Estrogens and prostate cancer

An open-label, single-arm, prospective, multi-center, tandem two-stage designed phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of fulvestrant in women with recurrent/metastatic estrogen receptor-positive gynecological malignancies (FUCHSia study)

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate fulvestrant efficacy in women with estrogen receptor-positive low-grade gynecological cancers. The primary objective was to determine the response rate. Secondary objectives were progression-free survival, clinical benefit, duration of response, safety, tolerability, and quality of life.

METHODS

FUCHSia is an open-label, single-arm, prospective, multi-center phase II study. The study population included patients with recurrent/metastatic low-grade gynecological malignancies with estrogen receptor positivity who received a maximum of two lines of previous hormonal therapy. Patients received fulvestrant (FASLODEX, AstraZeneca) via two intramuscular injections (250 mg/5 mL each) in the gluteal muscle on day 1, day 15, day 29, and then every 28 days thereafter until disease progression, withdrawal from the trial due to any unacceptable adverse event, or withdrawal of patient consent.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients (uterine sarcoma n=4; sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors n=3; endometrial carcinoma n=4; serous ovarian cancer n=4) were enrolled. Median follow-up was 48 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 26-122) in the uterine sarcoma cohort, 63 weeks (IQR 28-77) for sex cord-stromal tumors, 19 weeks (IQR 17-21) for endometrial carcinoma, and 60 weeks (IQR 40-119) for serous ovarian cancer. One partial response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1 was observed in one uterine sarcoma patient. No responses were observed in the other cohorts. However, stable disease was observed in three uterine sarcomas (median duration 12 weeks), three sex cord-stromal tumors (median duration 32 weeks), and four low-grade serous ovarian cancer patients (median duration 20 weeks), leading to a disease control rate of 100% for these tumor types. All patients with endometrial carcinoma showed progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

Fulvestrant may control tumor growth in recurrent/metastatic estrogen receptor-positive low-grade gynecological malignancies of specific histology. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

The alarming link between environmental microplastics and health hazards with special emphasis on cancer

Microplastic contamination is a burgeoning environmental issue that poses serious threats to animal and human health. Microplastics enter the human body through nasal, dermal, and oral routes to contaminate multiple organs. Studies have advocated the existence of microplastics in human breast milk, sputum, faeces, and blood. Microplastics can find their ways to the sub-cellular moiety via active and passive approaches. At cellular level, microplastics follow clathrin and caveolae-dependent pathways to invade the sub-cellular environment. These environmental contaminants modulate the epigenetic control of gene expression, status of inflammatory mediators, redox homeostasis, cell-cycle proteins, and mimic the endocrine mediators like estrogen and androgen to fuel carcinogenesis. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have suggested potential links between the exposure to microplastics and the onset of chronic diseases. Microplastics trigger uncontrolled cell proliferation and ensuing tissue growth leading to various cancers affecting the lungs, blood, breasts, prostate, and ovaries. Additionally, such contamination can potentially affect sub-cellular signaling and injure multiple organs. In essence, numerous reports have claimed microplastic-induced toxicity and tumorigenesis in human and model animals. Nonetheless, the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive and warrants further investigations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microplastics, covering their sources, chemistry, human exposure routes, toxicity, and carcinogenic potential at the molecular level.

Analysis of environmental pollutant Bisphenol F elicited prostate injury targets and underlying mechanisms through network toxicology, molecular docking, and multi-level bioinformatics data integration

Bisphenol F (BPF) has gained prominence as an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA) in various manufacturing applications, yet being detected in diverse environments and posed potential public health risk. This research aims to elucidate the putative toxic targets and underlying molecular mechanisms of prostate injury induced by exposure to BPF through multi-level bioinformatics data, integrating network toxicology and molecular docking. Systematically leveraging multilevel databases, we determined 276 targets related to BPF and prostate injury. Subsequent screenings through STRING and Cytoscape tool highlighted 27 key targets, including BCL2, HSP90AA1, MAPK3, ESR1, and CASP3. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses demonstrated enrichment of targets involved in apoptosis, abnormal hormonal activities, as well as cancer-related signal transduction cascades, ligand-receptor interaction networks, and endocrine system signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulations conducted via Autodock corroborated high-affinity binding interaction between BPF and key targets. The results indicate that BPF exposure can contribute to the initiation and progression of prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplastic by modulating apoptosis and proliferation, altering nerve function in blood vessel endothelial cells, and disrupting androgen metabolism. This study offers theoretical underpinnings for comprehending the molecular mechanisms implicated in BPF-elicited prostatic toxicity, while concomitantly establishing foundational framework for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for prostatic injuries related to polycarbonate and epoxy resin plastics incorporated with BPF, as well as environments afflicted by elevated levels of these compounds.

Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration

Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.

Endosomal recycling inhibitors downregulate estrogen receptor-alpha and synergise with endocrine therapies

PURPOSE

Breast cancer (BC) accounts for roughly 30% of new cancers diagnosed in women each year; thus, this cancer type represents a substantial burden for people and health care systems. Despite the existence of effective therapies to treat BC, drug resistance remains a problem and is a major cause of treatment failure. Therefore, new drugs and treatment regimens are urgently required to overcome resistance. Recent research indicates that inhibition of the endosomal recycling pathway, an intracellular membrane trafficking pathway that returns endocytosed proteins back to the plasma membrane, may be a promising strategy to downregulate clinically relevant cell surface proteins such as HER2 and HER3, and to overcome drug resistance.

METHODS

To investigate the molecular mechanism of action of an endosomal recycling inhibitor (ERI) called primaquine, we performed a reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) assay using a HER2-positive breast cancer cell line. The RPPA findings were confirmed by Western blot and RT-qPCR in several BC cell lines. Novel drug combinations were tested by MTT cell viability and clonogenic assays.

RESULTS

Among the signalling molecules downregulated by ERIs were estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) and androgen receptor. We confirmed this finding in other breast cancer cell lines and show that downregulation occurs at the transcriptional level. We also found that ERIs synergise with tamoxifen, a standard-of-care therapy for breast cancer.

DISCUSSION

Our data suggest that combining ERIs with hormone receptor antagonists may enhance their efficacy and reduce the emergence of drug resistance.

Ursodeoxycholic acid and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviate ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis via downregulating RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway in iNKT cells

Estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) is a mild but potentially serious risk and urges for new therapeutic targets and effective treatment. Our previous study demonstrated that RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) 17 cells play pathogenic roles in 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced IHC. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) present a protective effect on IHC partially due to their immunomodulatory properties. Hence in present study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of UDCA and 18β-GA in vitro and verify the accessibility of the above targets. Biochemical index measurement indicated that UDCA and 18β-GA presented efficacy to alleviate EE-induced cholestatic cytotoxicity. Both UDCA and 18β-GA exhibited suppression on the CXCL9/10-CXCR3 axis, and significantly restrained the expression of RORγt in vitro. In conclusion, our observations provide new therapeutic targets of UDCA and 18β-GA, and 18β-GA as an alternative treatment for EE-induced cholestasis.

Metabolic profiling in tissues and urine of patients with prostatic lesions and the diagnostic value of urine extracellular vesicles metabolites in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) lacks convenient and highly specific diagnostic markers. Although the value of extracellular vesicles (EV) in oncology is widely recognized, the diagnostic value of EV metabolites requires further exploration. This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of urine EV (u-EV) metabolomics in PCa.

