Stress, catecholaminergic system and cancer

Role of transforming growth factor-β1 pathway in angiogenesis induced by chronic stress in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress can induce stress-related hormones; norepinephrine (NE) is considered to have the highest potential in cancer. NE can stimulate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and tumor angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

METHODS

Tumor-bearing mice were subjected to chronic restraint stress and treated with normal saline, human monoclonal VEGF-A neutralizing antibody bevacizumab, or β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) antagonist (propranolol). Tumor growth and vessel density were also evaluated. Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were treated with NE, propranolol, or the inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor Type I kinase (Ly2157299) in vitro. TGF-β1 in mouse serum and cell culture supernatants was quantified using ELISA. The expression of HIF-1α was measured using Real time-PCR and western blotting. Cell migration and invasion were tested.

RESULTS

Chronic restraint stress attenuated the efficacy of bevacizumab and promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis in a colorectal tumor model. Propranolol blocked this effect and inhibited TGF-β1 elevation caused by chronic restraint stress or NE. NE upregulated HIF-1α expression, which was reversed by propranolol or Ly2157299. Propranolol and Ly2157199 blocked NE-stimulated cancer cell migration and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate the effect of NE on tumor angiogenesis and the critical role of TGF-β1 signaling during this process. In addition, β-AR/TGF-β1 signaling/HIF-1α/VEGF is a potential signaling pathway. This study also indicates that psychosocial stress might be a risk factor which weakens the efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Chronic Epinephrine-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum and Oxidative Stress Impairs Pancreatic β-Cells Function and Fate

Epinephrine influences the function of pancreatic β-cells, primarily through the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) on their plasma membrane. Previous studies indicate that epinephrine transiently suppresses insulin secretion, whereas prolonged exposure induces its compensatory secretion. Nonetheless, the impact of epinephrine-induced α2A-AR signaling on the survival and function of pancreatic β-cells, particularly the impact of reprogramming after their removal from sustained epinephrine stimulation, remains elusive. In the present study, we applied MIN6, a murine insulinoma cell line, with 3 days of high concentration epinephrine incubation and 2 days of standard incubation, explored cell function and activity, and analyzed relevant regulatory pathways. The results showed that chronic epinephrine incubation led to the desensitization of α2A-AR and enhanced insulin secretion. An increased number of docked insulin granules and impaired Syntaxin-2 was found after chronic epinephrine exposure. Growth curve and cell cycle analyses showed the inhibition of cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis showed the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and oxidative stress, such as the presence of BiP, CHOP, IRE1, ATF4, and XBP, affecting cellular endoplasmic reticulum function and survival, along with UCP2, OPA1, PINK, and PRKN, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Consequently, we conclude that chronic exposure to epinephrine induces α2A-AR desensitization and leads to ER and oxidative stress, impairing protein processing and mitochondrial function, leading to modified pancreatic β-cell secretory function and cell fate.

Effects of chronic stress on cancer development and the therapeutic prospects of adrenergic signaling regulation

Long-term chronic stress is an important factor in the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Chronic stress reduces the tissue infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by continuously activating the adrenergic signaling, inhibits antitumor immune response and tumor cell apoptosis while also inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor angiogenesis, promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. This review first summarizes how adrenergic signaling activates intracellular signaling by binding different adrenergic receptor (AR) heterodimers. Then, we focused on reviewing adrenergic signaling to regulate multiple functions of immune cells, including cell differentiation, migration, and cytokine secretion. In addition, the article discusses the mechanisms by which adrenergic signaling exerts pro-tumorigenic effects by acting directly on the tumor itself. It also highlights the use of adrenergic receptor modulators in cancer therapy, with particular emphasis on their potential role in immunotherapy. Finally, the article reviews the beneficial effects of stress intervention measures on cancer treatment. We think that enhancing the body's antitumor response by adjusting adrenergic signaling can enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment.

Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer: A Biochemical Map of Reactive Oxygen Species Production

This review systematizes information about the metabolic features of breast cancer directly related to oxidative stress. It has been shown those redox changes occur at all levels and affect many regulatory systems in the human body. The features of the biochemical processes occurring in breast cancer are described, ranging from nonspecific, at first glance, and strictly biochemical to hormone-induced reactions, genetic and epigenetic regulation, which allows for a broader and deeper understanding of the principles of oncogenesis, as well as maintaining the viability of cancer cells in the mammary gland. Specific pathways of the activation of oxidative stress have been studied as a response to the overproduction of stress hormones and estrogens, and specific ways to reduce its negative impact have been described. The diversity of participants that trigger redox reactions from different sides is considered more fully: glycolytic activity in breast cancer, and the nature of consumption of amino acids and metals. The role of metals in oxidative stress is discussed in detail. They can act as both co-factors and direct participants in oxidative stress, since they are either a trigger mechanism for lipid peroxidation or capable of activating signaling pathways that affect tumorigenesis. Special attention has been paid to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of breast tumors. A complex cascade of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is explained, which made it possible to reconsider the existing opinion about the triggers and pathways for launching the oncological process, the survival of cancer cells and their ability to localize.

Chronic Stress Exacerbates the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment and Progression of Gliomas by Reducing Secretion of CCL3

As understanding of cancer has deepened, increasing attention has been turned to the roles of psychological factors, especially chronic stress-induced depression, in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, whether and how depression affects the progression of gliomas are still unclear. In this study, we have revealed that chronic stress inhibited the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and other immune cells, especially M1-type TAMs and CD8+ T cells, and decreased the level of proinflammatory cytokines in gliomas, leading to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and glioma progression. Mechanistically, by promoting the secretion of stress hormones, chronic stress inhibited the secretion of the chemokine CCL3 and the recruitment of M1-type TAMs in gliomas. Intratumoral administration of CCL3 reprogrammed the immune microenvironment of gliomas and abolished the progression of gliomas induced by chronic stress. Moreover, levels of CCL3 and M1-type TAMs were decreased in the tumor tissues of glioma patients with depression, and CCL3 administration enhanced the antitumor effect of anti-PD-1 therapy in orthotopic models of gliomas undergoing chronic stress. In conclusion, our study has revealed that chronic stress exacerbates the immunosuppressive microenvironment and progression of gliomas by reducing the secretion of CCL3. CCL3 alone or in combination with an anti-PD-1 may be an effective immunotherapy for the treatment of gliomas with depression. See related Spotlight by Cui and Kang, p. 514.

Exercise accelerates recruitment of CD8+ T cell to promotes anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer via epinephrine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In recent years, there has been extensive research on the role of exercise as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor therapy of exercise in lung cancer remain to be fully elucidated. As such, our study aims to confirm whether exercise-induced elevation of epinephrine can accelerate CD8+ T cell recruitment through modulation of chemokines and thus ultimately inhibit tumor progression.

