Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression predicts metastasis in tongue cancer

Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Role for Angiogenesis Markers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Review

Despite refinements to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches over the last two decades, the outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not shown substantial improvements, especially regarding those with advanced-stage disease. Angiogenesis is believed to be a turning point in the development of solid tumors, being a premise for mass growth and potential distant dissemination. Cancer-induced angiogenesis is a result of increased expression of angiogenic factors, decreased expression of anti-angiogenic factors, or a combination of both. The assessment of angiogenesis has also emerged as a potentially useful biological prognostic and predictive factor in HNSCC. The aim of this review is to assess the level of current knowledge on the neo-angiogenesis markers involved in the biology, behavior, and prognosis of HNSCC. A search (between 1 January 2012 and 10 October 2022) was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. After full-text screening and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 84 articles are included. The current knowledge and debate on angiogenesis in HNSCC presented in the eligible articles are stratified as follows: (i) diagnostic markers; (ii) prognostic markers; (iii) predictive markers; and (iv) markers with a potential therapeutic role. Angiogenesis is a biological and pathological indicator of malignancies progression and has negative implications in prognosis of some solid tumors; several signals capable of tripping the "angiogenic switch" have also been identified in HNSCC. Although several studies suggested that antiangiogenic agents might be a valuable adjunct to conventional chemo-radiation of HNSCC, their long-term therapeutic value remains uncertain. Further investigations are required on combinations of antiangiogenic agents with conventional chemotherapeutic ones, immunotherapeutic and molecularly targeted agents in HNSCC. Additional data are necessary to pinpoint which patients could benefit most from these treatments.

Placental-Cadherin, a biomarker for local immune status and poor prognosis among patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic and clinicopathological value of placental-Cadherin (CDH3) in multiple cancers is controversial. The diagnostic significance and functional mechanism of CDH3 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to clarify the potential of CDH3 as biomarker for TSCC.

METHODS

Here, meta-analysis, bioinformatics, along wet-lab techniques were employed to evaluate the diagnostic, as well as the prognostic value of CDH3 in diverse types of cancers, especially TSCC. Meta-analysis was used to determine the influence of CDH3 on prognostic and clinicopathological features in numerous cancers. Molecular biology function was used to investigate the role of CDH3 in TSCC cells. The relationship of CDH3 with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in TSCC was assessed using CIBERSORT. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was done based on TCGA. Besides, the hub genes and associated cascades were uncovered based on gene co-expression with CDH3.

RESULTS

CDH3 upregulation correlated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival in various cancers. CDH3 was validated as an independent risk factor for HNSC and was linked to the onset of tumors, tumor stage, and infiltration depth. CDH3 silencing inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis of the CAL-27 cell line. CDH3 expression level correlated with infiltration by macrophages, T cells, T cell regulatory cells (Tregs), and plasma cells in TSCC. GSEA revealed that CDH3 influences multiple cancer-associated cascades. Besides, CBX3, CCHCR1, along NFYC were identified as the core hub genes for CDH3.

CONCLUSION

We identified CDH3 as a pan-cancer gene with potential prognostic and diagnostic significance in various cancers, particularly in TSCC, where it is tumorigenic.

CCR7-CCL21 axis promotes the cervical lymph node metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma by up-regulating MUC1

This study aims at investigating the potential role of MUC1 in CCR7-CCL21 axis-induced metastasis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). TSCC patients were selected for epidemiologic trends. The expression of CCR7 and MUC1 was detected via immunohistochemistry. SCC15 and CAL27 cells were induced by CCL21 and specific antibody to CCR7. Gene and protein expression was detected using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Migration and invasion capacities of TSCC cells were determined using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. The male:female ratio of 78 patients was 1.6:1. Metastasis rate of cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) was 42.3%. CLN metastasis significantly correlated with T staging (P = 0.026), clinical staging (P = 0.024), and depth of invasion (DOI, P = 0.001). DOI significantly influenced CLN metastasis (P = 0.033, OR = 10.919) of TSCC, as did CCR7 (P = 0.041) and MUC1 (P = 0.026). The consistency of CCR7 and MUC1 expression was fairly good (Kappa = 0.683, P < 0.001). Reduced survival was significantly associated with higher expression of CCR7 (P = 0.039) and MUC1 (P = 0.030). CCL21 up-regulated MUC1 in SCC15 cells, which was inhibited when CCR7 was blocked. MUC1 positively correlated with TSCC cell migration and invasion. CCR7-CCL21 axis might promote CLN metastasis of TSCC by up-regulating MUC1. CCR7 and MUC1 show promise as potential biomarkers for TSCC treatment.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: A Translational View in Oral Non-Communicable Diseases

