Cancer-inducing niche: the force of chronic inflammation

Re-visiting the association between antidepressant use and the risk of lung cancer

Observational studies suggest a potential correlation between antidepressants and increased lung cancer risks. However, existing studies are limited to small sample sizes, unadjusted covariates especially smoking status, and unclear exposure duration. We performed a large-scale retrospective cohort study to re-examine the association. We analyzed non-smokers and smokers separately to eliminate the confounding effect of smoking status. We found patients with long-term antidepressant use were at a lower risk of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers (odds ratio (OR), 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46-0.80, OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65-0.86). None of the antidepressants was associated with an increased lung cancer risk.

Computational prediction of crucial genes involved in gonorrhea infection and neoplastic cell transformation: A multiomics approach

Neisseria gonorrheae, the causative agent of genitourinary infections, has been associated with asymptomatic or recurrent infections and has the potential to form biofilms and induce inflammation and cell transformation. Herein, we aimed to use computational analysis to predict novel associations between chronic inflammation caused by gonorrhea infection and neoplastic transformation. Prioritization and gene enrichment strategies based on virulence and resistance genes utilizing essential genes from the DEG and PANTHER databases, respectively, were performed. Using the STRING database, protein‒protein interaction networks were constructed with 55 nodes of bacterial proteins and 72 nodes of proteins involved in the host immune response. MCODE and cytoHubba were used to identify 12 bacterial hub proteins (murA, murB, murC, murD, murE, purN, purL, thyA, uvrB, kdsB, lpxC, and ftsH) and 19 human hub proteins, of which TNF, STAT3 and AKT1 had high significance. The PPI networks are based on the connectivity degree (K), betweenness centrality (BC), and closeness centrality (CC) values. Hub genes are vital for cell survival and growth, and their significance as potential drug targets is discussed. This computational study provides a comprehensive understanding of inflammation and carcinogenesis pathways that are activated during gonorrhea infection.

Identification of a prognosis-related phagocytosis regulator gene signature in medulloblastoma

Objectives

The aims of this study were to screen for phagocytosis regulator-related genes in tissue samples from children with medulloblastoma (MB) and to construct a prognostic model based on those genes.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes between the MB and control groups were identified using the GSE50161 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Prognosis-related phagocytosis regulator genes were selected from the GSE85217 dataset. Intersecting genes of the two datasets (differentially expressed prognosis-related phagocytosis regulator genes) were submitted to unsupervised cluster analysis to identify disease subtypes, after which the association between the subtypes and the immune microenvironment was analyzed. A prognostic risk score model was constructed, and functional, immune-related, and drug sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 23 differentially expressed prognosis-related phagocytosis regulator genes were identified, from which two disease subtypes (clusters 1 and 2) were classified. The prognoses of the patients in cluster 2 were significantly worse than those of the patients in cluster 1. The immune microenvironment differed significantly between the two subtypes. Finally, 10 genes (FAM81A, EZR, NDUFB9, RCOR1, FOXO4, NHLRC2, KIF23, PTPN6, SMAGP, and MED13) were selected to establish the prognostic risk score model. The prognosis in the low-risk group was better than that in the high-risk group. The model genes NDUFB9 and PTPN6 were positively correlated with M2 macrophages.

Conclusion

Ten key phagocytosis regulator genes were screened to construct a prognostic model for MB. These genes may serve as key biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with this type of brain cancer.

Associations of ω-3, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and ω-6: ω-3 ratio with systemic immune and inflammatory biomarkers: NHANES 1999-2020

Background

In recent years, diseases caused by abnormal immune-inflammatory responses have become increasingly severe. Dietary intervention involving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) has emerged as a potential treatment. However, research investigating the relationship between ω-3, ω-6 PUFAs, and ω-6 to ω-3 ratio with inflammatory biomarkers remains controversial.

Methods

To investigate the correlation between the intake of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and the ratio of ω-6: ω-3 with biomarkers of inflammation, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (1999 to 2020) was utilized. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and white blood cell (WBC) were selected as study subjects. Dietary data for ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs were collected via two 24-h dietary recall interviews. SII index and other indicators were obtained from the blood routine data. The multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline models were utilized to evaluate the association of ω-3, ω-6 PUFAs intake, and ω-6: ω-3 ratio to SII and secondary measures.

