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Li J, Tan R, Wu J, Guo W, Wang Y, You G, Zhang Y, Yu Z, Geng Y, Zan J, Su J. A cellular senescence-related genes model allows for prognosis and treatment stratification of hepatocellular carcinoma: A bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification. Front Genet 2023; 13:1099148. [PMID: 36712870 PMCID: PMC9877353 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1099148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer with low 5-year survival rate. Cellular senescence, characterized by permanent and irreversible cell proliferation arrest, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. This study aims to develop a cellular senescence-based stratified model, and a multivariable-based nomogram for guiding clinical therapy for HCC. Materials and methods: The mRNAs expression data of HCC patients and cellular senescence-related genes were obtained from TCGA and CellAge database, respectively. Through multiple analysis, a four cellular senescence-related genes-based prognostic stratified model was constructed and its predictive performance was validated through various methods. Then, a nomogram based on the model was constructed and HCC patients stratified by the model were analyzed for tumor mutation burden, tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration, drug sensitivity and immune checkpoint. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore potential biological pathways. Finally, we verified this model by siRNA transfection, scratch assay and Transwell Assay. Results: We established an cellular senescence-related genes-based stratified model, and a multivariable-based nomogram, which could accurately predict the prognosis of HCC patients in the ICGC database. The low and high risk score HCC patients stratified by the model showed different tumor mutation burden, tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration, drug sensitivity and immune checkpoint expressions. Functional enrichment analysis suggested several biological pathways related to the process and prognosis of HCC. Scratch assay and transwell assay indicated the promotion effects of the four cellular senescence-related genes (EZH2, G6PD, CBX8, and NDRG1) on the migraiton and invasion of HCC. Conclusion: We established a cellular senescence-based stratified model, and a multivariable-based nomogram, which could predict the survival of HCC patients and guide clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongzhi Tan
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Wang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoxing You
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Yu
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Geng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zan
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jianfen Su, ; Jie Zan,
| | - Jianfen Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jianfen Su, ; Jie Zan,
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2
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Corti A, Anderluzzi G, Curnis F. Neuropilin-1 and Integrins as Receptors for Chromogranin A-Derived Peptides. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2555. [PMID: 36559048 PMCID: PMC9785887 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chromogranin A (CgA), a 439 residue-long member of the "granin" secretory protein family, is the precursor of several peptides and polypeptides involved in the regulation of the innate immunity, cardiovascular system, metabolism, angiogenesis, tissue repair, and tumor growth. Despite the many biological activities observed in experimental and preclinical models for CgA and its most investigated fragments (vasostatin-I and catestatin), limited information is available on the receptor mechanisms underlying these effects. The interaction of vasostatin-1 with membrane phospholipids and the binding of catestatin to nicotinic and b2-adrenergic receptors have been proposed as important mechanisms for some of their effects on the cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal systems. Recent studies have shown that neuropilin-1 and certain integrins may also work as high-affinity receptors for CgA, vasostatin-1 and other fragments. In this case, we review the results of these studies and discuss the structural requirements for the interactions of CgA-related peptides with neuropilin-1 and integrins, their biological effects, their mechanisms, and the potential exploitation of compounds that target these ligand-receptor systems for cancer diagnosis and therapy. The results obtained so far suggest that integrins (particularly the integrin avb6) and neuropilin-1 are important receptors that mediate relevant pathophysiological functions of CgA and CgA fragments in angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor growth, and that these interactions may represent important targets for cancer imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Anderluzzi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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3
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Simac P, Perkovic D, Bozic I, Matijas M, Gugo K, Martinovic D, Bozic J. Serum catestatin levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3812. [PMID: 35264632 PMCID: PMC8907353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07735-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Catestatin (CST) is an important peptide that influences various inflammatory diseases. Our goal was to investigate CST concentrations in patients with RA compared to healthy subjects. This cross-sectional observational study included 80 patients with RA and 80 healthy control subjects. Demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded. Serum CST levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum CST levels were significantly higher in RA patients than in the control group (10.53 ± 3.90 vs 5.24 ± 2.37 ng/mL, p < 0.001). In RA patients, there was a statistically significant correlation between CST and patient age (r = 0.418, p < 0.001) and both DAS28 (r = 0.469, p < 0.001) and HAQ scores (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between serum CST levels and RA duration (r = 0.583, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum CST levels retained a significant association with RA duration (β ± SE, 0.13 ± 0.04, p = 0.002) and DAS28 score (0.94 ± 0.45, p = 0.039) after model adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI) and HAQ score, with serum CST levels as a dependent variable. These findings imply that CST is possibly associated with RA complex pathophysiology and disease activity. However, future larger multicentric longitudinal studies are necessary to define the role of CST in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Simac
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia.
| | - Dijana Perkovic
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivona Bozic
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Matijas
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Gugo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
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4
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Tüten N, Tuten A, Gök K, Hamzaoglu K, Bulut H, Malik E, Guralp O. Serum Vasostatin-1 Level is Increased in Women with Preeclampsia. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2022; 226:178-185. [PMID: 35181881 DOI: 10.1055/a-1747-3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the serum vasostatin-1 levels in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty consecutive women with mild preeclampsia and sixty consecutive women with severe preeclampsia were compared with ninety gestational age-matched (±1 week) non-preeclamptic pregnant women with an appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) fetus. RESULTS Mean serum vasostatin-1 was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia than gestational age-matched controls. Mean serum vasostatin-1 was significantly higher in the mild preeclampsia group compared to its gestational age-matched control group, and in the severe preeclampsia group compared to its gestational age-matched control group. There was no significant difference in mean serum vasostatin-1 levels between the mild and severe preeclampsia groups, and in severe early- and severe late-onset preeclampsia groups. Serum vasostatin-1 had positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION Serum vasostatin-1 was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia compared to those of the gestational age-matched controls. There was no significant difference in mean serum vasostatin-1 levels between the mild and severe preeclampsia groups and severe early- and severe late-onset preeclampsia groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevin Tüten
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Tuten
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Fatih, Turkey
| | - Koray Gök
- Perinatology, Sakarya Training and Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Kubra Hamzaoglu
- Obstetric and Gynecology, Istanbul Universitesi-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huri Bulut
- Biochemistry, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eduard Malik
- University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Onur Guralp
- University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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5
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Chesnais F, Hue J, Roy E, Branco M, Stokes R, Pellon A, Le Caillec J, Elbahtety E, Battilocchi M, Danovi D, Veschini L. High content Image Analysis to study phenotypic heterogeneity in endothelial cell monolayers. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:273879. [PMID: 34982151 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are heterogeneous across and within tissues, reflecting distinct, specialised functions. EC heterogeneity has been proposed to underpin EC plasticity independently from vessel microenvironments. However, heterogeneity driven by contact-dependent or short-range cell-cell crosstalk cannot be evaluated with single cell transcriptomic approaches as spatial and contextual information is lost. Nonetheless, quantification of EC heterogeneity and understanding of its molecular drivers is key to developing novel therapeutics for cancer, cardiovascular diseases and for revascularisation in regenerative medicine. Here, we developed an EC profiling tool (ECPT) to examine individual cells within intact monolayers. We used ECPT to characterise different phenotypes in arterial, venous and microvascular EC populations. In line with other studies, we measured heterogeneity in terms of cell cycle, proliferation, and junction organisation. ECPT uncovered a previously under-appreciated single-cell heterogeneity in NOTCH activation. We correlated cell proliferation with different NOTCH activation states at the single cell and population levels. The positional and relational information extracted with our novel approach is key to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underpinning EC heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Chesnais
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Jonas Hue
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Errin Roy
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Marco Branco
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ruby Stokes
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Aize Pellon
- Centre for host-microbiome interactions, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Juliette Le Caillec
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Eyad Elbahtety
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Matteo Battilocchi
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Davide Danovi
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Floor 28, Tower Wing, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK.,bit.bio, Babraham Research Campus, The Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Veschini
- Academic centre of reconstructive science, Faculty of Dentistry Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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6
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Wei J, Wang Y, Yang S, Hao Z, Pan X, Ma A. Plasma chromogranin A levels are associated with acute ischemic stroke with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 32:195-202. [PMID: 34893409 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2021.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To investigate the relationship between chromogranin A (CgA) levels and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), especially anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS AND RESULTS 587 subjects were included in this study, including 205 AIS patients with anterior circulation LVO and 205 nonocclusive patients, as well as 177 healthy controls. On admission, plasma CgA levels were measured and neurological deficits were assessed by the NIH Stroke Scale. Outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. The predictive properties of CgA were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Binary logistic analysis assessed the association of CgA levels and AIS or anterior circulation LVO. AIS patients had lower CgA levels than health controls (p < 0.001). Anterior circulation LVO patients had lower CgA levels than nonocclusive patients (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve of plasma CgA levels in predicting anterior circulation LVO from AIS was 0.744 and the optimal cutoff value was 15.49 ng/mL with a Youden value of 0.332. Logistic analysis showed that CgA ≤15.49 ng/mL remained an independent risk factor for anterior circulation LVO after adjusting for related factors (OR = 6.519, 95% CI: 3.790-11.214, p < 0.001). CgA was an independent protective factor for mild stroke and good prognosis (p = 0.009, p = 0.005); however, the association disappeared after adjusting for occlusion (p = 0.768, p = 0.335). CONCLUSION CgA levels were lower in AIS patients, especially in anterior circulation LVO patients. Lower CgA levels are potential biomarker for anterior circulation LVO, and they may indicate good prognosis at 3 months in AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wei
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China
| | - Shaonan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongnan Hao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China
| | - Xudong Pan
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China.
| | - Aijun Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China.
