production of ghrelin occurs mainly in the stomach. Ghrelin has multiple functions; it has orexigenic action, stimulates GH secretion, has anti-inflammatory activities, stimulates gastrointestinal activity, stabilizes heart function and has other metabolic roles. Moreover, ghrelin is the only gastrointestinal hormone known to stimulate appetite. In the past decade, clinical applications of ghrelin have been attempted for various pathologies, based on its anabolic function, including applications for patients with anorexia nervosa and cachexia due to chronic heart, renal or pulmonary diseases. In the field of surgery, we have conducted several clinical trials using exogenous ghrelin in patients undergoing total gastrectomy, esophagectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including cisplatin treatment, and consistently obtained unique and striking benefits in these patients. Ghrelin comprehensively improves the patients' general conditions and quality of life via its pleiotropic physiological functions. This characteristic is unique and different from the existing drugs; therefore, ghrelin may be an indispensable supplement to prevent surgical stress and postoperative sequelae. This review summarizes the recent advances toward the clinical application of ghrelin.
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Callaghan B, Kosari S, Pustovit RV, Sartor DM, Ferens D, Ban K, Baell J, Nguyen TV, Rivera LR, Brock JA, Furness JB. Hypotensive effects of ghrelin receptor agonists mediated through a novel receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:1275-86. [PMID: 24670149 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Some agonists of ghrelin receptors cause rapid decreases in BP. The mechanisms by which they cause hypotension and the pharmacology of the receptors are unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of ligands of ghrelin receptors were investigated in rats in vivo, on isolated blood vessels and on cells transfected with the only molecularly defined ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a). KEY RESULTS Three agonists of GHSR1a receptors, ulimorelin, capromorelin and CP464709, caused a rapid decrease in BP in the anaesthetized rat. The effect was not reduced by either of two GHSR1a antagonists, JMV2959 or YIL781, at doses that blocked effects on colorectal motility, in vivo. The rapid hypotension was not mimicked by ghrelin, unacylated ghrelin or the unacylated ghrelin receptor agonist, AZP531. The early hypotension preceded a decrease in sympathetic nerve activity. Early hypotension was not reduced by hexamethonium or by baroreceptor (sino-aortic) denervation. Ulimorelin also relaxed isolated segments of rat mesenteric artery, and, less potently, relaxed aorta segments. The vascular relaxation was not reduced by JMV2959 or YIL781. Ulimorelin, capromorelin and CP464709 activated GHSR1a in transfected HEK293 cells at nanomolar concentrations. JMV2959 and YIL781 both antagonized effects in these cells, with their pA2 values at the GHSR1a receptor being 6.55 and 7.84. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate a novel vascular receptor or receptors whose activation by ulimorelin, capromorelin and CP464709 lowered BP. This receptor is activated by low MW GHSR1a agonists, but is not activated by ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brid Callaghan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Maltais F, Decramer M, Casaburi R, Barreiro E, Burelle Y, Debigaré R, Dekhuijzen PNR, Franssen F, Gayan-Ramirez G, Gea J, Gosker HR, Gosselink R, Hayot M, Hussain SNA, Janssens W, Polkey MI, Roca J, Saey D, Schols AMWJ, Spruit MA, Steiner M, Taivassalo T, Troosters T, Vogiatzis I, Wagner PD. An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: update on limb muscle dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2014; 189:e15-62. [PMID: 24787074 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201402-0373st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 683] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limb muscle dysfunction is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it has important clinical implications, such as reduced exercise tolerance, quality of life, and even survival. Since the previous American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) statement on limb muscle dysfunction, important progress has been made on the characterization of this problem and on our understanding of its pathophysiology and clinical implications. PURPOSE The purpose of this document is to update the 1999 ATS/ERS statement on limb muscle dysfunction in COPD. METHODS An interdisciplinary committee of experts from the ATS and ERS Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Clinical Problems assemblies determined that the scope of this document should be limited to limb muscles. Committee members conducted focused reviews of the literature on several topics. A librarian also performed a literature search. An ATS methodologist provided advice to the committee, ensuring that the methodological approach was consistent with ATS standards. RESULTS We identified important advances in our understanding of the extent and nature of the structural alterations in limb muscles in patients with COPD. Since the last update, landmark studies were published on the mechanisms of development of limb muscle dysfunction in COPD and on the treatment of this condition. We now have a better understanding of the clinical implications of limb muscle dysfunction. Although exercise training is the most potent intervention to address this condition, other therapies, such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, are emerging. Assessment of limb muscle function can identify patients who are at increased risk of poor clinical outcomes, such as exercise intolerance and premature mortality. CONCLUSIONS Limb muscle dysfunction is a key systemic consequence of COPD. However, there are still important gaps in our knowledge about the mechanisms of development of this problem. Strategies for early detection and specific treatments for this condition are also needed.
