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Bravaccini S, Boldrin E, Gurioli G, Tedaldi G, Piano MA, Canale M, Curtarello M, Ulivi P, Pilati P. The use of platelets as a clinical tool in oncology: opportunities and challenges. Cancer Lett 2024:217044. [PMID: 38876385 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Platelets are small circulating anucleated cells mainly involved in thrombosis and hemostasis processes. Moreover, platelets play an active role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, stimulating angiogenesis and vascular remodelling, and protecting circulating cancer cells from shear forces and immune surveillance. Several reports indicate that platelet number in the blood circulation of cancer patients is associated with prognosis and response to treatment. However, the mechanisms of platelets "education" by cancer cells and the crosstalk between platelets and tumor are still unclear, and the role of "tumor educated platelets" (TEPs) is achieving growing interest in cancer research. TEPs are a biological source of cancer-derived biomarkers, especially RNAs that are protected by platelets membrane from circulating RNases, and could serve as a non-invasive tool for tumor detection, molecular profiling and evolution during therapy in clinical practice. Moreover, short platelet lifespan offers the possibility to get a snapshot assessment of cancer molecular profile, providing a real-time tool. We review and discuss the potential and the clinical utility, in terms of cancer diagnosis and monitoring, of platelet count together with other morphological parameters and of the more recent and innovative TEP profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bravaccini
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Elisa Boldrin
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Gurioli
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Tedaldi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Matteo Canale
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Matteo Curtarello
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paola Ulivi
- IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Surgical Oncology of Digestive Tract Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padova, Italy.
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Long Y, Mao C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. Epigenetic modifications in obesity-associated diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e496. [PMID: 38405061 PMCID: PMC10893559 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic levels, significantly elevating the susceptibility to various cardiometabolic conditions and certain types of cancer. In addition to causing metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood glucose and lipids, and ectopic fat deposition, obesity can also damage pancreatic islet cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes through chronic inflammation, and even promote the development of a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Improper dietary habits and lack of physical exercise are important behavioral factors that increase the risk of obesity, which can affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations can occur in early stage of obesity, some of which are reversible, while others persist over time and lead to obesity-related complications. Therefore, the dynamic adjustability of epigenetic modifications can be leveraged to reverse the development of obesity-associated diseases through behavioral interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of epigenetic regulation on the initiation and development of obesity-associated cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, establishing a theoretical basis for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Long
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chao Mao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Department of Thoracic SurgerySecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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Popovici D, Stanisav C, Saftescu S, Negru S, Dragomir R, Ciurescu D, Diaconescu R. Exploring the Influence of Age, Gender and Body Mass Index on Colorectal Cancer Location. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1399. [PMID: 37629689 PMCID: PMC10456780 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: The global burden of non-communicable diseases like obesity and cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), is increasing. The present study aimed to investigate the association between CRC location (proximal vs. distal) and patient demographic factors including age, sex, and BMI, as well as cancer stage at diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 830 patients diagnosed with CRC were analyzed. The variables included age, sex, weight, height, BMI, cancer location, and cancer stage at diagnosis. Patients were stratified into three age groups and three BMI categories, and we analyzed the association between cancer location and these variables using Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The rectum and ascending colon were the most common locations of malignant neoplasms. No statistically significant differences in cancer location across age groups were observed. Significant differences were found in the BMI across age groups, particularly in the normal weight and overweight categories. Normal weight and obese patients had a higher proportion of Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers. Obesity emerged as a significant predictor for rectal cancer in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an odds ratio of 1.56. However, no significant associations were found between cancer location and other factors like age, gender, or cancer stage. Conclusions: Our study revealed that normal weight and obese patients had a higher proportion of Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers, with obesity emerging as a significant predictor for rectal cancer. It is important to note that while obesity was found to be a significant predictor for rectal cancer, the development and location of colorectal cancer is likely influenced by various factors beyond those studied here. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the roles of other potential risk factors, like loss of SIRT6 and adipose tissue homeostasis. Additionally, inflammation associated with microbiota in the colorectal mucosa, systemic gene expression, and visceral obesity may also play important roles in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Understanding these intricate relationships is crucial for better screening, disease prognosis, and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorel Popovici
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Stanisav
- Departments of Radiology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Saftescu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Serban Negru