METHOD

C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Lewis lung cancer cells (LLCs) to establish a subcutaneous tumor model. The tumor mice were randomly divided into different groups to performed a moderate-intensity exercise program on a treadmill for 5 consecutive days a week, 45 min a day. The blood samples and tumor tissues were collected after exercise for IHC, RT-qPCR, ELISA and Western blot. In addition, another group of mice received daily epinephrine treatment for two weeks (0.05 mg/mL, 200 µL i.p.) (EPI, n = 8) to replicate the effects of exercise on tumors in vivo. Lewis lung cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of epinephrine (0, 5, 10, 20 µM) to detect the effect of epinephrine on chemokine levels via ELISA and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

This study reveals that both pre- and post-cancer exercise effectively impede the tumor progression. Exercise led to an increase in EPI levels and the infiltration of CD8+ T cell into the lung tumor. Exercise-induced elevation of EPI is involved in the regulation of Ccl5 and Cxcl10 levels further leading to enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration and ultimately inhibiting tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training enhance the anti-tumor immunity of lung cancer individuals. These findings will provide valuable insights for the future application of exercise therapy in clinical practice.

Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: The Conjoined Twins

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two most common causes of death worldwide. As the fields of cardiovascular medicine and oncology continue to expand, the area of overlap is becoming more prominent demanding dedicated attention and individualized patient care. We have come to realize that both fields are inextricably intertwined in several aspects, so much so that the mere presence of one, with its resultant downstream implications, has an impact on the other. Nonetheless, cardiovascular disease and cancer are generally approached independently. The focus that is granted to the predominant pathological entity (either cardiovascular disease or cancer), does not allow for optimal medical care for the other. As a result, ample opportunities for improvement in overall health care are being overlooked. Herein, we hope to shed light on the interconnected relationship between cardiovascular disease and cancer and uncover some of the unintentionally neglected intricacies of common cardiovascular therapeutics from an oncologic standpoint.

Chronic restraint stress promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma development by inhibiting ALDH3A1 via stress response hormone

BACKGROUND

Chronic restraint stress (CRS) has iteratively been reported to be possibly implicated in the development of numerous cancer types. However, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been well elucidated. Here we intended to evaluate the role and mechanism.

METHODS

The effects of CRS were investigated in xenograft models of OSCC by using transcriptome sequencing, LC-MS, ELISA and RT-PCR. Moreover, the role of CRS and ALDH3A1 on OSCC cells was researched by using Trans-well, flow cytometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, ATP activity and OCR assay. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining was employed to observe the cell proliferation and invasion of OSCC in xenotransplantation models.

RESULTS

CRS promoted the progression of OSCC in xenograft models, stimulated the secretion of norepinephrine and the expression of ADRB2, but decreased the expression of ALDH3A1. Moreover, CRS changed energy metabolism and increased mitochondrial metabolism markers. However, ALDH3A1 overexpression suppressed proliferation, EMT and mitochondrial metabolism of OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of ALDH3A1 expression plays a pivotal role in CRS promoting tumorigenic potential of OSCC cells, and the regulatory of ALDH3A1 on mitochondrial metabolism may be involved in this process.

β‑adrenergic receptor activation promotes the proliferation of HepG2 cells via the ERK1/2/CREB pathways

Primary liver cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumors seen in clinics, and typically exhibits aggressive invasive behaviors, a poor prognosis, and is associated with high mortality rates. Long-term stress exposure causes norepinephrine (NE) release and activates the β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR), which in turn exacerbates the occurrence and development of different types of cancers; however, the molecular mechanisms of β-AR in liver cancer are not fully understood. In the present study, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and RT-quantitative PCR showed that β-AR expression was upregulated in human liver cancer cells (HepG2) compared with normal liver cells (LO2). Moreover, NE treatment promoted the growth of HepG2 cells, which could be blocked by propranolol, a β-AR antagonist. Notably, NE had no significant effect on the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells. Further experiments revealed that NE increased the phosphorylation levels of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), while inhibition of ERK1/2 and CREB activation significantly blocked NE-induced cell proliferation. In summary, the findings of the present study suggested that β-adrenergic receptor activation promoted the proliferation of HepG2 cells through ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathways.

Norepinephrine promotes neuronal apoptosis of hippocampal HT22 cells by up-regulating the expression of long non-coding RNA MALAT1

Stress is ever present in our modern, performance-oriented and demanding society, which causes adverse stress reactions of the body and affects health seriously. Chronic stress has been recognized as a significant risk factor leading to cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanism is far from fully understood. Norepinephrine (NE), a pivotal stress-induced hormone, has been found to induce cell apoptosis. However, the function and the key downstream mediator of NE on the regulation of hippocampal neurons still need further exploration. In this study, we explored the role of NE in neuronal apoptosis and its association with MALAT1. Flow cytometry assay and automated western bot assay were carried out to evaluate the cell apoptosis. The data showed that the rate of apoptosis rate and the levels of apoptotic proteins (cleaved-Caspase3 and cleaved-PARP) were significantly increased in HT22 cells after a high dose of NE treatment, suggesting a facilitative role of NE on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Besides, a high level of NE up-regulated the expression of MALAT1 in HT22 cells. Then, a lentivirus expressing MALAT1 shRNA was constructed to investigate the role of MALAT1 in cell apoptosis and the results revealed that MALAT1 depletion decreased the cell apoptosis. Moreover, the knockdown of MALAT1 abolished the discrepancy in apoptosis between NE-treated cells and control cells. In conclusion, a high level of the stress-induced hormone NE promoted apoptosis of hippocampal neurons by elevating the expression of MALAT1. Our findings provide new experimental data supporting the epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of stress response and may provide a potential therapeutic target for stress-related cognition dysfunction.

Urinary levels of cortisol but not catecholamines are associated with those of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in uncomplicated primary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

The relationships between stress hormones and oxidative DNA damage have not yet been explored in human hypertension. We investigated the associations of urinary levels of cortisol or catecholamines with those of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage in primary hypertension.

METHODS

Untreated 156 primary hypertensives without apparent cardiovascular diseases were entered into the study. Following blood sampling after an overnight fast, 24-h blood pressure monitoring and 24-h urinary sampling were performed simultaneously to determine 24-h averaged values for blood pressure and urinary levels of cortisol, catecholamines and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine.

RESULTS

Urinary cortisol significantly correlated positively with urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in all studied participants (r = 0.334, P < 0.001). Contrary, either urinary adrenaline or urinary noradrenaline did not significantly correlate with urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (r = 0.050, P = 0.553 or r = 0.063, P = 0.435). Additionally, the positive association of urinary cortisol with urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine remained highly significant after the adjustments for multiple confounders of oxidative stress such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, 24-h blood pressure, C-reactive protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate (partial r = 0.323, P < 0.001), although only approximately 10% of the variance in urinary cortisol was attributable to differences in urinary 8-OHdG (partial r2 = 0.104). Thus, our data indicate that cortisol but not catecholamines could at least partially contribute to the occurrence of oxidative DNA damage in primary hypertensives.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested the possibility that the overactivation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis rather than sympathoadrenal system could enhance oxidative stress and attendant DNA oxidation in uncomplicated primary hypertension.

