Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression

Cellular and molecular events in colorectal cancer: biological mechanisms, cell death pathways, drug resistance and signalling network interactions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, affecting millions each year. It emerges from the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive system, and is closely linked to both genetic and environmental factors. In CRC, genetic mutations such as APC, KRAS, and TP53, along with epigenetic changes like DNA methylation and histone modifications, play crucial roles in tumor development and treatment responses. This paper delves into the complex biological underpinnings of CRC, highlighting the pivotal roles of genetic alterations, cell death pathways, and the intricate network of signaling interactions that contribute to the disease's progression. It explores the dysregulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and other cell death mechanisms, underscoring the aberrant activation of these pathways in CRC. Additionally, the paper examines how mutations in key molecular pathways, including Wnt, EGFR/MAPK, and PI3K, fuel CRC development, and how these alterations can serve as both diagnostic and prognostic markers. The dual function of autophagy in CRC, acting as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the context, is also scrutinized. Through a comprehensive analysis of cellular and molecular events, this research aims to deepen our understanding of CRC and pave the way for more effective diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic strategies.

Loss of CDX2 and high COX2 (PTGS2) expression in metastatic colorectal cancer

Lack of expression of the tumour suppressor gene caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2) associates with poor outcomes in early stage colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet its prognostic value in the context of other prognostic biomarkers in metastatic CRC (mCRC) is unknown. Overexpressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) has been reported in advanced CRC. However, CDX2 and COX2 relationship in mCRC remains undetermined. We aimed to assess their expression in mCRC tumours from a clinically characterised cohort and their influence on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in first line. Among 720 consecutive mCRC patients, 346 had tumour samples appropriate for tissue microarray assembly and immunohistochemistry analyses. Clinical and survival data were retrospectively assessed. Loss of CDX2 expression was detected in 27 (7.8%) samples, enriched in poorly differentiated tumours (20%; p < 0.01) and in those with the BRAF p.V600E variant (40%; p < 0.01). Most tumours (93.4%) expressed COX2. COX2-negative samples were enriched in poorly differentiated mCRC. In unadjusted analyses, median OS (p < 0.001) and median PFS (p < 0.05) were inferior for patients with CDX2-negative versus CDX2-positive tumours. In conclusion, loss of CDX2 was significantly associated with poorly differentiated mCRC and BRAF p.V600E allele and a prognostic marker of worse OS.

UBE2T/STAT3 Signaling Promotes the Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Retinoblastoma

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the expression and function of Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2T (UBE2T), a human E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, in human retinoblastoma.

Methods

The expression of UBE2T in normal retina and retinoblastoma was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and its expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in 29 retinoblastoma sections and 5 normal retinas. Then CCK-8, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing analysis, and in vivo assays were performed to explore the exact role of UBE2T in retinoblastoma.

Results

We found that retinoblastoma showed higher UBE2T expression than normal retina in GEO datasets and tissues. The immunoreactive score of UBE2T ≥4 was associated with group E in IIRC, T2-T4b in pTNM staging, poorly differentiated retinoblastoma, and high-risk histopathological factors. Knockdown of UBE2T reduced the cell viability, increased the apoptosis cells and G0/G1 cells, and inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that UBE2T knockdown induced down-regulation of phosphorylation of STAT3 and its downstream genes in vitro and in vivo. Rescue assays confirmed that STAT3 signaling pathway was involved in the effect of reduced cell viability, elevated apoptosis cells, and G0/G1 cells mediated by UBE2T knockdown.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that UBE2T significantly participates in the proliferation of retinoblastoma via the STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential of UBE2T as a therapeutic target for retinoblastoma treatment.

Characterization of Kinesin Family Member 2C as a Proto-Oncogene in Cervical Cancer

Kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C) is known as an oncogenic gene to regulate tumor progression and metastasis. However, its pan-cancer analysis has not been reported. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of KIF2C in various cancers. We found that KIF2C was highly expressed and corresponded to a poor prognosis in various cancers. We also found a significant correlation between KIF2C and clinicopathological characteristics, particularly in cervical cancer, which is the most common gynecological malignancy and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. KIF2C mutation is strongly associated with the survival rate of cervical cancer, and KIF2C expression was significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cervical cancer cells. Moreover, KIF2C promoted cervical cancer cells proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro and as well increased tumor growth in vivo. KIF2C knockdown promotes the activation of the p53 signaling pathway by regulating the expression of related proteins. The rescue assay with KIF2C and p53 double knockdown partially reversed the inhibitory influence of KIF2C silencing on cervical cancer processes. In summary, our study provided a relatively comprehensive description of KIF2C as an oncogenic gene and suggested KIF2C as a therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Crosstalk Between Inflammatory Signaling and Methylation in Cancer

Inflammation is an intricate immune response against infection and tissue damage. While the initial immune response is important for preventing tumorigenesis, chronic inflammation is implicated in cancer pathogenesis. It has been linked to various stages of tumor development including transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Immune cells, through the production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, transforming growth factors, and adhesion molecules contribute to the survival, growth, and progression of the tumor in its microenvironment. The aberrant expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory and growth factors by the tumor cells result in the recruitment of immune cells, thus creating a mutual crosstalk. The reciprocal signaling between the tumor cells and the immune cells creates and maintains a successful tumor niche. Many inflammatory factors are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications. In particular, DNA and histone methylation are crucial forms of transcriptional regulation and aberrant methylation has been associated with deregulated gene expression in oncogenesis. Such deregulations have been reported in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. With technological advancements to study genome-wide epigenetic landscapes, it is now possible to identify molecular mechanisms underlying altered inflammatory profiles in cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of DNA and histone methylation in regulation of inflammatory pathways in human cancers and review the merits and challenges of targeting inflammatory mediators as well as epigenetic regulators in cancer.

Timing of Aspirin Use Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Exposure of aspirin has been associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, but aspirin use in relation to CRC patients' mortality remains undetermined. It is necessary to quantify the association between aspirin use and CRC mortality.

Methods

Two authors independently searched the electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from 1947 through April 25, 2020. All observational studies assessing the association between different timing of aspirin use and CRC mortality were included. The effect size on study outcomes was calculated using random-effect model and presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of included studies were also assessed.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Prediagnosis aspirin use was not associated with CRC-specific mortality (RR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.05) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.31). A statistically significant association between continued aspirin use and improvement in both CRC-specific mortality (RR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.81) and all-cause mortality (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.93) was observed. Postdiagnosis use of aspirin was associated only with reduced all-cause mortality (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.94).

Conclusions

Continued aspirin use before and after CRC diagnosis has the most advantage regarding the improvement of CRC mortality. Nevertheless, further prospective trials and mechanistic studies are highly warranted.

Aspirin enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibition of putative cancer stem cells

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are related to the patient's prognosis, recurrence and therapy resistance in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Although increasing evidence suggests that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) could lower the incidence and improve the prognosis of ESCC, the mechanism(s) remains to be fully understood.

METHODS

We investigated the role of ASA in chemotherapy/chemoprevention in human ESCC cell lines and an N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced rat ESCC carcinogenesis model. The effects of combined treatment with ASA/cisplatin on ESCC cell lines were examined in vitro and in vivo. Sphere-forming cells enriched with putative CSCs (pCSCs) were used to investigate the effect of ASA in CSCs. Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed to determine the alterations in chromatin accessibility caused by ASA in ESCC cells.

RESULTS

ASA inhibits the CSC properties and enhances cisplatin treatment in human ESCC cells. ATAC-seq indicates that ASA treatment results in remarkable epigenetic alterations on chromatin in ESCC cells, especially their pCSCs, through the modification of histone acetylation levels. The epigenetic changes activate Bim expression and promote cell death in CSCs of ESCC. Furthermore, ASA prevents the carcinogenesis of NMBzA-induced ESCC in the rat model.