METHODS

We first detected metabolites in paired tissues cells (cells), tissue EV (t-EVs), u-EVs, and urine samples in cohort 1 (8 PCa vs. 5 benign prostatic hypertrophy, BPH) to prob the feasibility of EV metabolites as diagnostic markers. We then analyzed the value of u-EVs as markers for PCa diagnosis and typing in the expanded sample cohort (60 PCa vs. 40 BPH).

RESULTS

U-EV metabolites were more consistent with those in tissue-derived samples (cells and t-EVs) than those in urine, and more differential metabolites between BPH and PCa were identified in u-EV. Subsequently, we used a random forest model to construct a panel of six metabolites for PCa, which showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.833 in training cohort and 0.844 in validation cohort. We also found significantly differentially expressed metabolites between PCa subtypes (Gleason ≤ 7 vs. Gleason > 7 and localized vs. metastasis), demonstrating the value of EV metabolites in PCa typing and prognostic assessment.

CONCLUSION

Metabolomic analysis of u-EVs is a promising source of noninvasive markers for PCa diagnosis.

Relationship between exposure to parabens and benzophenones and prostate cancer risk in the EPIC-Spain cohort

The etiology of prostate cancer is not fully elucidated. Among environmental risk factors, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) deserve special mention, as they alter metabolic pathways involved in hormone-dependent cancers. Epidemiological evidence assessing the carcinogenicity of EDCs is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to parabens and benzophenones and prostate cancer risk. We conducted a case-cohort study nested within the EPIC-Spain prospective multi-center cohort. Study population comprised 1,838 sub-cohort participants and 467 non-sub-cohort prostate cancer cases. Serum concentrations of four parabens and two benzophenones were assessed at recruitment. Covariates included age, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, educational level and diabetes. Borgan II weighted Cox proportional hazard models stratified by study center were applied. Median follow-up time was 18.6 years (range = 1.0-21.7 years). Most sub-cohort participants reached primary education at most (65.5%), were overweight (57.7%) and had a low level of physical activity (51.3%). Detection percentages varied widely, being lowest for butyl-paraben (11.3%) and highest for methyl-paraben (80.7%), which also showed the highest geometric mean (0.95 ng/ml). Cases showed significantly higher concentrations of methyl-paraben (p = 0.041) and propyl-paraben (p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, methyl-paraben - log-transformed (HR = 1.07; 95%CI = 1.01-1.12) and categorized into tertiles (HR = 1.60 for T3; 95%CI = 1.16-2.20) -, butyl-paraben - linear (HR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.14-1.23) and log-transformed (HR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.01-1.35) - and total parabens - log-transformed (HR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.02-1.17) and categorized into tertiles (HR = 1.62 for T3; 95%CI = 1.10-2.40) - were associated with an increased prostate cancer risk. In this study, higher concentrations of methyl-, butyl-, and total parabens were positively associated with prostate cancer risk. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

An In-Depth Look Into the Epidemiological and Etiological Aspects of Prostate Cancer: A Literature Review

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, and it represents a substantial worldwide health issue, primarily impacting men as they grow older. Understanding its epidemiology and etiology is crucial for crafting efficient preventive measures and enhancing treatment results. The epidemiology of this disease provides valuable insights into its prevalence and distribution. Age is a critical factor, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing with advancing years. Incidence rates are notably higher in developed countries, suggesting a role for lifestyle and environmental factors. Furthermore, there are significant racial and geographical disparities in prostate cancer incidence, with African-American men experiencing both a higher incidence and more aggressive forms of the disease. On the other hand, hormones, especially testosterone and its conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), contribute to prostate cell growth and, potentially, cancer. Genetics also plays a pivotal role, with certain gene mutations, like Breast Cancer gene 1 & 2 (BRCA1 and BRCA2), elevating risk. Dietary habits and lifestyle choices influence susceptibility, with diets low in fruits and vegetables and high in saturated fats linked to higher risk. Chronic inflammation, often tied to prostatitis, may further increase susceptibility to prostate cancer. This review article explores the complex realm of prostate cancer, providing insights into its occurrence, factors that elevate risks, and the fundamental factors that play a role in its emergence and how we can prevent it.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and prostate cancer risk: a pool of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Current observational studies suggest that there may be a causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and prostate cancer (PC). However, there is contradictory evidence. This study aimed to investigate and clarify the association between SLE and PC.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus until May 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted on the standard incidence rate (SIR) and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the follow-up duration, study quality, and appropriate SLE diagnosis. Mendelian randomization (MR) of the two samples was used to determine whether genetically elevated SLE was causal for PC. Summary MR data were obtained from published GWASs, which included 1,959,032 individuals. The results were subjected to sensitivity analysis to verify their reliability.

RESULTS

In a meta-analysis of 79,316 participants from 14 trials, we discovered that patients with SLE had decreased PC risk (SIR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87) significantly. The MR results showed that a one-SD increase in genetic susceptibility to SLE significantly reduced PC risk (OR, 0.9829; 95% CI, 0.9715-0.9943; P = 0.003). Additional MR analyses suggested that the use of immunosuppressants (ISs) (OR, 1.1073; 95% CI, 1.0538-1.1634; P < 0.001), but not glucocorticoids (GCs) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which were associated with increased PC risk. The results of the sensitivity analyses were stable, and there was no evidence of directional pleiotropy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that patients with SLE have a lower risk of developing PC. Additional MR analyses indicated that genetic susceptibility to the use of ISs, but not GCs or NSAIDs, was associated with increased PC risk. This finding enriches our understanding of the potential risk factors for PC in patients with SLE. Further study is required to reach more definitive conclusions regarding these mechanisms.

Potential role of gut microbiota in prostate cancer: immunity, metabolites, pathways of action?

The gut microbiota helps to reveal the relationship between diseases, but the role of gut microbiota in prostate cancer (PCa) is still unclear. Recent studies have found that the composition and abundance of specific gut microbiota are significantly different between PCa and non-PCa, and the gut microbiota may have common and unique characteristics between different diseases. Intestinal microorganisms are affected by various factors and interact with the host in a variety of ways. In the complex interaction model, the regulation of intestinal microbial metabolites and the host immune system is particularly important, and they play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of intestinal microorganisms and metabolites. However, specific changes in the composition of intestinal microflora may promote intestinal mucosal immune imbalance, leading to the formation of tumors. Therefore, this review analyzes the immune regulation of intestinal flora and the production of metabolites, as well as their effects and mechanisms on tumors, and briefly summarizes that specific intestinal flora can play an indirect role in PCa through their metabolites, genes, immunity, and pharmacology, and directly participate in the occurrence, development, and treatment of tumors through bacterial and toxin translocation. We also discussed markers of high risk PCa for intestinal microbiota screening and the possibility of probiotic ingestion and fecal microbiota transplantation, in order to provide better treatment options for clinic patients. Finally, after summarizing a number of studies, we found that changes in immunity, metabolites.

Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers heterogeneous transcriptional signatures in tumor-infiltrated dendritic cells in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the two solid malignancies in which a higher T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME) corresponds with a worse prognosis for the tumor. The inability of T cells to eliminate tumor cells despite an increase in their number reinforces the possibility of impaired antigen presentation. In this study, we investigated the TME at single-cell resolution to understand the molecular function and communication of dendritic cells (DCs) (as professional antigen-presenting cells). According to our data, tumor cells stimulate the migration of immature DCs to the tumor site by inducing inflammatory chemokines. Many signaling pathways such as TNF-α/NF-κB, IL2/STAT5, and E2F up-regulated after DCs enter the tumor location. In addition, some molecules such as GPR34 and SLCO2B1 decreased on the surface of DCs. The analysis of molecular and signaling alterations in DCs revealed some suppression mechanisms of tumors, such as removing mature DCs, reducing the DC's survival, inducing anergy or exhaustion in the effector T cells, and enhancing the differentiation of T cells to Th2 and T_regs. In addition, we investigated the cellular and molecular communication between DCs and macrophages in the tumor site and found three molecular pairs including CCR5/CCL5, CD52/SIGLEC10, and HLA-DPB1/TNFSF13B. These molecular pairs are involved in the migration of immature DCs to the TME and disrupt the antigen-presenting function of DCs. Furthermore, we presented new therapeutic targets by the construction of a gene co-expression network. These data increase our knowledge of the heterogeneity and the role of DCs in PCa TME.

Effects on Serum Hormone Concentrations after a Dietary Phytoestrogen Intervention in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Phytoestrogens have been suggested to have an anti-proliferative role in prostate cancer, potentially by acting through estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and modulating several hormones. We primarily aimed to investigate the effect of a phytoestrogen intervention on hormone concentrations in blood depending on the ERβ genotype. Patients with low and intermediate-risk prostate cancer, scheduled for radical prostatectomy, were randomized to an intervention group provided with soybeans and flaxseeds (∼200 mg phytoestrogens/d) added to their diet until their surgery, or a control group that was not provided with any food items. Both groups received official dietary recommendations. Blood samples were collected at baseline and endpoint and blood concentrations of different hormones and phytoestrogens were analyzed. The phytoestrogen-rich diet did not affect serum concentrations of testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, or sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). However, we found a trend of decreased risk of increased serum concentration of estradiol in the intervention group compared to the control group but only in a specific genotype of ERβ (p = 0.058). In conclusion, a high daily intake of phytoestrogen-rich foods has no major effect on hormone concentrations but may lower the concentration of estradiol in patients with prostate cancer with a specific genetic upset of ERβ.

Microplastic sources, formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80-90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10-20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8-85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

Obesity and main urologic cancers: Current systematic evidence, novel biological mechanisms, perspectives and challenges

Urologic cancers (UC) account for 13.1% of all new cancer cases and 7.9% of all cancer-related deaths. A growing body of evidence has indicated a potential causal link between obesity and UC. The aim of the present review is to appraise in a critical and integrative manner evidence from meta-analyses and mechanistic studies on the role of obesity in four prevalent UC (kidney-KC, prostate-PC, urinary bladder-UBC, and testicular cancer-TC). Special emphasis is given on Mendelian Randomization Studies (MRS) corroborating a genetic causal association between obesity and UC, as well as on the role of classical and novel adipocytokines. Furthermore, the molecular pathways that link obesity to the development and progression of these cancers are reviewed. Available evidence indicates that obesity confers increased risk for KC, UBC, and advanced PC (20-82%, 10-19%, and 6-14%, respectively), whereas for TC adult height (5-cm increase) may increase the risk by 13%. Obese females tend to be more susceptible to UBC and KC than obese males. MRS have shown that a higher genetic-predicted BMI may be causally linked to KC and UBC but not PC and TC. Biological mechanisms that are involved in the association between excess body weight and UC include the Insulin-like Growth Factor axis, altered availability of sex hormones, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, abnormal secretion of adipocytokines, ectopic fat deposition, dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract microbiomes and circadian rhythm dysregulation. Anti-hyperglycemic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, and adipokine receptor agonists/antagonists show potential as adjuvant cancer therapies. Identifying obesity as a modifiable risk factor for UC may have significant public health implications, allowing clinicians to tailor individualized prevention strategies for patients with excess body weight.

Estimation of separable direct and indirect effects in continuous time

Many research questions involve time-to-event outcomes that can be prevented from occurring due to competing events. In these settings, we must be careful about the causal interpretation of classical statistical estimands. In particular, estimands on the hazard scale, such as ratios of cause-specific or subdistribution hazards, are fundamentally hard to interpret causally. Estimands on the risk scale, such as contrasts of cumulative incidence functions, do have a clear causal interpretation, but they only capture the total effect of the treatment on the event of interest; that is, effects both through and outside of the competing event. To disentangle causal treatment effects on the event of interest and competing events, the separable direct and indirect effects were recently introduced. Here we provide new results on the estimation of direct and indirect separable effects in continuous time. In particular, we derive the nonparametric influence function in continuous time and use it to construct an estimator that has certain robustness properties. We also propose a simple estimator based on semiparametric models for the two cause-specific hazard functions. We describe the asymptotic properties of these estimators and present results from simulation studies, suggesting that the estimators behave satisfactorily in finite samples. Finally, we reanalyze the prostate cancer trial from Stensrud et al. (2020).

Prognostic value of estrogen receptors in patients who underwent prostatectomy for non‑metastatic prostate cancer

Estrogen receptors in prostate cancer (PCa) are a subject of debate. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) impact the biochemical recurrence (BCR) of non-metastatic PCa after surgery. Following the application of the exclusion criteria, data from 108 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy between January 2011 and December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 36 patients with BCR constituted the BCR group. The control group was formed using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method with a 1:2 ratio, including parameters with well-studied effects on BCR. The median follow-up time was 74.3 (range, 30-127.5) months in the BCR group and 66.6 (range, 31.5-130) months in the control group. Pathology specimens from the two groups were immunohistochemically stained with ERα and ERβ antibodies. Logistic regression analysis and survival analysis were performed. No differences in clinicopathological characteristics were detected between the two groups. The patients with ERα(-)/ERβ(+) staining results had a significantly fewer BCRs than other patients (P=0.024). In the logistic regression analysis, patients with ERα(-)/ERβ(+) PCa also had a significantly lower risk of recurrence (P=0.048). In the survival analysis, the 5-year BCR-free survival rate of patients with ERα(-)/ERβ(+) PCa was higher than that of other patients (85.7 vs. 66.1%; P=0.031). Excluding the effects of well-studied risk factors for recurrence by the PSM method, the present study showed that ERα and ERβ have prognostic value for non-metastatic PCa. The 5-year BCR-free survival rate is significantly higher in patients whose PCa tissue has ERα(-)/ERβ(+) staining results.

The androgen receptor-targeted proteolysis targeting chimera and other alternative therapeutic choices in overcoming the resistance to androgen deprivation treatment in prostate cancer

Androgen receptor (AR) plays a vital role in prostate cancer (PCa), including castration-resistant PCa, by retaining AR signalling. Androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) has been the standard treatment in the past decades. A great number of AR antagonists initially had been found effective in tumour remission; however, most PCa relapsed that caused by pre-translational resistance such as AR mutations to turn antagonist into agonist, and AR variants to bypass the androgen binding. Recently, several alternative therapeutic choices have been proposed. Among them, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) acts different from traditional drugs that usually function as inhibitors or antagonists, and it degrades oncogenic protein and does not disrupt the transcription of an oncogene. This review first discussed some essential mechanisms of ADT resistance, and then introduced the application of AR-targeted PROTAC in PCa cells, as well as other AR-targeted therapeutic choices.