Chronic stress-induced immune dysregulation in breast cancer: Implications of psychosocial factors

Chronic stress refers to continuous emotional changes and psychological pressure that individuals experience when they are unable to adjust and stabilize the internal environment over an extended period. It can increase the pressure on endocrine mediators and cytokines in the circulation, as well as tissues throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenaline (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS); thus, evolving the internal environment of the tumor. This review assesses several key issues, involving psychosocial factors, and integrates clinical, cellular, and molecular studies-as well as the latest research progress-to provide a mechanistic understanding regarding breast oncopsychology. We propose that chronic stress contributes to large individual diferences in the prognosis of breast cancer survivors because they change the basic physiological processes of the endocrine and immune systems, which in turn regulate tumor growth. The study of psychological and physiological reactions of breast cancer patients suggests a new idea for psychological intervention and clinical treatment for breast cancer patients.

Stress Factors and Their Effects on Productivity in Sheep

Products obtained from sheep have an economically important place in the world. Their adaptability to different climatic conditions, their ease of care and feeding, their high utilization of poor pasture areas with low yield and quality, the ease of flock management, their high twinning rate, and their short intergenerational period are some of the advantages of sheep production. Sheep production has the ability to adapt better to environmental stress factors, as can be understood from the presence of sheep in different geographical regions at a global level. However, the changes in environmental conditions and production cause some negative results in animals. All these negative results expose animals to various stress factors (heat, cold, transport, treatment, nutritional, shearing, weaning, etc.). All stress factors that directly and indirectly affect sheep production ultimately lead to compromised performance, decreased productivity, increased mortality, and adverse effects on the immune system. In order to cope with the current stress parameters in animals and to achieve optimum production, a holistic approach is needed according to the environmental conditions and available resources. It is important to consider the factors involved in these responses in order to manage these processes correctly and to develop adequate strategies and improve sheep welfare. This review aimed to reveal the importance of some stress factors in sheep and their effects on sheep productivity.

The tumor-nerve circuit in breast cancer

It is well established that innervation is one of the updated hallmarks of cancer and that psychological stress promotes the initiation and progression of cancer. The breast tumor environment includes not only fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and lymphocytes but also neurons, which is increasingly discovered important in breast cancer progression. Peripheral nerves, especially sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory nerves, have been reported to play important but different roles in breast cancer. However, their roles in the breast cancer progression and treatment are still controversial. In addition, the brain is one of the favorite sites of breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we first summarize the innervation of breast cancer and its mechanism in regulating cancer growth and metastasis. Next, we summarize the neural-related molecular markers in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we review drugs and emerging technologies used to block the interactions between nerves and breast cancer. Finally, we discuss future research directions in this field. In conclusion, the further research in breast cancer and its interactions with innervated neurons or neurotransmitters is promising in the clinical management of breast cancer.

Ginsenoside Rg1 as a promising adjuvant agent for enhancing the anti-cancer functions of granulocytes inhibited by noradrenaline

Introduction

In recent years, numerous studies have confirmed that chronic stress is closely related to the development of cancer. Our previous research showed that high levels of stress hormones secreted in the body during chronic stress could inhibit the cancer-killing activity of granulocytes, which could further promote the development of cancer. Therefore, reversing the immunosuppressive effect of stress hormones on granulocytes is an urgent problem in clinical cancer treatment. Here, we selected noradrenaline (NA) as a representative stress hormone.

Methods and results

After screening many traditional Chinese herbal medicine active ingredients, a promising compound, ginsenoside Rg1, attracted our attention. We verified the immunoprotective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on granulocytes in vitro and ex vivo, and attempted to understand its potential immunoprotective mechanism. We confirmed the immunoprotective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on granulocytes using cell and animal experiments. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and ex vivo experiments were performed to investigate the immunoprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on the anti-cancer function of granulocytes inhibited by NA. Transcriptome sequencing analysis and qRT-PCR showed that NA elevated the mRNA expression of ARG2, MMP1, S100A4, and RAPSN in granulocytes, thereby reducing the anti-cancer function of granulocytes. In contrast, ginsenoside Rg1 downregulated the mRNA expression of ARG2, MMP1, S100A4, and RAPSN, and upregulated the mRNA expression of LAMC2, DSC2, KRT6A, and FOSB, thereby enhancing the anti-cancer function of granulocytes inhibited by NA. Transwell cell migration experiments were performed to verify that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly enhanced the migration capability of granulocytes inhibited by NA. Tumor-bearing model mice were used to verify the significant immunoprotective effects in vivo. Finally, CCK-8 and hematoxylin and eosin staining experiments indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 exhibited high biosafety in vitro and in vivo.

Discussion

In future clinical treatments, ginsenoside Rg1 may be used as an adjuvant agent for cancer treatment to alleviate chronic stress-induced adverse events in cancer patients.

Emerging role of substance and energy metabolism associated with neuroendocrine regulation in tumor cells

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality in the world. One of the unresolved difficult pathological mechanism issues in malignant tumors is the imbalance of substance and energy metabolism of tumor cells. Cells maintain life through energy metabolism, and normal cells provide energy through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP, while tumor cells demonstrate different energy metabolism. Neuroendocrine control is crucial for tumor cells' consumption of nutrients and energy. As a result, better combinatorial therapeutic approaches will be made possible by knowing the neuroendocrine regulating mechanism of how the neuroendocrine system can fuel cellular metabolism. Here, the basics of metabolic remodeling in tumor cells for nutrients and metabolites are presented, showing how the neuroendocrine system regulates substance and energy metabolic pathways to satisfy tumor cell proliferation and survival requirements. In this context, targeting neuroendocrine regulatory pathways in tumor cell metabolism can beneficially enhance or temper tumor cell metabolism and serve as promising alternatives to available treatments.

The effect of perceived stress on organizational silence in emergency service doctors in Turkey: The mediating role of emotional intelligence

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between the stress perceptions of emergency medicine doctors and their organizational silence behaviors.

Methods

Data were collected digitally from 434 doctors working in emergency departments in Turkey. On the assumption that perceived stress was effective on organizational silence behavior and that emotional intelligence mediates this relationship, hypotheses were developed and a mediating effect model was established. The research model and hypotheses were shaped through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Hayes 4th model was used to test the research hypotheses. The research model was tested via SPSS Process v4.1 by Andrew F. Hayes.

Results

According to the correlation analysis to determine the relationship between the variables, it was determined that perceived stress was positively correlated with organizational silence behavior, emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with perceived stress, and emotional intelligence was negatively correlated with organizational silence. As a result of the mediating effect model test, it was determined that emotional intelligence had a statistically significant mediating effect in the effect of perceived stress on organizational silence.

Conclusion

Within the framework of the findings, it is thought that emotional intelligence is a key variable in turning the negative energy between stress and silence into positive.

Jujuboside B Reverse CUMS-Promoted Tumor Progression via Blocking PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK and Dephosphorylating CREB Signaling

Background

Jujuboside B (JUB) is a saponins isolated from the seeds of Zizyphi jujuba var. spinosi, which is used to treat mental illness and is reported recently to induce cancer cell apoptosis. As our previous research showed chronic stress promoted tumor growth, this work aims to investigate whether JUB exert antitumor effect in addition to its antidepressant effect and possible mechanism.