CONCLUSIONS

ASA could be a potential chemotherapeutic adjuvant and chemopreventive drug for ESCC treatment.

Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 (FABP4) Suppresses Proliferation and Migration of Endometrial Cancer Cells via PI3K/Akt Pathway

Purpose

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in women and its incidence and mortality have been rising over the last decades. The latest research indicates that FABP4 plays a significant role in multiple types of cancer. But few studies were focused on EC. The aim of this article is to investigate whether FABP4 can suppress tumor growth and metastasis of EC via PI3K/Akt pathway to provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of EC.

Materials and Methods

FABP4 mRNA levels of EC were analysed through The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA), and expression of FABP4 in EC cancer tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Stable overexpressing cell lines were established using lentivirus infection to analyze the biological function of FABP4 in vitro. CCK8 assay and colony formation assay were performed to assess cell proliferation ability. Wound healing assay and transwell were performed to analyse migration and invasion of cells. The subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, all protein levels were detected by Western blotting assay.

Results

We found that the expression of the FABP4 mRNA was decreased in tumor samples compared to normal tissue according to TCGA database analysis. Subsequent experimental mRNA and protein expression analysis confirmed that FABP4 expression was lower in EC tissue than normal endometrial tissue. In addition, we found overexpression of FABP4 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Further functional and mechanistic analysis of FABP4 demonstrated that its function is mediated by restraining the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our studies shed light for the first time about the functional role of FABP4 in EC and provide a novel biomarker for EC as well as a therapeutic target for the therapy of EC.

Human Neutrophil Elastase Mediates MUC5AC Hypersecretion via the Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Converting Enzyme-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signalling Pathway in vivo

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to examine the role of the tumour necrosis factor-α converting enzyme-epidermal growth factor receptor (TACE-EGFR) pathway in human neutrophil elastase (HNE)-induced MUC5AC mucin expression in mice.

METHOD

Four groups of mice, treated with HNE alone (HNE group), HNE plus TACE inhibitor (HNE + TAPI-2 group), HNE plus EGFR inhibitor (HNE + AG1478 group), and untreated (control group), were used in the experiment. Histopathological changes were monitored by haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC expression in the nasal mucosa were determined using immunohistochemistry. The expression of p-EGFR, EGFR, and TACE protein was analysed on Western blots, and MUC5AC protein levels were assessed via ELISA. TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC expression in the nasal mucosa were determined using real-time quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, HE-stained tissues from the HNE group showed an irregular epithelium as well as goblet cell and submucosal glandular hyperplasia. In the nasal mucosa, strongly positive fuchsia granules were seen in PAS staining and significant increases in TACE, EGFR, MUC5AC mRNA, and protein expression were detected (p < 0.01). The HNE + TAPI-2 and HNE + AG1478 groups had significantly less goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia as well as weaker PAS staining. Compared to mice treated with HNE alone, in HNE + TAPI-2-treated mice, the levels of TACE, EGFR, and MUC5AC mRNA and protein as well as p-EGFR protein were significantly reduced (p < 0.01). In HNE + AG1478-treated mice, EGFR and MUC5AC mRNA and protein levels and p-EGFR protein expression were reduced significantly (p < 0.01), but the difference in TACE mRNA and protein expression between the HNE + AG1478 and HNE groups was not significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using a newly developed, stable experimental model of nasal hypersecretion in mice, we showed that TAPI-2 or AG1478 inhibited HNE-induced MUC5AC production. This suggests that MUC5AC mucin expression in vivo is mediated by a cascade involving the HNE-TACE-EGFR signalling pathway.

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Its Counteractive Utility in Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

An altered redox status accompanied by an elevated generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) has been implicated in a number of diseases including colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC, being one of the most common cancers worldwide, has been reported to be associated with multiple environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., dietary habits, obesity, and physical inactivity) and harboring heightened oxidative stress that results in genomic instability. Although under normal condition ROS regulate many signal transduction pathways including cell proliferation and survival, overwhelming of the antioxidant capacity due to metabolic abnormalities and oncogenic signaling leads to a redox adaptation response that imparts drug resistance. Nevertheless, excessive reliance on elevated production of ROS makes the tumor cells increasingly vulnerable to further ROS insults, and the abolition of such drug resistance through redox perturbation could be instrumental to preferentially eliminate them. The goal of this review is to demonstrate the evidence that links redox stress to the development of CRC and assimilate the most up-to-date information that would facilitate future investigation on CRC-associated redox biology. Concomitantly, we argue that the exploitation of this distinct biochemical property of CRC cells might offer a fresh avenue to effectively eradicate these cells.

Low Levels of SPARC are Associated with Tumor Progression and Poor Prognosis in Human Endometrial Carcinoma

Background

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine), also known as osteonectin, BM-40, and 43 K protein, is a matricellular protein associated with various tumor progressions. The aim of this research was to investigate the prognostic value of SPARC in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and its function in cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Methods

From both mRNA and protein levels, SPARC expression in normal endometrial tissue and EC tissue, normal endometrial cells and 4 EC cell lines (KLE, HEC-1A, HEC-1B, Ishikawa) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunocytochemistry (ICC), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. RNA interference mediated by lentivirus was performed to get the stable SPARC down-expressing cells. The functional analysis techniques in vitro and in vivo were used to detect the effects of SPARC knockdown on EC cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis.

Results

The expressions of SPARC in EC tissues and cells were much lower than those in normal endometrial cells and tissues; meanwhile, its low expression was closely related to the malignant clinicopathological characteristics of EC. SPARC knockdown could inhibit apoptosis, promote the process of EMT and improve the proliferation and invasion capacities of EC cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

The low expression of SPARC was detected in EC tissues and cells, which was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of EC patients. SPARC acted as a tumor suppressor gene that hindered EC progression, which proposed a new therapeutic strategy for EC treatment.

Alterations of Lipid Metabolism in Cancer: Implications in Prognosis and Treatment

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the course of this multistage and multifactorial disease, a set of alterations takes place, with genetic and environmental factors modulating tumorigenesis and disease progression. Metabolic alterations of tumors are well-recognized and are considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Cancer cells adapt their metabolic competences in order to efficiently supply their novel demands of energy to sustain cell proliferation and metastasis. At present, there is a growing interest in understanding the metabolic switch that occurs during tumorigenesis. Together with the Warburg effect and the increased glutaminolysis, lipid metabolism has emerged as essential for tumor development and progression. Indeed, several investigations have demonstrated the consequences of lipid metabolism alterations in cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, three basic steps occurring during metastasis. In addition, obesity and associated metabolic alterations have been shown to augment the risk of cancer and to worsen its prognosis. Consequently, an extensive collection of tumorigenic steps has been shown to be modulated by lipid metabolism, not only affecting the growth of primary tumors, but also mediating progression and metastasis. Besides, key enzymes involved in lipid-metabolic pathways have been associated with cancer survival and have been proposed as prognosis biomarkers of cancer. In this review, we will analyze the impact of obesity and related tumor microenviroment alterations as modifiable risk factors in cancer, focusing on the lipid alterations co-occurring during tumorigenesis. The value of precision technologies and its application to target lipid metabolism in cancer will also be discussed. The degree to which lipid alterations, together with current therapies and intake of specific dietary components, affect risk of cancer is now under investigation, and innovative therapeutic or preventive applications must be explored.

LRH1 Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration and Is Correlated With Poor Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer

Background

Liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH1) plays a vital role in several human cancers, but its role in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. We aimed to explore the functions of LRH1 and its clinical relevance.