Prostate cancer in transgender women: considerations for screening, diagnosis and management

Transgender individuals represent 0.55% of the US population, equivalent to 1.4 million transgender adults. In transgender women, feminisation can include a number of medical and surgical interventions. The main goal is to deprive the phenotypically masculine body of androgens and simultaneously provide oestrogen therapy for feminisation. In gender-confirming surgery (GCS) for transgender females, the prostate is usually not removed. Due to limitations of existing cohort studies, the true incidence of prostate cancer in transgender females is unknown but is thought to be less than the incidence among cis-gender males. It is unclear how prostate cancer develops in androgen-deprived conditions in these patients. Six out of eleven case reports in the literature presented with metastatic disease. It is thought that androgen receptor-mediated mechanisms or tumour-promoting effects of oestrogen may be responsible. Due to the low incidence of prostate cancer identified in transgender women, there is little evidence to drive specific screening recommendations in this patient subpopulation. The treatment of early and locally advanced prostate cancer in these patients warrants an individualised thoughtful approach with input from patients' reconstructive surgeons. Both surgical and radiation treatment for prostate cancer in these patients can profoundly impact the patient's quality of life. In this review, we discuss the evidence surrounding screening and treatment of prostate cancer in transgender women and consider the current gaps in our knowledge in providing evidence-based guidance at the molecular, genomic and epidemiological level, for clinical decision-making in the management of these patients.

Xeno-Estrogenic Pesticides and the Risk of Related Human Cancers

In recent decades, "environmental xenobiotic-mediated endocrine disruption", especially by xeno-estrogens, has gained a lot of interest from toxicologists and environmental researchers. These estrogen-mimicking chemicals are known to cause various human disorders. Pesticides are the most heavily used harmful xenobiotic chemicals around the world. The estrogen-mimicking potential of the most widely used organochlorine pesticides is well established. However, their effect is not as clearly understood among the plethora of effects these persistent xenobiotics are known to pose on our physiological system. Estrogens are one of the principal risk modifiers of various disorders, including cancer, not only in women but in men as well. Despite the ban on these xenobiotics in some parts of the world, humans are still at apparent risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals as they are still widely persistent and likely to stay in our environment for a long time owing to their high chemical stability. The present work intends to understand how these harmful chemicals may affect the risk of the development of estrogen-mediated human cancer.

Estetrol Prevents Hot Flushes and Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer Treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy: The PCombi Study

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) is accompanied by side effects affecting health-related quality of life (HRQL).

Objective

To assess the effects of the fetal estrogen estetrol (E4) on symptoms related to estrogen and androgen deficiency, and on HRQL measured using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) questionnaire.

Design, setting, and participants

This was a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with advanced PCa.

Intervention

Patients receiving ADT were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to daily treatment with a high dose of E4 (HDE4; n = 41) or placebo (n = 21) for 24 wk.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The primary outcome was the effect of HDE4 cotreatment on hot flushes (HFs). Secondary outcomes were the Q-Man questionnaire for evaluation of the effect on estrogen and androgen deficiency symptoms, and the FACT-P questionnaire for evaluating HRQL.

Results and limitations

At 24 wk, the number of patients experiencing HFs was significantly lower in the HDE4 group than in the placebo group (14.3% vs 60.0%; p < 0.001). HDE4 treatment was associated with lower incidence of night sweats, arthralgia, and fatigue, but more nipple tenderness and gynecomastia. At 24 wk, the mean HRQL score favored HDE4 over placebo for the FACT-P total score (122.2 ± 12.3 vs 118.7 ± 19.7) and for several other FACT subscales.

Conclusions

Daily HDE4 coadministration almost completely prevented HFs in patients with advanced PCa treated with ADT. HDE4 also had positive effects on HRQL and counteracted other estrogen deficiency symptoms caused by ADT. These data support the dual efficacy concept of ADT and HDE4 to improve HRQL and increase the antitumor effect of ADT.

Patient summary

For patients on androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer, cotreatment with a high dose of estetrol almost completely prevents the occurrence of hot flushes and improves quality of life and well-being, but nipple sensitivity and an increase in breast size may occur.

Like Brothers in Arms: How Hormonal Stimuli and Changes in the Metabolism Signaling Cooperate, Leading HPV Infection to Drive the Onset of Cervical Cancer

Despite all precautionary actions and the possibility of using vaccinations to counteract infections caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), HPV-related cancers still account for approximately 5% of all carcinomas. Worldwide, many women are still excluded from adequate health care due to their social position and origin. Therefore, immense efforts in research and therapy are still required to counteract the challenges that this disease entails. The special thing about an HPV infection is that it is not only able to trick the immune system in a sophisticated way, but also, through genetic integration into the host genome, to use all the resources available to the host cells to complete the replication cycle of the virus without activating the alarm mechanisms of immune recognition and elimination. The mechanisms utilized by the virus are the metabolic, immune, and hormonal signaling pathways that it manipulates. Since the virus is dependent on replication enzymes of the host cells, it also intervenes in the cell cycle of the differentiating keratinocytes and shifts their terminal differentiation to the uppermost layers of the squamocolumnar transformation zone (TZ) of the cervix. The individual signaling pathways are closely related and equally important not only for the successful replication of the virus but also for the onset of cervical cancer. We will therefore analyze the effects of HPV infection on metabolic signaling, as well as changes in hormonal and immune signaling in the tumor and its microenvironment to understand how each level of signaling interacts to promote tumorigenesis of cervical cancer.

Molecular Mechanisms of Coffee on Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer among men, and coffee is associated with a reduced risk of developing PCa. Therefore, we aim to review possible coffee molecular mechanisms that contribute to PCa prevention. Coffee has an important antioxidant capacity that reduces oxidative stress, leading to a reduced mutation in cells. Beyond direct antioxidant activity, coffee stimulates phase II enzymatic activity, which is related to the detoxification of reactive metabolites. The anti-inflammatory effects of coffee reduce tissue damage related to PCa development. Coffee induces autophagy, regulates the NF-κB pathway, and reduces the expression of iNOS and inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP. Also, coffee modulates transcriptional factors and pathways. It has been shown that coffee increases testosterone and reduces sex hormone-binding globulin, estrogen, and prostate-specific antigen. Coffee also enhances insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. All these effects may contribute to protection against PCa development.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators contribute to prostate cancer treatment by regulating the tumor immune microenvironment

Prostate cancer (PC) has previously been established as a cold tumor and develops in an inert immunosuppressive environment. Current research focuses on altering the immune microenvironment of PC from cold to hot; thus, in the present review, the diverse roles of estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling was examined in the tumor cell and tumor immune microenvironment (TIM). We hypothesized that ERα promotes PC progression and ERβ impedes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in PC cells, while in the TIM, ERβ mediates the immunosuppressive environment, and low levels of ERα is associated with disease development. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or selective ER degraders play diverse roles in the regulation of ER isoforms. Patients with PC may benefit from the use of SERMs, including raloxifene, in combination with anti-PD1/PD-L1 checkpoint immunotherapy, or TGF-β or Wnt antagonists. The present review demonstrated that immunotherapy-based strategies combined with SERMs may be an option for the future of PC-targeting therapy.