Results

This study involved a total of 43,155 American adults. ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs exhibited negative correlations with SII, PLR, NLR, and WBC. The correlation between ω-6: ω-3 ratio and SII, PLR, NLR, and WBC was not significant. Furthermore, the dose-response relationship showed that the relationship between the intake of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and SII was an "L" pattern.

Conclusion

Intake of dietary ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs reduces the levels of several inflammatory biomarkers in the body and exerts immunomodulatory effects.

Anaplastic Kaposi Sarcoma of the Right Colon, in a Young Man With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Rare Variant in an Unreported Organ

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) arises in the context of 4 epidemiologic-clinical settings: Classic, endemic, epidemic, and iatrogenic; the most serious types are endemic and epidemic, and visceral involvement occurs mostly in the latter. Several morphological variants of KS have been described, of which the anaplastic one is highly aggressive. We report the case of an anaplastic KS arising from the ascending colon in a 32-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive male patient with a 6-year history of multiple mucocutaneous KS. Anaplastic KS is most frequent in endemic and classic settings; there are ten cases of anaplastic KS reported in HIV-positive male patients. There is now strong evidence that KS is a clonal neoplasm characterized by chromosomal instability at the molecular level. According to the morphological spectrum and contemporary hypotheses of oncogenesis, conventional KS should be considered an incipient endothelial neoplasia, multiple or single, and anaplastic KS, the fully developed stage of the malignant neoplasm.

Contribution of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to breast cancer treatment: In vitro and in vivo studies

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis. High levels of serum prostaglandin E2 and tissue overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) have been described in breast, urinary, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers as being involved in tumor initiation, promotion, progression, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for several medical conditions to not only decrease pain and fever but also reduce inflammation by inhibiting COX and its product synthesis. To date, significant efforts have been made to better understand and clarify the interplay between cancer development, inflammation, and NSAIDs with a view toward addressing their potential for cancer management. This review provides readers with an overview of the potential use of NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, highlighting pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies employed to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs and their use in combination with other antineoplastic drugs.

Bee Venom-Loaded Niosomes as Innovative Platforms for Cancer Treatment: Development and Therapeutical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

Despite past efforts towards therapeutical innovation, cancer remains a highly incident and lethal disease, with current treatments lacking efficiency and leading to severe side effects. Hence, it is imperative to develop new, more efficient, and safer therapies. Bee venom has proven to have multiple and synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor effects. Nevertheless, some toxic effects have been associated with its administration. To tackle these issues, in this work, bee venom-loaded niosomes were developed, for cancer treatment. The vesicles had a small (150 nm) and homogeneous (polydispersity index of 0.162) particle size, and revealed good therapeutic efficacy in in vitro gastric, colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancer models (inhibitory concentrations between 12.37 ng/mL and 14.72 ng/mL). Additionally, they also revealed substantial anti-inflammatory activity (inhibitory concentration of 28.98 ng/mL), effects complementary to direct antitumor activity. Niosome safety was also assessed, both in vitro (skin, liver, and kidney cells) and ex vivo (hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane), and results showed that compound encapsulation increased its safety. Hence, small, and homogeneous bee venom-loaded niosomes were successfully developed, with substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potentially promising primary or adjuvant cancer therapies. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential of the developed platform in in vivo models.

Interferons in Colorectal Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapy

As key modulators of the immune response, interferons play critical roles following infection and during the pathogenesis of cancer. The idea that these cytokines might be developed as new therapies emerged soon after their discovery. While enthusiasm for this approach to cancer therapy has waxed and waned over the ensuing decades, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy and our improved understanding of the tumor immune environment have led to a resurgence of interest in this unique class of biologic drug. Here, we review how interferons influence the growth of colorectal cancers (CRCs) and highlight new insights into how interferons and drugs that modulate interferon expression might be most effectively deployed in the clinic.