Methods

LRH1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The effects of LRH1 on tumor cell proliferation, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the functions of LRH1.

Results

RT-qPCR showed that LRH1 mRNA expression was higher in the invasive lesions (P < 0.05). LRH1 overexpression was extremely related with elevated International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.011), peritoneal metastasis (P = 0.001), and platinum resistance (P = 0.037). Furthermore, LRH1 expression was an independent prognostic index for disease-free survival in patients with OC (P = 0.041). LRH1 overexpression (P = 0.011), FIGO stage (P < 0.001), and ascites (P = 0.015) independently affected peritoneal metastasis in patients with OC. LRH1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and EMT of human OC cells (P < 0.05); however, it reversed cisplatin resistance. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the functions of LRH1 were associated with the PRC1 complex, nuclear ubiquitin ligase complex, and Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of the predictive value of LRH1 on peritoneal metastasis and poor outcome and highlights the potential role of LRH1 as a biomarker for the targeted therapy of OC. Furthermore, LRH1 promotes OC cell proliferation, migration, and EMT in vitro, and its functions may be associated with PRC1 complex, nuclear ubiquitin ligase complex, and PcG proteins.

MiR-101-3p and Syn-Cal14.1a Synergy in Suppressing EZH2-Induced Progression of Breast Cancer

Objective

EZH2 is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and has been documented as an oncogene in breast cancer. The microRNA (miR)-101-3p can suppress breast cancer progression by targeting with EZH2. Syn-cal14.1a, a synthetic peptide derived from Californiconus californicus (Cal14.1a), can decrease the cell viability and activate the cell apoptosis in cancer. In this study, we explored whether the synergy of miR-101-3p mimic and syn-cal14.1a could inhibit the expression of EZH2. We also investigated this binding treatment’s effects on the suppression of breast cancer cells.

Methods

MiR-101-3p mimic was transfected and syn-cal14.1a was added in SK-BR-3 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The expression of EZH2 protein level was determined. Then, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were observed.

Results

MiR-101-3p and syn-cal14.1a, when applied together, exerted a synergistic anti-EZH2 expression in breast cancer cells. The combination of miR-101-3p and syn-cal14.1a synergistically suppressed the EZH2-induced breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. In parallel, this synergy treatment was able to promote the apoptosis of breast cancer cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing inhibition of EZH2 in human breast cancer cell lines by syn-cal14.1a.

Conclusion

The anti-EZH2 roles of miR-101-3p and/or syn-cal14.1a could provide an effective therapeutic strategy in breast cancer. These data provide significant insights into molecular mechanisms of breast cancer and may have benefits in clinical therapeutics for breast cancer.

Prognostic significance of E-cadherin and Cox 2 expression in Tunisian patients with colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Mucinous colorectal carcinoma (MC) is a rare subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma known to be associated with bad prognosis. Lately, research has turned to identify new prognostic markers allowing the use of targeted therapy. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of E-cadherin and Cox-2expression in MC.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A total of 40 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded MC specimens were collected within a period of 13 years and were studied for the expression of the two proteins. We used SPSS 22 software to study associations with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A reduced or absent E-cadherin expression was noted in 52.5% of cases. It was associated with distant metastases (p = 0.049) and venous invasion (p = 0.049). Cox-2 was overexpressed in 17.5% of cases. It was associated with negative lymph node status (p = 0.020) and with early stage tumor (p = 0.020). A significant association between the two proteins was also noted (p = 0.04). No significant association with OS was found; However, there was an improvement in the survival of patients overexpressing Cox-2 (p = 0.16).

CONCLUSION

Our findings link the loss of E-cadherin expression with spread and aggressiveness in MC and Cox-2 overexpression with better prognosis and survival. Because MC has a distinct genetic pathway we encourage the analysis of MSI and Cox-2 expression in all MC. Cox-2 inhibitors may not be effective chemopreventative agents in the setting of defective DNA mismatch repair. More molecular studies are needed to better understand the role of these markers and their prognostic significance in MC.

Relationship between aspirin use of esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer patient survival: a meta-analysis

Background

Many studies have found that use of aspirin can lengthen survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the survival benefit of aspirin use compared with non-aspirin use for patients with esophageal, gastric or colorectal cancer.

Methods

We searched online databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and www.clinicaltrials.gov for studies that were conducted, before April 30th, 2020, to identify relevant studies. Overall survival and cancer-specific survival of esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers among aspirin users were compared with those among non-aspirin users. Data extraction and quality evaluation were independently conducted by 2 investigators. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled risk ratios (RRs) for overall survival and cancer-specific survival by using either a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included in this meta-analysis, with more than 74,936 patients. There were no significant differences between postdiagnosis aspirin use and overall survival for esophageal and gastric cancers. For colorectal cancer, a benefit that was associated with postdiagnosis aspirin use was observed for overall survival and cancer-specific survival [HR = 0.83, 95%CI(0.75, 0.9.);HR = 0.78, 95%CI(0.66, 0.92), respectively. However, a prediagnosis of aspirin use did not provide a benefit for overall or cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer. HR values for overall and cancer-specific survival benefits for colorectal cancer associated with both prediagnosis and postdiagnosis aspirin were as follows: HR = 0.75, 95%CI(0.61, 0.92) and HR = 0.78, 95%CI(0.73, 0.85), respectively. In addition, the survival benefit of postdiagnosis aspirin use appeared to be confined to patients with mutated PIK3CA tumors [HR = 0.78, 95%CI(0.50, 0.99)] and was positive for PTGS2 (COX-2) expression [HR = 0.75, 95%CI(0.43, 1.30)].

Conclusions

These findings provide further indications that postdiagnosis aspirin use improves overall survival and cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer, especially for patients who are positive for PTGS2 (COX-2) expression and PIK3CA-mutated tumors. However, aspirin therapy does not improve overall survival in esophageal and gastric cancers, although the meta-analysis was mainly limited to retrospective studies.

Evaluation of Glycosylated PTGS2 in Colorectal Cancer for NSAIDS-Based Adjuvant Therapy

Observational/retrospective studies indicate that prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2) inhibitors could positively affect colorectal cancer (CRC) patients' survival after diagnosis. To obtain an acceptable cost/benefit balance, the inclusion of PTGS2 inhibitors in the adjuvant setting needs a selective criterion. We quantified the 72 kDa, CRC-associated, glycosylated form of PTGS2 in 100 frozen CRC specimens and evaluated PTGS2 localization by IHC in the same tumors, scoring tumor epithelial-derived and stroma-derived fractions. We also investigated the involvement of interleukin-1 beta (IL1β) in PTGS2 induction, both in vitro and in CRC lysates. Finally, we used overall survival (OS) as a criterion for patient selection. Glycosylated PTGS2 can be quantified with high sensibility in tissue lysates, but the expression in both tumor and stromal cells limits its use for predictive purposes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis indicates that stromal PTGS2 expression could exert a protective role on patient OS. Stromal PTGS2 was prevalently expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts exerting a barrier function near the gut lumen, and it apparently favored the antitumor M1 macrophage population. IL1β was directly linked to gPTGS2 expression both in vitro and in tumors, but its activity was apparently prevalent on the stromal cell population. We suggest that stromal PTGS2 could exert a positive effect on patients OS when expressed in the luminal area of the tumor.

EFEMP2 Suppresses the Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Down-Regulating MMPs

Background

Epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 2 (EFEMP2), also known as fibulin-4, MBP1 and UPH1, is an extracellular matrix protein associated with a variety of tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value and the function of EFEMP2 in lung cancer.