Methods

56 female C57BL/6 mice were grouped into 7 groups: A (blank control), B (tumor-bearing control), C (tumor-bearing + JUB), D (CUMS control), E (CUMS + JUB), F (tumor-bearing + CUMS), and G (tumor-bearing + CUMS + JUB). Groups C, E, G, B, D, and F were administered, respectively, with JUB (40 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 2 weeks. Serum 5-HT, Trp (tryptophane), inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-4, -6, and -10 levels were detected by ELISA. The tumors in groups B and F were isolated for RNA-seq sequencing. Protein and mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-MAPK, p-ERK, and p-CREB in tumor tissues were detected. In vitro, A549 cells were stimulated with JUB (60 μmol/L), in which proliferation rate and colony formation rate were detected. The PI3K/Akt and, MAPK/ERK pathway were measured.

Results

Chronic stress successfully induced the depression-like phenotype (group D vs. A) and promoted tumor growth (group B vs. F). JUB significantly ameliorated the depression-like phenotype and increased 5-HT, Trp levels (group D vs. E), and reversing CUMS-induced tumor progression. Meanwhile, JUB decreased inflammatory cytokine levels. Chronic stress upregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt/MAPK/ERK/CREB; JUB reversed this regulation. JUB significantly inhibited cell viability, colony formation rate, and downregulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt/MAPK/ERK/CREB in vitro.

Conclusions

JUB reverses CUMS-promoted tumor progression in tumor-bearing mice with depression-like phenotype. JUB exerts the dual beneficial effect on tumor growth and depression-like phenotype by blocking the signal transduction pathway of PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and dephosphorylating the downstream signaling regulator CREB.

Stress and cancer: The mechanisms of immune dysregulation and management

Advances in the understanding of psychoneuroimmunology in the past decade have emphasized the notion that stress and cancer are interlinked closely. Durable chronic stress accelerated tumorigenesis and progression, which is unfavorable for clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Available evidence has provided unprecedented knowledge about the role and mechanisms of chronic stress in carcinogenesis, the most well-known one is dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). With abnormal activation of neuroendocrine system, stress-related hormones contribute to increased oncogenes expression, exacerbated chronic inflammation and impaired immunologic function. In addition, accumulating studies have demonstrated that diverse stress interventions including pharmacological approaches, physical exercises and psychological relaxation have been administered to assist in mental disorders reduction and life quality improvement in cancer patients. In this review, we systematically summarize the connection and mechanisms in the stress-immune-cancer axis identified by animal and clinical studies, as well as conclude the effectiveness and deficiencies of existing stress management strategies.

Effect of Acute Cold Stress on Neuroethology in Mice and Establishment of Its Model

Cold environment is an inevitable stress source for humans and livestock in cold areas, which easily induce a cold stress response and then cause a series of abnormal changes in energy metabolism, neuroendocrine system, behavior and emotion. Homeostasis is maintained by the unified regulation of the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, metabolism and behavior under cold exposure. Behavior is an indispensable part of the functional regulation of the body to respond to environmental changes. At present, the behavioral changes caused by cold exposure are unclear or even chaotic due to the difficulty of defining cold stress. Therefore, this study aims to systematically observe the changes in spontaneous movement, exploratory behavior and anxiety of mice under different intensity cold exposure and summarize the characteristics and behavior traits combined with relevant blood physiological indexes under corresponding conditions. Mice models of cold stress with different intensities were established (cold exposure gradients were 22 °C, 16 °C, 10 °C and 4 °C, and time gradients of each temperature were 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h and 12 h). After the corresponding cold exposure treatment, mice immediately carried out the open field test(OFT) and elevated plus maze test (PMT) to evaluate their spontaneous movement, exploratory behavior and anxiety. Subsequently, blood samples were collected and used for the determination of corticosterone (Cort), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spontaneous movement of mice increased under 22 °C cold exposure, but their exploration behavior did not significantly change, and their anxiety improved at the initial stage. The spontaneous movement and anxiety of mice increased in the initial stage and decreased in the later stage under cold exposure at 16, 10 and 4 °C and the exploratory behavior was inhibited. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC/NE) system were activated by cold stress and fluctuated with different intensities of cold exposure. Meanwhile, serum DA increased, and 5-HT was the opposite under different intensities of cold exposure. In conclusion, mild acute cold exposure promoted the spontaneous movement, increased exploratory behavior and improved anxiety. As the intensity of cold exposure increases, cold exposure had a negative effect on spontaneous movement, exploratory behavior and emotion. The physiological basis of these behavioral and emotional changes in mice under different intensity cold stimulation is the fluctuation of Cort, CRH, E, NE, DA and 5-HT.

Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development

Simple Summary

Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy.

Abstract

Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.

Role of Polyphenol-Derived Phenolic Acid in Mitigation of Inflammasome-Mediated Anxiety and Depression

Overexposure to mental stress throughout life is a significant risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. The immune system can initiate a physiological response, releasing stress hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in response to stressors. These effects can overcome allostatic physiological mechanisms and generate a pro-inflammatory environment with deleterious effects if occurring chronically. Previous studies in our lab have identified key anti-inflammatory properties of a bioavailable polyphenolic preparation BDPP and its ability to mitigate stress responses via the attenuation of NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent responses. Inflammasome activation is part of the first line of defense against stimuli of different natures, provides a rapid response, and, therefore, is of capital importance within the innate immunity response. malvidin-3-O-glucoside (MG), a natural anthocyanin present in high proportions in grapes, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of MG on inflammasome-induced inflammation in vitro and in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Here, it is shown that MG is an anti-pyroptotic phenolic metabolite that targets NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasomes, subsequently reducing caspase-1 and IL-1β protein levels in murine primary cortical microglia and the brain, as its beneficial effect to counteract anxiety and depression is also demonstrated. The present study supports the role of MG to mitigate bacterial-mediated inflammation (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) in vitro and CUS-induced behavior impairment in vivo to address stress-induced inflammasome-mediated innate response.

Norepinephrine promotes glioma cell migration through up-regulating the expression of Twist1

Background

Glioma cells are characterized by high migration ability, resulting in aggressive growth of the tumors and poor prognosis of patients. It has been reported that the stress-induced hormone norepinephrine (NE) contributes to tumor progression through mediating a number of important biological processes in various cancers. However, the role of NE in the regulation of glioma migration is still unclear. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the most important steps for tumor migration and metastasis. Twist1, as a key regulator of EMT, has been found to be elevated during glioma migration. But it is still unknown whether Twist1 is involved in the effect of NE on the migration of glioma cells.

Methods

Wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted to evaluate the migration of glioma cells upon different treatments. The mesenchymal-like phenotype and the expression of Twist1 after NE treatment were assessed by cell diameters, real-time PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The gain-and loss-of-function experiments were carried out to investigate the biological function of Twist1 in the migration induced by NE. Finally, the clinical significance of Twist1 was explored among three public glioma datasets.

Results

In this study, our finding revealed a facilitative effect of NE on glioma cell migration in a β-adrenergic receptor (ADRB)-dependent way. Mechanistically, NE induced mesenchymal-like phenotype and the expression of Twist1. Twist1 overexpression promoted glioma cells migration, while knockdown of Twist1 abolished the discrepancy in the migration ability between NE treated glioma cells and control cells. In addition, the clinical analysis demonstrated that Twist1 was up-regulated in malignant gliomas and recurrent gliomas, and predicted a poor prognosis of glioma patients.