Sleep disorders and prostate cancer prognosis: biology, epidemiology, and association with cancer development risk

Sleep is crucial for the maintenance of health and well-being. Sleep disorders can result in physiological consequences and are associated with several health issues, including cancer. Cancer is one of the most significant health problems in the world. In Western countries, prostate cancer is the most prevalent noncutaneous cancer among men. Epidemiological studies showed that one in nine men will have this disease during their life. Many factors influence prostate cancer and the tumor niche, including endogenous hormones, family history, diet, and gene mutations. Disruption of the circadian cycle by sleep disorders or other factors has been suggested as a novel and important risk factor for prostate cancer and its tumorigenesis. This review presents information regarding the epidemiological and biological aspects of prostate cancer, and discusses the impact of sleep physiology and sleep disorders on this type of cancer, highlighting possible associations with risk of cancer development.

Estrogen Receptors Mediated Negative Effects of Estrogens and Xenoestrogens in Teleost Fishes-Review

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a key role in many biochemical and physiological processes, that are involved in maintaining organism homeostasis. At the most basic level, they can be divided into nuclear estrogen receptors and membrane estrogen receptors that imply their effect in two ways: slower genomic, and faster non-genomic. In these ways, estrogens and xenoestrogens can negatively affect animal health and welfare. Most of the available literature focuses on human and mammalian physiology, and clearly, we can observe a need for further research focusing on complex mutual interactions between different estrogens and xenoestrogens in aquatic animals, primarily fishes. Understanding the mechanisms of action of estrogenic compounds on the ERs in fishes and their negative consequences, may improve efforts in environmental protection of these animals and their environment and benefit society in return. In this review, we have summarized the ER-mediated effects of xenoestrogens and estrogens on teleost fishes metabolism, their carcinogenic potential, immune, circulatory, and reproductive systems.

The Causal Relationships Between Extrinsic Exposures and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Phenome-Wide Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males worldwide, and multitudes of factors have been reported to be associated with prostate cancer risk.

Objectives

We aim to conduct the phenome-wide exposed-omics analysis of the risk factors for prostate cancer and verify the causal associations between them.

Methods

We comprehensively searched published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies and conducted another systematic review and meta-analysis of the Mendelian randomization studies investigating the associations between extrinsic exposures and prostate cancer, thus to find all of the potential risk factors for prostate cancer. Then, we launched a phenome-wide two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to validate the potentially causal relationships using the PRACTICAL consortium and UK Biobank.

Results

We found a total of 55 extrinsic exposures for prostate cancer risk. The causal effect of 30 potential extrinsic exposures on prostate cancer were assessed, and the results showed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [odds ratio (OR)=0.806, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.661-0.984, p=0.034], insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) (OR=1.0002, 95%CI: 1.00004-1.0004, p=0.016), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (OR=0.9993, 95%CI: 0.9986-0.99997, p=0.039), and body mass index (BMI) (OR=0.995, 95%CI: 0.990-0.9999, p=0.046) were associated with prostate cancer risk. However, no association was found between the other 26 factors and prostate cancer risk.

Conclusions

Our study discovered the phenome-wide exposed-omics risk factors profile of prostate cancer, and verified that the IGFBP-3, DHA, BMI, and SLE were causally related to prostate cancer risk. The results may provide new insight into the study of the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.

Protective effect of the association of curcumin with piperine on prostatic lesions: New perspectives on BPA-induced carcinogenesis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical agent which can exert detrimental effects on the male reproductive system, especially the prostate gland. In this study we described the efficacy of the dietary agent curcumin, alone or combined with piperine, to suppress the impact of BPA on the prostate. Adult gerbils were divided into nine experimental groups (n = 7 each group), regarding control (water and oil), exposed to BPA (50 μg/kg/day in water) or curcumin (100 mg/kg) and/or piperine (20 mg/kg). To evaluate the effects of the phytotherapic agents, the other groups received oral doses every two days, BPA plus curcumin (BCm), piperine (BP), and curcumin + piperine (BCmP). BPA promoted prostatic inflammation and morphological lesions in ventral and dorsolateral prostate lobes, associated with an increase in androgen receptor-positive cells and nuclear atypia, mainly in the ventral lobe. Curcumin and piperine helped to minimize these effects. BPA plus piperine or curcumin showed a reduction in nuclear atypical phenotype, indicating a beneficial effect of phytochemicals. Thus, these phytochemicals minimize the deleterious action of BPA in prostatic lobes, especially when administered in association. The protective action of curcumin and piperine consumption is associated with weight loss, anti-inflammatory potential, and control of prostate epithelial cell homeostasis.

Mechanisms of induction of tumors by cholesterol and potential therapeutic prospects

Increasing evidence suggested that cholesterol is an important integrant of cell membranes, that plays a key role in tumor progression, immune dysregulation, and pathological changes in epigenetic mechanisms. Based on these theories, there is a growing interest on targeting cholesterol in the treatment of cancer. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the major function of cholesterol on oncogenicity, the therapeutic targets of cholesterol and its metabolites in cancer, and provide detailed insight into the essential roles of cholesterol in mediating immune and epigenetic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment. It is also worth mentioning that the gut microbiome is an indispensable component of cancer mediation because of its role in cholesterol metabolism. Finally, we summarized recent studies on the potential targets of cholesterol and their metabolism, to provide more therapeutic interventions in oncology.

Osteoblasts Generate Testosterone From DHEA and Activate Androgen Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells

Bone metastasis is a complication of prostate cancer in up to 90% of men afflicted with advanced disease. Therapies that reduce androgen exposure remain at the forefront of treatment. However, most prostate cancers transition to a state whereby reducing testicular androgen action becomes ineffective. A common mechanism of this transition is intratumoral production of testosterone (T) using the adrenal androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) through enzymatic conversion by 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3βHSD and 17βHSD). Given the ability of prostate cancer to form blastic metastases in bone, we hypothesized that osteoblasts might be a source of androgen synthesis. RNA expression analyses of murine osteoblasts and human bone confirmed that at least one 3βHSD and 17βHSD enzyme isoform was expressed, suggesting that osteoblasts are capable of generating androgens from adrenal DHEA. Murine osteoblasts were treated with 100 nM and 1 μM DHEA or vehicle control. Conditioned media from these osteoblasts were assayed for intermediate and active androgens by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. As DHEA was consumed, the androgen intermediates androstenediol and androstenedione were generated and subsequently converted to T. Conditioned media of DHEA-treated osteoblasts increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production, and cell numbers of the androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B and LNCaP. DHEA did not induce AR signaling in osteoblasts despite AR expression in this cell type. We describe an unreported function of osteoblasts as a source of T that is especially relevant during androgen-responsive metastatic prostate cancer invasion into bone. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Urinary oestrogen steroidome as an indicator of the risk of localised prostate cancer progression

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in North American men. Beyond the established contribution of androgens to disease progression, growing evidence suggest that oestrogen-related pathways might also be of clinical importance. The aim of this study was to explore the association of urinary oestrogen levels with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Urine samples from the prospective multi-institutional PROCURE cohort were collected before RP for discovery (n = 259) and validation (n = 253). Urinary total oestrogens (unconjugated + conjugated), including oestrone and oestradiol, their bioactive and inactive catechol and methyl derivatives (n = 15), were measured using mass spectrometry (MS).