Engineered nanomicelles inhibit the tumour progression via abrogating the prostaglandin-mediated immunosuppression

Cancer treatment is challenged due to immunosuppressive inflammatory tumour microenvironment (TME) caused by infiltration of tumour-promoting and inhibition of tumour-inhibiting immune cells. Here, we report the engineering of chimeric nanomicelles (NMs) targeting the cell proliferation using docetaxel (DTX) and inflammation using dexamethasone (DEX) that alters the immunosuppressive TME. We show that a combination of phospholipid-DTX conjugate and PEGylated-lipid-DEX conjugate can self-assemble to form sub-100 nm chimeric NMs (DTX-DEX NMs). Anti-cancer activities against syngeneic and xenograft mouse models showed that the DTX-DEX NMs are more effective in tumour regression, enhance the survival of mice over other treatment modes, and alter the tumour stroma. DTX-DEX NMs cause a significant reduction in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, alter the polarization of macrophages, and enhance the accumulation of cytotoxic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumour tissues, along with alterations in cytokine expression. We further demonstrated that these DTX-DEX NMs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, especially PGE2, by targeting the cyclooxygenase 2 that is partly responsible for immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, this study presents, for the first time, the engineering of lithocholic acid-derived chimeric NMs that affect the prostaglandin pathway, alter the TME, and mitigate tumour progression with enhanced mice survival.

Neutrophils in cancer: dual roles through intercellular interactions

Neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in human blood, play crucial and diverse roles in tumor development. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer cells regulate the recruitment and behaviors of neutrophils, transforming some of them into a pro-tumor phenotype. Pro-tumor neutrophils interact with cancer cells in various ways to promote cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis, while anti-tumor neutrophils interact with cancer cells to induce senescence and death. Neutrophils can also interact with other cells in TME, including T cells, macrophages, stromal cells, etc. to exert anti- or pro-tumor functions. In this review, we will analyze the anti- and pro-tumor intercellular interactions mediated by neutrophils, with a focus on generalizing the mechanisms underlying the interaction of neutrophils with tumor cells and T cells. Furthermore, we will provide an overview of cancer treatment strategies targeting neutrophil-mediated cellular interactions.

Chronic inflammation and cancer; the two sides of a coin

The correlation between chronic inflammation and cancer was initially identified in the 19th century. Biomolecules like interleukins, chemokines, tumor necrosis factors, growth factors, and adhesion molecules, which regulate inflammation, are recognized contributors to neoplastic transformation through various mechanisms, including oncogenic mutations, resistance to apoptosis, and adaptive responses like angiogenesis. This review aims to establish connections between the intricate and complex mechanisms of chronic inflammation and cancer. We illuminate implicit signaling mechanisms that drive the association between chronic inflammation and the initiation/progression of cancer, exploring potential impacts on other diseases. Additionally, we discuss the modalities of currently available therapeutic options for chronic inflammation and cancer, emphasizing the dual nature of such therapies. A thorough understanding of the molecular basis of chronic inflammation is crucial for developing novel approaches in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis: an overview of crosstalk mechanism of activation and regulation

BACKGROUND

Intracellular DNA-sensing pathway cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis act as critical natural immune signaling axes for microbial infection, chronic inflammation, cancer progression and organ degeneration, but the mechanism and regulation of the crosstalk network remain unclear. Cellular stress disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, facilitates the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the leakage of mitochondrial DNA to cell membrane, triggers inflammatory responses by activating cGAS-STING signaling, and subsequently induces inflammasomes activation and the onset of pyroptosis. Meanwhile, the inflammasome-associated protein caspase-1, Gasdermin D, the CARD domain of ASC and the potassium channel are involved in regulating cGAS-STING pathway. Importantly, this crosstalk network has a cascade amplification effect that exacerbates the immuno-inflammatory response, worsening the pathological process of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Given the importance of this crosstalk network of cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis in the regulation of innate immunity, it is emerging as a new avenue to explore the mechanisms of multiple disease pathogenesis. Therefore, efforts to define strategies to selectively modulate cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis in different disease settings have been or are ongoing. In this review, we will describe how this mechanistic understanding is driving possible therapeutics targeting this crosstalk network, focusing on the interacting or regulatory proteins, pathways, and a regulatory mitochondrial hub between cGAS-STING, inflammasomes, and pyroptosis.

