Insulin-like growth factor 1 serum levels in different stages of gastric cancer and their association with Helicobacter pylori status

Circulating Proteins as Diagnostic Markers in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly malignant disease affecting humans worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Most GC cases are detected at advanced stages due to the cancer lacking early detectable symptoms. Therefore, there is great interest in improving early diagnosis by implementing targeted prevention strategies. Markers are necessary for early detection and to guide clinicians to the best personalized treatment. The current semi-invasive endoscopic methods to detect GC are invasive, costly, and time-consuming. Recent advances in proteomics technologies have enabled the screening of many samples and the detection of novel biomarkers and disease-related signature signaling networks. These biomarkers include circulating proteins from different fluids (e.g., plasma, serum, urine, and saliva) and extracellular vesicles. We review relevant published studies on circulating protein biomarkers in GC and detail their application as potential biomarkers for GC diagnosis. Identifying highly sensitive and highly specific diagnostic markers for GC may improve patient survival rates and contribute to advancing precision/personalized medicine.

Diabetes Mellitus and Gastric Cancer: Correlation and Potential Mechanisms

This review summarizes the correlation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and gastric cancer (GC) from the perspectives of epidemiology, drug use, and potential mechanisms. The association between DM and GC is inconclusive, and the positive direction of the association reported in most published meta-analyses suggests that DM may be an independent risk factor for GC. Many clinical investigations have shown that people with DM and GC who undergo gastrectomy may have better glycemic control. The potential link between DM and GC may involve the interaction of multiple common risk factors, such as obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, H. pylori infection, and the use of metformin. Although in vitro and in vivo data support that H. pylori infection status and metformin can influence GC risk in DM patients, there are conflicting results. Patient survival outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, so further research is needed to identify the patients who may benefit.