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Grignani P, Visonà SD, Fronda MV, Borrelli P, Monti MC, Bertoglio B, Conti A, Fattorini P, Previderè C. The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms related to iron homeostasis in mesothelioma susceptibility after asbestos exposure: a genetic study on autoptic samples. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1236558. [PMID: 37942251 PMCID: PMC10628177 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1236558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Asbestos-related diseases still represent a major public health problem all over the world. Among them, malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a poor-prognosis cancer, arising from the serosal lining of the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum, triggered by asbestos exposure. Literature data suggest the key role of iron metabolism in the coating process leading to the formation of asbestos bodies, considered to be both protective and harmful. Two sample sets of individuals were taken into consideration, both residing in Broni or neighboring cities (Northwestern Italy) where an asbestos cement factory was active between 1932 and 1993. The present study aims to compare the frequency of six SNPs involved in iron trafficking, previously found to be related to protection/predisposition to MM after asbestos exposure, between 48 male subjects with documented asbestos exposure who died of MM and 48 male subjects who were exposed to asbestos but did not develop MM or other neoplastic respiratory diseases (Non-Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposed - NMAE). The same analysis was performed on 76 healthy male controls. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of a sub-group of 107 healthy Italian individuals contained in the 1000 genomes database were considered for comparison. PCR-multiplex amplification followed by SNaPshot mini-sequencing reaction was used. The findings presented in this study show that the allelic and genotypic frequencies for six SNP markers involved in iron metabolism/homeostasis and the modulation of tumor microenvironment are not significantly different between the two sample sets of MM and NMAE. Therefore, the SNPs here considered do not seem to be useful markers for individual susceptibility to mesothelioma. This finding is not in agreement with previous literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierangela Grignani
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Damiana Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Fronda
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Borrelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Monti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Bertoglio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adelaide Conti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Forensic Medicine Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Fattorini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Ospedale di Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carlo Previderè
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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The Genes-Stemness-Secretome Interplay in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Molecular Dynamics and Clinical Hints. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043496. [PMID: 36834912 PMCID: PMC9963101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MPM has a uniquely poor somatic mutational landscape, mainly driven by environmental selective pressure. This feature has dramatically limited the development of effective treatment. However, genomic events are known to be associated with MPM progression, and specific genetic signatures emerge from the exceptional crosstalk between neoplastic cells and matrix components, among which one main area of focus is hypoxia. Here we discuss the novel therapeutic strategies focused on the exploitation of MPM genetic asset and its interconnection with the surrounding hypoxic microenvironment as well as transcript products and microvesicles representing both an insight into the pathogenesis and promising actionable targets.
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Variant Enrichment Analysis to Explore Pathways Disruption in a Necropsy Series of Asbestos-Exposed Shipyard Workers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113628. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The variant enrichment analysis (VEA), a recently developed bioinformatic workflow, has been shown to be a valuable tool for whole-exome sequencing data analysis, allowing finding differences between the number of genetic variants in a given pathway compared to a reference dataset. In a previous study, using VEA, we identified different pathway signatures associated with the development of pulmonary toxicities in mesothelioma patients treated with radical hemithoracic radiation therapy. Here, we used VEA to discover novel pathways altered in individuals exposed to asbestos who developed or not asbestos-related diseases (lung cancer or mesothelioma). A population-based autopsy study was designed in which asbestos exposure was evaluated and quantitated by investigating objective signs of exposure. We selected patients with similar exposure to asbestos. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues were used as a source of DNA and whole-exome sequencing analysis was performed, running VEA to identify potentially disrupted pathways in individuals who developed thoracic cancers induced by asbestos exposure. By using VEA analysis, we confirmed the involvement of pathways considered as the main culprits for asbestos-induced carcinogenesis: oxidative stress and chromosome instability. Furthermore, we identified protective genetic assets preserving genome stability and susceptibility assets predisposing to a worst outcome.
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Zacchi P, Belmonte B, Mangogna A, Morello G, Scola L, Martorana A, Borelli V. The Ferroxidase Hephaestin in Lung Cancer: Pathological Significance and Prognostic Value. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638856. [PMID: 34094919 PMCID: PMC8170403 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hephaestin (HEPH) belongs to a group of exocytoplasmic ferroxidases which contribute to cellular iron homeostasis by favouring its export. Down-regulation of HEPH expression, possibly by stimulating cell proliferation due to an increase in iron availability, has shown to correlate with poor survival in breast cancer. The lung is particularly sensitive to iron-induced oxidative stress, given the high oxygen tension present, however, HEPH distribution in lung cancer and its influence on prognosis have not been investigated yet. In this study we explored the prognostic value of HEPH and its expression pattern in the most prevalent histotypes of lung cancers, namely lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In silico analyses, based on UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter bioinformatics, revealed a significant correlation between higher levels of HEPH expression and favorable prognosis, in both cancer histotypes. Moreover, TIMER web platform showed a statistically significant association between HEPH expression and cell elements belonging to the tumor microenvironment identified as endothelial cells and a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, further confirmed by double immunohistochemical labeling with cell type specific markers. Taken together, these data shed a light on the complex mechanisms of local iron handling lung cancer can exploit to support tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zacchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gaia Morello
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Letizia Scola
- Clinical Pathology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Martorana
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Violetta Borelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy of the pleural lining associated with asbestos exposure in greater than 80% of cases. It is characterized by molecular heterogeneity both between patients and within individual tumors. Next-generation sequencing technology and novel computational techniques have resulted in a greater understanding of the epigenetic, genetic, and transcriptomic hallmarks of MPM. This article reviews these features and discusses the implications of advances in MPM molecular biology in clinical practice.