SHORT CONCLUSION

This review aims to provide insight into the critical roles and regulatory mechanisms of the crosstalk network of cGAS-STING, inflammasomes and pyroptosis, and to highlight some promising directions for future research and intervention.

Addressing Genetic Tumor Heterogeneity, Post-Therapy Metastatic Spread, Cancer Repopulation, and Development of Acquired Tumor Cell Resistance

The concept of post-therapy metastatic spread, cancer repopulation and acquired tumor cell resistance (M-CRAC) rationalizes tumor progression because of tumor cell heterogeneity arising from post-therapy genetic damage and subsequent tissue repair mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies designed to specifically address M-CRAC involve tissue editing approaches, such as low-dose metronomic chemotherapy and the use of transcriptional modulators with or without targeted therapies. Notably, tumor tissue editing holds the potential to treat patients, who are refractory to or relapsing (r/r) after conventional chemotherapy, which is usually based on administering a maximum tolerable dose of a cytostatic drugs. Clinical trials enrolling patients with r/r malignancies, e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis and acute myelocytic leukemia, indicate that tissue editing approaches could yield tangible clinical benefit. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy or state-of-the-art precision medicine, tissue editing employs a multi-pronged approach targeting important drivers of M-CRAC across various tumor entities, thereby, simultaneously engaging tumor cell differentiation, immunomodulation, and inflammation control. In this review, we highlight the M-CRAC concept as a major factor in resistance to conventional cancer therapies and discusses tissue editing as a potential treatment.

Risk reduction of non-hormonal cancers following bariatric surgery

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective intervention for weight loss leading to significant resolution of obesity-related medical conditions. Recent literature has demonstrated risk reduction of certain cancer types after MBS. Studies have shown an overall reduction in the risk of hormonal cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer. However, the association between bariatric surgery and the incidence of various types of non-hormonal cancer such as esophageal, gastric, liver, gallbladder, colorectal, pancreatic and kidney cancer remains contested. The aim of this study was to highlight obesity and its relationship to cancer development as well as bariatric surgery and its role in cancer reduction with focus on non-hormonal cancers.

Ginsenoside Rh4 inhibits inflammation-related hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting HDAC4/IL-6/STAT3 signaling

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Rh4 (Rh4) on inflammation-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and the underlying mechanism. HCC cells (HUH7 and LM3) were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an inflammatory environment in the absence or presence of Rh4. CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays were employed to analyze the viability, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Ki67 expression was detected by immunofluorescence method. Besides, the levels of glucose and lactic acid were tested by kits. The expression of proteins related to migration, glycolysis and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4)/IL-6/STAT3 signaling was measured with western blot. The transplantation tumor model of HCC in mice was established to observe the impacts of Rh4 on the tumor growth. Results indicated that Rh4 restricted the viability and Ki67 expression in HCC cells exposed to LPS. The elevated migration and invasion of HCC cells triggered by LPS were reduced by Rh4. Additionally, Rh4 treatment remarkably decreased the contents of glucose and lactic acid and downregulated LDHA and GLUT1 expression. The database predicated that Rh4 could target HDAC4, and our results revealed that Rh4 downregulated HDAC4, IL-6 and p-STAT3 expression. Furthermore, the enforced HDAC4 expression alleviated the effects of Rh4 on the proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis of HCC cells stimulated by LPS. Taken together, Rh4 could suppress inflammation-related HCC progression by targeting HDAC4/IL-6/STAT3 signaling. These findings clarify a new anti-cancer mechanism of Rh4 on HCC and provide a promising agent to limit HCC development.

Cancer stem cells as the source of tumor associated myoepithelial cells in the tumor microenvironment developing ductal carcinoma in situ

The heterogeneous cell population in the stromal microenvironment is considered to be attributed to the multiple sources from which the cells originate. Tumor associated myoepithelial cells (TAMEs) are one of the most important populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) especially in breast cancer. On the other hand, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have previously been described to be the origin of tumor-associated cellular components in the TME. We prepared a cancer stem cell model converting mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) in the presence of conditioned medium of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells. The converted cells developed tumors progressing into invasive carcinoma with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) like structure when transplanted into mouse mammary fat pads. The primary cultured cells from the tumor further exhibited markers of CSC such as Sox2, Oct3/4, - CD133 and EpCAM, and mammary gland-related TAME markers such as α-smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin 8, whey acidic protein, prolactin receptor and progesterone receptor as well. These results indicated that the CSCs could be an origin of TAMEs contributing to mammary gland epithelial cell differentiation and the progression to invasive carcinoma during tumor development. The gene expression profiles confirmed the enhanced signaling pathways of PI3K/AKT and MAPK, which have been demonstrated to be enriched in the CSC models, together with the estrogen receptor signaling which was peculiar to mammary gland-derived character.