RESULTS

The median follow-up time for the discovery and replication cohorts was 7.6 and 6.5 years, respectively. Highly significant correlations between urinary oestrogens were observed; however, correlations with circulating oestrogens were modest. Our findings indicate that higher levels of urinary oestriol and 16-ketoestradiol were associated with lower risk of BCR. In contrast, higher levels of 2-methoxyestrone were associated with an increased risk of development of metastasis/deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that urinary levels of oestriol and 16-ketoestradiol metabolites are associated with a more favourable outcome, whereas those of 2-methoxyestrone are associated with an elevated risk of metastasis after RP. Further studies are required to better understand the impact of oestrogens on disease biology and as easily accessible urine-based risk-stratification markers.

An approach to classifying occupational exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals by sex hormone function using an expert judgment process

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse effects. We aimed to classify the effects of 24 known EDCs, prevalent in certain occupations, according to four modes of action (estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and/or antiandrogenic). A literature search, stratified into four types of literature was conducted (namely: national and international agency reports; review articles; primary studies; ToxCast^TM). The state of the evidence of each EDC on sex hormone function was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel. For each mode of action, the experts evaluated the likelihood of endocrine disruption in five categories: "No", "Unlikely", "Possibly", "Probably", and "Yes". Seven agents were categorized as "Yes," or having strong evidence for their effects on sex hormone function (antiandrogenic: lead, arsenic, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate; estrogenic: nonylphenol, bisphenol A). Nine agents were categorized as "Probable," or having probable evidence (antiandrogenic: bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, nonylphenol, toluene, bisphenol A, diisononyl phthalate; androgenic: cadmium; estrogenic: copper, cadmium and; anti-estrogenic: lead). Two agents (arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls) had opposing conclusions supporting both "probably" estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This synthesis will allow researchers to evaluate the health effects of selected EDCs with an added level of precision related to the mode of action.

EDCs and male urogenital cancers

Male sex determination and sexual differentiation occur between 6-12 weeks of gestation. During the "male programming window" the fetal testes start to produce testosterone that initiates the development of the male reproductive tract. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) able to mimic or disrupt steroid hormone actions may disrupt testicular development and adversely impact reproductive health at birth, during puberty and adulthood. The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) occurs as a result inhibition of androgen action on fetal development preceding Sertoli and Leydig cell dysfunction and may result from direct or epigenetic effects. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism and poor semen quality are elements of TDS, which may be considered a risk factor for testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). Exposure to estrogen or estrogenic EDCs results in developmental estrogenization/estrogen imprinting in the rodent for prostate cancer (PCa). This can disrupt prostate histology by disorganization of the epithelium, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, in particular high-grade PIN (HGPIN) lesions which are precursors of prostatic adenocarcinoma. These defects persist throughout the lifespan of the animal and later in life estrogen exposure predispose development of cancer. Exposure of pregnant dams to vinclozolin, a competitive anti-androgen, and results in prominent, focal regions of inflammation in all exposed animals. The inflammation closely resembles human nonbacterial prostatitis that occurs in young men and evidence indicates that inflammation plays a central role in the development of PCa. In conclusion, in utero exposure to endocrine disrupters may predispose to the development of TDS, testicular cancer (TCa) and PCa and are illustrations of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD).

Estrogens and development of the rete testis, efferent ductules, epididymis and vas deferens

Estrogen has always been considered the female hormone and testosterone the male hormone. However, estrogen's presence in the testis and deleterious effects of estrogen treatment during development have been known for nearly 90 years, long before estrogen receptors (ESRs) were discovered. Eventually it was learned that testes actually synthesize high levels of estradiol (E2) and sequester high concentrations in the reproductive tract lumen, which seems contradictory to the overwhelming number of studies showing reproductive pathology following exogenous estrogen exposures. For too long, the developmental pathology of estrogen has dominated our thinking, even resulting in the "estrogen hypothesis" as related to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. However, these early studies and the development of an Esr1 knockout mouse led to a deluge of research into estrogen's potential role in and disruption of development and function of the male reproductive system. What is new is that estrogen action in the male cannot be divorced from that of androgen. This paper presents what is known about components of the estrogen pathway, including its synthesis and target receptors, and the need to achieve a balance between androgen- and estrogen-action in male reproductive tract differentiation and adult functions. The review focuses on what is known regarding development of the male reproductive tract, from the rete testis to the vas deferens, and examines the expression of estrogen receptors and presence of aromatase in the male reproductive system, traces the evidence provided by estrogen-associated knockout and transgenic animal models and discusses the effects of fetal and postnatal exposures to estrogens. Hopefully, there will be enough here to stimulate discussions and new investigations of the androgen:estrogen balance that seems to be essential for development of the male reproductive tract.

Dietary Factors and Prostate Cancer Development, Progression, and Reduction

Due to the constantly increasing number of cases, prostate cancer has become one of the most important health problems of modern societies. This review presents the current knowledge regarding the role of nutrients and foodstuff consumption in the etiology and development of prostate malignancies, including the potential mechanisms of action. The results of several in vivo and in vitro laboratory experiments as well as those reported by the clinical and epidemiological research studies carried out around the world were analyzed. The outcomes of these studies clearly show the influence of both nutrients and food products on the etiology and prevention of prostate cancer. Consumption of certain nutrients (saturated and trans fatty acids) and food products (e.g., processed meat products) leads to the disruption of prostate hormonal regulation, induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and alteration of growth factor signaling and lipid metabolism, which all contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. On the other hand, a high consumption of vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products exerts protective and/or therapeutic effects. Special bioactive functions are assigned to compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene. Since the influence of nutrients and dietary pattern is a modifiable risk factor in the development and prevention of prostate cancer, awareness of the beneficial and harmful effects of individual food ingredients is of great importance in the global strategy against prostate cancer.

Estrogen Receptor Signaling Pathways Involved in Invasion and Colony Formation of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells PC-3

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an advanced and androgen-independent form of prostate cancer. Recent studies of rapid actions mediated by estrogen in the prostate and its relationship with CRPC are emerging. We have previously shown that estrogen receptor (ER) promotes migration and invasion of the androgen-independent prostate cancer cells PC-3, but the signaling pathways involved in these events remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of ERα and ERβ in the activation of SRC, and the involvement of SRC and PI3K/AKT on invasion and colony formation of the PC-3 cells. Our results showed that the activation of ERα (using ERα-selective agonist PPT) and ERβ (using ERβ-selective agonist DPN) increased phosphorylation of SRC in PC-3 cells. In the presence of the selective inhibitor for SRC-family kinases PP2, the effects of DPN and PPT on transmigration and soft agar colony formation assays were decreased. Furthermore, SRC is involved in the expression of the non-phosphorylated β-catenin. Finally, using PI3K specific inhibitor Wortmannin and AKT inhibitor MK2206, we showed that PI3K/AKT are also required for invasion and colony formation of PC-3 cells simulated by ER. This study provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms of ER in PC-3 cells by demonstrating that ER, located outside the cell nucleus, activates rapid responses molecules, including SRC and PI3K/AKT, which enhance the tumorigenic potential of prostate cancer cells, increasing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor formation.

Characterization and validation of long noncoding RNAs as new candidates in prostate cancer

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proved to be an important regulator in gene expression. In almost all kinds of cancers, lncRNAs participated in the process of pathogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Meanwhile, compared with the large amounts of patients, there is rare knowledge about the role of lncRNAs in prostate cancer (PCa).