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Bonfili L, Cuccioloni M, Cecarini V, Mozzicafreddo M, Palermo FA, Cocci P, Angeletti M, Eleuteri AM. Ghrelin induces apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma cells via proteasome inhibition and autophagy induction. Apoptosis 2014; 18:1188-200. [PMID: 23632965 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0856-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a metabolism-regulating hormone recently investigated for its role in cancer survival and progression. Controversially, ghrelin may act as either anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic factor in different cancer cells, suggesting that the effects are cell type dependent. Limited data are currently available on the effects exerted by ghrelin on intracellular proteolytic pathways in cancer. Both the lysosomal and the proteasomal systems are fundamental in cellular proliferation and apoptosis regulation. With the aim of exploring if the proteasome and autophagy may be possible targets of ghrelin in cancer, we exposed human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells to ghrelin. Preliminary in vitro fluorimetric assays evidenced for the first time a direct inhibition of 20S proteasomes by ghrelin, particularly evident for the trypsin-like activity. Moreover, 1 μM ghrelin induced apoptosis in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system and by activating autophagy, with p53 having an "interactive" role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonfili
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032, Camerino, Macerata, Italy,
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Wang X, Wang XL, Chen HL, Wu D, Chen JX, Wang XX, Li RL, He JH, Mo L, Cen X, Wei YQ, Jiang W. Ghrelin inhibits doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by inhibiting excessive autophagy through AMPK and p38-MAPK. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:334-50. [PMID: 24522112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a wide spectrum antitumor drug, but its clinical application is limited by the cardiotoxicity. Ghrelin, a multi-functional peptide hormone with metabolic regulation in energy homeostasis, plays important roles in cardiovascular protection. Now, the underlying mechanisms of ghrelin against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and atrophy are still not clear. In the present study, we revealed an autophagy-dependent mechanism involved in ghrelin's protection against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte death and size decrease. We observed that DOX insult induced remarkable mortality and cardiac dysfunction in mice, and increase in LDH leakage, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and decrease in cell viability and size in mouse hearts and H9c2 cell cultures, which were effectively improved by ghrelin supplement. We further observed that the strong autophagy stirred by DOX exposure was paralleling with the serious apoptosis and size decrease in cardiomyocytes. Ghrelin, like an autophagy inhibitor, 3-MA, inhibited the DOX-induced autophagy and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and size decrease. Furthermore, ghrelin significantly reduced the intercellular oxidative stress level, a strong autophagy trigger, partly by augmenting the expression and activities of the endogenous anti-oxidative enzymes. After the further investigation in the post signaling pathways of ghrelin receptors in H9c2 cells, including ERK, p38/MAPK, JNK, AMPK and Akt, we observed that ghrelin supplement only reduced the DOX-activated AMPK and augmented the DOX-down regulated p38-MAPK and mTOR phosphorylation. Our results indicated that ghrelin effectively improved the cardiomyocyte survival and size maintenance by suppressing the excessive autophagy through both ROS inhibition and mTOR induction through suppressing AMPK activity and stimulating p38-MAPK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xu-Lei Wang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China; School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hua-Li Chen
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Dan Wu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jia-Xiang Chen
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ru-Li Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jin-Han He
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Li Mo
- Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Lab of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Haddad H, Mroueh M, Faour WH, Daher C. Growth hormone treatment modulates active ghrelin levels in rats. Endocr Res 2014; 39:39-43. [PMID: 23772680 DOI: 10.3109/07435800.2013.799484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Impairments in neuroendocrine regulation of food intake and postprandial satiety are leading causes to obesity. Ghrelin peptide is a GI hormone known to increase food intake partly through induction of growth hormone. The regulation of ghrelin production is still unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of the current study is to investigate the influence of growth hormone (Genotropin) treatment on active ghrelin levels in plasma, stomach, pancreas and kidney in rats. MATERIAL/METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats, randomly allocated into control and three treatment groups, received daily subcutaneous injections of Genotropin at 2, 20 and 100 µg/rat/day for 5 consecutive days. Active ghrelin levels were quantified per tissue mass or tissue protein. RESULTS In control groups, the highest active ghrelin concentration in pmol/g tissue was found in the stomach (15.5 ± 0.21) followed by the pancreas (1.96 ± 0.066) and the kidney (1.36 ± 0.037). Genotropin treatment caused a dose dependent decrease in active ghrelin concentration in stomach, kidney and pancreas with a concomitant increase in plasma, and reaching significance at 20 and 100 µg/rat/day doses. However, the treatment caused variable effect on total protein concentrations, with a decrease in pancreas and an increase in stomach and kidney supernatants. Consequently, under such treatment, determination of active ghrelin concentration per tissue mass rather than per tissue protein is favored. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests a direct correlation between Genotropin treatment and active ghrelin secretion into the rat plasma via modulating its stores in stomach, kidney and pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haytham Haddad
- School of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences Department and
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Sadjadi A, Yazdanbod A, Lee YY, Boreiri M, Samadi F, Alizadeh BZ, Islami F, Fyfe V, Babaei M, Namazi MJ, Going JJ, Sotoudeh M, de Bock GH, Malekzadeh R, Derakhshan MH. Serum ghrelin; a new surrogate marker of gastric mucosal alterations in upper gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74440. [PMID: 24098650 PMCID: PMC3787044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A few studies have indicated inverse relationships between serum ghrelin and gastric and esophageal cancers but those associations have been restricted to specific populations, including smokers and overweight individuals. We examined the association between ghrelin and gastroesophageal cancers and atrophic gastritis in a population-based setting. Methods In total 220 gastroesophageal cancers, comprising non-cardia and cardia gastric cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and age and gender-matched controls were recruited. Serum ghrelin, pepsinogen I/II ratio (PGI/II) and anti-H.pylori IgG antibodies were measured. Relationships between ghrelin and gastroesophageal cancers, after adjustment for PGI/II ratio, H.pylori status and smoking, were tested using logistic regression. Furthermore, in 125 endoscopically normal volunteers, with and without histological atrophic gastritis, the relationship with ghrelin was compared. Results Serum ghrelin (lowest vs. highest quintile) was inversely associated with gastric cancer: OR (95% CI) 8.71 (1.70–44.59) for cardia and 6.58 (1.26–34.46) for non-cardia cancer. Lower serum ghrelin was also associated with esophageal SCC: OR (95% CI) 5.69 (1.36–23.78), but not with esophageal adenocarcinoma. A similar association was observed between gastric cancer (cardia and non-cardia) and esophageal SCC when serum ghrelin was analysed as a continuous scaled variable. In endoscopically-normal volunteers, extensive atrophic gastritis was associated with low serum ghrelin [OR (95% CI) 0.25 (0.10–0.64)]. Conclusion Inverse associations between ghrelin and some gastroesophageal cancers suggest a potential role for serum ghrelin as a biomarker of upper gastrointestinal cancers and atrophic gastritis. In areas with a high incidence of gastric and/or esophageal cancer, screening might be more effectively targeted to individuals with low serum ghrelin in addition to the PGI/II ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Sadjadi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningn, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Antiproliferative activity on human prostate carcinoma cell lines of new peptidomimetics containing the spiroazepinoindolinone scaffold. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:5470-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ghrelin inhibits ovarian epithelial carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2063-70. [PMID: 23982275 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The only orexigenic peptide, ghrelin, which is primarily produced by the gastrointestinal tract, has been implicated in malignant cell proliferation and invasion. Ghrelin is a natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a). However, the role of ghrelin in ovarian epithelial carcinoma remains unknown since the expression of GHSR1a in ovary is not confirmed. The aim of the present study was to assess expression of ghrelin and its receptor in human ovarian epithelial carcinoma and to examine the effect of ghrelin on carcinoma cell proliferation. Frozen sections of ovarian samples and the human ovarian epithelial carcinoma cell line, HO-8910, were used to characterize the expression of ghrelin/GHSR1a axis and the effect of ghrelin on proliferation. We found that ghrelin and GHSR1a are expressed in ovarian epithelial carcinoma in vivo and in vitro. Ghrelin inhibits the proliferation and growth of HO-8910 cells by G1 phase arrest, and this inhibition may be abolished by the ghrelin receptor antagonist D-Lys-3-GH-releasing peptide-6 and ghrelin neutralizing antibody. Ghrelin enhances HO-8910 cell apoptosis and autophagy. The activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway blocks the effects of ghrelin-induced autophagy and apoptosis, therefore reverses the inhibition of HO-8910 cell proliferation induced by ghrelin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that ghrelin inhibits the proliferation of human HO-8910 ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis and autophagy via the mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides a novel regulatory signaling pathway of ghrelin-regulated ovarian epithelial carcinoma growth and may contribute to ovarian cancer prevention and therapy.
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Seim I, Jeffery PL, de Amorim L, Walpole CM, Fung J, Whiteside EJ, Lourie R, Herington AC, Chopin LK. Ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) is expressed in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and expression is differentially regulated in vitro by ghrelin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:70. [PMID: 23879975 PMCID: PMC3724588 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide hormone that is expressed in the stomach and a range of peripheral tissues, where it frequently acts as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. Ghrelin is modified by a unique acylation required for it to activate its cognate receptor, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), which mediates many of the actions of ghrelin. Recently, the enzyme responsible for adding the fatty acid residue (octanoyl/acyl group) to the third amino acid of ghrelin, GOAT (ghrelin O-acyltransferase), was identified. METHODS We used cell culture, quantitative real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the expression of GOAT in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues from patients. Real-time RT-PCR was used to demonstrate the expression of prohormone convertase (PC)1/3, PC2 and furin in prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate-derived cell lines were treated with ghrelin and desacyl ghrelin and the effect on GOAT expression was measured using quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS We have demonstrated that GOAT mRNA and protein are expressed in the normal prostate and human prostate cancer tissue samples. The RWPE-1 and RWPE-2 normal prostate-derived cell lines and the LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines express GOAT and at least one other enzyme that is necessary to produce mature, acylated ghrelin from proghrelin (PC1/3, PC2 or furin). Finally, ghrelin, but not desacyl ghrelin (unacylated ghrelin), can directly regulate the expression of GOAT in the RWPE-1 normal prostate derived cell line and the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. Ghrelin treatment (100nM) for 6 hours significantly decreased GOAT mRNA expression two-fold (P < 0.05) in the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, however, ghrelin did not regulate GOAT expression in the DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that GOAT is expressed in prostate cancer specimens and cell lines. Ghrelin regulates GOAT expression, however, this is likely to be cell-type specific. The expression of GOAT in prostate cancer supports the hypothesis that the ghrelin axis has autocrine/paracrine roles. We propose that the RWPE-1 prostate cell line and the PC3 prostate cancer cell line may be useful for investigating GOAT regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Seim
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Penny L Jeffery
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Mater Medical Research Institute, Mater Health Services, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland,, 4103, Australia
| | - Laura de Amorim
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Carina M Walpole
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jenny Fung
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Eliza J Whiteside
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Rohan Lourie
- Mater Medical Research Institute, Mater Health Services, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland,, 4103, Australia