Propolis-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers halt breast cancer progression through miRNA-223 related pathways: an in-vitro/in-vivo experiment

The most frequent malignant tumor in women is breast cancer, and its incidence has been rising every year. Propolis has been used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to examine the effect of the Egyptian Propolis Extract (ProE) and its improved targeting using nanostructured lipid carriers (ProE-NLC) in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice, the common animal model for mammary tumors. EAC mice were treated either with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), ProE, ProE-NLC, or a combination of ProE-NLC and 5-FU. Their effect on different inflammatory, angiogenic, proliferation and apoptotic markers, as well as miR-223, was examined. ProE and ProE-NLC have shown potential anti-breast cancer activity through multiple interrelated mechanisms including, the elevation of antioxidant levels, suppression of angiogenesis, inflammatory and mTOR pathways, and induction of the apoptotic pathway. All of which is a function of increased miRNA-223 expression. The efficiency of propolis was enhanced when loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers, increasing the effectiveness of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-FU. In conclusion, this study is the first to develop propolis-loaded NLC for breast cancer targeting and to recommend propolis as an antitumor agent against breast cancer or as an adjuvant treatment with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance their antitumor activity and decrease their side effects. Tumor targeting by ProE-NLC should be considered as a future therapeutic perspective in breast cancer.

CircRNAs regulate the crosstalk between inflammation and tumorigenesis: The bilateral association and molecular mechanisms

Inflammation, a hallmark of cancer, has been associated with tumor progression, transition into malignant phenotype and efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents in cancer. Chronic inflammation provides a favorable environment for tumorigenesis by inducing immunosuppression, whereas acute inflammation prompts tumor suppression by generating anti-tumor immune responses. Inflammatory factors derived from interstitial cells or tumor cells can stimulate cell proliferation and survival by modulating oncogenes and/or tumor suppressors. Recently, a new class of RNAs, i.e., circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been implicated in inflammatory diseases. Although there are reports on circRNAs imparting functions in inflammatory insults, whether these circularized transcripts hold the potential to regulate inflammation-induced cancer or tumor-related inflammation, and modulate the interactions between tumor microenvironment (TME) and the inflammatory stromal/immune cells, awaits further elucidation. Contextually, the current review describes the molecular association between inflammation and cancer, and spotlights the regulatory mechanisms by which circRNAs can moderate TME in response to inflammatory signals/triggers. We also present comprehensive information about the immune cell(s)-specific expression and functions of the circRNAs in TME, modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways to drive tumorigenesis, and their plausible roles in inflammasomes and tumor development. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of these circRNAs in harnessing inflammatory responses in cancer is also discussed.

Therapeutic Approaches in Pancreatic Cancer: Recent Updates

Cancer is a significant challenge for effective treatment due to its complex mechanism, different progressing stages, and lack of adequate procedures for screening and identification. Pancreatic cancer is typically identified in its advanced progression phase with a low survival of ~5 years. Among cancers, pancreatic cancer is also considered a high mortality-causing casualty over other accidental or disease-based mortality, and it is ranked seventh among all mortality-associated cancers globally. Henceforth, developing diagnostic procedures for its early detection, understanding pancreatic cancer-linked mechanisms, and various therapeutic strategies are crucial. This review describes the recent development in pancreatic cancer progression, mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches, including molecular techniques and biomedicines for effectively treating cancer.