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are vital regulators of angiogenesis that are expressed in response to soluble mediators, such as cytokines and growth factors. Their physiologic functions include blood vessel formation, regulation of vascular permeability, stem cell and monocyte/macrophage recruitment and maintenance of bone homeostasis and repair. In addition, angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in chronic pathologic conditions, such as tumorigenesis, inflammatory immune diseases and bone loss. According to their prevalence, morbidity and mortality, inflammatory diseases affecting periodontal tissues and oral cancer are relevant non-communicable diseases. Whereas oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered one of the most common cancers worldwide, destructive inflammatory periodontal diseases, on the other hand, are amongst the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions affecting humans and also represent the main cause of tooth loss in adults. In the recent years, while knowledge regarding the role of VEGF signaling in common oral diseases is expanding, new potential translational applications emerge. In the present narrative review we aim to explore the role of VEGF signaling in oral cancer and destructive periodontal inflammatory diseases, with emphasis in its translational applications as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Satisfactory short-term outcome after anlotinib and docetaxel chemotherapy in tongue cancer with N3 cervical lymph node metastasis: A case report

Patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and cervical lymph node metastasis are particularly difficult to treat. This is the first report of about anlotinib combined with docetaxel chemotherapy for chemotherapy-refractory TSCC with cervical lymph node metastasis, may provide a new, suitable therapeutic option for these patients.

Heavy-ion beam irradiation inhibits invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma Tca8113 cells

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a common malignant tumor type with aggressive biological characteristics, located in the oral and maxillofacial region. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the invasion and metastasis of various malignant tumor types, such as lung cancer and gastric carcinoma. High linear energy transfer (LET) particle irradiation has several advantages over conventional X-rays in suppressing the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumors. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-LET carbon ions and low-LET X-rays on the expression of VEGF and MMPs, and to identify the associated mechanisms in the Tca8113 TSCC cell line. Tca8113 cells were irradiated with carbon ions or X-rays at doses of 1 and 4 Gy. An immunofluorescence assay indicated that VEGF expression was notably decreased at 24 and 48 h after heavy ion irradiation compared with irradiation with conventional X-rays. The expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 also decreased in a dose-dependent manner following heavy ion irradiation. These findings indicate that compared with low-LET X-ray irradiation, high-LET carbon ions possess higher biological efficacy in inhibiting the invasive ability of Tca8113 cells via reduction of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

A review of the most promising biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

There is a great interest in developing biomarkers to enhance early detection and clinical management of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). However, the developmental path towards a clinically valid biomarker remains extremely challenging. Ideally, the initial key step in moving a newly discovered biomarker towards clinical implementation is independent replication. Therefore, the focus of this review is on biomarkers that consistently showed clinical relevance in two or more publications.

METHODS

We searched PubMed database for relevant papers across different TSCC sample sources, i.e., body fluids (saliva, serum/plasma) and tissues. No restriction regarding the date of publication was applied except for immunohistochemistry (IHC); only studies published between 2010 and June 2017 were included.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 1429 abstracts, of which 96 papers, examining 150 biomarkers, were eventually included. Of these papers, 66% were exploratory studies evaluating single or a panel of biomarkers in one publication. Ultimately, based on studies that had undergone validation for their clinical relevance in at least two independent studies, we identified 10 promising candidates, consisting of different types of molecules (IL-6, IL-8, and Prolactin in liquid samples; HIF-1α, SOX2, E-cadherin, vimentin, MALAT1, TP53, and NOTCH1 in tissue biopsies) CONCLUSIONS: Although more exploratory research is needed with newer methods to identify biomarkers for TSCC, rigorous validation of biomarkers that have already shown unbiased assessment in at least two publications should be considered a high priority. Further research on these promising biomarkers or their combination in multi-institutional studies, could provide new possibilities to develop a specific panel for early diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized treatments.