- Department of Pathology, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4103, Australia
| | - Adrian C Herington
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Lisa K Chopin
- Ghrelin Research Group, Translational Research Institute - Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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Fung JNT, Jeffery PL, Lee JD, Seim I, Roche D, Obermair A, Chopin LK, Chen C. Silencing of ghrelin receptor expression inhibits endometrial cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E305-13. [PMID: 23736537 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00156.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone produced predominantly in the stomach but also in a range of normal cell types and tumors, where it has endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine roles. Previously, we have demonstrated that ghrelin has proliferative and antiapoptotic effects in endometrial cancer cell lines, suggesting a potential role in promoting tumor growth. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ghrelin receptor, GHSR, and gene silencing in vitro and in vivo and characterized ghrelin and GHSR1a protein expression in human endometrial tumors. GHSR gene silencing was achieved in the Ishikawa and KLE endometrial cancer cell lines, using a lentiviral short-hairpin RNA targeting GHSR. The effects of GHSR1a knockdown were further analyzed in vivo using the Ishikawa cell line in a NOD/SCID xenograft model. Cell proliferation was reduced in cultured GHSR1a knockdown Ishikawa and KLE cells compared with scrambled controls in the absence of exogenously applied ghrelin and in response to exogenous ghrelin (1,000 nM). The tumor volumes were reduced significantly in GHSR1a knockdown Ishikawa mouse xenograft tumors compared with scrambled control tumours. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that ghrelin and GHSR1a are expressed in benign and cancerous glands in human endometrial tissue specimens, although there was no correlation between the intensity of staining and cancer grade. These data indicate that downregulation of GHSR expression significantly inhibits endometrial cancer cell line and mouse xenograft tumour growth. This is the first preclinical evidence that downregulation of GHSR may be therapeutic in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny N T Fung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Northrup R, Kuroda K, Duus EM, Barnes SR, Cheatham L, Wiley T, Pietra C. Effect of ghrelin and anamorelin (ONO-7643), a selective ghrelin receptor agonist, on tumor growth in a lung cancer mouse xenograft model. Support Care Cancer 2013; 21:2409-15. [PMID: 23579947 PMCID: PMC3728440 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1800-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Anamorelin (ONO-7643) is an orally active ghrelin receptor agonist in development for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-related anorexia/cachexia. It displays both orexigenic and anabolic properties via ghrelin mimetic activity and transient increases in growth hormone (GH). However, increasing GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 in cancer patients raises concerns of potentially stimulating tumor growth. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ghrelin and anamorelin on tumor growth in a murine NSCLC xenograft model. Methods Female nude mice (15–21/group) with established A549 tumors were administered ghrelin (2 mg/kg i.p.), anamorelin (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg p.o.), or vehicle controls daily for 28 days. Tumor growth, food consumption, and body weight were monitored. Murine growth hormone (mGH) and murine insulin-like growth factor-1 (mIGF-1) were measured in plasma. Results Tumor growth progressed throughout the study, with no significant differences between treatment groups. Daily food consumption was also relatively unchanged, while the percentage of mean body weight gain at the end of treatment was significantly increased in animals administered 10 and 30 mg/kg compared with controls (p < 0.01). Peak mGH levels were significantly higher in ghrelin- and anamorelin-treated animals than in controls, while peak mIGF-1 levels were slightly elevated but not statistically significant. All regimens were well tolerated. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that neither anamorelin nor ghrelin promoted tumor growth in this model, despite increased levels of mGH and a trend of increased mIGF-1. Together with anamorelin’s ability to increase body weight, these results support the clinical development of ghrelin receptor agonist treatments for managing NSCLC-related anorexia/cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Northrup
- Research and Development, Helsinn Therapeutics (US), Inc., Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA.