Pathway network-based quantitative modeling of the time-dependent and dose-response anti-inflammatory effect of Reduning Injection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has extensive healing effects on inflammatory diseases with few side effects. Reduning injection (RDNI), a TCM prescription composed of Lonicera japonica Thunb., Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. and Artemisia annua L., is wildly used for treating inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanism of action of RDNI, like most TCM prescriptions, is unclear due to the complexity of relationships between components and their curative effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To develop a universal systems pharmacology protocol for mechanism modeling of TCM and apply it to reveal the real-time anti-inflammatory effect of Reduning Injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Combined with database mining and references, a regulatory mechanism network of inflammation was constructed. A quantitative model was established afterwards by integrating pharmacokinetic data and two network parameters, namely Network Efficiency and Network Flux. The time-dependent and dose-response relationship of RDNI on the regulation of inflammation was then quantitatively evaluated. ELISA tests were performed to verify the reliability of the model.

RESULTS

Three cytokines, namely IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were screened out to be markers for evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect of RDNI. An HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of 10 RDNI compounds in SD rat plasma was established and then applied to pharmacokinetic studies. Based on compound activity and pharmacokinetic data, the time-dependent effect of RDNI were quantitatively predicted by the pathway network-based modeling procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative model established in this work was successfully applied to predict a TCM prescription's real-time dynamic healing effect after administration. It is qualified to provide novel insights into the time-dependent and dose-effect relationship of drugs in an intricate biological system and new strategies for investigating the detailed molecular mechanisms of TCM.

Sulfated polygalactofucan from triangular sea bell Turbinaria decurrens attenuates inflammatory cytokines on THP-1 human monocytic macrophages

Inflammation is one of the most significant causes of several chronic diseases, which includes the expression of cytokines activating immune cells to up-regulate the inflammatory cascade. Polysaccharides from marine macroalgae are promising anti-inflammatory agents because of their potential to attenuate inflammatory cytokines. The triangular sea bell Turbinaria decurrens (Sargassaceae) among marine macroalgae is ubiquitous in oceanic waters, and a sulfated polygalactofucan SPTd-2 [→3-(α-L-fucp-(2-OSO₃^-)-(1 → 4)-α-L-fucp-(3-OAc)-(1 → 4)-β-D-galp-(1→] was purified from the species. The studied polygalactofucan SPTd-2 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities against cyclooxygenase-2 (IC₅₀ 10.56 μM) and 5-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ 3.36 μM) with a greater selectivity index (2.35) than ibuprofen (0.44), besides attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-2, 1β, and interferon-γ. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction displayed that SPTd-2 blocked the mRNA of interferon-γ and interleukin-2, in the human monocytic cell line THP-1. The results showed the potential of SPTd-2 to attenuate inflammation-associated disorders.

Host Microbiomes Influence the Effects of Diet on Inflammation and Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and there is a growing appreciation for the complex involvement of diet, microbiomes, and inflammatory processes culminating in tumorigenesis. Although research has significantly improved our understanding of the various factors involved in different cancers, the underlying mechanisms through which these factors influence tumor cells and their microenvironment remain to be completely understood. In particular, interactions between the different microbiomes, specific dietary factors, and host cells mediate both local and systemic immune responses, thereby influencing inflammation and tumorigenesis. Developing an improved understanding of how different microbiomes, beyond just the colonic microbiome, can interact with dietary factors to influence inflammatory processes and tumorigenesis will support our ability to better understand the potential for microbe-altering and dietary interventions for these patients in future.

Obesity and Cancer: A Current Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Outcomes, and Management

BACKGROUND

Obesity or excess body fat is a major global health challenge that has not only been associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease but is also a major risk factor for the development of and mortality related to a subgroup of cancer. This review focuses on epidemiology, the relationship between obesity and the risk associated with the development and recurrence of cancer and the management of obesity.

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was performed and the keywords 'obesity' and cancer' were used. The search was limited to research papers published in English prior to September 2022 and focused on studies that investigated epidemiology, the pathogenesis of cancer, cancer incidence and the risk of recurrence, and the management of obesity.