Effects of proton versus photon irradiation on (lymph)angiogenic, inflammatory, proliferative and anti-tumor immune responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The proximity of organs at risk makes the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) challenging by standard radiotherapy. The higher precision in tumor targeting of proton (P) therapy could promote it as the treatment of choice for HNSCC. Besides the physical advantage in dose deposition, few is known about the biological impact of P versus photons (X) in this setting. To investigate the comparative biological effects of P versus X radiation in HNSCC cells, we assessed the relative biological effectiveness (RBE), viability, proliferation and mRNA levels for genes involved in (lymph)angiogenesis, inflammation, proliferation and anti-tumor immunity. These parameters, particularly VEGF-C protein levels and regulations, were documented in freshly irradiated and/or long-term surviving cells receiving low/high-dose, single (SI)/multiple (MI) irradiations with P/X. The RBE was found to be 1.1 Key (lymph)angiogenesis and inflammation genes were downregulated (except for vegf-c) after P and upregulated after X irradiation in MI surviving cells, demonstrating a more favorable profile after P irradiation. Both irradiation types stimulated vegf-c promoter activity in a NF-κB-dependent transcriptional regulation manner, but at a lesser extent after P, as compared to X irradiation, which correlated with mRNA and protein levels. The cells surviving to MI by P or X generated tumors with higher volume, anarchic architecture and increased density of blood vessels. Increased lymphangiogenesis and a transcriptomic analysis in favor of a more aggressive phenotype were observed in tumors generated with X-irradiated cells. Increased detection of lymphatic vessels in relapsed tumors from patients receiving X radiotherapy was consistent with these findings. This study provides new data about the biological advantage of P, as compared to X irradiation. In addition to its physical advantage in dose deposition, P irradiation may help to improve treatment approaches for HNSCC.

Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight

Microgravity, or an altered gravity environment different from the 1 g of the Earth, has been shown to influence global gene expression patterns and protein levels in cultured cells. However, most of the reported studies that have been conducted in space or by using simulated microgravity on the ground have focused on the growth or differentiation of these cells. It has not been specifically addressed whether nonproliferating cultured cells will sense the presence of microgravity in space. In an experiment conducted onboard the International Space Station, confluent human fibroblast cells were fixed after being cultured in space for 3 and 14 d, respectively, to investigate changes in gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in these cells. Results of the experiment showed that on d 3, both the flown and ground cells were still proliferating slowly, as measured by the percentage of Ki-67(+) cells. Gene and miRNA expression data indicated activation of NF-κB and other growth-related pathways that involve hepatocyte growth factor and VEGF as well as the down-regulation of the Let-7 miRNA family. On d 14, when the cells were mostly nonproliferating, the gene and miRNA expression profile of the flight sample was indistinguishable from that of the ground sample. Comparison of gene and miRNA expressions in the d 3 samples, with respect to d 14, revealed that most of the changes observed on d 3 were related to cell growth for both the flown and ground cells. Analysis of cytoskeletal changes via immunohistochemistry staining of the cells with antibodies for α-tubulin and fibronectin showed no difference between the flown and ground samples. Taken together, our study suggests that in true nondividing human fibroblast cells in culture, microgravity experienced in space has little effect on gene and miRNA expression profiles.-Zhang, Y., Lu, T., Wong, M., Wang, X., Stodieck, L., Karouia, F., Story, M., Wu, H. Transient gene and microRNA expression profile changes of confluent human fibroblast cells in spaceflight.