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Prevention of vascular calcification by the endogenous chromogranin A-derived mediator that inhibits osteogenic transdifferentiation. Basic Res Cardiol 2021; 116:57. [PMID: 34647168 PMCID: PMC8514386 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-021-00899-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal glands participate in cardiovascular (CV) physiology and the pathophysiology of CV diseases through their effects on sodium and water metabolism, vascular tone and cardiac function. In the present study, we identified a new adrenal compound controlling mesenchymal cell differentiation that regulates osteoblastic differentiation in the context of vascular calcification. This peptide was named the “calcification blocking factor” (CBF) due to its protective effect against vascular calcification and is released from chromogranin A via enzymatic cleavage by calpain 1 and kallikrein. CBF reduced the calcium content of cells and thoracic aortic rings under calcifying culture conditions, as well as in aortas from animals treated with vitamin D and nicotine (VDN animals). Furthermore, CBF prevented vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) transdifferentiation into osteoblast-like cells within the vascular wall via the sodium-dependent phosphate transporter PIT-1 and by inhibition of NF-κB activation and the subsequent BMP2/p-SMAD pathway. Pulse pressure, a marker of arterial stiffness, was significantly decreased in VDN animals treated with CBF. In line with our preclinical data, CBF concentration is significantly reduced in diseases characterized by increased calcification, as shown in patients with chronic kidney disease. In preparation for clinical translation, the active site of the native 19-AS long native CBF was identified as EGQEEEED. In conclusion, we have identified the new peptide CBF, which is secreted from the adrenal glands and might prevent vascular calcification by inhibition of osteogenic transdifferentiation. The anti-calcific effects of CBF and short active site may therefore promote the development of new tools for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular calcification.
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8
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The Emerging Roles of Chromogranins and Derived Polypeptides in Atherosclerosis, Diabetes, and Coronary Heart Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116118. [PMID: 34204153 PMCID: PMC8201018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), B (CgB), and C (CgC), the family members of the granin glycoproteins, are associated with diabetes. These proteins are abundantly expressed in neurons, endocrine, and neuroendocrine cells. They are also present in other areas of the body. Patients with diabetic retinopathy have higher levels of CgA, CgB, and CgC in the vitreous humor. In addition, type 1 diabetic patients have high CgA and low CgB levels in the circulating blood. Plasma CgA levels are increased in patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. CgA is the precursor to several functional peptides, including catestatin, vasostatin-1, vasostatin-2, pancreastatin, chromofungin, and many others. Catestatin, vasostain-1, and vasostatin-2 suppress the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human vascular endothelial cells. Catestatin and vasostatin-1 suppress oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation in human macrophages. Catestatin and vasostatin-2, but not vasostatin-1, suppress the proliferation and these three peptides suppress the migration in human vascular smooth muscles. Chronic infusion of catestatin, vasostatin-1, or vasostatin-2 suppresses the development of atherosclerosis of the aorta in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Catestatin, vasostatin-1, vasostatin-2, and chromofungin protect ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats. Since pancreastatin inhibits insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, and regulates glucose metabolism in liver and adipose tissues, pancreastatin inhibitor peptide-8 (PSTi8) improves insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis. Catestatin stimulates therapeutic angiogenesis in the mouse hind limb ischemia model. Gene therapy with secretoneurin, a CgC-derived peptide, stimulates postischemic neovascularization in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and improves diabetic neuropathy in db/db mice. Therefore, CgA is a biomarker for atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. CgA- and CgC--derived polypeptides provide the therapeutic target for atherosclerosis and ischemia-induced tissue damages. PSTi8 is useful in the treatment of diabetes.
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9
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Reni M, Andreasi V, Gasparri AM, Dugnani E, Colombo B, Macchini M, Bianco M, Dallatomasina A, Citro A, Assi E, Protti MP, Esposito A, Falconi M, Curnis F, Piemonti L, Corti A. Circulating Chromogranin A Is Cleaved Into Vasoregulatory Fragments in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:613582. [PMID: 33425767 PMCID: PMC7787052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.613582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), a secretory protein released in the blood by the neuroendocrine system, consists of a mixture of full-length molecules and fragments endowed of vasoregulatory activity. The extent and the role of CgA fragmentation were investigated in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=172). Multivariate analysis showed that full-length CgA was associated with better progression free and overall survival, whereas CgA C-terminal fragmentation was associated with worse prognosis. In vitro studies showed that PDAC cells can promote the cleavage of CgA C-terminal region by activating plasminogen to plasmin. Limited digestion of full-length CgA with plasmin abolished its anti-angiogenic activity and generated pro-angiogenic molecules. The fragmentation of CgA C-terminal region was increased also in murine models of PDAC. In these models, the inhibition of CgA fragmentation with aprotinin, an inhibitor of plasmin and other serine proteases, or the blockade of pro-angiogenic fragments with specific antibodies inhibited the growth of PDAC implanted subcutaneously in mice. Finally, administration of full-length CgA to mice bearing orthotopic PDAC reduced tumor perfusion, as measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. These findings suggest that PDAC can promote the cleavage of circulating CgA C-terminal region to generate fragments that regulate the tumor vascular biology and that may represent new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Reni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Andreasi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Pancreatic Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Dugnani
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Macchini
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mimma Bianco
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Dallatomasina
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Emma Assi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Protti
- Division of Immunology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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10
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Kaiser M, Jacobson M, Bækbo P, Dahl J, Jacobsen S, Guo YZ, Larsen T, Andersen PH. Lack of evidence of mastitis as a causal factor for postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows. Transl Anim Sci 2019; 4:250-263. [PMID: 32704984 PMCID: PMC6994082 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of mastitis in sows suffering from postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS), we examined milk constituents and concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained from the udder vein (v. epigastrica). As part of a case-cohort study, 109 sows were monitored daily from 60 h antepartum (a.p.) to 36 h postpartum (p.p.). Over time, 38 sows were diagnosed with PDS (PDS+) and were retrospectively matched with 38 healthy sows (PDS-). The study period was divided into 7 smaller time periods (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and E), allowing the studied values, in period B to G, to be compared with period A that served as a baseline, and PDS+ and PDS- sows were compared within the time periods. All sows were subjected to a thorough daily clinical examination and blood was sampled from v. epigastrica for LPS detection. Milk samples were obtained for bacteriological evaluation and detection of N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), β-glucuronidase (β-glu; for evaluation of mastitis), isocitrate (isoC), free glucose, uric acid (UA; for evaluation of the mammary energy status), β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA; for evaluation of ketosis), and milk urea (for evaluation of the protein status). The results revealed that PDS+ sows had decreased concentrations of UA in milk (P < 0.0001), increased heart rates (P < 0.01), increased mammary edema (P < 0.05), and prolonged capillary refill time in the vulvar mucosa (P < 0.01) compared with PDS- sows. Compared with baseline, feces became more solid 0 to 36 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) and the respiration rate decreased 12 to 24 h p.p. (P < 0.0001) for both PDS+ and PDS- sows. No differences were found between PDS+ and PDS- sows for severe bacterial infections, concentrations of LPS in blood or LDH, NAGase, BHBA, free glucose, isoC, or urea in milk. Concentrations of LPS in blood were not associated with signs of mastitis or edema in the mammary glands. However, a difference over time was seen for redness (P < 0.0001), warmth (P < 0.0001), and hardness (P < 0.05) of the 6 most anterior glands in both PDS+ and PDS- sows from 60 h a.p to 36 h p.p. The PDS- sows had greater concentrations of β-glu than the PDS+ sows, but no change over time was demonstrated for this marker. In conclusion, signs of mastitis were not consistently linked to PDS in sows. However, the cardiovascular system seemed to be compromised in PDS+ sows and the cause should be investigated to elucidate the pathogenesis of PDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Kaiser
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Magdalena Jacobson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Poul Bækbo
- SEGES, Danish Pig Research Centre, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jan Dahl
- Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axelborg, Copenhagen V, Denmark
| | - Stine Jacobsen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Copenhagen University, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Yong Z Guo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torben Larsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Pia H Andersen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Mahata SK, Corti A. Chromogranin A and its fragments in cardiovascular, immunometabolic, and cancer regulation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:34-58. [PMID: 31588572 PMCID: PMC6899468 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA)-the index member of the chromogranin/secretogranin secretory protein family-is ubiquitously distributed in endocrine, neuroendocrine, and immune cells. Elevated levels of CgA-related polypeptides, consisting of full-length molecules and fragments, are detected in the blood of patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumors, heart failure, renal failure, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Full-length CgA and various CgA-derived peptides, including vasostatin-1, pancreastatin, catestatin, and serpinin, are expressed at different relative levels in normal and pathological conditions and exert diverse, and sometime opposite, biological functions. For example, CgA is overexpressed in genetic hypertension, whereas catestatin is diminished. In rodents, the administration of catestatin decreases hypertension, cardiac contractility, obesity, atherosclerosis, and inflammation, and it improves insulin sensitivity. By contrast, pancreastatin is elevated in diabetic patients, and the administration of this peptide to obese mice decreases insulin sensitivity and increases inflammation. CgA and the N-terminal fragment of vasostatin-1 can enhance the endothelial barrier function, exert antiangiogenic effects, and inhibit tumor growth in animal models, whereas CgA fragments lacking the CgA C-terminal region promote angiogenesis and tumor growth. Overall, the CgA system, consisting of full-length CgA and its fragments, is emerging as an important and complex player in cardiovascular, immunometabolic, and cancer regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil K Mahata
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California.,Metabolic Physiology & Ultrastructural Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Angelo Corti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
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12
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Modulation of the coronary tone in the expanding scenario of Chromogranin-A and its derived peptides. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:1501-1511. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac function critically depends on an adequate myocardial oxygenation and on a correct coronary blood flow. Endothelial, hormonal and extravascular factors work together generating a fine balance between oxygen supply and oxygen utilization through the coronary circulation. Among the regulatory factors that contribute to the coronary tone, increasing attention is paid to the cardiac endocrines, such as chromogranin A, a prohormone for many biologically active peptides, including vasostatin and catestatin. In this review, we will summarize the available evidences about the coronary effects of these molecules, and their putative mechanism of action. Laboratory and clinical data on chromogranin A and its derived fragments will be analyzed in relation to the scenario of the endocrine heart, and of its putative clinical perspectives.