Conclusions

NE enhanced the migration ability of glioma cells through elevating the expression of Twist1. Our finding may provide potential therapeutic target for protecting patients with glioma from the detrimental effects of stress biology on the tumor progression.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09330-9.

Potential Therapeutic Action of Autophagy in Gastric Cancer Managements: Novel Treatment Strategies and Pharmacological Interventions

Gastric cancer (GC), second most leading cause of cancer-associated mortality globally, is the cancer of gastrointestinal tract in which malignant cells form in lining of the stomach, resulting in indigestion, pain, and stomach discomfort. Autophagy is an intracellular system in which misfolded, aggregated, and damaged proteins, as well as organelles, are degraded by the lysosomal pathway, and avoiding abnormal accumulation of huge quantities of harmful cellular constituents. However, the exact molecular mechanism of autophagy-mediated GC management has not been clearly elucidated. Here, we emphasized the role of autophagy in the modulation and development of GC transformation in addition to underlying the molecular mechanisms of autophagy-mediated regulation of GC. Accumulating evidences have revealed that targeting autophagy by small molecule activators or inhibitors has become one of the greatest auspicious approaches for GC managements. Particularly, it has been verified that phytochemicals play an important role in treatment as well as prevention of GC. However, use of combination therapies of autophagy modulators in order to overcome the drug resistance through GC treatment will provide novel opportunities to develop promising GC therapeutic approaches. In addition, investigations of the pathophysiological mechanism of GC with potential challenges are urgently needed, as well as limitations of the modulation of autophagy-mediated therapeutic strategies. Therefore, in this review, we would like to deliver an existing standard molecular treatment strategy focusing on the relationship between chemotherapeutic drugs and autophagy, which will help to improve the current treatments of GC patients.

Chronic stress model simulated by salbutamol promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells through β2-AR/ERK/EMT pathway

Chronic stress induced by long-term anxiety and depression can promote the malignant progression of gastric cancer. β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is a critical mediator for chronic stress-induced multiple processes of tumor cells. However, the function of chronic stress in gastric cancer and its potential mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, especially at the cellular level, remain unknown. Here, we provide further evidence that chronic stress affected behavior and hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis related hormone levels in mice. Furthermore, immunofluorescence showed that emotion affected the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in patients' tissues. To address this, salbutamol, a specific agonist of β2-AR, was utilized for simulating chronic stress and demonstrating the mechanism of stress in tumor progression at the molecular level both in vivo and in vitro. Salbutamol significantly induced EMT, migration and invasion via ERK (Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) phosphorylation, and the effects were reversed by the β2-AR antagonist ICI-118,551. The promoting effects of salbutamol on EMT, migration and invasion were inhibited by phosphorylation inhibitor of ERK PD98059 in vitro. Analysis of xenograft models revealed that salbutamol significantly promoted tumor growth and adrenal volume, while ICI-118,551 inhibited these effects. In addition, salbutamol increased the expression of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and decreased epithelial marker E-cadherin in transplanted tumor tissue. In conclusion, salbutamol simulates a chronic stress model, which promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells through β2-AR/ERK/EMT pathway.

Chronic Stress Effects on Tumor: Pathway and Mechanism

Chronic stress is an emotional experience that occurs when people encounter something they cannot adapt to. Repeated chronic stress increases the risk of a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, endocrine disease, inflammation and cancer. A growing body of research has shown that there is a link between chronic stress and tumor occurrence in both animal studies and clinical studies. Chronic stress activates the neuroendocrine system (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and sympathetic nervous system. Stress hormones promote the occurrence and development of tumors through various mechanisms. In addition, chronic stress also affects the immune function of the body, leading to the decline of immune monitoring ability and promote the occurrence of tumors. The mechanisms of chronic stress leading to tumor include inflammation, autophagy and epigenetics. These factors increase the proliferation and invasion capacity of tumor cells and alter the tumor microenvironment. Antagonists targeting adrenergic receptors have played a beneficial role in improving antitumor activity, as well as chemotherapy resistance and radiation resistance. Here, we review how these mechanisms contribute to tumor initiation and progression, and discuss whether these molecular mechanisms might be an ideal target to treat tumor.

Sini San Inhibits Chronic Psychological Stress-Induced Breast Cancer Stemness by Suppressing Cortisol-Mediated GRP78 Activation

Chronic psychological stress is closely correlated with breast cancer growth and metastasis. Sini San (SNS) formula is a classical prescription for relieving depression-related symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Current researches have suggested that chronic psychological stress is closely correlated with cancer stem cells (CSCs) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic psychological stress on ER stress-mediated breast cancer stemness and the therapeutic implication of SNS. Chronic psychological stress promoted lung metastasis in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing mice and increased the stem cell-like populations and stemness-related gene expression. Meanwhile, GRP78, a marker of ER stress, was significantly increased in the breast tumors and lung metastases under chronic psychological stress. As a biochemical hallmark of chronic psychological stress, cortisol dramatically enhanced the stem cell-like populations and mammospheres formation by activating GRP78 transcriptionally. However, GRP78 inhibitors or shRNA attenuated the stemness enhancement mediated by cortisol. Similarly, SNS inhibited chronic psychological stress-induced lung metastasis and stemness of breast cancer cells, as well as reversed cortisol-induced stem cell-like populations and mammospheres formation by attenuating GRP78 expression. Co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that SNS interrupted the interaction between GRP78 and LRP5 on the cell surface, thus inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling of breast CSCs. Altogether, this study not only uncovers the biological influence and molecular mechanism of chronic psychological stress on breast CSCs but also highlights SNS as a promising strategy for relieving GRP78-induced breast cancer stemness via inhibiting GRP78 activation.

The molecular mechanism of chronic stress affecting the occurrence and development of breast cancer and potential drug therapy

According to the 2020 data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the world's most newly diagnosed first-time cancer. Compared with patients with other types of cancer, those with breast cancer experience greater mental stress and more severe psychological impacts because of the life-threatening diagnosis, physical changes, treatment side effects, and family and social life dysfunctions. These usually manifest as anxiety, depression, nervousness, and insomnia, all of which elicit stress responses. Particularly under chronic stress, the continuous release of neurotransmitters from the neuroendocrine system can have a highly profound impact on the occurrence and prognosis of breast cancer. However, because of the complex mechanisms underlying chronic stress and the variability in individual tolerance, evidence of the role of chronic stress in the occurrence and evolution of breast cancer remains unclear. This article reviewed previous research on the correlation between chronic stress and the occurrence and development of breast cancer, particularly the molecular mechanism through which chronic stress promotes breast cancer via neurotransmitters secreted by the nervous system. We also review the progress in the development of potential drugs or blockers for the treatment of breast cancer by targeting the neuroendocrine system.

Regulation of hyaluronan production by β2 adrenergic receptor signaling

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronan (HA), the main component of the extracellular matrix, is involved in tissue elasticity and cell scaffolding, and in progression of conditions such as cancer, inflammation and wound healing. Signaling by G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activation increases expression of hyaluronan synthase (HAS) and HA production. The β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is a catecholamine-liganded GPCR that is involved in cancer progression and wound healing. Since HA and β2AR are involved in a common pathology, we investigated whether β2AR signaling regulates HA production.