Methods

The mRNA and protein expression of EFEMP2 in lung normal and cancer tissues, lung cancer cell lines (A549, H460, H1299 and H1650) and normal epithelial cell line BEAS-2B were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The Public databases (Oncomine and Kaplan-Meier plotter) were used to investigate the prognostic value of EFEMP2 in lung cancer. RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression transfection were performed to detect the effects of EFEMP2 up- or down-regulation on lung normal and cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo.

Results

EFEMP2 was lowly expressed in lung cancer tissues and cells, and its low expression was associated with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis of lung cancer. The same conclusion had been drawn from the Public databases. EFEMP2 overexpression significantly inhibited the invasion of lung cancer cells, hampered the process of EMT, and decreased the expression and activity of MMP2 and MMP9, while EFEMP2 knockdown remarkably enhanced the invasion of lung cancer cells, promoted EMT, and increased the expression and activity of MMP2 and MMP9.

Conclusion

The low expression of EFEMP2 was detected in lung cancer and was positively correlated with the poor prognosis of patients. EFEMP2 was a tumor suppressor gene that inhibited the progress of lung cancer, which suggested a new research objective for the future studies.

STEAP2 is down-regulated in breast cancer tissue and suppresses PI3K/AKT signaling and breast cancer cell invasion in vitro and in vivo

The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 2 (STEAP2) protein was identified in advanced prostate cancer, and is highly over-expressed in various types of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value and the function of STEAP2 in breast cancer. STEAP2 mRNA and protein expressions in breast normal and cancer tissues, breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, BT-549, BT-474, MDA-MB-361, HCC1937, and MDA-MB-468) and normal mammary epithelial cell lines (HBL-100 and MCF-10A) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, real time RT-qPCR and western blotting. The expression of STEAP2 in breast cancer tissues and its value of evaluating the prognosis of breast cancer patients was validated in the Public Databases (Oncomine and Kaplan-Meier plotter database). Lentiviral vectors with STEAP2 cDNA and shRNA were constructed and used to infect breast cancer cell lines and normal mammary epithelial cell line to investigate the effects of STEAP2 up- and down- regulation on the biological behavior of breast cells. The low expression of STEAP2 was detected in breast cancer tissues, which was associated with malignant phenotype and poor prognosis of breast cancer. The public databases analyses were consistent with our findings. STEAP2 up-regulation hindered cellular proliferation, invasion and metastasis abilities by inhibiting EMT process and suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. On the other hand, STEAP2 down-regulation could promote cell proliferation and invasion by inducing EMT and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Collectively, STEAP2 acted as an anti-oncogene in breast cancer development, which suggested a new research objective for the future studies.

EFEMP2 Inhibits Breast Cancer Invasion And Metastasis In Vitro And In Vivo

Background

EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 2 (EFEMP2) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, which is regarded as potential prognostic biomarkers in some carcinoma. Little is known about the association of EFEMP2 and breast cancer.

Methods

EFEMP2 expressions in normal breast tissue, benign fibroadenoma, breast cancer, the normal mammary epithelial cell line, and 4 different invasive breast cancer cell lines were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Expression and prognostic value of EFEMP2 in breast cancer were verified by the Public databases (Oncomine and Kaplan-Meier plotter database). Lentiviral vector with EFEMP2 cDNA was constructed and used to infect breast cancer cell lines to investigate the effects of EFEMP2 on the biological behavior of breast cancer cells by functional in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

Down-regulated EFEMP2 expression was found in breast cancer tissues and cells, and low expression of EFEMP2 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Analysis by the Public database leaded to the same conclusion. Up-regulated EFEMP2 expression significantly hampered the invasion and metastasis abilities of breast cancer cells and the process of epithelial interstitial transformation (EMT) via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusion

EFEMP2 expression was lower in breast cancer and closely related to the prognosis of patients, its anti-oncogenic roles indicated the underlying therapeutic target for the future treatment of breast cancer.

Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 is associated with tumor invasion and migration in endometrial carcinomas

Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), a member of the STEAP family, is a general tumor antigen. However, no information has been available to date regarding the function of STEAP1 in the progression of endometrial carcinoma. In this study, we used in vitro and in vivo strategies to prove that STEAP1 plays an important role in the progression of endometrial carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of STEAP1 in normal endometrial cells and endometrial cancer cell lines. The progression of the cell cycle, plate clone formation assay, and transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to examine the effects of STEAP1 on cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration, and their invasive capacity. In addition, we confirmed that STEAP1 was tightly correlated with the development of tumor in vivo. The relationship between epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and STEAP1 expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) zymography assay was used to detect the activities of MMP2 and MMP9. STEAP1 was restrictively expressed in endometrial carcinoma and downregulation of the STEAP1 gene increased proliferation and clonogenicity, as well as promoted cell migration, invasion, and the progress of EMT. STEAP1 is downregulated in endometrial carcinoma and can restrict migration and invasion of endometrial carcinoma cells. Overall, STEAP1 may be an ideal target for tumor therapy and diagnosis in the future.

Role of VEGF, CD105, and CD31 in the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Cases

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing globally. It is ranked as the second most common cancer in women and the third most in men. Angiogenesis plays a significant role in the development and spread of colorectal cancer. Angiogenesis has been proposed as a prognostic marker in a variety of human neoplasms. In this regard, markers of angiogenic endothelial cells are emerging as targets for cancer therapy.

AIM OF THE WORK

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic impact of tumor angiogenesis assessed by microvessel density (MVD) counting using CD31 and CD105 along with VEGF immunostaining in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

VEGF, CD31, and CD105 expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemical staining in 50 patients with colorectal cancer. The relationship between their expressions and clinicopathological factors and outcome of patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

The VEGF expression (70% of the cases) correlated significantly with larger tumor size, higher grade, and advanced tumor stage (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), respectively. The mean MVD was 24.2 ± VMD by CD105 (p = 0.10.65 019 for CD105, 19.2 ± 8.41 for CD31, respectively. MVD by CD31 (p = 0.023)) and was significant predictive factors for overall survival. Furthermore, the VEGF expression (p = < 0.001) was a significant predictive factor for DFS. There was a statistically significant association between the recurrence rates with both VEGF and CD105 (p < 0.001) but not significant with CD31.

CONCLUSION

CRC patients with high VEGF, CD105, and CD31 expression showed poor prognosis. The immunohistochemical markers could be used for stratification of patients into low-risk and high-risk groups.

Over-Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background:

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract. COX-2 plays an important role in CRC development and is a key target for the regression of colorectal tumorigenesis by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The present study was conducted to examine the relationship of the levels of COX-2 in CRC patients with the clinico-pathological parameters and also to assess its usefulness as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of CRC.

Methods:

Prior to surgery, 30 CRC patients were enrolled and the samples from colon tumors and surrounding tissues were taken after they underwent surgical intervention at PGIMER, Chandigarh. mRNA expression levels of COX-2 were examined in 30 CRC and adjacent normal colonic mucosa by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of COX-2 was assessed by immunohistochemical method using rabbit polyclonal antibodies against human COX-2 protein.

Results:

The quantitative relative expression of COX-2 mRNA was observed to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in colorectal cancer tissues as compared to adjacent normal colon tissues. Also, female CRC patients showed significantly higher (p<0.009) expression of COX-2 mRNA vis-a-vis male colorectal cancer patients. This is the first study which has reported a direct relationship between COX-2 mRNA expressions in male colorectal cancer patients versus females. Further, immunohistochemistry of COX-2 confirmed the quantitative real time-PCR findings.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that COX-2 over expression in colorectal carcinoma patients is closely associated with clinico-pathological parameters and is more pronounced in males versus females. Further, COX-2 mRNA expression can serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of CRC.