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13
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Dallatomasina A, Gasparri AM, Colombo B, Sacchi A, Bianco M, Daniele T, Esposito A, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M, Marcucci F, Curnis F, Corti A. Spatiotemporal Regulation of Tumor Angiogenesis by Circulating Chromogranin A Cleavage and Neuropilin-1 Engagement. Cancer Res 2019; 79:1925-1937. [PMID: 30796053 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unbalanced production of pro- and antiangiogenic factors in tumors can lead to aberrant vasculature morphology, angiogenesis, and disease progression. In this study, we report that disease progression in various murine models of solid tumors is associated with increased cleavage of full-length chromogranin A (CgA), a circulating vasoregulatory neurosecretory protein. Cleavage of CgA led to the exposure of the highly conserved PGPQLR site, which corresponds to residues 368-373 of human CgA1-373, a fragment that has proangiogenic activity. Antibodies against this site, unable to bind full-length CgA, inhibited angiogenesis and reduced tumor perfusion and growth. The PGPQLR sequence of the fragment, but not of the precursor, bound the VEGF-binding site of neuropilin-1; the C-terminal arginine (R373) of the sequence was crucial for binding. The proangiogenic activity of the CgA1-373 was blocked by anti-neuropilin-1 antibodies as well as by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists, suggesting that these receptors, in addition to neuropilin-1, play a role in the proangiogenic activity of CgA1-373. The R373 residue was enzymatically removed in plasma, causing loss of neuropilin-1 binding and gain of antiangiogenic activity. These results suggest that cleavage of the R373R374 site of circulating human CgA in tumors and the subsequent removal of R373 in the blood represent an important "on/off" switch for the spatiotemporal regulation of tumor angiogenesis and may serve as a novel therapeutic target. SIGNIFICANCE: This work reveals that the interaction between fragmented chromogranin A and neuropilin-1 is required for tumor growth and represents a novel potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mimma Bianco
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Daniele
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapy in Oncology, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Curnis
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. .,Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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14
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Inhibitory effects of vasostatin-1 against atherogenesis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2493-2507. [PMID: 30401690 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vasostatin-1, a chromogranin A (CgA)-derived peptide (76 amino acids), is known to suppress vasoconstriction and angiogenesis. A recent study has shown that vasostatin-1 suppresses the adhesion of human U937 monocytes to human endothelial cells (HECs) via adhesion molecule down-regulation. The present study evaluated the expression of vasostatin-1 in human atherosclerotic lesions and its effects on inflammatory responses in HECs and human THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages, macrophage foam cell formation, migration and proliferation of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) production by HASMCs, and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. Vasostatin-1 was expressed around Monckeberg's medial calcific sclerosis in human radial arteries. Vasostatin-1 suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced up-regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in HECs. Vasostatin-1 suppressed inflammatory M1 phenotype and LPS-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion via nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) down-regulation in macrophages. Vasostatin-1 suppressed oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced foam cell formation associated with acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) and CD36 down-regulation and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) up-regulation in macrophages. In HASMCs, vasostatin-1 suppressed angiotensin II (AngII)-induced migration and collagen-3 and fibronectin expression via decreasing ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, but increased elastin expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activities via increasing Akt and JNK phosphorylation. Vasostatin-1 did not affect the proliferation and apoptosis in HASMCs. Four-week infusion of vasostatin-1 suppressed the development of aortic atherosclerotic lesions with reductions in intra-plaque inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and SMC content, and plasma glucose level in ApoE-/- mice. These results indicate the inhibitory effects of vasostatin-1 against atherogenesis. The present study provided the first evidence that vasostatin-1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerosis.
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15
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Cuny T, de Herder W, Barlier A, Hofland LJ. Role of the tumor microenvironment in digestive neuroendocrine tumors. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R519-R544. [PMID: 30306777 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) represent a group of heterogeneous tumors whose incidence increased over the past few years. Around half of patients already present with metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Despite extensive efforts, cytotoxic and targeted therapies have provided only limited efficacy for patients with metastatic GEP-NETs, mainly due to the development of a certain state of resistance. One factor contributing to both the failure of systemic therapies and the emergence of an aggressive tumor phenotype may be the tumor microenvironment (TME), comprising dynamic and adaptative assortment of extracellular matrix components and non-neoplastic cells, which surround the tumor niche. Accumulating evidence shows that the TME can simultaneously support both tumor growth and metastasis and contribute to a certain state of resistance to treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the TME of GEP-NETs and discuss the current therapeutic agents that target GEP-NETs and those that could be of interest in the (near) future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cuny
- Division Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Marseille, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares Hypophysaires HYPO, Marseille, France
| | - Wouter de Herder
- Division Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Barlier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1251, Marseille Medical Genetics (MMG), Marseille, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Hôpital de la Conception, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares Hypophysaires HYPO, Marseille, France
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Division Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Kruljac I, Vurnek I, Maasberg S, Kust D, Blaslov K, Ladika Davidović B, Štefanović M, Demirović A, Bišćanin A, Filipović-Čugura J, Marić Brozić J, Pape UF, Vrkljan M. A score derived from routine biochemical parameters increases the diagnostic accuracy of chromogranin A in detecting patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms. Endocrine 2018; 60:395-406. [PMID: 29633144 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromogranin A (CgA) is a valuable biomarker for detection and follow-up of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). However, various comorbidities may influence serum CgA, which decreases its diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to investigate which laboratory parameters are independently associated with increased CgA in real-life setting and to develop a scoring system, which could improve the diagnostic accuracy of CgA in detecting patients with NENs. METHODS This retrospective study included 55 treatment naïve patients with NENs and160 patients with various comorbidities but without NEN (nonNENs). Scoring system (CgA-score) was developed based on z-scores obtained from receiver operating curve analysis for each parameter that was associated with elevated serum CgA in nonNENs. RESULTS CgA correlated positively with serum BUN, creatinine, α2-globulin, red-cell distribution width, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, plasma glucose and correlated inversely with hemoglobin, thrombocytes and serum albumin. Serum CgA was also associated with the presence of chronic renal failure, arterial hypertension and diabetes and the use of PPI. In the entire study population, CgA showed an area under the curve of 0.656. Aforementioned parameters were used to develop a CgA-score. In a cohort of patients with CgA-score <12.0 (N = 87), serum CgA >156.5 ng/ml had 77.8% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity for detecting NENs (AUC 0.841, 95% CI 0.713-0.969, P < 0.001). Serum CgA had no diagnostic value in detecting NENs in patients with CgA-score >12.0 (AUC 0.554, 95% CI 0.405-0.702, P = 0.430). CONCLUSIONS CgA-score encompasses a wide range of comorbidities and represents a promising tool that could improve diagnostic performance of CgA in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kruljac
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases "Mladen Sekso", University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Vurnek
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sebastian Maasberg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, ENETS Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Charité Campus Mitte and Virchow Clinic, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Davor Kust
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Blaslov
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases "Mladen Sekso", University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Blaženka Ladika Davidović
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Štefanović
- Clinical Institute of Chemistry, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alma Demirović
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alen Bišćanin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Jasmina Marić Brozić
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ulrich-Frank Pape
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, ENETS Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Charité Campus Mitte and Virchow Clinic, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Milan Vrkljan
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases "Mladen Sekso", University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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17
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Sulkowska M, Famulski W, Wincewicz A, Moniuszko T, Kedra B, Koda M, Zalewski B, Baltaziak M, Sulkowski S. Levels of Ve-Cadherin Increase Independently of Vegf in Preoperative Sera of Patients with Colorectal Cancer. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 92:67-71. [PMID: 16683386 DOI: 10.1177/030089160609200111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) preserves the tightness of the mature vascular network as a component of endothelial adherens junctions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) makes VE-cadherin dissociate from complexes with beta-catenin, so that endothelial cells can loosely proliferate and migrate. We searched for relationships between VEGF and VE-cadherin levels in preoperative sera of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We also compared VE-cadherin levels of control and preoperative CRC sera in relation to clinicopathological features. METHODS We measured with an ELISA kit the serum levels of the proteins in preoperative samples from 125 CRC patients and in samples from 16 healthy volunteers. RESULTS Serum VE-cadherin was about fourfold higher in CRC patients than in controls (P < 0.00001), with similar results being found in subgroups with different clinicopathological features versus controls. VE-cadherin was not correlated with VEGF in the entire group of CRC patients nor in the subgroups of node-positive and node-negative patients, different grades of histological differentiation (G2 or G3), extent of tumor growth (pT1+pT2 or pT3+pT4), histopathological type (adenocarcinoma or mucinous carcinoma), sex, age, and tumor site (colon or rectum). However, the serum levels of VE-cadherin and VEGF in CRC patients, which were higher than the mean values of controls, tended towards a negative correlation in node-positive patients (P = 0.078, r = -0.279). CONCLUSIONS VEGF and VE-cadherin seem to be independent markers of angiogenesis in CRC with no significant correlation between their serum levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Sulkowska
- Department of Pathology, Collegium Pathologicum, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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18
