The role of the IGF system in cancer: from basic to clinical studies and clinical applications

IGF1R inhibition and PD-1 blockade improve anti-tumor immune response in epithelial ovarian cancer

Introduction

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays a key role in regulating growth and invasiveness in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and is considered a promising therapeutic target. EOC is an immunosuppressive disease, although there are limited data about the involvement of the IGF1R system in the anti-tumor immune response in the EOC microenvironment.

Methods

In the current study, we hypothesized that IGF 1 receptor (IGF1R) involvement in the maturation of dendritic cells (DC) with the co-inhibition of IGF1R and PD-1 would affect the EOC microenvironment.

Results

We found that DC pretreated with IGF1R inhibitor resulted in fewer EOC cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments conducted with an EOC mouse model, with anti-PD-1/IGF1R combined, resulted in lower tumor weight compared to individual treatments. Additionally, anti-PD-1/IGF1R treatment increased DC by 34% compared with AEW-541 and 40% with anti-PD-1. The combined treatment increased CD8+ T-cell levels compared to AEW-541 alone. RNA-seq data analysis indicated that anti-PD-1/IGF1R led to a more potent immune response, as reflected by altered gene expression levels related to anti-tumor immune response, compared with either treatment alone.

Discussion

These findings provide novel evidence that IGF1R axis inhibition combined with PD-1 blockade may be an effective therapeutic strategy for selected EOC patient populations.

Effects of T2DM on cancer progression: pivotal precipitating factors and underlying mechanisms

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting people worldwide. It is characterized by several key features, including hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and dysbiosis. Epidemiologic studies have shown that T2DM is closely associated with the development and progression of cancer. T2DM-related hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia contribute to cancer progression through complex signaling pathways. These factors increase drug resistance, apoptosis resistance, and the migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. Here, we will focus on the role of hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia associated with T2DM in cancer development. Additionally, we will elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on cancer progression. We aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for T2DM-related malignancies and explore relevant directions for future investigation.

Investigating underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, emerging therapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a clinically challenging malignancy constitutes a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality, characterized by an inherently poor prognosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by examining its multifaceted etiologies, including genetic mutations and environmental factors. The review explains the complex molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and summarizes current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and emerging modalities such as immunotherapy. Critical molecular pathways driving pancreatic cancer development, including KRAS, Notch, and Hedgehog, are discussed. Current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, are discussed, with an emphasis on their limitations, particularly in terms of postoperative relapse. Promising research areas, including liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, and gene editing, are explored, demonstrating the significant potential for enhancing diagnosis and treatment. While immunotherapy presents promising prospects, it faces challenges related to immune evasion mechanisms. Emerging research directions, encompassing liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and computational intelligence applications, hold promise for refining diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions. By integrating insights from genetic, molecular, and clinical research, innovative strategies that improve patient outcomes can be developed. Ongoing research in these emerging fields holds significant promise for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of this formidable malignancy.

Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor in Tobacco Smoking-Associated Lung Cancer Development

Cancer remains a significant global health concern, with lung cancer consistently leading as one of the most common malignancies. Genetic aberrations involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are known to be associated with cancer initiation and development, but RTK involvement in smoking-associated lung cancer cases is not well understood. The Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF-1R) is a receptor that plays a critical role in lung cancer development. Its signaling pathway affects the growth and survival of cancer cells, and high expression is linked to poor prognosis and resistance to treatment. Several reports have shown that by activating IGF-1R, tobacco smoke-related carcinogens promote lung cancer and chemotherapy resistance. However, the relationship between IGF-1R and cancer is complex and can vary depending on the type of cancer. Ongoing investigations are focused on developing therapeutic strategies to target IGF-1R and overcome chemotherapy resistance. Overall, this review explores the intricate connections between tobacco smoke-specific carcinogens and the IGF-1R pathway in lung carcinogenesis. This review further highlights the challenges in using IGF-1R inhibitors as targeted therapy for lung cancer due to structural similarities with insulin receptors. Overcoming these obstacles may require a comprehensive approach combining IGF-1R inhibition with other selective agents for successful cancer treatment.