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Dragomir
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniel Ciurescu
- Departments of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University of Brașov, 500019 Brasov, Romania
| | - Razvan Diaconescu
- Departments of General Surgery, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
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Patrono C. Fifty years with aspirin and platelets. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:25-43. [PMID: 36189951 PMCID: PMC10099789 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2021, we reached the 50th anniversary of the publication of Sir John Vane's seminal paper in Nature New Biology describing the experiments supporting his mechanistic hypothesis that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis might explain the main pharmacological effects of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, that is, reduction in pain, fever and inflammation. Bengt Samuelsson's subsequent discoveries elucidating the cyclooxygenase pathway of platelet arachidonic acid metabolism motivated my research interest towards measuring platelet thromboxane A2 biosynthesis as a tool to investigate the clinical pharmacology of cyclooxygenase inhibition by aspirin in health and disease. What followed was a long, winding road of clinical research leading to the characterization of low-dose aspirin as a life-saving antiplatelet drug that still represents the cornerstone of antithrombotic therapy. Having witnessed and participated in these 50 years of aspirin research, I thought of providing a personal testimony of how things developed and eventually led to a remarkable success story of independent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Patrono
- Department of Pharmacology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
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Xiang Y, Xiang P, Zhang L, Li Y, Zhang J. A narrative review for platelets and their RNAs in cancers: New concepts and clinical perspectives. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32539. [PMID: 36596034 PMCID: PMC9803462 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a growing body of evidence suggesting that platelets are involved in several stages of the metastatic process via direct or indirect interactions with cancer cells, contributing to the progression of neoplastic malignancies. Cancer cells can dynamically exchange components with platelets in and out of blood vessels, and directly phagocytose platelets to hijack their proteome, transcriptome, and secretome, or be remotely regulated by metabolites or microparticles released by platelets, resulting in phenotypic, genetic, and functional modifications. Moreover, platelet interactions with stromal and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment lead to alterations in their components, including the ribonucleic acid (RNA) profile, and complicate the impact of platelets on cancers. A deeper understanding of the roles of platelets and their RNAs in cancer will contribute to the development of anticancer strategies and the optimization of clinical management. Encouragingly, advances in high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics data analysis, and machine learning have allowed scientists to explore the potential of platelet RNAs for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and guiding treatment. However, the clinical application of this technique remains controversial and requires larger, multicenter studies with standardized protocols. Here, we integrate the latest evidence to provide a broader insight into the role of platelets in cancer progression and management, and propose standardized recommendations for the clinical utility of platelet RNAs to facilitate translation and benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Pinpin Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiping Community Health Service Center of Longquanyi District Chengdu City, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuyun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanying Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- * Correspondence: Juan Zhang, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32# West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province 610072, China (e-mail: )
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Piergentili R, Basile G, Nocella C, Carnevale R, Marinelli E, Patrone R, Zaami S. Using ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment-The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients' Health. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169353. [PMID: 36012617 PMCID: PMC9409241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the first discovery of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to 1958, only in recent years has the complexity of the transcriptome started to be elucidated. However, its components are still under investigation and their identification is one of the challenges that scientists are presently facing. In addition, their function is still far from being fully understood. The non-coding portion of the genome is indeed the largest, both quantitatively and qualitatively. A large fraction of these ncRNAs have a regulatory role either in coding mRNAs or in other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of crossed interactions (competing endogenous RNA networks, or ceRNET) that fine-tune the gene expression in both health and disease. The alteration of the equilibrium among such interactions can be enough to cause a transition from health to disease, but the opposite is equally true, leading to the possibility of intervening based on these mechanisms to cure human conditions. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on these mechanisms, illustrating how they can be used for disease treatment, the current challenges and pitfalls, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle-related contributing factors, in addition to the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from their (improper) use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piergentili
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council (CNR-IBPM), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basile
- Trauma Unit and Emergency Department, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedics Institute, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Head of Legal Medicine Unit, Clinical Institute San Siro, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro-Napoli, Via Orazio, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Renato Patrone
- PhD ICTH, University of Federico II, HPB Department INT F. Pascale IRCCS of Naples, Via Mariano Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Forensic Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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