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Seim I, Lubik AA, Lehman ML, Tomlinson N, Whiteside EJ, Herington AC, Nelson CC, Chopin LK. Cloning of a novel insulin-regulated ghrelin transcript in prostate cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 50:179-91. [PMID: 23267039 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a multifunctional hormone, with roles in stimulating appetite and regulating energy balance, insulin secretion and glucose homoeostasis. The ghrelin gene locus (GHRL) is highly complex and gives rise to a range of novel transcripts derived from alternative first exons and internally spliced exons. The wild-type transcript encodes a 117 amino acid preprohormone that is processed to yield the 28 amino acid peptide ghrelin. Here, we identified insulin-responsive transcription corresponding to cryptic exons in intron 2 of the human ghrelin gene. A transcript, termed in2c-ghrelin (intron 2-cryptic), was cloned from the testis and the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. This transcript may encode an 83 amino acid preproghrelin isoform that codes for ghrelin, but not obestatin. It is expressed in a limited number of normal tissues and in tumours of the prostate, testis, breast and ovary. Finally, we confirmed that in2c-ghrelin transcript expression, as well as the recently described in1-ghrelin transcript, is significantly upregulated by insulin in cultured prostate cancer cells. Metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinaemia have been associated with prostate cancer risk and progression. This may be particularly significant after androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, which induces hyperinsulinaemia, and this could contribute to castrate-resistant prostate cancer growth. We have previously demonstrated that ghrelin stimulates prostate cancer cell line proliferation in vitro. This study is the first description of insulin regulation of a ghrelin transcript in cancer and should provide further impetus for studies into the expression, regulation and function of ghrelin gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Seim
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
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Ma XB, Xu WH. Ghrelin in gastrointestinal diseases. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2013; 21:239-243. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v21.i3.239] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). Upon binding to its receptor, Ghrelin can produce a variety of biological effects, such as promoting the release of growth hormone and maintaining energy balance. Besides, it also promotes gastrointestinal motility, increases gastric acid secretion, and is involved in the genesis of tumors. This article reviews the role of Ghrelin in gastrointestinal system disease.
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Steinman J, DeBoer MD. Treatment of cachexia: melanocortin and ghrelin interventions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2013; 92:197-242. [PMID: 23601426 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-410473-0.00008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cachexia is a condition typified by wasting of fat and LBM caused by anorexia and further endocrinological modulation of energy stores. Diseases known to cause cachectic symptoms include cancer, chronic kidney disease, and chronic heart failure; these conditions are associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and increased resting energy expenditure. Early studies have suggested the central melanocortin system as one of the main mediators of the symptoms of cachexia. Pharmacological and genetic antagonism of these pathways attenuates cachectic symptoms in laboratory models; effects have yet to be studied in humans. In addition, ghrelin, an endogenous orexigenic hormone with receptors on melanocortinergic neurons, has been shown to ameliorate symptoms of cachexia, at least in part, by an increase in appetite via melanocortin modulation, in addition to its anticatabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. These effects of ghrelin have been confirmed in multiple types of cachexia in both laboratory and human studies, suggesting a positive future for cachexia treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Steinman
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 800386, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Delhanty PJD, Neggers SJ, van der Lely AJ. Mechanisms in endocrinology: Ghrelin: the differences between acyl- and des-acyl ghrelin. Eur J Endocrinol 2012; 167:601-8. [PMID: 22898499 DOI: 10.1530/eje-12-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) is one of the three preproghrelin gene-encoded peptides. Compared with ghrelin and obestatin, it has not received the attention it deserves. DAG has long been considered an inert degradation product of acyl ghrelin (AG). Recent evidence, however, indicates that DAG behaves like a separate hormone. DAG can act together with AG, can antagonize AG, and seems to have AG-independent effects. Therefore, it is believed that DAG must activate its own receptor and that it may also interact with AG at this receptor. Of potential clinical importance is that an increasing number of studies suggest that DAG might be a functional inhibitor of ghrelin and that DAG can suppress ghrelin levels in humans. Therefore, DAG or DAG analogs might be good candidates for future treatment of metabolic disorders or other conditions in which antagonism of AG actions could be beneficial, such as diabetes, obesity, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patric J D Delhanty
- Department of Medicine, Erasmus University MC, CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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