Changes in Cells Associated with Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by pancreatic β-cells. It plays an important role as a metabolic hormone. Insulin influences the metabolism of glucose, regulating plasma glucose levels and stimulating glucose storage in organs such as the liver, muscles and adipose tissue. It is involved in fat metabolism, increasing the storage of triglycerides and decreasing lipolysis. Ketone body metabolism also depends on insulin action, as insulin reduces ketone body concentrations and influences protein metabolism. It increases nitrogen retention, facilitates the transport of amino acids into cells and increases the synthesis of proteins. Insulin also inhibits protein breakdown and is involved in cellular growth and proliferation. On the other hand, defects in the intracellular signaling pathways of insulin may cause several disturbances in human metabolism, resulting in several chronic diseases. Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, is due to the decreased reaction of insulin signaling for glucose levels, seen when glucose use in response to an adequate concentration of insulin is impaired. Insulin resistance may cause, for example, increased plasma insulin levels. That state, called hyperinsulinemia, impairs metabolic processes and is observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia may increase the risk of initiation, progression and metastasis of several cancers and may cause poor cancer outcomes. Insulin resistance is a health problem worldwide; therefore, mechanisms of insulin resistance, causes and types of insulin resistance and strategies against insulin resistance are described in this review. Attention is also paid to factors that are associated with the development of insulin resistance, the main and characteristic symptoms of particular syndromes, plus other aspects of severe insulin resistance. This review mainly focuses on the description and analysis of changes in cells due to insulin resistance.

Clinically relevant molecular hallmarks of PFA ependymomas display intratumoral heterogeneity and correlate with tumor morphology

Posterior fossa type A (PF-EPN-A, PFA) ependymoma are aggressive tumors that mainly affect children and have a poor prognosis. Histopathology shows significant intratumoral heterogeneity, ranging from loose tissue to often sharply demarcated, extremely cell-dense tumor areas. To determine molecular differences in morphologically different areas and to understand their clinical significance, we analyzed 113 PF-EPN-A samples, including 40 corresponding relapse samples. Cell-dense areas ranged from 0 to 100% of the tumor area and displayed a higher proportion of proliferating tumor cells (p < 0.01). Clinically, cell density was associated with poor progression-free and overall survival (pPFS = 0.0026, pOS < 0.01). Molecularly, tumor areas with low and high cell density showed diverging DNA methylation profiles regarding their similarity to distinct previously discovered PF-EPN-A subtypes in 9/21 cases. Prognostically relevant chromosomal changes at 1q and 6q showed spatial heterogeneity within single tumors and were significantly enriched in cell-dense tumor areas as shown by single-cell RNA (scRNA)-sequencing as well as copy number profiling and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of different tumor areas. Finally, spatial transcriptomics revealed cell-dense areas of different tumors to be more similar than various different areas of the same tumor. High-density areas distinctly overexpressed genes encoding histone proteins, WNT5A, TGFB1, or IGF2. Relapsing tumors displayed a higher proportion of cell-dense areas (p = 0.036), a change in PF-EPN-A methylation subtypes (13/32 patients), and novel chromosome 1q gains and 6q losses (12/32 cases) compared to corresponding primary tumors. Our data suggest that PF-EPN-A ependymomas habor a previously unrecognized intratumoral heterogeneity with clinical implications, which has to be accounted for when selecting diagnostic material, inter alia, by histological evaluation of the proportion of cell-dense areas.