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Javadi J, Dobra K, Hjerpe A. Multiplex Soluble Biomarker Analysis from Pleural Effusion. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081113. [PMID: 32731396 PMCID: PMC7464384 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive and therapy resistant pleural malignancy that is caused by asbestos exposure. MPM is associated with poor prognosis and a short patient survival. The survival time is strongly influenced by the subtype of the tumor. Dyspnea and accumulation of pleural effusion in the pleural cavity are common symptoms of MPM. The diagnostic distinction from other malignancies and reactive conditions is done using histopathology or cytopathology, always supported by immunohistochemistry, and sometimes also by analyses of soluble biomarkers in effusion supernatant. We evaluated the soluble angiogenesis related molecules as possible prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for MPM by Luminex multiplex assay. Pleural effusion from 42 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), 36 patients with adenocarcinoma (AD) and 40 benign (BE) effusions were analyzed for 10 different analytes that, in previous studies, were associated with angiogenesis, consisting of Angiopoietin-1, HGF, MMP-7, Osteopontin, TIMP-1, Galectin, Mesothelin, NRG1-b1, Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and VEGF by a Human Premixed Multi-Analyte Luminex kit. We found that shed SDC-1 and MMP-7 levels were significantly lower, whereas Mesothelin and Galectin-1 levels were significantly higher in malignant mesothelioma effusions, compared to adenocarcinoma. Galectin-1, HGF, Mesothelin, MMP-7, Osteopontin, shed SDC-1, NRG1-β1, VEGF and TIMP-1 were significantly higher in malignant pleural mesothelioma effusions compared to benign samples. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between Mesothelin and shed SDC-1 and positive correlation between VEGF, Angiopoietin-1 and shed SDC-1 level in the pleural effusion from malignant cases. Shed SDC-1 and VEGF have a prognostic value in malignant mesothelioma patients. Collectively, our data suggest that MMP-7, shed SDC-1, Mesothelin and Galectin-1 can be diagnostic and VEGF and SDC-1 prognostic markers in MPM patients. Additionally, Galectin-1, HGF, Mesothelin, MMP-7, Osteopontin, shed SDC-1 and TIMP-1 can be diagnostic for malignant cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joman Javadi
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Huddinge University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-762-615-122
| | - Katalin Dobra
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Huddinge University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska University laboratory, Huddinge University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Anders Hjerpe
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska University laboratory, Huddinge University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Goodman JE, Kerper LE, Prueitt RL, Marsh CM. A critical review of talc and ovarian cancer. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:183-213. [PMID: 32401187 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1755402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The association between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer has been evaluated in several epidemiology studies. Some case-control studies reported weak positive associations, while other case-control and three large prospective cohort investigations found this association to be null. A weight-of-evidence evaluation was conducted of the epidemiology, toxicity, exposure, transport, in vitro, and mechanistic evidence to determine whether, collectively, these data support a causal association. Our review of the literature indicated that, while both case-control and cohort studies may be impacted by bias, the possibility of recall and other biases from the low participation rates and retrospective self-reporting of talc exposure cannot be ruled out for any of the case-control studies. The hypothesis that talc exposure induces ovarian cancer is only supported if one discounts the null results of the cohort studies and the fact that significant bias and/or confounding are likely reasons for the associations reported in some case-control investigations. In addition, one would need to ignore the evidence from animal experiments that show no marked association with cancer, in vitro and genotoxicity studies that did not indicate a carcinogenic mechanism of action for talc, and mechanistic and transport investigations that did not support the retrograde transport of talc to the ovaries. An alternative hypothesis that talc does not produce ovarian cancer, and that bias and confounding contribute the reported positive associations in case-control studies, is better supported by the evidence across all scientific disciplines. It is concluded that the evidence does not support a causal association between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer.
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Kim K, Ko Y, Oh H, Ha M, Kang J, Kwon EJ, Kang JW, Kim Y, Heo HJ, Kim G, Kim JW, Kim YH. MicroRNA-98 is a prognostic factor for asbestos-induced mesothelioma. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2020; 83:126-134. [PMID: 32114955 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2020.1734891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a type of cancer characterized by a short survival time and poor prognosis. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is most frequently associated with exposure to asbestos and other elongated mineral fibers. The aim of this study was to examine molecular differences between asbestos-exposed and non-exposed MPM patients and assess prognostic significances of molecular factors. Clinical and genetic data were downloaded from Cancer Genome Atlas. To identify the molecular differences, Significant Analysis of Microarray method was used. Prognostic significances of differentially expressed genes were confirmed by using Kaplan-Meier curve with the Log-Rank test. Although mRNAs did not exhibit any significant differences between the two patient groups, nine miRNAs were found to be down-regulated in the asbestos-exposed group. The top five pathways most relevant to the selected miRNAs were extracted through pathway enrichment analysis. Survival analysis revealed that high expression of only hsa-miR-98 was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with asbestos-exposed MPM. Evidence suggests that management of the aggressiveness and progression of asbestos-induced MPM may require high levels of hsa-miR-98 due to its tumor-suppressive role. This study might be helpful in enhancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying asbestos-induced MPM and for acquiring greater insights into targeted therapy.Abbreviations: FDR: false discovery rate; MM: malignant mesothelioma; MPM: malignant pleural mesothelioma; mRNA: messenger RNA; miRNA: microRNA; SAM: significance analysis of microarrays; TCGA: the cancer genome atlas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kihun Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Ko
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hyeoncheol Oh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mihyang Ha
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Junho Kang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Wan Kang
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Heo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Guanghwi Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gwanghwamun Center, Korea Medical Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Won Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
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