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Tawil S, Khaddage-Soboh N. Cancer research in Lebanon: Scope of the most recent publications of an academic institution (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 28:350. [PMID: 38872861 PMCID: PMC11170263 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14484] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer may be considered one of the most interesting areas of study, and although oncology research has grown markedly over the last decade, there is as yet no known cure for cancer. The objective of the present review is to examine various approaches to cancer research from a single institution, summarize their key conclusions and offer recommendations for future evaluations. The review examined 72 cancer-associated studies that were published within six years from 2017 to 2022. Published works in the subject fields of 'cancer' or 'oncology' and 'research' that were indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were retrieved and sorted according to article title, author names, author count, citation count and key words. After screening, a total of 28 in vitro/animal studies and 46 patient-associated published studies were obtained. A large proportion of these studies comprised literature reviews (20/72), while 20 studies were observational in nature. The 72 publications included 23 in which various types of cancer were examined, while the remaining studies focused on specific types of cancer, including lung, breast, colon and brain cancer. These studies aimed to investigate the incidence, prevalence, treatment and prevention mechanisms associated with cancer. Despite the existence of extensive cancer research, scientists seldom contemplate an ultimate cure for cancer. However, it is crucial to continuously pursue research on cancer prevention and treatment in order to enhance the effectiveness and minimize potential side effects of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah Tawil
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Nada Khaddage-Soboh
- Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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You S, Han X, Xu Y, Yao Q. Research progress on the role of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family members in malignant tumors and immune microenvironment. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1213-1222. [PMID: 37572157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential for the survival of all living organisms and living cells. Amino acid transporters mediate the transport and absorption of amino acids, and the dysfunction of these proteins can induce human diseases. Cationic amino acid transporters (CAT family, SLC7A1-4, and SLC7A14) are considered to be a group of transmembrane transporters, of which SLC7A1-3 are essential for arginine transport in mammals. Numerous studies have shown that CAT family-mediated arginine transport is involved in signal crosstalk between malignant tumor cells and immune cells, especially T cells. The modulation of extracellular arginine concentration has entered a number of clinical trials and achieved certain therapeutic effects. Here, we review the role of CAT family on tumor cells and immune infiltrating cells in malignant tumors and explore the therapeutic strategies to interfere with extracellular arginine concentration, to elaborate its application prospects. CAT family members may be used as biomarkers for certain cancer entities and might be included in new ideas for immunotherapy of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiahui Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Yuance Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
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Chu YD, Lai MW, Yeh CT. Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10668. [PMID: 37445845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis-all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Fu S, Xu S, Zhang S. The role of amino acid metabolism alterations in pancreatic cancer: From mechanism to application. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188893. [PMID: 37015314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing in both developed and developing Nations. In recent years, various research evidence suggested that reprogrammed metabolism may play a key role in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and development. Therefore, it has great potential as a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target. Amino acid metabolism is deregulated in pancreatic cancer, and changes in amino acid metabolism can affect cancer cell status, systemic metabolism in malignant tumor patients and mistakenly involved in different biological processes including stemness, proliferation and growth, invasion and migration, redox state maintenance, autophagy, apoptosis and even tumor microenvironment interaction. Generally, the above effects are achieved through two pathways, energy metabolism and signal transduction. This review aims to highlight the current research progress on the abnormal alterations of amino acids metabolism in pancreatic cancer, how they affect tumorigenesis and development of pancreatic cancer and the application prospects of them as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenao Fu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shaokang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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Potential Therapies Targeting the Metabolic Reprogramming of Diabetes-Associated Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13010157. [PMID: 36675817 PMCID: PMC9861470 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, diabetes-associated breast cancer has become a significant clinical challenge. Diabetes is not only a risk factor for breast cancer but also worsens its prognosis. Patients with diabetes usually show hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, which are accompanied by different glucose, protein, and lipid metabolism disorders. Metabolic abnormalities observed in diabetes can induce the occurrence and development of breast cancer. The changes in substrate availability and hormone environment not only create a favorable metabolic environment for tumorigenesis but also induce metabolic reprogramming events required for breast cancer cell transformation. Metabolic reprogramming is the basis for the development, swift proliferation, and survival of cancer cells. Metabolism must also be reprogrammed to support the energy requirements of the biosynthetic processes in cancer cells. In addition, metabolic reprogramming is essential to enable cancer cells to overcome apoptosis signals and promote invasion and metastasis. This review aims to describe the major metabolic changes in diabetes and outline how cancer cells can use cellular metabolic changes to drive abnormal growth and proliferation. We will specifically examine the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming by which diabetes may promote the development of breast cancer, focusing on the role of glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism in this process and potential therapeutic targets. Although diabetes-associated breast cancer has always been a common health problem, research focused on finding treatments suitable for the specific needs of patients with concurrent conditions is still limited. Most studies are still currently in the pre-clinical stage and mainly focus on reprogramming the glucose metabolism. More research targeting the amino acid and lipid metabolism is needed.
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Jiang W, Li X, Xiang C, Zhou W. Neutrophils in pancreatic cancer: Potential therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1025805. [PMID: 36324574 PMCID: PMC9618950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1025805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a digestive system malignancy and poses a high mortality worldwide. Traditionally, neutrophils have been thought to play a role in acute inflammation. In contrast, their importance during tumor diseases has been less well studied. Generally, neutrophils are recruited into the tumor microenvironment and exert inflammation and tumor-promoting effects. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, neutrophils play diverse roles in pancreatic cancer, such as angiogenesis, progression, metastasis and immunosuppression. Additionally, neutrophils can be a new potential therapeutic target in cancer. Inhibitors of cytokines, chemokines and neutrophil extracellular traps can exert antitumor effects. In this review, we describe the role of neutrophils in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, discuss their potential as therapeutic targets, and aim to provide ideas for improving the prognosis of patients with this malignant tumor disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Caifei Xiang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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