Inflammatory gene mRNA expression in human peripheral blood and its association with colorectal cancer

Objective

The present study planned to investigate the changes in the mRNA expression of inflammatory genes and their association with colorectal cancer (CRC). Our findings could be useful for noninvasive early screening of CRC patients.

Patients and methods

Venous blood of 20 CRC cases and 15 healthy controls was collected. The mRNA expression of COX-2, TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6 genes was carried out by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Relative quantification was done to find out the fold change of these genes.

Results

The mean age of cases and controls was 55 and 50 years, respectively. The ΔCt of COX-2, TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6 genes was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in cases as compared to controls. Subsequently, the mRNA expression of these genes was, respectively, 3.56-, 3.4-, 1.71- and 3.86-fold higher in CRC cases as compared to controls. Positive correlation of ΔCt of COX-2 was found with ΔCt of TNF-α (r = 0.461, p = 0.041) and NF-κB (r = 0.536, p = 0.015) in CRC cases. The mRNA expression of COX-2 was significantly lower in T2 stage, while mRNA expression of NF-κB was significantly lower in both T2 and T3 stages of CRC as compared to T4 stage.

Conclusion

The increased mRNA expression of COX-2 along with the high mRNA expression of TNF-α, NF-κB and IL-6 genes may be associative risk factors for CRC. COX-2 and NF-κB genes were more expressed in advanced stages of CRC indicating their role in tumor progression. Our findings support the possible role of blood biomarker in the screening of CRC patients in the early stages.

Protein and DNA evidences of HCMV infection in primary breast cancer tissues and metastatic sentinel lymph nodes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide. There are evidences that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with several malignant tumors. This study aims to investigate the infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in a large sample of breast cancer patients, and conduct a correlation analysis of clinical and pathological factors, to provide evidence for whether HCMV infection is associated with breast cancer development, progression and metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 438 tissue samples (including breast cancer tissue, paracancerous tissue and sentinel lymph node [SLN] tissue) obtained from 146 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and intraoperatively underwent unilateral axillary SLN biopsy at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from June 2013 to June 2014 were included into this study. These tissue samples were divided into two groups: SLN positive group and SLN negative group. The clinical information is collated and numbered. Normal breast tissues of 40 patients with cyclomastopathy were taken as controls. The expressions of HCMV immediate-early (IE) and late antigen (LA) proteins of breast cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues, SLN tissues and normal breast tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and HCMV infection of the samples was graded according to the percentage of the positive cells, and HCMV IE2 mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The clinical data were collated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

HCMV IE and LA proteins were highly expressed in all breast cancer tissue samples. IE proteins were detected in 47.9% (70/146) of paracancerous tissue samples, and LA proteins were detected in 53.4% (78/146) of paracancerous tissue samples. IE and LA proteins were expressed in 92.6% of metastatic SLN samples (62/68) and in most of the tumor cells. Inflammatory cells in 60% (42/70) of non-metastatic samples were positive for HCMV. HCMV DNA was present in 100% of breast cancer tissue samples, 50% of paracancerous tissue samples, and 91% of metastatic SLN samples; but this was not present in HCMV negative and non-metastatic SLN samples. Differences in HCMV infection, and estrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptor, Elston classification, Ki67 percentage, Her-2 and Luminal type and other clinical indicators were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

HCMV infection is common in breast cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues and SLN tissues. The severity of HCMV infection varied markedly with tissue type. HCMV infection might be associated with metastasis and invasion of breast cancer. The expression of HCMV IE2 was associated to breast cancer and lymph node metastasis. The expression level of estrogen receptor-α was related to HCMV infection.

Montelukast, a CysLT1 receptor antagonist, reduces colon cancer stemness and tumor burden in a mouse xenograft model of human colon cancer

Inflammation is implicated in the etiology of sporadic colon cancer (CC), which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Here, we report that inhibition of the inflammatory receptor CysLT₁ through its antagonist, montelukast, is beneficial in minimizing stemness in CC and thereby minimizing tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of human colon cancer. Upon treatment with montelukast, colonospheres derived from HT-29 and SW-480 human colon cancer cells exhibited a significant phenotypic change coupled with the downregulation of mRNA and protein expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers ALDH1 and DCLK1. Moreover, montelukast reduced the size of HT-29 cell-derived tumors in mice. The reduction in tumor size was associated with decreased levels of ALDH1A1, DCLK1, BCL2 mRNA and macrophage infiltration into the tumor tissue. Interestingly, this treatment elevated levels of the tumor suppressor 15-PGDH while reducing COX-2 expression. Our data highlight the association of CysLT₁R with CSCs and demonstrate that inhibition of CysLT₁R could prove beneficial in minimizing CSC-induced tumor growth. This work advances the notion that targeting CSCs is a promising approach to improve outcomes in those afflicted with colon cancer.

Aspirin cooperates with p300 to activate the acetylation of H3K9 and promote FasL-mediated apoptosis of cancer stem-like cells in colorectal cancer

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) have been proposed as a key driving force of tumor growth and relapse in colorectal cancer (CRC), and therefore, they are promising targets for cancer therapy. Epidemiological evidence has suggested that the daily use of aspirin reduces overall mortality of CRC and the risk of distant metastasis. We investigated the effect and mechanism of aspirin on CSCs in CRC.

Methods: The ratio of CSCs was analyzed after aspirin treatment both in a cell model and patient samples. Chemically modified aspirin and immunoprecipitation were adopted to detect the target proteins of aspirin. A locus-specific light-inducible epigenetic modification system based on CRISPR technology was constructed to verify the causal relationship in these molecular events. In vivo characterization was performed in a xenograft model.

Results: We found that aspirin induces apoptosis in enriched colorectal CSCs, inhibits tumor progression, and enhances the anti-neoplastic effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, aspirin directly interacts with p300 in the nucleus, promotes H3K9 acetylation, activates FasL expression, and induces apoptosis in colorectal CSCs. Notably, these effects of aspirin are absent in non-CSCs since H3K9 is hypermethylated in non-CSCs and the effects are not induced by other NSAIDs. In addition, aspirin can suppress oxaliplatin-enriched CSCs and serve as an adjuvant therapy.

Conclusions: Taken together, we revealed a unique epigenetic and cox-independent pathway (p300-AcH3K9-FasL axis) by which aspirin eliminates colorectal CSCs. These findings establish an innovative framework of the therapeutic significance of aspirin.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression Is a Predictive Marker for Late Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer

Introduction

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is elevated in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, data about the relation between COX-2 expression and the impact on the biologic behavior of recurrent disease are inconclusive as yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the status of COX-2 expression in the primary CRC and the characteristics of recurrence after curative resection of stage I to III CRC.

Materials and Methods

Ninety-eight patients with recurrence in 376 CRC patients, who underwent curative surgery between January 1991 and August 2001, were retrospectively assessed. Immunohistochemical staining, performed for the presence of COX-2 on tissue microarrays, was analyzed.

Results

Forty-six patients showed elevated COX-2 expression, and 52 patients did not. The mean time to recurrence was significantly longer in the positive group than in the negative group (34.1 months ± 30.0 versus 21.9 months ± 17.4; P = 0.019). Positive COX-2 expression was correlated with late recurrence (>3 years after surgery) [43.5% versus 13.5%; P = 0.001]. In multivariate analysis, COX-2 expression was an independent factor associated with late recurrence (OR 4.656; 95% CI, 1.696 to 12.779; P = 0.003). Recurrence pattern and postrecurrence survival were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Elevated COX-2 expression in itself is not a prognostic factor, but COX-2 expression in tumor tissue may be an independent predictive marker of late recurrence for patients with stage I to III CRC.