METHODS

After stimulating β2AR-expressing cells with a β agonist, the amount of HA in the culture medium was measured and HAS expression was examined by real-time PCR. A variety of signaling molecule inhibitors were used to identify signaling pathways that alter HAS expression.

RESULTS

β2AR activation increased HA production and enhanced HAS2 expression. The increase in HAS2 expression by β2AR activation occurred via the Gs - adenylyl cyclase - PKA - CREB signal transduction pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Downstream signal transduction by β2AR activation increased HA production by enhancing transcription of the HAS2 gene. This study suggests that β2AR is a GPCR that regulates HA production, and that stimulation with a catecholamine (β2 agonist) can regulate HA production.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

β2AR may function through regulation of HA production in cancer progression and wound healing.

Antitumor Effect of Fluoxetine on Chronic Stress-Promoted Lung Cancer Growth via Suppressing Kynurenine Pathway and Enhancing Cellular Immunity

Background: Chronic stress promotes cancer growth. Antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) is usually prescribed for cancer patients with comorbid depression. FLX displays inhibition on cancer cell proliferation, however, the in vivo activity has not been investigated.

Methods: We explored the antitumor effect of FLX in subcutaneous transplanted lung cancer cells in a tumor-bearing mouse model. Fifty-six C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into group A (blank control), group B (tumor-bearing control), group C (tumor-bearing + FLX), group D (CUMS control), group E (CUMS + FLX), group F (tumor-bearing + CUMS), and group G (tumor-bearing + CUMS + FLX). 5-HT, tryptophane (Trp), kynurenine, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A levels were measured by ELISA. T helper (Th), cytotoxic T (Tc) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) subtype were measured by flow cytometry. The antitumor effects of FLX were evaluated by tumor weight. The expression of kynurenine pathway related genes TDO, IDO1, IDO2, and apoptosis-related genes caspase1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12 in tumor tissues were measured by western blotting and qRT-PCR. A549 cells were exposed with FLX (15 μmol/L) and its effect on cell proliferation, migration, and clonal formation were detected. Kynurenine pathway and apoptosis related gene expression were also measured.

Results:In vivo, chronic stress promoted tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice. FLX administration not only significantly reversed chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced reduction of 5-HT and Trp, increment of kynurenine, but increased CD4⁺ Th and CD8⁺ Tc cells, and reduced CD25⁺ FOXP3⁺ Tregs. FLX promoted Th to differentiate into Th1 cells and increased IL-2 and IFN-γ, meanwhile inhibited Th differentiate into Th2 and Th17 cells and decreased the concentrations of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A. Chronic stress obviously up-regulated IDO1 and IDO2 expression, down-regulated caspase 4, 7, and 12 expression, meanwhile FLX administration reversed this regulation. However, there was no significant change in TDO, caspase 1, 3, 5. Similarly, in vitro, FLX administration significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and clonal formation of A549 cells and induced cell apoptosis. FLX administration down-regulated the expression of IDO1, IDO2, and up-regulated caspase 4, 5, and 7.

Conclusion: Fluoxetine administration could inhibit tumor growth. The inhibition might be via suppressing kynurenine pathway and enhancing cellular immunity.

Beta-adrenergic pathway activation enhances aggressiveness and inhibits stemness in head and neck cancer

Chronic stress leads to the activation of the beta-adrenergic pathway. Its activation has been implicated in the progression of different types of cancer but its role on head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) remains undefined. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the beta-adrenergic pathway activation in the progression of HNSCCs and offer a panel of potential treatments for patients with the active beta-adrenergic pathway. Five hundred and twenty TCGA patients with primary HNSCCs were divided in two groups: ADRB2low / SLC6A2low and ADRB2high / SLC6A2high. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through differential expression analysis. The association of clinicopathological and genomic features between the groups was analyzed using a bioinformatic approach. Potential drugs for treatment of HNSCC were identified based on the DEGs. There was association between ADRB2 and SLC6A2 expressions with age, race, tumor site, histologic grade, perineural invasion, and HPV p16 status. It was identified 898 DEGs between the groups. High ADRB2/SLC6A2 expression stimulated HNSCC proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. On the other hand, genes related to cell stemness were downregulated in patients with activation of the beta- adrenergic pathway. Finally, 56 FDA-approved antineoplastic and immunotherapeutic drugs were identified as potential targets for the personalized treatment.

Chronic Psychological Stress Attenuates the Efficacy of anti-PD-L1 Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice

We aimed to explore whether chronic psychological stress affects the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) immunotherapy in bladder cancer. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) process was applied during the administration of anti-PD-L1 for subcutaneous tumors in mice. Tumor regression was obviously shown in anti-PD-L1 therapy groups, while this effect was notably attenuated by CUMS. Additionally, increased infiltration of regulatory T-cells, decreased amount of CD8⁺ lymphocytes, and reduced levels of tumor-associated cytokines in tumor sites were observed in mice treated with anti-PD-L1 under CUMS. Therefore, chronic psychological stress could weaken the potency of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy for bladder cancer.

Resting Heart Rate and Risk of Cancer Mortality

BACKGROUND

Increased resting heart rate (RHR) is a predictor of mortality. RHR is influenced by cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Little is known about the combined associations of RHR and CRF on cancer mortality.

METHODS

50,108 men and women (mean age 43.8 years) were examined between 1974 and 2002 at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. RHR was measured by electrocardiogram and categorized as <60, 60-69, 70-79, or ≥80 beats/minute. CRF was quantified by maximal treadmill test and dichotomized as unfit and fit corresponding to the lower 20% and the upper 80%, respectively, of the age- and sex-specific distribution of treadmill exercise duration. The National Death Index was used to ascertain vital status. Cox regression was used to compute HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cancer mortality across RHR categories.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 15.0 ± 8.6 years, 1,090 cancer deaths occurred. Compared with RHR <60 beats/minute, individuals with RHR ≥80 beats/minute had a 35% increased risk of overall cancer mortality (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06-1.71) after adjusting for confounders, including CRF. Compared with "fit and RHR <80 beats/minute", HRs (95% CI) for cancer mortality were 1.41 (1.20-1.66), 1.51 (1.11-2.04), and 1.78 (1.30-2.43) in "unfit and RHR <80," "fit and RHR ≥80," and "unfit and RHR ≥80 beats/minute," respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RHR ≥80 beats/minute is associated with an increased risk of overall cancer mortality. High CRF may help lower the risk of cancer mortality among those with high RHR.

IMPACT

RHR along with CRF may provide informative data about an individual's cancer mortality risk.

Chronic stress caused by maternal separation is a possible risk factor for the development of 7,12-dimethyl benzo anthracene-induced breast tumors in rats

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress has been investigated as a risk factor for breast cancer. Maternal separation (MS) of rats has been used as a chronic stress model that alters certain systemic functions, such as the immune response.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of MS on the development of breast tumors induced by 7,12-dimethyl benzo anthracene (DMBA).