Material/Method

In this study, lncRNA expression profiles of prostate cancer were detected by Agilent microarray chip, 5 pairs of case and control specimens were involved in. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out by volcano plot for constructing lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA central network. Then, the top ten up-regulated and down-regulated lncRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR in another 5 tumor specimens and 7 para-cancerous/benign contrasts. Furthermore, we searched for the survival curve of the top 10 upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs.

Results

A total of 817 differentially expressed lncRNAs were filtered out by the criteria of fold change (FC) and t-test p < 0.05. Among them, 422 were upregulated, whereas 395 were downregulated in PCa tissues. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed that many lncRNAs were implicated in carcinogenesis. lnc-MYL2-4:1 (FC = 0.00141, p = 0.01909) and NR_125857 (FC = 59.27658, p = 0.00128) had the highest magnitude of change. The subsequent qPCR confirmed the expression of NR_125857 was in accordance with the clinical samples. High expression of PCA3, PCAT14 and AP001610.9 led to high hazard ratio while low expression of RP11-279F6.2 led to high hazard ratio.

Conclusions

Our study detected a relatively novel complicated map of lncRNAs in PCa, which may have the potential to investigate for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in PCa. Our study revealed the expression of NR_125857 in human PCa tissues was most up-regulated. Further studies are needed to investigate to figure out the mechanisms in PCa.

The interactions of a number of steroid-metabolizing cytochromes P450 with abiraterone D4A metabolite: spectral analysis and molecular docking

The interactions of pharmacologically active 3-keto-Δ4-metabolite of anticancer drug abiraterone (D4A) with steroid-metabolizing cytochromes P450 (CYP51A1, CYP11A1, CYP19A1) was studied by absorption spectroscopy and molecular docking. Both abiraterone and D4A induce type I spectral changes of CYP51A1, one of the enzymes of cholesterol biosynthesis. We have revealed that D4A did not induce spectral changes of CYP11A1, the key enzyme of pregnenolone biosynthesis, unlike abiraterone (type II ligand of CYP11A1). On the contrary, D4A interacts with the active site of CYP19A1, the key enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis, inducing type II spectral changes, while abiraterone does not. Spectral analysis allowed us to calculate spectral dissociation constant (K_S) for each complex of cytochrome P450 with respective ligands. The data were supported by molecular docking. The obtained results broaden understanding of interactions of D4A with some of the key steroid-metabolizing cytochromes P450 and allow one to predict possible disproportions of steroid metabolism.

Evaluation of the status quo of polyphenols analysis: Part I-phytochemistry, bioactivity, interactions, and industrial uses

Phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, are gaining more attention from both the scientific community and food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries due to their implications in human health. In this line, lately new applications have emerged, and of great importance is the selection of accurate and reliable analytical methods for better evaluation of the quality of the end-products, which depends on diverse process variables as well as on the matrices and on the physicochemical properties of different polyphenols. The first of a two-part review on polyphenols will address the phytochemistry and biological activities of different classes of polyphenols including flavonoids, lignans and flavanolignans, stilbenoids, tannins, curcuminoids, and coumarins. Moreover, the possible interactions of polyphenols and current and potential industrial applications of polyphenols are discussed.

Nanotreatment and Nanodiagnosis of Prostate Cancer: Recent Updates

The fabrication and development of nanomaterials for the treatment of prostate cancer have gained significant appraisal in recent years. Advancements in synthesis of organic and inorganic nanomaterials with charge, particle size, specified geometry, ligand attachment etc have resulted in greater biocompatibility and active targeting at cancer site. Despite all of the advances made over the years in discovering drugs, methods, and new biomarkers for cancer of the prostate (PCa), PCa remains one of the most troubling cancers among people. Early on, effective diagnosis is an essential part of treating prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or serum prostate-specific antigen is the best serum marker widely accessible for diagnosis of PCa. Numerous efforts have been made over the past decade to design new biosensor-based strategies for biomolecules detection and PSA miniaturization biomarkers. The growing nanotechnology is expected to have a significant effect in the immediate future on scientific research and healthcare. Nanotechnology is thus predicted to find a way to solve one of the most and long-standing problem, "early cancer detection". For early diagnosis of PCa biomarkers, different nanoparticles with different approaches have been used. In this review, we provide a brief description of the latest achievements and advances in the use of nanoparticles for PCa biomarker diagnosis.

How microplastic components influence the immune system and impact on children health: Focus on cancer

BACKGROUND

As a result of human socioeconomic activity, industrial wastes have increased distressingly. Plastic pollution is globally distributed across the world due to its properties of buoyancy and durability. A big health hazard is the sorption of toxicants to plastic while traveling through the environment. Two broad classes of plastic-related chemicals are of critical concern for human health-bisphenols and phthalates. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disruptor compound (EDC) with estrogenic activity. It is used in the production of materials that are used daily. The endocrine modulating activity of BPA and its effects on reproductive health has been widely studied. BPA also has effects on the immune system; however, they are poorly investigated and the available data are inconclusive. Phthalates are also EDCs used as plasticizers in a wide array of daily-use products. Since these compounds are not covalently bound to the plastic matrix, they easily leach out from it, leading to high human exposure. These compounds exert several cell effects through modulating different endocrine pathways, such as estrogen, androgen, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and arylhydrocarbon receptor pathways. The exposure to both classes of plastic derivatives during critical periods has detrimental effects on human health.

METHODS

In this review, we have compiled the most important of their perinatal effects on the function of the immune system and their relationship to the development of different types of cancer.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

The administration of bisphenols and phthalates during critical stages of development affects important immune system components, and the immune function; which might be related to the development of different diseases including cancer.

The Relationship between Estrogen-Related Signaling and Human Papillomavirus Positive Cancers

High risk-human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are known carcinogens. Numerous reports have linked the steroid hormone estrogen, and the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), to HPV-related cancers, although the exact nature of the interactions remains to be fully elucidated. Here we will focus on estrogen signaling and describe both pro and potentially anti-cancer effects of this hormone in HPV-positive cancers. This review will summarize: (1) cell culture-related evidence, (2) animal model evidence, and (3) clinical evidence demonstrating an interaction between estrogen and HPV-positive cancers. This comprehensive review provides insights into the potential relationship between estrogen and HPV. We suggest that estrogen may provide a potential therapeutic for HPV-related cancers, however additional studies are necessary.

Serum Omentin Levels in Patients with Prostate Cancer and Associations with Sex Steroids and Metabolic Syndrome

Mechanisms linking obesity and prostate cancer (PC) include increased insulin signaling, persistent inflammation, and altered adipocytokines secretion. Previous studies indicated that omentin may play a potential role in cancerogenesis of different sites, including the prostate. In this study, we focused on the hormonal and metabolic characteristics of men recruited for prostate biopsy. We evaluated serum concentrations of adipocytokines and sex steroids where concentrations are related to the adiposity: omentin, leptin, testosterone, estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of serum omentin in men with PC. We also investigated relationships between omentin, leptin, sex steroids, SHBG, age, and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Our study was conducted on 72 patients with PC and 65 men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Both groups were compared for body mass index. Results: Comparing men with PC to subjects with BPH there were significantly higher serum concentrations of omentin, estradiol, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the former. Estradiol/testosterone ratio, which is a marker of testosterone to estradiol conversion, was also significantly higher in the PC group. MS was diagnosed in 47 men with PC and in 30 men with BPH, the prevalence was significantly higher in the PC group. When the subjects with PC were subdivided into two subgroups, the serum omentin did not differ between those with MS and without MS. In the overall sample serum, omentin was positively associated with age, SHBG, and leptin. A positive correlation was also found between omentin and estradiol/testosterone ratio, and negatively with testosterone/SHBG ratio. Positive correlations were noted between age and SHBG, PSA and estradiol/testosterone ratio. In our study, a drop of total testosterone and testosterone/SHBG ratio, due to age, was also demonstrated. Conclusions: In patients with prostate cancer, serum omentin may be a diagnostic indicator. Omentin levels do not correlate with estradiol or testosterone concentrations but they are related to the testosterone/SHBG ratio. Omentin is not associated with an increased likelihood of having metabolic syndrome in men with prostate cancer.