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Eissa N, Hussein H, Hendy GN, Bernstein CN, Ghia JE. Chromogranin-A and its derived peptides and their pharmacological effects during intestinal inflammation. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 152:315-326. [PMID: 29656116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the largest endocrine organ that produces a broad range of active peptides. Mucosal changes during inflammation alter the distribution and products of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) that play a role in immune activation and regulation of gut homeostasis by mediating communication between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typically have altered expression of chromogranin (CHG)-A (CHGA), a major soluble protein secreted by EECs that functions as a pro-hormone. CHGA gives rise to several bioactive peptides that have direct or indirect effects on intestinal inflammation. In IBD, CHGA and its derived peptides are correlated with the disease activity. In this review we describe the potential immunomodulatory roles of CHGA and its derived peptides and their clinical relevance during the progression of intestinal inflammation. Targeting CHGA and its derived peptides could be of benefit for the diagnosis and clinical management of IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Eissa
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Hayam Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Geoffrey N Hendy
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications, McGill University Health Centre-Research Institute, Departments of Medicine, Physiology, and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Ghia
- Department of Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; IBD Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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19
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Curnis F, Dallatomasina A, Bianco M, Gasparri A, Sacchi A, Colombo B, Fiocchi M, Perani L, Venturini M, Tacchetti C, Sen S, Borges R, Dondossola E, Esposito A, Mahata SK, Corti A. Regulation of tumor growth by circulating full-length chromogranin A. Oncotarget 2018; 7:72716-72732. [PMID: 27683038 PMCID: PMC5341939 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), a neuroendocrine secretory protein, and its fragments are present in variable amounts in the blood of normal subjects and cancer patients. We investigated whether circulating CgA has a regulatory function in tumor biology and progression. Systemic administration of full-length CgA, but not of fragments lacking the C-terminal region, could reduce tumor growth in murine models of fibrosarcoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, and primary and metastatic melanoma, with U-shaped dose-response curves. Tumor growth inhibition was associated with reduction of microvessel density and blood flow in neoplastic tissues. Neutralization of endogenous CgA with antibodies against its C-terminal region (residues 410-439) promoted tumor growth. Structure-function studies showed that the C-terminal region of CgA contains a bioactive site and that cleavage of this region causes a marked loss of anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor potency. Mechanistic studies showed that full-length CgA could induce, with a U-shaped dose-response curve, the production of protease nexin-1 in endothelial cells, a serine protease inhibitor endowed of anti-angiogenic activity. Gene silencing or neutralization of protease nexin-1 with specific antibodies abolished both anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects of CgA. These results suggest that circulating full-length CgA is an important inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth, and that cleavage of its C-terminal region markedly reduces its activity. Pathophysiological changes in CgA blood levels and/or its fragmentation might regulate disease progression in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Curnis
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Dallatomasina
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mimma Bianco
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Gasparri
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Fiocchi
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Perani
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Venturini
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Tacchetti
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Suvajit Sen
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Eleonora Dondossola
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sushil K Mahata
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Li W, Webster KA, LeBlanc ME, Tian H. Secretogranin III: a diabetic retinopathy-selective angiogenic factor. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:635-647. [PMID: 28856381 PMCID: PMC5771826 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2635-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Secretogranin III (Scg3) is a member of the granin protein family that regulates the biogenesis of secretory granules. Scg3 was recently discovered as an angiogenic factor, expanding its functional role to extrinsic regulation. Unlike many other known angiogenic factors, the pro-angiogenic actions of Scg3 are restricted to pathological conditions. Among thousands of quantified endothelial ligands, Scg3 has the highest binding activity ratio to diabetic vs. healthy mouse retinas and lowest background binding to normal vessels. In contrast, vascular endothelial growth factor binds to and stimulates angiogenesis of both diabetic and control vasculature. Consistent with its role in pathological angiogenesis, Scg3-neutralizing antibodies alleviate retinal vascular leakage in mouse models of diabetic retinopathy and retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. This review summarizes our current knowledge of Scg3 as a regulatory protein of secretory granules, highlights its new role as a highly disease-selective angiogenic factor, and envisions Scg3 inhibitors as "selective angiogenesis blockers" for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Keith A Webster
- Vascular Biology Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department Pharmacology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Michelle E LeBlanc
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Hong Tian
- Everglades Biopharma, Miami, FL, 33156, USA
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21
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Bianco M, Gasparri A, Generoso L, Assi E, Colombo B, Scarfò L, Bertilaccio MTS, Scielzo C, Ranghetti P, Dondossola E, Ponzoni M, Caligaris-Cappio F, Ghia P, Corti A. Inhibition of chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression by full-length chromogranin A and its N-terminal fragment in mouse models. Oncotarget 2018; 7:41725-41736. [PMID: 27203389 PMCID: PMC5173091 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of leukemic B cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow (BM) and lymphoid tissues, and by their recirculation between these compartments. We observed that circulating chromogranin A (CgA) and its N-terminal fragment (called vasostatin-1, CgA1-76), two neuroendocrine secretory polypeptides that enhance the endothelial barrier function, are present in variable amounts in the blood of CLL patients. Studies in animal models showed that daily administration of full-length human CgA1-439 (0.3 μg, i.v., or 1.5 μg/mouse, i.p.) can reduce the BM/blood ratio of leukemic cells in Eμ-TCL1 mice, a transgenic model, and decrease BM, lung and kidney infiltration in Rag2−/−γc−/− mice engrafted with human MEC1 CLL cells, a xenograft model. This treatment also reduced the loss of body weight and improved animal motility. In vitro, CgA enhanced the endothelial barrier integrity and the trans-endothelial migration of MEC1 cells, with a bimodal dose-response curve. Vasostatin-1, but not a larger fragment consisting of N-terminal and central regions of CgA (CgA1-373), inhibited CLL progression in the xenograft model, suggesting that the C-terminal region is crucial for CgA activity and that the N-terminal domain contains a site that is activated by proteolytic cleavage. These findings suggest that circulating full-length CgA and its fragments may contribute to regulate leukemic cell trafficking and reduce tissue infiltration in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimma Bianco
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Anna Gasparri
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luca Generoso
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Emma Assi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Lydia Scarfò
- B Cell Neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy.,Clinical Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan 20132, Italy.,San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Maria T S Bertilaccio
- Lymphoid Malignancies Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Cristina Scielzo
- Lymphoid Malignancies Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Pamela Ranghetti
- Lymphoid Malignancies Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dondossola
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- Clinical Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Federico Caligaris-Cappio
- Clinical Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan 20132, Italy.,San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20132, Italy.,Lymphoid Malignancies Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Paolo Ghia
- B Cell Neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy.,Clinical Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan 20132, Italy.,San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy.,San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20132, Italy
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22
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Marotta V, Zatelli MC, Sciammarella C, Ambrosio MR, Bondanelli M, Colao A, Faggiano A. Chromogranin A as circulating marker for diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine neoplasms: more flaws than fame. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R11-R29. [PMID: 29066503 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Owing to the heterogeneity of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), the availability of reliable circulating markers is critical for improving diagnostics, prognostic stratification, follow-up and definition of treatment strategy. This review is focused on chromogranin A (CgA), a hydrophilic glycoprotein present in large dense core vesicles of neuroendocrine cells. Despite being long identified as the most useful NEN-related circulating marker, clinical application of CgA is controversial. CgA assays still lack standardization, thus hampering not only clinical management but also the comparison between different analyses. In the diagnostic setting, clinical utility of CgA is limited as hampered by (a) the variety of oncological and non-oncological conditions affecting marker levels, which impairs specificity; (b) the fact that 30-50% of NENs show normal CgA, which impairs sensitivity. Regarding the prognostic phase, there is prospective evidence which demonstrates that advanced NENs secreting CgA have poorer outcome, as compared with those showing non-elevated marker levels. Although the identification of cut-offs allowing a proper risk stratification of CgA-secreting patients has not been performed, this represents the most important clinical application of the marker. By contrast, based on prospective studies, the trend of elevated circulating CgA does not represent a valid indicator of morphological evolution and has therefore no utility for the follow-up phase. Ultimately, current knowledge about the role of the marker for the definition of treatment strategy is poor and is limited by the small number of available studies, their prevalent retrospective nature and the absence of control groups of untreated subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Marotta
- Department of Clinical Medicine and SurgeryFederico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rosaria Ambrosio
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Bondanelli
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineDepartment of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and SurgeryFederico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
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23
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Wei YL, Bai JA, He N, Tang QY. Tumor microenvironment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:2896-2905. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i32.2896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment provides a unique environment for tumor development, where the biology behavior of tumor cells is regulated not only by their genetics but also by the surrounding environment. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) originating from the neuroendocrine cells of the gastroenteropancreatic system are characterized by a propensity to secrete a variety of peptide hormones and biogenic amines. The symptoms of GEP-NENs at early stages are often atypical, thus delaying the diagnosis. A further understanding of the pathobiology of GEP-NENs on the basis of studies on GEP-NENs tumor microenvironment can provide new evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to introduce different cell types, several proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, some growth factors, and chromogranin A (CgA) in the tumor microenvironment of GEP-NENs, in order to highlight their indispensable roles in GEP-NENs progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ling Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-An Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Na He
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi-Yun Tang
- Department of General Practice, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
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24