Expression analysis of HMGB1 in histological samples of malignant pleural mesothelioma

AIMS

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin structural protein, expressed ubiquitously in the nuclei of mammalian cells. When transported extracellularly, it acts as a tumour suppressor and oncogenic protein. In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), high serum levels of HMGB1 have been related to a poor prognosis. Conversely, the significance of HMGB1 expression in MPM tissues is still unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Biopsy samples from 170 patients with MPM were assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate HMGB1 protein and gene expression. The expression level of HMGB1 protein was scored using a semiquantitative system that sums the intensity (0-3) and the percentage (from 0 to 4) of positively stained cells in nuclei, cytoplasm and in both. The final score was considered as high (>3) or low (<3) expression. Gene expression levels were calculated using the ΔΔC_t method. High expression levels of HMGB1 as total (P = 0.0011) and cytoplasmic score (P = 0.0462) were related to a worse disease-specific survival (DSS) in the entire cohort and in the clinicopathological subgroups. No significant correlation was found between HMGB1 gene expression and DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that HMGB1 may be a useful prognostic biomarker in MPM when detected by immunohistochemistry. Conversely, as it is also expressed in normal and reactive mesothelial cells, HMGB1 cannot be considered a diagnostic biomarker in histological samples of mesothelioma.

Correlated non-nuclear COX2 and low HER2 expression confers a good prognosis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

COX2 and HER2 are shown to be critical in the regulation of cancer progression. However, the prognostic value of nuclear COX2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its relationship with HER2 still remains unknown. In this study, the expression and biological significance of COX2 and HER2 were evaluated in CRC at mRNA and protein levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RNA-Seq data of CRC were downloaded from TCGA, and 229 CRC and 50 non-cancerous subjects were enrolled in this study. Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed based on the obtained data. Survival analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with overall survival of CRC patients.

RESULTS

We showed that mRNA and protein levels of COX2 and HER2 were upregulated in CRC compared with the adjacent tissues. COX2 protein levels and nuclear COX2 expression were correlated with a poor prognosis of CRC patients. In addition, we also revealed that nuclear COX2 expression was positively associated with HER2 expression. Non-nuclear COX2 combined with low HER2 expression, was negatively correlated with Duke's stage and lymph node metastasis, predicting the best outcomes for CRC patients. In addition, our data indicated that non-nuclear COX2 combined with low HER2 expression is an independent prognostic factor for CRC after surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that nuclear COX2 in combination with HER2 can serve as potential biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, and targeted inhibition of COX2 and HER2 might be an alternative strategy for the management of CRC.

TRIM44 promotes proliferation and metastasis in non‑small cell lung cancer via mTOR signaling pathway

Tripartite motif-containing protein 44 (TRIM44) was recently identified as a potential therapeutic target in several types of malignancy, but its effect on the clinical course of malignancy and its underlying regulatory mechanism remain largely unknown. The present study shows that upregulation of TRIM44 is associated with poor differentiation, advanced pTNM stage, adenocarcinoma subtype, lymph node metastasis and, most importantly, unfavorable survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TRIM44 knockdown inhibited the invasion and migration of human NSCLC cells, which was concurrent with downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers. Overexpression of TRIM44 induced the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Additionally, TRIM44 induced cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo by accelerating G1/S transition via upregulation of cyclins and CDKs. TRIM44-induced mTOR signaling, EMT, and cyclin/CDK upregulation were reversed by treatment with a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. These results provide a model for the relationship between TRIM44 expression and lung cancer progression, and open up new avenues for the prognosis and therapy of lung cancer.

Long non-coding RNA FEZF1-AS1 facilitates cell proliferation and migration in colorectal carcinoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been shown to play important roles in the development and progression of cancer. Here, we discovered a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) FEZF1 antisense RNA1 (FEZF1-AS1) is markedly upregulated in human primary colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and associated with CRC metastasis and poor prognosis. Moreover, the downregulation of FEZF1-AS1 expression significantly inhibited the CRC cells proliferation, migration and invasiveness, suppressed S-phase entry in vitro, and repressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of FEZF1-AS1 could promote the aggressive behaviors of CRC cells. We further discovered that the downregulation of FEZF1-AS1 reduced its sense-cognate gene FEZF1 mRNA and protein expression in CRC cells. There was a positive correlation between FEZF1-AS1 and FEZF1 expression in CRC. Moreover, FEZF1 knockdown also significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Our findings indicate that the dysregulation of FEZF1-AS1 participates in colorectal tumorigenesis and progression, which might be achieved, at least in part, through FEZF1 induction.

MIER3 suppresses colorectal cancer progression by down-regulating Sp1, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Mesoderm induction early response 1, family member 3 (MIER3) has recently been identified as a potential cancer susceptibility gene. However, the expression pattern and the role of MIER3 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not yet been well characterized. Here, we reported that MIER3 was significantly reduced in human primary colorectal cancer and was associated with CRC metastasis and poor prognosis. Moreover, the up-regulation of MIER3 expression significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and repressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In contrast, down-regulation of MIER3 could promote the aggressive behaviors of CRC cells. Furthermore, our study showed that MIER3 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion partially via reduction of Sp1 and subsequent suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion, our data suggested that MIER3 plays a potential tumor suppressor role in CRC progression and may be a potentially valuable clinical prognostic marker of this disease.

Curcumin as a clinically-promising anti-cancer agent: pharmacokinetics and drug interactions

INTRODUCTION

Curcumin has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer properties. While a diverse array of in vitro and preclinical research support the prospect of curcumin use as an anti-cancer therapeutic, most human studies have failed to meet the intended clinical expectation. Poor systemic availability of orally-administered curcumin may account for this disparity. Areas covered: This descriptive review aims to concisely summarise available clinical studies investigating curcumin pharmacokinetics when administered in different formulations. A critical analysis of pharmacokinetic- and pharmacodynamic-based interactions of curcumin with concomitantly administered drugs is also provided. Expert opinion: The encouraging clinical results of curcumin administration are currently limited to people with colorectal cancer, given that sufficient curcumin concentrations persist in colonic mucosa. Higher parent curcumin systemic exposure, which can be achieved by several newer formulations, has important implications for optimal treatment of cancers other than those in gastrointestinal tract. Curcumin-drug pharmacokinetic interactions are also almost exclusively in the enterocytes, owing to extensive first pass metabolism and poor curcumin bioavailability. Greater scope of these interactions, i.e. modulation of the systemic elimination of co-administered drugs, may be expected from more-bioavailable curcumin formulations. Further studies are still warranted, especially with newer formulations to support the inclusion of curcumin in cancer therapy regimens.

Jacalin Has Chemopreventive Effects on Colon Cancer Development

Colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, has a slow natural history that provides a great opportunity for prevention strategies. Plant-derived natural products have received considerable attention because of their inherent colorectal cancer chemopreventive effects. The plant lectin jacalin specifically recognizes the tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen and has antiproliferative effects on human colon cancer cells, highlighting its potential antitumor activity. To evaluate jacalin's potential application in colorectal cancer chemoprevention, we studied its effects on the early stages of carcinogenesis. Balb/c mice were given 4 intrarectal deposits of 0.1 ml solution of Methyl-N'-Nitro-N-Nitroso-Guanidine (5 mg/ml) twice a week (with a 3-day interval) for 2 weeks. Starting 2 weeks before carcinogen administration, animals were treated orally with jacalin (0.5 and 25 μg) three times a week (on alternate weekdays) for 10 weeks. We show that jacalin treatment reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions in carcinogen-exposed mice. This anticarcinogenic activity was associated with decreased colonic epithelial cell proliferation and stromal COX-2 expression and with increased intestinal production of TNF-α. Our results demonstrate that jacalin is able to modulate the early stages of colon carcinogenesis and emphasize its promising chemopreventive activity in colorectal cancer.