METHODOLOGY

postnatal day (PND) 1 female Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups that either were or were not subjected to MS and either received or did not receive DMBA. For MS, PND 1 to 21 pups were separated from their mothers for 360 min/day. On PND 30, carcinomas were induced in mammary glands using DMBA. Body weight was evaluated, and the injected region was palpated. In addition, the mammary glands were subjected to histological examination, and corticosterone levels were determined in all groups.

RESULTS

DMBA-induced groups had significantly lower body weight gain compared with the non-DMBA-induced groups. Maternal separation increased the incidence of preneoplastic changes and breast carcinogenesis in DMBA-treated animals compared with control animals. Corticosterone levels were increased in both DMBA-induced and MS groups without interaction.

CONCLUSION

MS is a possible risk factor for DMBA-induced preneoplastic changes and breast tumors in rats.

Disparities of weather type and geographical location in the impacts of temperature variability on cancer mortality: A multicity case-crossover study in Jiangsu Province, China

BACKGROUND

Considering the serious health burden caused by adverse weather events, increasing researches focused on the relationship between temperature variability (TV) and cause-specific mortality, but its association with cancer was not well explored. We aimed to investigate the impacts of TV on cancer mortality and examine the modifying effects of weather type and geographical location as well as other characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Daily city-specific data of cancer deaths, mean temperature (Tmean), maximum and minimum temperatures (Tmax and Tmin), relative humidity (RH), rainfall, and air pollutants were collected during 2016-2017 in 13 cities in Jiangsu Province, China. TV_0-t was defined as the standard deviation of the daily Tmax and Tmin on the exposure 0-t days. A two-stage analysis was applied. First, a time-stratified case-crossover design was used to examine the odds ratio (OR) and attributable fraction of cancer mortality per 1 °C increase in TV by adjusting for potential confounders. Random effect meta-analysis was used to summarize the pooled ORs. Second, stratified analysis was performed for weather type, geographical location, demographics, and other city-level characteristics. The weather was defined as four types according to days during warm or cold season combined with high or low RH.

RESULTS

A total of 303670 cases were included in our study. Meta-analysis showed that the ORs of cancer mortality per 1 °C increase in TV_0-t significantly increased and peaked in TV_0-2 (OR=1.0098, 95% CI: 1.0039-1.0157). The attributable fraction of TV_0-2 on cancer mortality was 4.74%, accounting for 14395 deaths in the study period. Significant ORs of TV-related cancer mortality were found during the warm season combined with high RH and in the northern region of Jiangsu. Susceptible groups of TV-related cancer mortality were identified as female patients, patients aged 45-65 years, and those living in cities with lower per capita green area.

CONCLUSIONS

TV can significantly increase the risk of cancer mortality, especially during warm and humid days and in the northern region of Jiangsu. Findings are of great significance to formulate urban planning, resource allocation, and health intervention to prolong the life of cancer patients.

Natural Killer Cell Mobilization in Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivors: The Implications of Altered Stress Hormones Following Acute Exercise

Natural killer (NK) cells from the innate immune system are integral to overall immunity and also in managing the tumor burden during cancer. Breast (BCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) are the most common tumors in U.S. adults. Both BCa and PCa are frequently treated with hormone suppression therapies that are associated with numerous adverse effects including direct effects on the immune system. Regular exercise is recommended for cancer survivors to reduce side effects and improve quality of life. Acute exercise is a potent stimulus for NK cells in healthy individuals with current evidence indicating that NK mobilization in individuals with BCa and PCa is comparable. NK cell mobilization results from elevations in shear stress and catecholamine levels. Despite a normal NK cell response to exercise, increases in epinephrine are attenuated in BCa and PCa. The significance of this potential discrepancy still needs to be determined. However, alterations in adrenal hormone signaling are hypothesized to be due to chronic stress during cancer treatment. Additional compensatory factors induced by exercise are reviewed along with recommendations on standardized approaches to be used in exercise immunology studies involving oncology populations.

Acceleration of TAA-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Stress Exposure Is Associated with Upregulation of Nerve Growth Factor and Glycopattern Deviations

Liver fibrosis results from many chronic injuries and may often progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In fact, up to 90% of HCC arise in a cirrhotic liver. Conversely, stress is implicated in liver damage, worsening disease outcome. Hence, stress could play a role in disrupting liver homeostasis, a concept that has not been fully explored. Here, in a murine model of TAA-induced liver fibrosis we identified nerve growth factor (NGF) to be a crucial regulator of the stress-induced fibrogenesis signaling pathway as it activates its receptor p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), increasing liver damage. Additionally, blocking the NGF decreased liver fibrosis whereas treatment with recombinant NGF accelerated the fibrotic process to a similar extent than stress challenge. We further show that the fibrogenesis induced by stress is characterized by specific changes in the hepatoglycocode (increased β1,6GlcNAc-branched complex N-glycans and decreased core 1 O-glycans expression) which are also observed in patients with advanced fibrosis compared to patients with a low level of fibrosis. Our study facilitates an understanding of stress-induced liver injury and identify NGF signaling pathway in early stages of the disease, which contributes to the established fibrogenesis.

Facing Cell Autophagy in Gastric Cancer - What Do We Know so Far?

Autophagy is a process by which misfolded proteins and damaged organelles in the lysosomes of tumor cells were degraded reusing decomposed substances and avoiding accumulation of large amounts of harmful substances. Here, the role of autophagy in the development of malignant transformation of gastric tumors, and the underlying mechanisms involved in autophagy formation, and the application of targeted autophagy in the treatment of gastric cancer were summarized.

Temperature Plays an Essential Regulatory Role in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

In recent years, emerging immunotherapy has been included in various malignant tumor treatment standards. Temperature has been considered to affect different pathophysiological reactions such as inflammation and cancer for a long time. However, in tumor immunology research, temperature is still rarely considered a significant variable. In this review, we discuss the effects of room temperature, body temperature, and the local tumor temperature on the tumor immune microenvironment from multiple levels and perspectives, and we discuss changes in the body's local and whole-body temperature under tumor conditions. We analyze the current use of ablation treatment-the reason for the opposite immune effect. We should pay more attention to the therapeutic potential of temperature and create a better antitumor microenvironment that can be combined with immunotherapy.

Roles and molecular mechanisms of physical exercise in cancer prevention and treatment

Exercise can enhance motivation to change lifestyle behaviors, improve aerobic fitness, improve physical function, control fatigue, and enhance quality of life. Studies have demonstrated the benefits to be gained from physical exercise, highlighting the importance of popularizing the concept of physical exercise for individuals and making professional exercise-treatment programs available to patients with cancer. However, the correlation between physical exercise and carcinogenesis is easily overlooked, and exercise interventions are not routinely provided to patients with cancer, especially those with advanced cancer. In this article, we present a literature review of the effects of exercise on cancer development and progression and give recent evidence for the type of exercise best suited for different types of cancer and in different disease stages. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms about regulating metabolism and systemic immune function in cancer are summarized and discussed. In conclusion, physical exercise should be considered as an important intervention for preventing and treating cancer and its complications.