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Xiong W, Wang X, Dai D, Zhang B, Lu L, Tao R. The anti-inflammatory vasostatin-2 attenuates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice and inhibits monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Thromb Haemost 2017; 117:401-414. [DOI: 10.1160/th16-06-0475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
SummaryWe showed previously that reduced level of vasostatin-2 (VS-2) correlates to the presence and severity of coronary artery disease. In this study, we aimed to figure out the role of chromogranin A (CGA) derived VS-2 in the development of atherosclerosis and monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited attenuated lesion size by 65 % and 41 % in En face and aortic root Oil red O staining, MOMA-2 positive area by 64 %, respectively, in VS-2 treatment group compared with PBS group. Proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were all remarkably reduced in aortic tissues after VS-2 treatment. Mechanistically, in adhesion assay using intravital microscopy in vivo, VS-2 suppressed the number of leukocytes adhering to the wall of apoE-/- mice mesenteric arteries. In chemotactic assay, flow cytometry analysis of peritoneal lavage exudate from C57BL/6 mice showed VS-2 significantly decreased the recruiment number of inflammatory monocytes/macrophages in a thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. Furthermore, fewer fluorescent latex beads labelled Ly-6Chi monocytes accumulated in aortic sinus lesions of apoE-/- mice after VS-2 treatment. In addition, according to the microarray of human monocyte/macrophage, we found VS-2 stimulation caused a dose-dependent decrease of Rac1 expression and inactivation of Pak1 in mice primary monocytes as well as THP-1 cells and inhibited MCP-1/CCL-5 induced transmigration in vitro. In conclusion, the Chromogranin A-derived VS-2 attenuates atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice and, in addition to its anti-inflammatory property, also acts as an inhibitor in monocyte/macrophage recruitment.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
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25
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Corti A, Marcucci F, Bachetti T. Circulating chromogranin A and its fragments as diagnostic and prognostic disease markers. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:199-210. [PMID: 29018988 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), a secretory protein released in the blood by neuroendocrine cells and neurons, is the precursor of various bioactive fragments involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, metabolism, innate immunity, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. After the original demonstration that circulating CgA can serve as a biomarker for a wide range of neuroendocrine tumors, several studies have shown that increased levels of CgA can be present also in the blood of patients with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory diseases with, in certain cases, important diagnostic and prognostic implications. Considering the high structural and functional heterogeneity of the CgA system, comprising precursor and fragments, it is not surprising that the different immunoassays used in these studies led, in some cases, to discrepant results. Here, we review these notions and we discuss the importance of measuring total-CgA, full-length CgA, specific fragments, and their relative levels for a more thorough assessment of the pathophysiological function and diagnostic/prognostic value of the CgA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. .,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bachetti
- Clinical Trials Centre, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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26
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Chromogranins: from discovery to current times. Pflugers Arch 2017; 470:143-154. [PMID: 28875377 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery in 1953 of the chromaffin granules as co-storage of catecholamines and ATP was soon followed by identification of a range of uniquely acidic proteins making up the isotonic vesicular storage complex within elements of the diffuse sympathoadrenal system. In the mid-1960s, the enzymatically inactive, major core protein, chromogranin A was shown to be exocytotically discharged from the stimulated adrenal gland in parallel with the co-stored catecholamines and ATP. A prohormone concept was introduced when one of the main storage proteins collectively named granins was identified as the insulin release inhibitory polypeptide pancreastatin. A wide range of granin-derived biologically active peptides have subsequently been identified. Both chromogranin A and chromogranin B give rise to antimicrobial peptides of relevance for combat of pathogens. While two of the chromogranin A-derived peptides, vasostatin-I and pancreastatin, are involved in modulation of calcium and glucose homeostasis, respectively, vasostatin-I and catestatin are important modulators of endothelial permeability, angiogenesis, myocardial contractility, and innate immunity. A physiological role is now evident for the full-length chromogranin A and vasostatin-I as circulating stabilizers of endothelial integrity and in protection against myocardial injury. The high circulating levels of chromogranin A and its fragments in patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases have emerged as challenges for future research and clinical applications.
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27
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Troger J, Theurl M, Kirchmair R, Pasqua T, Tota B, Angelone T, Cerra MC, Nowosielski Y, Mätzler R, Troger J, Gayen JR, Trudeau V, Corti A, Helle KB. Granin-derived peptides. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 154:37-61. [PMID: 28442394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The granin family comprises altogether 7 different proteins originating from the diffuse neuroendocrine system and elements of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The family is dominated by three uniquely acidic members, namely chromogranin A (CgA), chromogranin B (CgB) and secretogranin II (SgII). Since the late 1980s it has become evident that these proteins are proteolytically processed, intragranularly and/or extracellularly into a range of biologically active peptides; a number of them with regulatory properties of physiological and/or pathophysiological significance. The aim of this comprehensive overview is to provide an up-to-date insight into the distribution and properties of the well established granin-derived peptides and their putative roles in homeostatic regulations. Hence, focus is directed to peptides derived from the three main granins, e.g. to the chromogranin A derived vasostatins, betagranins, pancreastatin and catestatins, the chromogranin B-derived secretolytin and the secretogranin II-derived secretoneurin (SN). In addition, the distribution and properties of the chromogranin A-derived peptides prochromacin, chromofungin, WE14, parastatin, GE-25 and serpinins, the CgB-peptide PE-11 and the SgII-peptides EM66 and manserin will also be commented on. Finally, the opposing effects of the CgA-derived vasostatin-I and catestatin and the SgII-derived peptide SN on the integrity of the vasculature, myocardial contractility, angiogenesis in wound healing, inflammatory conditions and tumors will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Markus Theurl
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Kirchmair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Tota
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Yvonne Nowosielski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raphaela Mätzler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jasmin Troger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Vance Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angelo Corti
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Karen B Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway
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28
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Bachetti T, Ferrari Bardile A, Aloi TL, Colombo B, Assi E, Savino G, Vercelli A, Colombo R, Corti A. Plasma levels of vasostatin-1, a chromogranin A fragment, are associated with carotid artery maximum stenosis: A pilot study. Int J Cardiol 2017; 236:438-443. [PMID: 28190616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromogranin A (CgA), a circulating protein released by the neuroendocrine system, can regulate vascular physiology and angiogenesis. Full-length CgA (CgA1-439) and its fragment CgA1-76 (called vasostatin-1, VS-1) preserve the physiological integrity of the endothelial barrier function and are antiangiogenic, whereas CgA1-373 is proangiogenic. We investigated whether these polypeptides are altered in patients with various degrees of carotid artery atherosclerosis. METHODS We studied 81 patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis, asymptomatic for cerebrovascular diseases. Carotid arteries were examined by Doppler ultrasound and plaque characteristics were recorded. Plasma levels of CgA1-439, VS-1, CgA1-373, and total-CgA (CgA1-439 plus truncated fragments lacking part or the entire C-terminal region) were assessed by specific ELISAs. RESULTS Plasma levels of VS-1 and total-CgA correlated with carotid artery maximum stenosis (r=0.349, p=0.001 and r=0.256, p=0.021, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that VS-1 was a significant predictor of maximum stenosis after adjustment for age, gender, and conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis (regression coefficient=12.42, SE=4.84, p=0.012). In addition, logistic regression analysis indicated that relatively high levels of full-length CgA, but not total-CgA, predict the presence of hypoechoic, lipid-rich plaques (OR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.19-1.81, p=0.0003). CONCLUSION VS-1 is independently associated with carotid artery maximum stenosis. Furthermore, full-length CgA is an independent indicator of hypoechoic plaques, likely reflecting initial stages of atherosclerosis. Given the known capability of CgA and VS-1 to regulate vascular function and angiogenesis these polypeptides might play a role in the regulation of atherosclerosis pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bachetti
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Clinical Trials Centre, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ferrari Bardile
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia and IRCCS Montescano, Angiology Unit, Pavia and Montescano, Italy
| | - Teresa Lucia Aloi
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia and IRCCS Montescano, Angiology Unit, Pavia and Montescano, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Tumour Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Emma Assi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Tumour Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Savino
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia and IRCCS Montescano, Angiology Unit, Pavia and Montescano, Italy
| | - Andrea Vercelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia and IRCCS Montescano, Angiology Unit, Pavia and Montescano, Italy
| | - Roberto Colombo
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, Bioengineering Service, Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Tumour Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Milan, Italy; San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
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29
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Danda R, Ganapathy K, Sathe G, Madugundu AK, Ramachandran S, Krishnan UM, Khetan V, Rishi P, Keshava Prasad TS, Pandey A, Krishnakumar S, Gowda H, Elchuri SV. Proteomic profiling of retinoblastoma by high resolution mass spectrometry. Clin Proteomics 2016; 13:29. [PMID: 27799869 PMCID: PMC5080735 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-016-9128-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinoblastoma is an ocular neoplastic cancer caused primarily due to the mutation/deletion of RB1 gene. Due to the rarity of the disease very limited information is available on molecular changes in primary retinoblastoma. High throughput analysis of retinoblastoma transcriptome is available however the proteomic landscape of retinoblastoma remains unexplored. In the present study we used high resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics to identify proteins associated with pathogenesis of retinoblastoma. Methods We used five pooled normal retina and five pooled retinoblastoma tissues to prepare tissue lysates. Equivalent amount of proteins from each group was trypsin digested and labeled with iTRAQ tags. The samples were analyzed on Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometer. We further validated few of the differentially expressed proteins by immunohistochemistry on primary tumors. Results We identified and quantified a total of 3587 proteins in retinoblastoma when compared with normal adult retina. In total, we identified 899 proteins that were differentially expressed in retinoblastoma with a fold change of ≥2 of which 402 proteins were upregulated and 497 were down regulated. Insulin growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), chromogranin A, fetuin A (ASHG), Rac GTPase-activating protein 1 and midkine that were found to be overexpressed in retinoblastoma were further confirmed by immunohistochemistry by staining 15 independent retinoblastoma tissue sections. We further verified the effect of IGF2BP1 on cell proliferation and migration capability of a retinoblastoma cell line using knockdown studies. Conclusions In the present study mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic approach was applied to identify proteins differentially expressed in retinoblastoma tumor. This study identified the mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid metabolism pathways as the major pathways to be deregulated in retinoblastoma. Further knockdown studies of IGF2BP1 in retinoblastoma cell lines revealed it as a prospective therapeutic target for retinoblastoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12014-016-9128-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravikanth Danda
- Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India ; Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy University, Tanjore, Tamilnadu India
| | - Kalaivani Ganapathy
- Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
| | - Gajanan Sathe
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka 560066 India
| | - Anil K Madugundu
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka 560066 India
| | - Sharavan Ramachandran
- Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials, Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy University, Tanjore, Tamilnadu India
| | - Vikas Khetan
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services and Ocular Oncology Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
| | - Pukhraj Rishi
- Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services and Ocular Oncology Services, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
| | - T S Keshava Prasad
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka 560066 India
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ; Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
| | - Harsha Gowda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, Karnataka 560066 India
| | - Sailaja V Elchuri
- Department of Nano-Biotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamilnadu 600006 India
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Ferrero E, Corti A, Haroche J, Belloni D, Colombo B, Berti A, Cavalli G, Campochiaro C, Villa A, Cohen-Aubart F, Amoura Z, Doglioni C, Dagna L, Ferrarini M. Plasma Chromogranin A as a marker of cardiovascular involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1181244. [PMID: 27622037 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1181244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) characterized by tissue infiltration with CD68(+) foamy histiocytes. TNF-related chronic inflammation and mutations in the MAP kinase signaling pathway in histiocytes are recognized as the two major pathogenic events. Among pleomorphic clinical manifestations, cardiovascular involvement is frequent and prognostically relevant. Evaluation of ECD clinical course and response to treatment is, however, still challenging. Taking advantage of the two largest cohorts of ECD patients worldwide, we investigated the relevance and the potential of circulating Chromogranin A (CgA), a pro-hormone involved in cardiovascular homeostasis and inflammation, as a biomarker of response to therapy in ECD. Consistent with other TNF-related inflammatory diseases, we found that not only TNF-α and soluble TNF-Receptors (sTNF-Rs), but also CgA plasma levels were significantly increased in ECD patients compared to controls. CgA, but not sTNF-Rs, discriminated cardiovascular involvement in ECD patients and correlated with pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (pro-BNP). In a single case, where a cardiac biopsy was available, CgA was found expressed by cardiomyocytes but not by infiltrating histiocytes. In four ECD patients, where serial determination of these parameters was obtained, the kinetics of sTNF-Rs and CgA paralleled response to therapy with anti-cytokine inhibitors; specifically, sTNF-Rs overlapped TNF-associated inflammation, while CgA, together with pro-BNP, closely mirrored response of cardiac disease. Our data indicate that both sTNF-Rs and CgA are linked to ECD pathophysiology. Moreover, CgA, in concert with pro-BNP, can be further exploited to fulfill the unmet clinical need of non-invasive reliable biomarkers of cardiac disease in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Ferrero
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Julien Haroche
- Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Université Pierre et Marie Curie , Paris, France
| | - Daniela Belloni
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
| | - Alvise Berti
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Cavalli
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fleur Cohen-Aubart
- Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Université Pierre et Marie Curie , Paris, France
| | - Zahir Amoura
- Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Université Pierre et Marie Curie , Paris, France
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Pathology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Department of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Medicine and Clinical Immunology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- Division of Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
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Hou J, Xue X, Li J. Vasostatin-2 inhibits cell proliferation and adhesion in vascular smooth muscle cells, which are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 469:948-53. [PMID: 26721428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.12.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the serum expression level of vasostatin-2 was found to be reduced and is being studied as an important indicator to assess the presence and severity of coronary artery disease; the functional properties of vasostatin-2 and its relationship with the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to detect the expression of vasostatin-2 and its impact on human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to assess the expression level of vasostatin-2 in VSMCs between those from atherosclerosis and disease-free donors; we found that vasostatin-2 was significantly down-regulated in atherosclerosis patient tissues and cell lines. In addition, the over-expression of vasostatin-2 apparently inhibits cell proliferation and migration in VSMCs. Gain-of-function in vitro experiments further show that vasostatin-2 over-expression significantly inhibits inflammatory cytokines release in VSMCs. In addition, cell adhesion experimental analysis showed that soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) had decreased expression when vasostatin-2 was over-expressed in VSMCs. Therefore, our results indicate that vasostatin-2 is an atherosclerosis-related factor that can inhibit cell proliferation, inflammatory response and cell adhesion in VSMCs. Taken together, our results indicate that vasostatin-2 could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic option for human atherosclerosis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular, Weinan Center Hospital, The Middle of Victory Avenue, Linwei District, Weinan City 714000, China.
| | - Xiaolin Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Junnong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular, Weinan Center Hospital, The Middle of Victory Avenue, Linwei District, Weinan City 714000, China
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Maestroni S, Maestroni A, Ceglia S, Tremolada G, Mancino M, Sacchi A, Lattanzio R, Zucchiatti I, Corti A, Bandello F, Zerbini G. Effect of chromogranin A-derived vasostatin-1 on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in the mouse. Acta Ophthalmol 2015; 93:e218-22. [PMID: 25271003 DOI: 10.1111/aos.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify the effect of vasostatin-1 (VS-1), an anti-angiogenic fragment of chromogranin A, in the prevention of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in an established mouse model of laser-induced ocular neovascularization. METHODS Bruch's membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid, was broken by laser photocoagulation in C57/Bl6 mice, to induce CNV. Mice were then treated daily for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection of VS-1 or vehicle (6 mice/group). CNV and vascular leakage were measured at three time-points (day 0, 7 and 14) in vivo by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Ex vivo analysis of CNV was also performed at day 14 by confocal microscopy analysis of dextran-perfused choroidal flat-mounts. RESULTS In vivo analyses showed that VS-1 significantly reduced CNV at day 14 (p = 0.03) and vascular leakage at day 7 (p = 0.01) and 14 (p = 0.04). Ex vivo confocal microscopy analysis of CNV performed on dextran-perfused choroidal flat-mounts at day 14 confirmed the protective activity of VS-1 (p = 0.01). A significant correlation between the results of in vivo and ex vivo analyses of CNV was also observed (p = 0.001, R(2) = 0.81). CONCLUSION The results indicate that VS-1 can prevent CNV and vascular leakage in a mouse model of ocular neovascularization, suggesting that this polypeptide might have therapeutic activity in human ocular diseases that are complicated by neovascularization or excessive vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maestroni
- Complications of Diabetes Unit Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Anna Maestroni
- Complications of Diabetes Unit Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Simona Ceglia
- Complications of Diabetes Unit Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Gemma Tremolada
- Department of Ophthalmology Vita‐Salute University San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Monica Mancino
- IRCCS MultiMedica – Cardiovascular Research Department Milan Italy
| | - Angelina Sacchi
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Rosangela Lattanzio
- Department of Ophthalmology Vita‐Salute University San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Ilaria Zucchiatti
- Department of Ophthalmology Vita‐Salute University San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Francesco Bandello
- Department of Ophthalmology Vita‐Salute University San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Zerbini
- Complications of Diabetes Unit Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan Italy
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Grigore AD, Ben-Jacob E, Farach-Carson MC. Prostate cancer and neuroendocrine differentiation: more neuronal, less endocrine? Front Oncol 2015; 5:37. [PMID: 25785244 PMCID: PMC4347593 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) marks a structural and functional feature of certain cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa), whereby the malignant tissue contains a significant proportion of cells displaying neuronal, endocrine, or mixed features. NED cells produce, and can secrete, a cocktail of mediators commonly encountered in the nervous system, which may stimulate and coordinate cancer growth. In PCa, NED appears during advanced stages, subsequent to treatment, and accompanies treatment resistance and poor prognosis. However, the term “neuroendocrine” in this context is intrinsically vague. This article seeks to provide a framework on which a unified view of NED might emerge. First, we review the mutually beneficial interplay between PCa and neural structures, mainly supported by cell biology experiments and neurological conditions. Next, we address the correlations between PCa and neural functions, as described in the literature. Based upon the integration of clinical and basic observations, we suggest that it is legitimate to seek for true neural differentiation, or neuromimicry, in cancer progression, most notably in PCa cells exhibiting what is commonly described as NED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Dan Grigore
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Sackler School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel ; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Mary C Farach-Carson
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA ; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University , Houston, TX , USA
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Helle KB, Corti A. Chromogranin A: a paradoxical player in angiogenesis and vascular biology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:339-48. [PMID: 25297920 PMCID: PMC11113878 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Half a century after the discovery of chromogranin A as a secreted product of the catecholamine storage granules in the bovine adrenal medulla, the physiological role for the circulating pool of this protein has been recently coined, namely as an important player in vascular homeostasis. While the circulating chromogranin A since 1984 has proved to be a significant and useful marker of a wide range of pathophysiological and pathological conditions involving the diffuse neuroendocrine system, this protein has now been assigned a physiological "raison d'etre" as a regulator in vascular homeostasis. Moreover, chromogranin A processing in response to tissue damage and blood coagulation provides the first indication of a difference in time frame of the regulation of angiogenesis evoked by the intact chromogranin A and its two major peptide products, vasostatin-1 and catestatin. The impact of these discoveries on vascular homeostasis, angiogenesis, cancer, tissue repair and cardio-regulation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen B. Helle
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Haukelandsvei 1, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, Milan, Italy