Obesity, obesities and gastrointestinal cancers

Obesity has been recognized to be increasing globally and is designated a disease with adverse consequences requiring early detection and appropriate care. In addition to being related to metabolic syndrome disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and premature coronary artery disease. Obesity is also etiologically linked to several cancers. The non-gastrointestinal cancers are breast, uterus, kidneys, ovaries, thyroid, meningioma, and thyroid. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and colorectal. The brighter side of the problem is that being overweight and obese and cigarette smoking are mostly preventable causes of cancers. Epidemiology and clinical studies have revealed that obesity is heterogeneous in clinical manifestations. In clinical practice, BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in square meters (kg/m2). A BMI above 30 kg/m2 (defining obesity in many guidelines) is considered obesity. However, obesity is heterogeneous. There are subdivisions for obesity, and not all obesities are equally pathogenic. Adipose tissue, in particular, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is endocrine and abdominal obesity (a surrogate for VAT) is evaluated by waist-hip measurements or just waist measures. Visceral Obesity, through several hormonal mechanisms, induces a low-grade chronic inflammatory state, insulin resistance, components of metabolic syndrome, and cancers. Metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals in several Asian countries may have BMI below normal levels to diagnose obesity but suffer from many obesity-related complications. Conversely, some people have high BMI but are generally healthy with no features of metabolic syndrome. Many clinicians advise weight loss by dieting and exercise to metabolically healthy obese with large body habitus than to individuals with metabolic obesity but normal BMI. The GI cancers (esophagus, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and colorectal) are individually discussed, emphasizing the incidence, possible pathogenesis, and preventive measures. From 2005 to 2014, most cancers associated with overweight and Obesity increased in the United States, while cancers related to other factors decreased. The standard recommendation is to offer or refer adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more to intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions. However, the clinicians have to go beyond. They should critically evaluate BMI with due consideration for ethnicity, body habitus, and other factors that influence the type of obesity and obesity-related risks. In 2001, the Surgeon General's ``Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity'' identified obesity as a critical public health priority for the United States. At government levels reducing obesity requires policy changes that improve the food and physical activity for all. However, implementing some policies with the most significant potential benefit to public health is politically tricky. The primary care physician, as well as subspecialists, should identify overweight and Obesity based on all the variable factors in the diagnosis. The medical community should address the prevention of overweight and Obesity as an essential part of medical care as much as vaccination in preventing infectious diseases at all levels- from childhood, to adolescence, and adults.

Decoding the Influence of Obesity on Prostate Cancer and Its Transgenerational Impact

In recent decades, the escalating prevalence of metabolic disorders, notably obesity and being overweight, has emerged as a pressing concern in public health. Projections for the future indicate a continual upward trajectory in obesity rates, primarily attributable to unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles. The ramifications of obesity extend beyond its visible manifestations, intricately weaving a web of hormonal dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. This nexus of factors holds particular significance in the context of carcinogenesis, notably in the case of prostate cancer (PCa), which is a pervasive malignancy and a leading cause of mortality among men. A compelling hypothesis arises from the perspective of transgenerational inheritance, wherein genetic and epigenetic imprints associated with obesity may wield influence over the development of PCa. This review proposes a comprehensive exploration of the nuanced mechanisms through which obesity disrupts prostate homeostasis and serves as a catalyst for PCa initiation. Additionally, it delves into the intriguing interplay between the transgenerational transmission of both obesity-related traits and the predisposition to PCa. Drawing insights from a spectrum of sources, ranging from in vitro and animal model research to human studies, this review endeavors to discuss the intricate connections between obesity and PCa. However, the landscape remains partially obscured as the current state of knowledge unveils only fragments of the complex mechanisms linking these phenomena. As research advances, unraveling the associated factors and underlying mechanisms promises to unveil novel avenues for understanding and potentially mitigating the nexus between obesity and the development of PCa.

A Study on Survival Analysis Methods Using Neural Network to Prevent Cancers

Background: Cancer is one of the main global health threats. Early personalized prediction of cancer incidence is crucial for the population at risk. This study introduces a novel cancer prediction model based on modern recurrent survival deep learning algorithms. Methods: The study includes 160,407 participants from the blood-based cohort of the Korea Cancer Prevention Research-II Biobank, which has been ongoing since 2004. Data linkages were designed to ensure anonymity, and data collection was carried out through nationwide medical examinations. Predictive performance on ten cancer sites, evaluated using the concordance index (c-index), was compared among nDeep and its multitask variation, Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression, DeepSurv, and DeepHit. Results: Our models consistently achieved a c-index of over 0.8 for all ten cancers, with a peak of 0.8922 for lung cancer. They outperformed Cox PH regression and other survival deep neural networks. Conclusion: This study presents a survival deep learning model that demonstrates the highest predictive performance on censored health dataset, to the best of our knowledge. In the future, we plan to investigate the causal relationship between explanatory variables and cancer to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.