Cancer and stress: NextGen strategies

Chronic stress is well-known to cause physiological distress that leads to body balance perturbations by altering signaling pathways in the neuroendocrine and sympathetic nervous systems. This increases allostatic load, which is the cost of physiological fluctuations that are required to cope with psychological challenges as well as changes in the physical environment. Recent studies have enriched our knowledge about the role of chronic stress in disease development, especially carcinogenesis. Stress stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), resulting in an abnormal release of hormones. These activate signaling pathways that elevate expression of downstream oncogenes. This occurs by activation of specific receptors that promote numerous cancer biological processes, including proliferation, genomic instability, angiogenesis, metastasis, immune evasion and metabolic disorders. Moreover, accumulating evidence has revealed that β-adrenergic receptor (ADRB) antagonists and downstream target inhibitors exhibit remarkable anti-tumor effects. Psychosomatic behavioral interventions (PBI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also effectively relieve the impact of stress in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for stress in promoting malignancies. Collectively, these data provide approaches for NextGen pharmacological therapies, PBI and TCM to reduce the burden of tumorigenesis.

Activation of dopaminergic VTA inputs to the mPFC ameliorates chronic stress-induced breast tumor progression

AIMS

Chronic stress plays an important role in promoting the progression and migration of cancers. However, little is known of any direct impact on tumor progression related to the regulation of emotion-related circuitry. The aim of this study was to explore the neural-circuit mechanisms underlying stress-induced progression of cancers and the impact of emotion-related regulation of circuitry on tumor growth.

METHODS

Optogenetic manipulation was applied to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-treated mice bearing breast tumor cell. The stress-related hormones, tumor-related cytokines, the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons and their fibers, dopamine receptor-positive cells, and anxiety level were measured using ELISA, immunohistochemical staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and behavioral test, respectively.

RESULTS

By investigating breast cancer mouse models with a chronic mild stress model, optogenetic stimulation, and behavioral analysis, we show that chronic stress induced anxiety-like behavior in mice and increased serum concentration of norepinephrine and corticosterone, hormones closely related to stress and anxiety. Optogenetic activation of VTA TH terminals in the mPFC rescued anxiety-like behavior induced by chronic stress. Chronic stress resulted in marked progression of breast tumors, and repetitive optogenetic activation of VTA TH terminals in the mPFC significantly attenuated stress-induced progression of breast cancers and reduced serum concentration of norepinephrine and corticosterone. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between serum norepinephrine or corticosterone concentration and tumor size.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate a positive role of an emotion regulation circuit on the progression of breast cancer and reveal a link between stress, emotion regulation, and the progression of breast cancers. Our findings provide new insights pertinent to therapeutic interventions in the treatment of breast cancers.

Role of adrenergic receptor signalling in neuroimmune communication

Neuroimmune communication plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and promptly responding to any foreign insults. Sympathetic nerve fibres are innervated into all the lymphoid organs (bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) and provide a communication link between the central nervous system (CNS) and ongoing immune response in the tissue microenvironment. Neurotransmitters such as catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) bind to adrenergic receptors present on most immune and non-immune cells, establish a local neuroimmune-communication system, and help regulate the ongoing immune response. The activation of these receptors varies with the type of receptor-activated, target cell, the activation status of the cells, and timing of activation. Activating adrenergic receptors, specifically β-adrenergic signalling in immune cells leads to activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway or other non-canonical pathways. It predominantly leads to immune suppression such as inhibition of IL-2 secretion and a decrease in macrophages phagocytosis. This review discusses the expression of different adrenergic receptors in various immune cells, signalling, and how it modulates immune cell function and contributes to health and diseases. Understanding the neuroimmune communication through adrenergic receptor signalling in immune cells could help to design better strategies to control inflammation and autoimmunity.

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Primary and secondary lymphoid organs are innervated with sympathetic nerve fibres.

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Adrenergic receptor expression on immune and non-immune cells establishes a local neuroimmune communication system.

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Adrenergic receptor signalling in immune cells controls the differentiation and function of various immune cells.

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Modulating adrenergic receptor signalling with a specific agonist or antagonist also affect the immune response.

Xiaoyaosan, a traditional Chinese medicine, inhibits the chronic restraint stress-induced liver metastasis of colon cancer in vivo

CONTEXT

Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to relieve a variety of disorders caused by depression.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effect of XYS against tumour metastasis in a chronic restraint stress mouse model.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups, including blank-control (BC), blank-stress (BS), XYS-control (XC) and XYS-stress (XS). BS and XS groups were exposed to immobilization stress for 2 h per day for 28 days commencing seven days before tumour cell injection. XC and XS groups were given a gavage of XYS (1516.67 mg/kg) before chronic immobilization stress. Mice were injected with HT-29 colon cancer cells in the spleen to produce liver metastasis. After 28 days of injecting with HT-29 cells, flow cytometry, western blot, PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed to uncover the role of chronic restraint stress and XYS in the liver metastasis of colon cancer.

RESULTS

Metastatic liver weight of mice in XS group (3.33 ± 0.18 g) was significantly lower than BS group (4.01 ± 0.27 g). Chronic restraint stress significantly increased CD11b⁺F4/80⁺ and CD11b⁺Gr^loLy6C^hi cell infiltration. XYS treatment significantly decreased the CD11b⁺F4/80⁺ tumour-associated macrophage (TAM) population and CD11b⁺Gr^loLy6C^hi myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC). TGF-β, IL-6, MMP-9 and VEGF in spleen tumours significantly decreased in XYS group. XYS also reduced VEGF and CD31 in hepatic metastatic tissue, which were elevated by chronic restraint stress.

CONCLUSIONS

XYS may successfully inhibit chronic-stress-induced liver metastasis. Results suggest that XYS may have therapeutic value for colorectal cancer treatment.

Neurobiology of Cancer: the Role of β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in Various Tumor Environments

The development and progression of cancer depends on both tumor micro- and macroenvironments. In addition, psychosocial and spiritual “environments” might also affect cancer. It has been found that the nervous system, via neural and humoral pathways, significantly modulates processes related to cancer at the level of the tumor micro- and macroenvironments. The nervous system also mediates the effects of psychosocial and noetic factors on cancer. Importantly, data accumulated in the last two decades have clearly shown that effects of the nervous system on cancer initiation, progression, and the development of metastases are mediated by the sympathoadrenal system mainly via β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Here, we provide a new complex view of the role of β-adrenergic receptor signaling within the tumor micro- and macroenvironments as well as in mediating the effects of the psychosocial and spiritual environments. In addition, we describe potential preventive and therapeutic implications.

The science of hope

Hope is a contextual term that has different connotations depending on the setting. We analyse the concept of hope with respect to its applicability for oncology. We review studies that present hope as a direct or secondary mediator of outcome. We posit that an individual's level of hope is often determined by innate personality characteristics and environmental factors, but can also be physiologically influenced by immune modulators, neurotransmitters, affective states, and even the underlying disease process of cancer. We argue that hope can be a therapeutic target and review evidence showing the effects of hope-enhancing therapies. Given the potential for hope to alter oncological outcomes in patients with cancer and the opportunity for improvement in quality of life, we suggest further research directions in this area.