Smad3 mutant mice develop colon cancer with overexpression of COX-2

Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-associated mortality in human populations. The aim of the present study was to identify the role of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in Smad3 mutant mice, which are known to develop colon cancer. Homozygous Smad3 (-/-) mutant mice were generated from inbred and hybrid Smad3 mouse strains by intercrossing the appropriate heterozygotes. Immunohistochemistry with COX-2 antibody was performed throughout this experiment and the data was validated and cross-checked with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Homozygous mutant Smad3 mice were generated and the overexpression pattern of COX-2 was identified by immunohistochemistry and validated with RT-PCR. The results of the present study demonstrated a link between the Smad3 mutant mice, colon cancer and COX-2. In addition, the overexpression pattern of COX-2 in Smad3 mutant mice that develop colon cancer was identified.

HSP90B1 overexpression predicts poor prognosis in NSCLC patients

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85 % of lung cancer-related mortality worldwide. The heat shock protein 90B1 (HSP90B1) and DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) are endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins that are associated with many malignancies. However, the roles of two proteins on NSCLC remain uncovered. To investigate the correlation between the expressions of HSP90B1 and DDIT3 and clinicopathological parameters of NSCLC as well as the significance of prognosis in NSCLC, a total of 143 NSCLC tissue samples and 45 control tissues samples were assessed. NSCLC patients were followed up from the day of surgery and ended by March 2014. The expressions of HSP90B1 and DDIT3 proteins were detected in all paraffin-embedded biopsy samples by immunochemistry. The HSP90B1 was highly expressed (65.2 %) in the 143 NSCLC patients, and its high expression was correlated with clinical stages (P = 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.016). Similarly, DDIT3 was highly expressed in 43 (30.1 %) of 143 NSCLC patients, but only correlated with lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, Log-rank test suggested that high HSP90B1 expression may predict shorter survival (overall survival (OS)) and disease-free survival (DFS) for NSCLC patients. Cox model multivariate analyses indicated that HSP90B1 overexpression was an independent poor prognostic factor for both of OS and DFS. Therefore, HSP90B1 and DDIT3 may the potential biomarker to predict the NSCLC clinicopathological progress. Meanwhile, high HSP90B1 expression means poor prognosis, and HSP90B1 can be a promising prognosis factor for NSCLC.

WNT2 Promotes Cervical Carcinoma Metastasis and Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Background

Previously, we found an 11-gene signature could predict pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM), and WNT2 is one of the key genes in the signature. This study explored the expression and underlying mechanism of WNT2 in PLNM of cervical cancer.

Methods

WNT2 expression level in cervical cancer was detected using western blotting, quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Two WNT2-specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to explore the effects of WNT2 on invasive and metastatic ability of cancer cells, and to reveal the possible mechanism of WNT2 affecting epithelial—mesenchymal transition (EMT). The correlation between WNT2 expression and PLNM was further investigated in clinical cervical specimens.

Results

Both WNT2 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in cervical cancer. High WNT2 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, lymphovascular space involvement, positive parametrium, and most importantly, PLNM. PLNM and WNT2 expression were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-free survival. WNT2 knockdown inhibited SiHa cell motility and invasion and reversed EMT by inhibiting the WNT2/β-catenin pathway. WNT2 overexpression in cervical cancer was associated with β-catenin activation and induction of EMT, which further contributed to metastasis in cervical cancer.

Conclusion

WNT2 might be a novel predictor of PLNM and a promising prognostic indicator in cervical cancer.

Cyclical DNA Methylation and Histone Changes Are Induced by LPS to Activate COX-2 in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces release of inflammatory mediators both in immune and epithelial cells. We investigated whether changes of epigenetic marks, including selected histone modification and DNA methylation, may drive or accompany the activation of COX-2 gene in HT-29 human intestinal epithelial cells upon exposure to LPS. Here we describe cyclical histone acetylation (H3), methylation (H3K4, H3K9, H3K27) and DNA methylation changes occurring at COX-2 gene promoter overtime after LPS stimulation. Histone K27 methylation changes are carried out by the H3 demethylase JMJD3 and are essential for COX-2 induction by LPS. The changes of the histone code are associated with cyclical methylation signatures at the promoter and gene body of COX-2 gene.

Human neutrophil elastase induces MUC5AC overexpression in chronic rhinosinusitis through tumour necrosis factor-α converting enzyme

Conclusion The HNE-TACE signalling pathway has an important role in the process of MUC5AC overexpression in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Objectives To provide evidence of HNE-induced MUC5AC overexpression in CRS via TACE. Method HE and PAS staining were used to assess the pathological changes in sinus mucosa samples from CRS or normal control. HNE, TACE, and MUC5AC expression in the sinonasal mucosa was determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the MUC5AC and TACE expression was determined in a primary culture of human nasal mucosa epithelial cells in vitro. Results On HE staining, the main pathological feature in the sinus mucosa of CRS patients was hyperplasia of goblet cells, inflammatory cells, and submucosal glands. Mucosa from the two experimental groups also showed strong expression on PAS staining. IHC and qRT-PCR demonstrated that HNE, TACE, and MUC5AC expression was significantly higher in the CRS patients compared with control samples (p < 0.05). MUC5AC mRNA expression was higher in cells stimulated by HNE than in untreated cells (p < 0.05). MUC5AC mRNA expression was significantly reduced in cells pre-treated with the TACE inhibitor TAPI-1 prior to HNE stimulation, compared with untreated and HNE-stimulated cells (p < 0.01).

A dual yet opposite growth-regulating function of miR-204 and its target XRN1 in prostate adenocarcinoma cells and neuroendocrine-like prostate cancer cells

Androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer (PCa) causes neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of prostatic adenocarcinomas (PAC) cells, leading to recurrence of PCa. Androgen-responsive genes involved in PCa progression including NED remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrated the importance of androgen receptor (AR)-microRNA-204 (miR-204)-XRN1 axis in PCa cell lines and the rat ventral prostate. Androgens downregulate miR-204, resulting in induction of XRN1 (5′-3′ exoribonuclease 1), which we identified as a miR-204 target. miR-204 acts as a tumor suppressor in two PAC cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv1) and as an oncomiR in two neuroendocrine-like prostate cancer (NEPC) cell lines (PC-3 and CL1). Importantly, overexpression of miR-204 and knockdown of XRN1 inhibited AR expression in PCa cells. Repression of miR-34a, a known AR-targeting miRNA, contributes AR expression by XRN1. Thus we revealed the AR-miR-204-XRN1-miR-34a positive feedback loop and a dual function of miR-204/XRN1 axis in prostate cancer.

Tropisetron suppresses colitis-associated cancer in a mouse model in the remission stage

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high risk for development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by enterochromaffin cells of the intestine. Serotonin and its receptors, mainly 5-HT3 receptor, are overexpressed in IBD and promote development of CAC through production of inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we demonstrated the in vivo activity of tropisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, against experimental CAC. CAC was induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DDS) in BALB/c mice. The histopathology of colon tissue was performed. Beta-catenin and Cox-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry as well as quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Alterations in the expression of 5-HT3 receptor and inflammatory-associated genes such as Il-1β, Tnf-α, Tlr4 and Myd88 were determined by qRT-PCR. Our results showed that tumor development in tropisetron-treated CAC group was significantly lower than the controls. The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of 5-HT3 receptor was significantly increased following CAC induction. In addition, tropisetron reduced expression of β-catenin and Cox-2 in the CAC experimental group. The levels of Il-1β, Tnf-α, Tlr4 and Myd88 were significantly decreased upon tropisetron treatment in the AOM/DSS group. Taken together, our data show that tropisetron inhibits development of CAC probably by attenuation of inflammatory reactions in the colitis.