Adherence to the Paleolithic diet and Paleolithic-like lifestyle reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in the United States: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The plant-based paleolithic diet (PD) and the paleolithic-like lifestyle (PLL) may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including colorectal adenomas. These dietary and lifestyle approaches are proposed to exert their effects through mechanisms such as reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin levels. However, whether PD and PLL is associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been determined.

METHODS

A cohort of 74,721 individuals who participated in the PLCO study were included in this analysis. Adherence to the PD and PLL was assessed using PD and PLL scores, where higher scores indicated greater adherence. Multivariable Cox models were utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of CRC and its subsites (proximal colon cancer and distal CRC). Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential effect modifiers.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 9.2 years, a total of 694 CRC cases were identified. Participants in the highest compared with the lowest quartiles of PD score had a lower risk of CRC (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.95, P_trend = 0.009) and proximal colon cancer (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97, P_trend = 0.02). A stronger inverse association was observed for PLL score with the risk of CRC (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.81, P_trend < 0.001), proximal colon (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.83, P_trend = 0.001) and distal CRC (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48-0.98, P_trend = 0.03). Subgroup analyses revealed the inverse association of PD score with the risk of CRC was more pronounced in participants with BMI < 30 (Q4 vs Q1: HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.87) than in those with BMI ≥ 30 (Q4 vs Q1: HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.68-1.67) (P_interaction = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that adhering to the PD and PLL could be a new option to reduce CRC risk.

Amelioration of exosome and mesenchymal stem cells in rats infected with diabetic nephropathy by attenuating early markers and aquaporin-1 expression

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent diabetic microvascular condition. It is the leading cause of kidney disease in the advanced stages. There is no currently effective treatment available. This research aimed to investigate the curative potentials of exosomes isolated from mesenchymal stem cells affecting DN. This study was performed on 70 male adult albino rats. Adult rats were randomized into seven groups: Group I: Negative control group, Group II: DN group, Group III: Balanites treated group, Group IV: MSCs treated group, Group V: Exosome treated group, Group VI: Balanites + MSCs treated group and Group VII: Balanites + exosome treated group. Following the trial period, blood and renal tissues were subjected to biochemical, gene expression analyses, and histopathological examinations. Results showed that MDA was substantially increased, whereas TAC was significantly decreased in the kidney in the DN group compared to normal health rats. Undesired elevated values of MDA levels and a decrease in TAC were substantially ameliorated in groups co-administered Balanites aegyptiacae with MSCs or exosomes compared to the DN group. A substantial elevation in TNF-α and substantially diminished concentration of IGF-1 were noticed in DN rats compared to normal health rats. Compared to the DN group, the co-administration of Balanites aegyptiacae with MSCs or exosomes substantially improved the undesirable elevated values of TNF-α and IGF-1. Furthermore, in the DN group, the mRNA expression of Vanin-1, Nephrin, and collagen IV was significantly higher than in normal healthy rats. Compared with DN rats, Vanin-1, Nephrin, and collagen IV Upregulation were substantially reduced in groups co-administered Balanites aegyptiacae with MSCs or exosomes. In DN rats, AQP1 expression was significantly lower than in normal healthy rats. Furthermore, the groups co-administered Balanites aegyptiacae with MSCs or exosomes demonstrated a substantial increase in AQP1 mRNA expression compared to DN rats.