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Tota B, Angelone T, Cerra MC. The surging role of Chromogranin A in cardiovascular homeostasis. Front Chem 2014; 2:64. [PMID: 25177680 PMCID: PMC4132265 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Together with Chromogranin B and Secretogranins, Chromogranin A (CGA) is stored in secretory (chromaffin) granules of the diffuse neuroendocrine system and released with noradrenalin and adrenalin. Co-stored within the granule together with neuropeptideY, cardiac natriuretic peptide hormones, several prohormones and their proteolytic enzymes, CGA is a multifunctional protein and a major marker of the sympatho-adrenal neuroendocrine activity. Due to its partial processing to several biologically active peptides, CGA appears an important pro-hormone implicated in relevant modulatory actions on endocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems through both direct and indirect sympatho-adrenergic interactions. As a part of this scenario, we here illustrate the emerging role exerted by the full-length CGA and its three derived fragments, i.e., Vasostatin 1, catestatin and serpinin, in the control of circulatory homeostasis with particular emphasis on their cardio-vascular actions under both physiological and physio-pathological conditions. The Vasostatin 1- and catestatin-induced cardiodepressive influences are achieved through anti-beta-adrenergic-NO-cGMP signaling, while serpinin acts like beta1-adrenergic agonist through AD-cAMP-independent NO signaling. On the whole, these actions contribute to widen our knowledge regarding the sympatho-chromaffin control of the cardiovascular system and its highly integrated “whip-brake” networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Tota
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Maria C Cerra
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
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Zissimopoulos A, Vradelis S, Konialis M, Chadolias D, Bampali A, Constantinidis T, Efremidou E, Kouklakis G. Chromogranin A as a biomarker of disease activity and biologic therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective observational study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:942-9. [PMID: 24897131 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.920910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To access the correlation of Chromogranin A (CgA) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and responsiveness to medical therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted in 56 patients with moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) (UC, n = 29, CD, n = 27), 17 patients with irritable bowel syndrome and predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) and 40 healthy volunteers. IBD patients were treated by biologics (infliximab or adalimumab) or conventional agents (aminosalicylates, thiopurines or methotrexate and steroids) and were classified according to their treatment in two groups. Serum CgA was measured at baseline and 4-week posttreatment period. RESULTS Serum CgA was significantly higher in IBD patients than in those with IBS-D or healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). Furthermore, serum CgA was markedly increased in CD patients than in UC patients (p < 0.01). CgA value was significantly reduced in 'biologic' group (24 IBD patients, UC, n = 15, CD, n = 9) at 4-week posttreatment period (p < 0.01), while 18/24 (72%) patients were already in remission during that time. In contrast, CgA value was significantly increased in the 'conventional' treatment group (32 IBD patients, UC, n = 14, CD, n = 18) between the two visits (p < 0.01), although 22/32 (69%) patients were in remission during the 4-week posttreatment period. CONCLUSION CgA appears to be a reliable marker of disease activity in IBD patients and especially in those who received biologic therapy. IBS-D patients presented normal CgA values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Zissimopoulos
- Deartment of Nuclear Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace , Alexandroupolis, 68100 , Greece
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Frydland M, Kousholt B, Larsen JR, Burnettr JC, Hilsted L, Hasenkam JM, Goetze JP. Increased N-terminal CgA in circulation associated with cardiac reperfusion in pigs. Biomark Med 2013; 7:959-67. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm.13.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Acute myocardial infarction causes neurohumoral activation characterized by increased sympathetic activity. CgA is a protein released during sympathoadrenal stress from neuroendocrine tissue. Recently, increased CgA concentrations in circulation have been reported and suggested to be an independent predictor of mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Materials & methods: Eighteen pigs underwent 1 h of regional myocardial ischemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Blood samples were collected every hour and plasma CgA was measured with two radioimmunoassays. Results: We found a 30% increase in plasma N-terminal CgA 1 h after re-establishment of coronary blood supply. On the other hand, plasma pancreastatin did not change in response to ischemia or reperfusion but decreased during the entire experiment. Conclusion: Our results suggest a differentiated CgA response in myocardial reperfusion after local cardiac anoxia that may reflect tissue-specific post-translational processing and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Frydland
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Kousholt
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Jens Rolighed Larsen
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Anesthesia, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | | | - Linda Hilsted
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - J Michael Hasenkam
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Goetze
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
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Corti A, Curnis F, Rossoni G, Marcucci F, Gregorc V. Peptide-mediated targeting of cytokines to tumor vasculature: the NGR-hTNF example. BioDrugs 2013; 27:591-603. [PMID: 23743670 PMCID: PMC3832761 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-013-0048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that the efficacy of cytokines in cancer therapy can be increased by targeting strategies based on conjugation with ligands that recognize receptors expressed by tumor cells or elements of the tumor microenvironment, including the tumor vasculature. The targeting approach is generally conceived to permit administration of low, yet pharmacologically active, doses of drugs, thereby avoiding toxic reactions. However, it is becoming clear that, in the case of cytokines, this strategy has another inherent advantage, i.e. the possibility of administering extremely low doses that do not activate systemic counter-regulatory mechanisms, which may limit their potential therapeutic effects. This review is focused on the use of tumor vasculature-homing peptides as vehicles for targeted delivery of cytokines to tumor blood vessel. In particular, we provide an overview of peptide-cytokine conjugates made with peptides containing the NGR, RGD, isoDGR or RGR sequences and describe, in more details, the biological and pharmacological properties of NGR-hTNF, a peptide-tumor necrosis factor-α conjugate that is currently being tested in phase II and III clinical studies. The results of preclinical and clinical studies performed with these products suggest that peptide-mediated vascular-targeting is indeed a viable strategy for delivering bioactive amounts of cytokines to tumor endothelial cells without causing the activation of counter-regulatory mechanisms and toxic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Corti
- Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy,
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Giovinazzo F, Schimmack S, Svejda B, Alaimo D, Pfragner R, Modlin I, Kidd M. Chromogranin A and its fragments as regulators of small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasm proliferation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81111. [PMID: 24260544 PMCID: PMC3834250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chromogranin A is a neuroendocrine secretory product and its loss is a feature of malignant NEN de-differentiation. We hypothesized that chromogranin A fragments were differentially expressed during NEN metastasis and played a role in the regulation of NEN proliferation. METHODS Chromogranin A mRNA (PCR) and protein (ELISA/western blot) were studied in 10 normal human mucosa, 5 enterochromaffin cell preparations, 26 small intestinal NEN primaries and 9 liver metastases. Cell viability (WST-1 assay), proliferation (bromodeoxyuridine ELISA) and expression of AKT/AKT-P (CASE ELISA/western blot) in response to chromogranin A silencing, inhibition of prohormone convertase and mTOR inhibition (RAD001/AKT antisense) as well as different chromogranin A fragments were examined in 4 SI-NEN cell lines. RESULTS Chromogranin A mRNA and protein levels were increased (37-340 fold, p<0.0001) in small intestinal NENs compared to normal enterochromaffin cells. Western blot identified chromogranin A-associated processing bands including vasostatin in small intestinal NENs as well as up-regulated expression of prohormone convertase in metastases. Proliferation in small intestinal NEN cell lines was decreased by silencing chromogranin A as well as by inhibition of prohormone convertase (p<0.05). This inhibition also decreased secretion of chromogranin A (p<0.05) and 5-HT (p<0.05) as well as expression of vasostatin. Metastatic small intestinal NEN cell lines were stimulated (50-80%, p<0.05) and AKT phosphorylated (Ser473: p<0.05) by vasostatin I, which was completely reversed by RAD001 (p<0.01) and AKT antisense (p<0.05) while chromostatin inhibited proliferation (~50%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION Chromogranin A was differentially regulated in primary and metastatic small intestinal NENs and cell lines. Chromogranin A fragments regulated metastatic small intestinal NEN proliferation via the AKT pathway indicating that CgA plays a far more complex role in the biology of these tumors than previously considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giovinazzo
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Laboratory of Translational Surgery-LURM, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simon Schimmack
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- University Hospital of General, Visceral- and Transplantation-Surgery of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Svejda
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniele Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Roswitha Pfragner
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Irvin Modlin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mark Kidd
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ferrero E, Belloni D, Corti A, Doglioni C, Dagna L, Ferrarini M. TNF- in Erdheim-Chester disease pericardial effusion promotes endothelial leakage in vitro and is neutralized by infliximab. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2013; 53:198-200. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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[Chromogranin A and neuroendocrine tumors]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 60:386-95. [PMID: 23271036 DOI: 10.1016/j.endonu.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA) is the most abundant granin in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). As a tumor marker is moderately sensitive and nonspecific. Despite the limitations of testing methods, which require careful interpretation, especially in the case of gastrinomas, patients treated with somatostatin analogues, and poorly differentiated tumors, it is the best tumor marker in GEP-NETs and may be of value in other tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation. CgA may be used as a marker in blood or tissue samples through immunohistochemical techniques. CgA levels correlate with tumor burden and extension and may be used for diagnosis and monitoring of GEP-NETs, especially midgut carcinoids and endocrine pancreatic tumors. It is also useful as a prognostic marker for detection of recurrence and monitoring of response to different treatments.
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Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is regulated by a complex interplay of anti and proangiogenic factors. We found that physiologic levels of circulating chromogranin A (CgA), a protein secreted by the neuroendocrine system, can inhibit angiogenesis in various in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Structure-activity studies showed that a functional anti-angiogenic site is located in the C-terminal region, whereas a latent anti-angiogenic site, activated by cleavage of Q76-K77 bond, is present in the N-terminal domain. Cleavage of CgA by thrombin abrogated its anti-angiogenic activity and generated fragments (lacking the C-terminal region) endowed of potent proangiogenic activity. Hematologic studies showed that biologically relevant levels of forms of full-length CgA and CgA1-76 (anti-angiogenic) and lower levels of fragments lacking the C-terminal region (proangiogenic) are present in circulation in healthy subjects. Blood coagulation caused, in a thrombin-dependent manner, almost complete conversion of CgA into fragments lacking the C-terminal region. These results suggest that the CgA-related circulating polypeptides form a balance of anti and proangiogenic factors tightly regulated by proteolysis. Thrombin-induced alteration of this balance could provide a novel mechanism for triggering angiogenesis in pathophysiologic conditions characterized by prothrombin activation.