Overexpression of SPARC correlates with poor prognosis in patients with cervical carcinoma and regulates cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is associated with the progression of numerous types of cancer. However, the role of SPARC in the progression of cervical cancer has not yet been adequately elucidated. In the current study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of SPARC in normal cervical tissue, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. In addition, three epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin) were detected by immunohistochemistry in the same specimens, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect the serum levels of SPARC in patients with cervical neoplasia. In highly invasive subclones of human cervical carcinoma cells, HeLa-1 and SiHa-1, lentiviral transfections were performed and RT-qPCR and western blot were used to investigate the effects of downregulated EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 on the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin. The results revealed that, in cervical carcinoma tissue, SPARC expression was significantly upregulated in a manner that positively correlated with N-cadherin and vimentin expression, and negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression. SPARC overexpression and high serum levels were significantly associated with the progression of cervical cancer and adverse prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Downregulation of SPARC can markedly reduce the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin and increase the expression of E-cadherin. Thus, overexpression of SPARC is significantly associated with poor prognostic clinicopathological characteristics in cervical carcinoma, and may be important in EMT. The results of the current study suggest that SPARC may be a potential therapeutic option for individuals diagnosed with cervical carcinoma.

Upregulation of metastasis-associated gene 2 promotes cell proliferation and invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Aims

Metastasis-associated gene 2 (MTA2) is reported to play an important role in tumor progression, but little is known about the role of MTA2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of the study was to explore the expression and function of MTA2 in NPC.

Methods

Expression of MTA2 in NPC tissues and cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Relationship between MTA2 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Stable MTA2-overexpressing and MTA2-siliencing NPC cells were established by transfection with plasmids encoding MTA2 cDNA and lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA, respectively. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. Cell migration ability was evaluated by wound healing and transwell invasion assay. The impact of MTA2 knockdown on growth and metastasis of CNE2 cells in vivo was determined by nude mouse xenograft models. Expression of several Akt pathway proteins was detected by Western blotting.

Results

MTA2 was upregulated in NPC tissues and three NPC cell lines detected (CNE1, CNE2, and HNE1). MTA2 expression was related to clinical stage and lymph node metastasis of patients with NPC. MTA2 upregulation promoted proliferation and invasion of CNE1 cells, while MTA2 depletion had opposite effects on CNE2 cells. Moreover, MTA2 depletion suppressed growth and metastasis of CNE2 cells in vivo. MTA2 overexpression activated Akt and upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 and cyclin D1.

Conclusion

We conclude that MTA2 acts as an oncogene in tumorigenesis of NPC. MTA2 may be a potential target for gene therapy in NPC.

Risk of prostate cancer in low-dose aspirin users: A retrospective cohort study

A growing body of evidence indicates that use of low-dose aspirin (LDA) reduces the risk of certain adenocarcinomas. While there are several and consistent findings on the protective effect of LDA on colorectal and other cancers, few and conflicting evidence is available on prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to assess whether LDA reduces the incidence rate of PCa. We conducted a nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study by using Health Search IMS Health Longitudinal Patient Database (HSD). Patients with ischemic cardio- or cerebrovascular disease (index date) were identified. Time-dependent multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were adopted to estimate Hazard Ratios (HRs) and related 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of PCa associated with use of LDA. The exposure was lagged by one year to consider the latency of drug effect on the outcome onset. Within a cohort 13,453 patients, the overall incidence rate of PCa was 2.5 per 1,000 person-years. Use of LDA was associated with a decreased incidence rate of PCa (HR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.86), which was primarily driven by a frequency of LDA use equal to or higher than twice per week (HR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.43-0.83). Such an association was more pronounced (HR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21-0.91) when LDA was used for five or more years. Our findings indicate that LDA use might be associated with a reduction of risk of PCa in patients with cardio- or cerebrovascular diseases.

Tissue Specific Promoters in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal carcinoma is the third most prevalent cancer in the world. In the most advanced stages, the use of chemotherapy induces a poor response and is usually accompanied by other tissue damage. Significant progress based on suicide gene therapy has demonstrated that it may potentiate the classical cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer. The inconvenience still rests with the targeting and the specificity efficiency. The main target of gene therapy is to achieve an effective vehicle to hand over therapeutic genes safely into specific cells. One possibility is the use of tumor-specific promoters overexpressed in cancers. They could induce a specific expression of therapeutic genes in a given tumor, increasing their localized activity. Several promoters have been assayed into direct suicide genes to cancer cells. This review discusses the current status of specific tumor-promoters and their great potential in colorectal carcinoma treatment.

Expression of Fascin-1 on human lung cancer and paracarcinoma tissue and its relation to clinicopathological characteristics in patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer poses a severe threat to human life. Biomarkers of cancers are helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancers. Biomarkers of lung cancers are rare, and thus deserve further research.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to explore the expression of Fascin-1 in human lung cancer and paracarcinoma tissue, its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in patients with lung cancer, and study the possible relationship between Fascin-1 expression and clinical-biological behavior of lung cancer.

METHOD

This study used the MaxVision two-step immunohistochemical detection method to detect Fascin-1 expression in 84 of lung cancer and paracarcinoma tissues. This study set the expression of Fascin-1 in vascular endothelial cells as the positive control, and used phosphate buffered saline (replacing the primary antibodies) as negative control.

RESULT

Of all the 84 lung cancer tissues and paracarcinoma tissues, positive expression of the Fascin-1 protein were detected in 78 cases (92.9%) and 27 cases (32.1%), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Differences in Fascin-1 expression between different age groups, clinical stages, and lymph node metastases were statistically significant (P<0.05), while differences in Fascin-1 expression between sexes, tumor stages, and pathological types demonstrated no statistical significance (P>0.05). The survival times of the patients with different Fascin-1 protein-positive expressions in lung cancer tissues were statistically significant (P>0.05), while the survival times of the patients with different Fascin-1 protein-positive expressions in paracarcinoma tissues were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

In lung cancer, Fascin-1 expression was closely related to tumor invasion and metastasis, and the difference in expression of Fascin-1 had a significant effect on the survival time of the lung cancer patients. Therefore, Fascin-1 might be expected to serve as a possible potential biomarker of lung cancer.

Aspirin use after diagnosis but not prediagnosis improves established colorectal cancer survival: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the survival benefit of aspirin use before or after diagnosis for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

DESIGN

Relevant studies were identified through searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases before May 2014. Two investigators extracted data independently for baseline characteristics and outcomes from the included studies. Either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model was derived to composite the pooled HR for overall mortality and CRC-specific mortality of CRC.

RESULTS

Seven studies on postdiagnosis aspirin therapy and seven studies on prediagnosis aspirin use were finally included in this meta-analysis. The overall survival benefit associated with postdiagnosis aspirin use represented an HR of 0.84 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.94). This effect was observed both in colon cancer (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.96) and in rectal cancer (HR=0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.98). Besides, the survival benefit of postdiagnosis aspirin use appeared to be confined to those patients with positive prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, also known as cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2) expression (HR=0.65, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.85) and with mutated PIK3CA tumours (HR=0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.90). Aspirin use postdiagnosis was not associated with CRC-specific mortality (HR=0.77, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.14). We observed no evidence of an association between prediagnosis aspirin use and CRC overall mortality (HR=1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.06) or CRC-specific mortality (HR=0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide further indication that postdiagnosis aspirin therapy improved CRC overall survival, especially for patients with positive PTGS2 (COX-2) expression and mutated PIK3CA tumours.