Hypoglycemic agents and incidence of pancreatic cancer in diabetic patients: a meta-analysis

Background and aims: Hypoglycemic agents are the primary therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetes and have been postulated to impact pancreatic cancer (PC) incidence in diabetic patients. We conducted a meta-analysis to further evaluate and establish the associations between four common types of hypoglycemic agents [metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), and insulin] and PC incidence in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified studies that analyzed the relationship between hypoglycemic agents and PC published between January 2012 and September 2022. Randomized control trials (RCTs), cohorts, and case-control studies were included if there was clear and evaluated defined exposure to the involved hypoglycemic agents and reported PC outcomes in patients with DM. Furthermore, reported relative risks or odds ratios (ORs) or other provided data were required for the calculation of odds ratios. Summary odds ratio estimates with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the random-effects model. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to figure out the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias detection were also performed. Results: A total of 11 studies were identified that evaluated one or more of the hypoglycemic agents, including three case-control studies and eight cohort studies. Among these, nine focused on metformin, six on sulfonylureas, seven on TZDs, and seven on insulin. Meta-analysis of the 11 observational studies reported no significant association between metformin (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.73-1.46) or TZDs (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.73-1.75) and PC incidence, while the risk of PC increased by 79% and 185% with sulfonylureas (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.29-2.49) and insulin (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.75-4.64), respectively. Considerable heterogeneity was observed among the studies and could not be fully accounted for by study design, region, or adjustment for other hypoglycemic agents. Conclusion: Sulfonylureas and insulin may increase the incidence of pancreatic cancer in diabetic patients, with varying effects observed among different ethnicities (Asian and Western). Due to significant heterogeneity across studies, further interpretation of the relationship between hypoglycemic agents and pancreatic cancer incidence in diabetic patients requires well-adjusted data and better-organized clinical trials.

Angiogenic signaling pathways and anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex and dynamic process regulated by various pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, which plays a crucial role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. With the advances in molecular and cellular biology, various biomolecules such as growth factors, chemokines, and adhesion factors involved in tumor angiogenesis has gradually been elucidated. Targeted therapeutic research based on these molecules has driven anti-angiogenic treatment to become a promising strategy in anti-tumor therapy. The most widely used anti-angiogenic agents include monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. However, the clinical benefit of this modality has still been limited due to several defects such as adverse events, acquired drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and lack of validated biomarkers, which impel further research on mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis, the development of multiple drugs and the combination therapy to figure out how to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Here, we broadly summarize various signaling pathways in tumor angiogenesis and discuss the development and current challenges of anti-angiogenic therapy. We also propose several new promising approaches to improve anti-angiogenic efficacy and provide a perspective for the development and research of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Obesity and main urologic cancers: Current systematic evidence, novel biological mechanisms, perspectives and challenges

Urologic cancers (UC) account for 13.1% of all new cancer cases and 7.9% of all cancer-related deaths. A growing body of evidence has indicated a potential causal link between obesity and UC. The aim of the present review is to appraise in a critical and integrative manner evidence from meta-analyses and mechanistic studies on the role of obesity in four prevalent UC (kidney-KC, prostate-PC, urinary bladder-UBC, and testicular cancer-TC). Special emphasis is given on Mendelian Randomization Studies (MRS) corroborating a genetic causal association between obesity and UC, as well as on the role of classical and novel adipocytokines. Furthermore, the molecular pathways that link obesity to the development and progression of these cancers are reviewed. Available evidence indicates that obesity confers increased risk for KC, UBC, and advanced PC (20-82%, 10-19%, and 6-14%, respectively), whereas for TC adult height (5-cm increase) may increase the risk by 13%. Obese females tend to be more susceptible to UBC and KC than obese males. MRS have shown that a higher genetic-predicted BMI may be causally linked to KC and UBC but not PC and TC. Biological mechanisms that are involved in the association between excess body weight and UC include the Insulin-like Growth Factor axis, altered availability of sex hormones, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, abnormal secretion of adipocytokines, ectopic fat deposition, dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract microbiomes and circadian rhythm dysregulation. Anti-hyperglycemic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, and adipokine receptor agonists/antagonists show potential as adjuvant cancer therapies. Identifying obesity as a modifiable risk factor for UC may have significant public health implications, allowing clinicians to tailor individualized prevention strategies for patients with excess body weight.

