Carbon dioxide-induced decrease in extracellular pH enhances the production of extracellular matrix components by upregulating TGF-β1 expression via CREB activation in human dermal fibroblasts

Translational insights into the hormetic potential of carbon dioxide: from physiological mechanisms to innovative adjunct therapeutic potential for cancer

Background

Carbon dioxide (CO2), traditionally viewed as a mere byproduct of cellular respiration, plays a multifaceted role in human physiology beyond simple elimination through respiration. CO2 may regulate the tumor microenvironment by significantly affecting the release of oxygen (O2) to tissues through the Bohr effect and by modulating blood pH and vasodilation. Previous studies suggest hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels) might trigger optimized cellular mechanisms with potential therapeutic benefits. The role of CO2 in cellular stress conditions within tumor environments and its impact on O2 utilization offers a new investigative area in oncology.

Objectives

This study aims to explore CO2's role in the tumor environment, particularly how its physiological properties and adaptive responses can influence therapeutic strategies.

Methods

By applying a structured translational approach using the Work Breakdown Structure method, the study divided the analysis into six interconnected work packages to comprehensively analyze the interactions between carbon dioxide and the tumor microenvironment. Methods included systematic literature reviews, data analyses, data integration for identifying critical success factors and exploring extracellular environment modulation. The research used SMART criteria for assessing innovation and the applicability of results.

Results

The research revealed that the human body's adaptability to hypercapnic conditions could potentially inform innovative strategies for manipulating the tumor microenvironment. This could enhance O2 utilization efficiency and manage adaptive responses to cellular stress. The study proposed that carbon dioxide's hormetic potential could induce beneficial responses in the tumor microenvironment, prompting clinical protocols for experimental validation. The research underscored the importance of pH regulation, emphasizing CO2 and carbonic acid's role in modulating metabolic and signaling pathways related to cancer.

Conclusion

The study underscores CO2 as vital to our physiology and suggests potential therapeutic uses within the tumor microenvironment. pH modulation and cellular oxygenation optimization via CO2 manipulation could offer innovative strategies to enhance existing cancer therapies. These findings encourage further exploration of CO2's therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on experimental validation and exploration of clinical applications, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to tackle current challenges in cancer treatment.

Recent advances in acid sensing by G protein coupled receptors

Changes in extracellular proton concentrations occur in a variety of tissues over a range of timescales under physiological conditions and also accompany virtually all pathologies, notably cancers, stroke, inflammation and trauma. Proton-activated, G protein coupled receptors are already partially active at physiological extracellular proton concentrations and their activity increases with rising proton concentrations. Their ability to monitor and report changes in extracellular proton concentrations and hence extracellular pH appears to be involved in a variety of processes, and it is likely to mirror and in some cases promote disease progression. Unsurprisingly, therefore, these pH-sensing receptors (pHR) receive increasing attention from researchers working in an expanding range of research areas, from cellular neurophysiology to systemic inflammatory processes. This review is looking at progress made in the field of pHRs over the past few years and also highlights outstanding issues.

Biomaterials for immunomodulation in wound healing

The substantial economic impact of non-healing wounds, scarring, and burns stemming from skin injuries is evident, resulting in a financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. This review paper provides an overview of the skin's vital role in guarding against various environmental challenges as the body's largest protective organ and associated developments in biomaterials for wound healing. We first introduce the composition of skin tissue and the intricate processes of wound healing, with special attention to the crucial role of immunomodulation in both acute and chronic wounds. This highlights how the imbalance in the immune response, particularly in chronic wounds associated with underlying health conditions such as diabetes and immunosuppression, hinders normal healing stages. Then, this review distinguishes between traditional wound-healing strategies that create an optimal microenvironment and recent peptide-based biomaterials that modulate cellular processes and immune responses to facilitate wound closure. Additionally, we highlight the importance of considering the stages of wounds in the healing process. By integrating advanced materials engineering with an in-depth understanding of wound biology, this approach holds promise for reshaping the field of wound management and ultimately offering improved outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.