A Systematic Study of the Impact of Estrogens and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators on Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation

The estrogen signaling pathway has been reported to modulate prostate cancer (PCa) progression through the activity of estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ). Given that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are used to treat breast cancer, ERs have been proposed as attractive therapeutic targets in PCa. However, many inconsistencies regarding the expression of ERs and the efficacy of SERMs for PCa treatment exist, notably due to the use of ERβ antibodies lacking specificity and treatments with high SERM concentrations leading to off-target effects. To end this confusion, our objective was to study the impact of estrogenic and anti-estrogenic ligands in well-studied in vitro PCa models with appropriate controls, dosages, and ER subtype-specific antibodies. When using physiologically relevant concentrations of nine estrogenic/anti-estrogenic compounds, including five SERMs, we observed no significant modulation of PCa cell proliferation. Using RNA-seq and validated antibodies, we demonstrate that these PCa models do not express ERs. In contrast, RNA-seq from PCa samples from patients have detectable expression of ERα. Overall, our study reveals that commonly used PCa models are inappropriate to study ERs and indicate that usage of alternative models is essential to properly assess the roles of the estrogen signaling pathway in PCa.

Gene Expression Signature Predictive of Neuroendocrine Transformation in Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) can arise de novo, but much more commonly occurs as a consequence of a selective pressure from androgen deprivation therapy or androgen receptor antagonists used for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. The process is known as neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. There is little molecular characterization of NEPCs and consequently there is no standard treatment for this kind of tumors, characterized by highly metastases rates and poor survival. For this purpose, we profiled 54 PCa samples with more than 10-years follow-up for gene and miRNA expression. We divided samples into two groups (NE-like vs. AdenoPCa), according to their clinical and molecular features. NE-like tumors were characterized by a neuroendocrine fingerprint made of known neuroendocrine markers and novel molecules, including long non-coding RNAs and components of the estrogen receptor signaling. A gene expression signature able to predict NEPC was built and tested on independently published datasets. This study identified molecular features (protein-coding, long non-coding, and microRNAs), at the time of surgery, that may anticipate the NE transformation process of prostate adenocarcinoma. Our results may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this subgroup of tumors for which traditional therapy regimens do not show beneficial effects.

Estrogen Receptors Promote Migration, Invasion and Colony Formation of the Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells PC-3 Through β-Catenin Pathway

Prostate cancer is initially dependent on the androgen, gradually evolves into an androgen-independent form of the disease, also known as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). At this stage, current therapies scantily improve survival of the patient. Androgens and estrogens are involved in normal prostate and prostate cancer development. The mechanisms by which estrogens/estrogen receptors (ERs) induce prostate cancer and promote prostate cancer progression have not yet been fully identified. Our laboratory has shown that androgen-independent prostate cancer cells PC-3 express both ERα and ERβ. The activation of ERβ increases the expression of β-catenin and proliferation of PC-3 cells. We now report that the activation of ERβ promotes the increase of migration, invasion and anchorage-independent growth of PC-3 cells. Furthermore, the activation of ERα also plays a role in invasion and anchorage-independent growth of PC-3 cells. These effects are blocked by pretreatment with PKF 118-310, compound that disrupts the complex β-catenin/TCF/LEF, suggesting that ERs/β-catenin are involved in all cellular characteristics of tumor development in vitro. Furthermore, PKF 118-310 also inhibited the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induced by activation of ERs. VEGF also is involved on invasion of PC-3 cells. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the signatures and molecular mechanisms of ERβ in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells PC-3. ERα also plays a role on invasion and colony formation of PC-3 cells.

Differential Actions of Estrogen Receptor α and β via Nongenomic Signaling in Human Prostate Stem and Progenitor Cells

Human prostate stem and progenitor cells express estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ and exhibit proliferative responses to estrogens. In this study, membrane-initiated estrogen signaling was interrogated in human prostate stem/progenitor cells enriched from primary epithelial cultures and stem-like cell lines from benign and cancerous prostates. Subcellular fractionation and proximity ligation assays localized ERα and ERβ to the cell membrane with caveolin-1 interactions. Exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2) for 15 to 60 minutes led to sequential phosphorylation of signaling molecules in MAPK and AKT pathways, IGF1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and ERα, thus documenting an intact membrane signalosome that activates diverse downstream cascades. Treatment with an E2-dendrimer conjugate or ICI 182,870 validated E2-mediated actions through membrane ERs. Overexpression and knockdown of ERα or ERβ in stem/progenitor cells identified pathway selectivity; ERα preferentially activated AKT, whereas ERβ selectively activated MAPK cascades. Furthermore, prostate cancer stem-like cells expressed only ERβ, and brief E2 exposure activated MAPK but not AKT cascades. A gene subset selectively regulated by nongenomic E2 signaling was identified in normal prostate progenitor cells that includes BGN, FOSB, FOXQ1, and MAF. Membrane-initiated E2 signaling rapidly modified histone methyltransferases, with MLL1 cleavage observed downstream of phosphorylated AKT and EZH2 phosphorylation downstream of MAPK signaling, which may jointly modify histones to permit rapid gene transcription. Taken together, the present findings document ERα and ERβ membrane-initiated signaling in normal and cancerous human prostate stem/progenitor cells with differential engagement of downstream effectors. These signaling pathways influence normal prostate stem/progenitor cell homeostasis and provide novel therapeutic sites to target the elusive prostate cancer stem cell population.

Endocrine disrupting-chemicals and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after prostatectomy: A cohort study in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)

Previous studies have suggested that exposure to environmental chemicals with hormonal properties, also called endocrine disrupting chemicals, may be involved in the occurrence of prostate cancer (PCa). Such exposure may also influence the treatment outcome as it is still present at the time of diagnosis, the beginning of therapy, and beyond. We followed 326 men in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) who underwent radical prostatectomy as primary treatment of localized PCa. We analyzed the relationship between exposure to the estrogenic chlordecone, the antiandrogenic dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE, the main metabolite of the insecticide DDT), and the nondioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl congener 153 (PCB-153) with mixed estrogenic/antiestrogenic properties and the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after surgery. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years after surgery, we found a significant increase in the risk of BCR, with increasing plasma chlordecone concentration (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.51; 95% confidence interval: 1.39-4.56 for the highest vs. lowest quartile of exposure; p trend = 0.002). We found no associations for DDE or PCB-135. These results shown that exposure to environmental estrogens may negatively influence the outcome of PCa treatment.