Body fatness associations with cancer: evidence from recent epidemiological studies and future directions

This narrative review highlights current evidence linking greater body fatness to risk of various cancers, with focus on evidence from recent large cohort studies and pooled analyses of cohort studies as well as Mendelian randomization studies (which utilized genetic variants associated with body mass index to debrief the causal effect of higher body fatness on cancer risk). This review also provides insights into the biological mechanisms underpinning the associations. Data from both observational and Mendelian randomization studies support the associations of higher body mass index with increased risk of many cancers with the strongest evidence for digestive system cancers, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancer, as well as kidney, endometrial, and ovarian (weak association) cancer. Evidence from observational studies suggests that greater body fatness has contrasting effects on breast cancer risk depending on menopausal status and on prostate cancer risk depending on disease stage. Experimental and Mendelian randomization studies indicate that adiponectin, insulin, and sex hormone pathways play an important role in mediating the link between body fatness and cancer risk. The possible role of specific factors and pathways, such as other adipocytokines and hormones and the gut microbiome in mediating the associations between greater body fatness and cancer risk is yet uncertain and needs investigation in future studies. With rising prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, the proportion of cancer caused by excess body fatness is expected to increase. There is thus an urgent need to identify efficient ways at the individual and societal level to improve diet and physical activity patterns to reduce the burden of obesity and accompanying comorbidities, including cancer.

Hallmarks of cancer: The insulin-like growth factors perspective

The identification of a series of attributes or hallmarks that are shared by virtually all cancer cells constitutes a true milestone in cancer research. The conceptualization of a catalogue of common genetic, molecular, biochemical and cellular events under a unifying Hallmarks of Cancer idea had a major impact in oncology. Furthermore, the fact that different types of cancer, ranging from pediatric tumors and leukemias to adult epithelial cancers, share a large number of fundamental traits reflects the universal nature of the biological events involved in oncogenesis. The dissection of a complex disease like cancer into a finite directory of hallmarks is of major basic and translational relevance. The role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) as a progression/survival factor required for normal cell cycle transition has been firmly established. Similarly well characterized are the biochemical and cellular activities of IGF1 and IGF2 in the chain of events leading from a phenotypically normal cell to a diseased one harboring neoplastic traits, including growth factor independence, loss of cell-cell contact inhibition, chromosomal abnormalities, accumulation of mutations, activation of oncogenes, etc. The purpose of the present review is to provide an in-depth evaluation of the biology of IGF1 at the light of paradigms that emerge from analysis of cancer hallmarks. Given the fact that the IGF1 axis emerged in recent years as a promising therapeutic target, we believe that a careful exploration of this signaling system might be of critical importance on our ability to design and optimize cancer therapies.

Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma: 2022 Update

CONTEXT

International variations in the rates of kidney cancer (KC) are considerable. An understanding of the risk factors for KC development is necessary to generate opportunities to reduce its incidence through prevention and surveillance.

OBJECTIVE

To retrieve and summarize global incidence and mortality rates of KC and risk factors associated with its development, and to describe known familial syndromes and genetic alterations that represent biologic risk factors.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was conducted via Medline (PubMed) and Scopus to include meta-analyses, reviews, and original studies regarding renal cell carcinoma, epidemiology, and risk factors.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our narrative review provides a detailed analysis of KC incidence and mortality, with significant variations across time, geography, and sex. In particular, while KC incidence has continued to increase, mortality models have leveled off. Among the many risk factors, hypertension, obesity, and smoking are the most well established. The emergence of new genetic data coupled with observational data allows for integrated management and surveillance strategies for KC care.