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Curnis F, Gasparri AM, Longhi R, Colombo B, D’Alessio S, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M, Corti A. Chromogranin A binds to αvβ6-integrin and promotes wound healing in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:2791-803. [PMID: 22415324 PMCID: PMC11114517 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-0955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA), a secretory protein expressed by many neuroendocrine cells, neurons, cardiomyocytes, and keratinocytes, is the precursor of various peptides that regulate the carbohydrate/lipid metabolism and the cardiovascular system. We have found that CgA, locally administered to injured mice, can accelerate keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing. This biological activity was abolished by the Asp(45)Glu mutation. CgA and its N-terminal fragments, but not the corresponding Asp(45)Glu mutants, could selectively recognize the αvβ6-integrin on keratinocytes (a cell-adhesion receptor that is up-regulated during wound healing) and regulate keratinocyte adhesion, proliferation, and migration. No binding was observed to other integrins such as αvβ3, αvβ5, αvβ8, α5β1, α1β1, α3β1, α6β4, α6β7 and α9β1. Structure-activity studies showed that the entire CgA(39-63) region is crucial for αvβ6 recognition (K(i) = 7 nM). This region contains an RGD site (residues CgA(43-45)) followed by an amphipathic α-helix (residues CgA(47-63)), both crucial for binding affinity and selectivity. These results suggest that the interaction of the RGD/α-helix motif of CgA with αvβ6 regulates keratinocyte physiology in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Curnis
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gasparri
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Longhi
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Colombo
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia D’Alessio
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Oncology, Experimental Therapy Unit, G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Oncology, Experimental Therapy Unit, G. Gaslini Children’s Hospital, 16148 Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Lu L, Wang YN, Li MC, Wang HB, Pu LJ, Niu WQ, Meng H, Yang EL, Zhang RY, Zhang Q, Zhao Q, Chen QJ, De Caterina R, Shen WF. Reduced serum levels of vasostatin-2, an anti-inflammatory peptide derived from chromogranin A, are associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease. Eur Heart J 2012; 33:2297-306. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehs122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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The N-terminal fragment of chromogranin A, vasostatin-1 protects mice from acute or chronic colitis upon oral administration. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:1227-37. [PMID: 22278339 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasostatin-1 (VS-1), the N-terminal fragment of chromogranin A (CgA), decreases the permeability of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. AIMS Here, we investigated whether a similar effect could be observed also on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vitro and whether VS-1 could have favorable effects on animal models of acute or chronic colitis, which are characterized by increased permeability of the intestinal epithelium. METHODS In vitro, VS-1 was tested on IEC monolayers showing increased permeability, on mechanically injured IEC monolayers, and on the production of the chemokine IL-8/KC by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated IECs. In vivo, VS-1 was tested in animal models of dextran sodium salt (DSS)-induced acute or chronic colitis. RESULTS In vitro, VS-1 inhibited increased permeability of IECs induced by interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, VS-1 promoted healing of mechanically injured IEC monolayers, most likely through stimulation of cell migration, rather than cell proliferation. Eventually, VS-1 inhibited LPS-induced production of IL-8. In vivo, VS-1 exerted protective effects in animal models of acute or chronic colitis upon oral, but not systemic administration. CONCLUSIONS VS-1 is therapeutically active in animal models of acute or chronic, DSS-induced colitis. The mechanisms underlying this effect are likely to be multiple, and may include inhibition of enhanced intestinal permeability, repair of injured intestinal mucosae, and inhibition of the production of IL-8/KC and possibly other inflammatory cytokines.
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Loh YP, Cheng Y, Mahata SK, Corti A, Tota B. Chromogranin A and derived peptides in health and disease. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 48:347-56. [PMID: 22388654 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9728-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chromogranin A (CgA) is a member of the granins, a family of acidic proteins found in abundance in (neuro)endocrine cells (e.g., in chromaffin cells) and in some tumors. Like other granins, CgA has a granulogenic role in secretory granule biogenesis and is stored in these organelles. CgA is partially processed differentially in various cell types to yield biologically active peptides, such as vasostatin, pancreastatin, catestatin, and serpinins. In this review, we describe the roles of CgA and several of its derived peptides. CgA, which is elevated in the blood of cancer patients, inhibits angiogenesis and exerts protective effects on the endothelial barrier function in tumors, thus affecting response to chemotherapy. Recent studies indicate that the serpinins promote cell survival and myocardial contractility and relaxation. Other peptides such as pancreastatin were found to have significant effects on inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and glucose up-take, induction of glycogenolysis in hepatocytes, and inhibition of lipogenesis. In contrast, catestatin has opposite effects to that of pancreastatin in glucose metabolism and lipogenesis. Catestatin appears to also play a significant role in cardiac function, blood pressure regulation, and mutations in the catestatin domain of the CgA gene are associated with hypertension in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Peng Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Program on Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Ferraro S, Ardoino I, Boracchi P, Santagostino M, Ciardi L, Antonini G, Braga F, Biganzoli E, Panteghini M, Bongo AS. Inside ST-elevation myocardial infarction by monitoring concentrations of cardiovascular risk biomarkers in blood. Clin Chim Acta 2012; 413:888-93. [PMID: 22333672 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No information is available on the optimal sampling time to catch the highest increase for biomarkers whose elevation after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is prognostic for adverse events. This study aimed to investigate release kinetics and peak times of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), chromogranin A (CgA) and cystatin C (CyC) in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS Blood concentrations of cTnI, CRP, BNP, CgA and CyC were measured before and 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h after PPCI in 84 STEMI patients. The averaged trajectory of marker kinetics was estimated by multivariable regression models adjusted for patient characteristics and orthogonal polynomials were used to describe related releases. RESULTS From the estimated kinetics cTnI peaked at 10 h from symptoms, BNP at 28 h and CRP within 30 h. CyC concentrations did not change, whereas CgA concentrations increased from 6 to 48 h after PPCI. The amount of BNP release was found to be affected by the interaction between gender and age: females<75 years had BNP concentrations fourfold higher than males. CONCLUSIONS According to different release kinetics a single blood sampling for measuring all biomarkers is not recommended.
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Dondossola E, Crippa L, Colombo B, Ferrero E, Corti A. Chromogranin A regulates tumor self-seeding and dissemination. Cancer Res 2011; 72:449-59. [PMID: 22139379 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-2944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression involves the seeding of malignant cells in circulation and the colonization of distant organs. However, circulating neoplastic cells can also reinfiltrate the tumor of origin. This process, called "tumor-self seeding," can select more aggressive cells that may contribute to cancer progression. Here, using mouse mammary adenocarcinoma models, we observed that both tumor self-seeding and organ colonization were inhibited by chromogranin A (CgA), a protein present in variable amounts in the blood of cancer patients. Mechanism studies showed that CgA inhibited the shedding of cancer cells in circulation from primary tumors, as well as the reinfiltration of tumors and the colonization of lungs by circulating tumor cells. CgA reduced gap formation induced by tumor cell-derived factors in endothelial cells, decreased vascular leakage in tumors, and inhibited the transendothelial migration of cancer cells. Together, our findings point to a role for circulating CgA in the regulation of tumor cell trafficking from tumor-to-blood and from blood-to-tumor/normal tissues. Inhibition of the multidirectional trafficking of cancer cells in normal and neoplastic tissues may represent a novel strategy to reduce cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Dondossola
- Division of Molecular Oncology and IIT Network Research Unit of Molecular Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Bartolomucci A, Possenti R, Mahata SK, Fischer-Colbrie R, Loh YP, Salton SRJ. The extended granin family: structure, function, and biomedical implications. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:755-97. [PMID: 21862681 PMCID: PMC3591675 DOI: 10.1210/er.2010-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chromogranins (chromogranin A and chromogranin B), secretogranins (secretogranin II and secretogranin III), and additional related proteins (7B2, NESP55, proSAAS, and VGF) that together comprise the granin family subserve essential roles in the regulated secretory pathway that is responsible for controlled delivery of peptides, hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. Here we review the structure and function of granins and granin-derived peptides and expansive new genetic evidence, including recent single-nucleotide polymorphism mapping, genomic sequence comparisons, and analysis of transgenic and knockout mice, which together support an important and evolutionarily conserved role for these proteins in large dense-core vesicle biogenesis and regulated secretion. Recent data further indicate that their processed peptides function prominently in metabolic and glucose homeostasis, emotional behavior, pain pathways, and blood pressure modulation, suggesting future utility of granins and granin-derived peptides as novel disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Yu M, Wang Z, Fang Y, Xiao MD, Yuan ZX, Lu CB, Lin L, Yang DC. Overexpression of vasostatin-1 protects hypoxia/reoxygenation injuries in cardiomyocytes independent of endothelial cells. Cardiovasc Ther 2011; 30:145-51. [PMID: 21884005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5922.2011.00270.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasostatin-1 (VS-1) has been suggested in protecting hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injuries in isolated hearts. However, the molecular mechanisms remained to be elucidated. METHODS Cardiomyocytes were treated with recombinant Ad-VS-1 adenoviral vector before H/R. Cell viability was studied using MTT methods and annexin V-FITC flow cytometry. Intracellular oxidative stress was measured by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory reactions by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Measurement of myocardial nitrous oxide synthase (NOS) was determined by serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations using nitrite reductase and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by Western blotting. Inhibitors of the NOS system, including hemoglobin and KT5823, were applied to verify the results. RESULTS In comparison of the blank group, cardiac myocytes overexpressing VS-1 showed significant decrease in apoptosis, intracellular oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions (P < 0.05). In addition, serum NO concentrations and expression of eNOS were notably enhanced (P < 0.05). These protective effects of VS-1 were suppressed in the presence of apoptosis-inducing agents. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of VS-1 in cardiomyocytes could limit the H/R injuries at molecular levels. The protective effects were independent of endothelial cell function, suggestive of a potential therapeutic target for patients with myocardial ischemia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated First People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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