RESULTS

About 4-8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for several major cancers, including post-menopausal breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, liver, and gallbladder cancer. Excess body fat results in an approximately 17% increased risk of cancer-specific mortality. The relationship between obesity and the risk associated with the development of cancer and its recurrence is not fully understood and involves altered fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix remodeling, the secretion of adipokines and anabolic and sex hormones, immune dysregulation, and chronic inflammation. Obesity may also increase treatment-related adverse effects and influence treatment decisions regarding specific types of cancer therapy. Structured exercise in combination with dietary support and behavior therapy are effective interventions. Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues and bariatric surgery result in more rapid weight loss and can be considered in selected cancer survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity increases cancer risk and mortality. Weight-reducing strategies in obesity-associated cancers are important interventions as a key component of cancer care. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the complex relationship between obesity and cancer with the identification of targets for effective interventions.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone in Endothelial Inflammation

The discovery of hypothalamic hormones propelled exciting advances in pharmacotherapy and improved life quality worldwide. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a crucial element in homeostasis maintenance, and regulates the release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Accumulating evidence suggests that this neuropeptide can also promote malignancies, as well as inflammation. Our review is focused on the role of that 44 - amino acid peptide (GHRH) and its antagonists in inflammation and vascular function, summarizing recent findings in the corresponding field. Preclinical studies demonstrate the protective role of GHRH antagonists against endothelial barrier dysfunction, suggesting that the development of those peptides may lead to new therapies against pathologies related to vascular remodeling (eg, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome). Targeted therapies for those diseases do not exist.

Increased ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase one in dorsal root ganglion contributes to inflammatory pain in CFA rats

DNA hydroxylation catalyzed by Tet dioxygenases occurs abundantly in neurons in mammals. However, effects of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) expression and hydroxymethylation status on neuron injury remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the effects of TET1 and TET2 expression in the inflammatory pain of rats induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were detected to assess pain behavior. The expression of TET1 and TET2 were measured in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) with western blotting analysis. Immunofluorescence staining is employed to detect the expression and co-location of TRPV1 with TET1. Intrathecal administration of Bobcat339 was used to inhibit TET1 function in dorsal root ganglion. The paw withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were significantly reduced after CFA Injection. Western blot results showed that the expression of TET1 was significantly increased at 3 days after CFA injection, but TET2 had no statistical difference. Immunofluorescence results showed that TET1 was co-localized with TRPV1. Intrathecal administration of Bobcat339 improved mechanical and thermal pain threshold in CFA rats. Our findings highlight the role of TET1 in chronic inflammatory pain model. The expression of TET1 was increased in CFA rats, and suppression of TET1 will ameliorate inflammatory pain.

IL-1RAP, a Key Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide and especially in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Despite recent progress in cancer therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells or antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), new targets expressed by the tumor cells need to be identified in order to selectively drive these innovative therapies to tumors. In this context, IL-1RAP recently showed great potential to become one of these new targets for cancer therapy. IL-1RAP is highly involved in the inflammation process through the interleukins 1, 33, and 36 (IL-1, IL-33, IL-36) signaling pathways. Inflammation is now recognized as a hallmark of carcinogenesis, suggesting that IL-1RAP could play a role in cancer development and progression. Furthermore, IL-1RAP was found overexpressed on tumor cells from several hematological and solid cancers, thus confirming its potential involvement in carcinogenesis. This review will first describe the structure and genetics of IL-1RAP as well as its role in tumor development. Finally, a focus will be made on the therapies based on IL-1RAP targeting, which are now under preclinical or clinical development.

Tumor-promoting inflammation in lung cancer: A literature review

Tumor-promoting inflammation is an inflammation that occurs because tumor cells cause necrosis of healthy cells which releases cell contents into the environment, triggering the release of proinflammatory mediators. There are intrinsic and outside factors of tumor-promoting inflammation. Intrinsic factors are genetically related, while extrinsic factors are due to mediators and inflammatory cells. The primary inflammatory mediators in the tumorigenesis process include NF-kB, STAT3, HIF-1, and TNF-α. in contrast, the inflammatory cells that play a role are TAM, a collection of tumor-associated leukocytes. Bacteria is also one of the extrinsic factors that can cause tumors because of the chronic inflammation it causes.

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Chronic inflammation in the lung increases lung cancer risk.

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As small as inflammatory in lung risk of becoming lung cancer.

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Tumor-Promoting Inflammation is one of the mechanisms of Lung Cancer.