CONCLUSIONS

KC incidence and mortality rates vary significantly by geography, sex, and age. Associations of the development of KC with modifiable and fixed risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, and chronic kidney disease (CKD)/end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are well described. Recent advances in the genetic characterization of these cancers have led to a better understanding of the germline and somatic mutations that predispose patients to KC development, with potential for identification of therapeutic targets that may improve outcomes for these at-risk patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed evidence on the occurrence of kidney cancer (KC) around the world. Currently, the main avoidable causes are smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Although other risk factors also contribute, prevention and treatment of these three factors provide the best opportunities to reduce the risk of developing KC at present.

Adrenomedullin2 stimulates progression of thyroid cancer in mice and humans under nutrient excess conditions

Thyroid cancer is associated with genetic alterations, e.g. BRAF^V600E , which may cause carcinomatous changes in hormone-secreting epithelial cells. Epidemiological studies have shown that overnutrition is related to the development and progression of cancer. In this study, we attempted to identify the cell nonautonomous factor responsible for the progression of BRAF^V600E thyroid cancer under overnutrition conditions. We developed a mouse model for inducible thyrocyte-specific activation of BRAF^V600E , which showed features similar to those of human papillary thyroid cancer. LSL-Braf^V600E ;TgCreER^T2 showed thyroid tumour development in the entire thyroid, and the tumour showed more abnormal cellular features with mitochondrial abnormalities in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Transcriptomics revealed that adrenomedullin2 (Adm2) was increased in LSL-Braf^V600E ;TgCreER^T2 mice fed HFD. ADM2 was upregulated on the addition of a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor or palmitic acid with integrated stress response (ISR) in cancer cells. ADM2 stimulated protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in vitro. The knockdown of ADM2 suppressed the proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cells. We searched The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases and found that increased ADM2 expression was associated with ISR and poor overall survival. Consistently, upregulated ADM2 expression in tumour cells and circulating ADM2 molecules were associated with aggressive clinicopathological parameters, including body mass index, in thyroid cancer patients. Collectively, we identified that ADM2 is released from cancer cells under mitochondrial stress resulting from overnutrition and acts as a secretory factor determining the progressive properties of thyroid cancer. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Carcinogenesis, Global Epidemiology, Current Challenges, Risk Factors, Preventive and Treatment Strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer. Global incidence and mortality are likely to be increased in the coming decades. Although the deaths associated with CRC are very high in high-income countries, the incidence and fatalities related to CRC are growing in developing countries too. CRC detected early is entirely curable by surgery and subsequent medications. However, the recurrence rate is high, and cancer drug resistance increases the treatment failure rate. Access to early diagnosis and treatment of CRC for survival is somewhat possible in developed countries. However, these facilities are rarely available in developing countries. Highlighting the current status of CRC, its development, risk factors, and management is crucial in creating public awareness. Therefore, in this review, we have comprehensively discussed the current global epidemiology, drug resistance, challenges, risk factors, and preventive and treatment strategies of CRC. Additionally, there is a brief discussion on the CRC development pathways and recommendations for preventing and treating CRC.

Obesity and Thyroid Cancer Risk: An Update

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide and its incidence has increased dramatically in recent years. In parallel, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has also increased, suggesting a possible link between these two diseases. Indeed, low-grade chronic inflammation, altered cytokine levels, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes that occur in obese patients are all factors that contribute to the occurrence and growth of TC. In this review, the most recent evidence supporting the potential role of the mechanisms linking obesity to TC will be discussed.

Elevated Levels of CTRP1 in Obesity Contribute to Tumor Progression in a p53-Dependent Manner

Simple Summary

Obesity is regarded as a risk factor for various cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms linking obesity with cancer remain primarily uncharacterized. In this study, we demonstrate that CTRP1, an adiponectin paralogue, promotes tumor growth in a p53-dependent manner. Obese mice on a high-fat diet showed a higher level of CTRP1 protein in serum. It is also known that CTRP1 treatment contributes to tumor growth and cell migration. These results indicate that an elevated level of CTRP1 in obesity promotes tumor progression.

Abstract

Mounting evidence supports the relationship between obesity and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms linking obesity with cancer remain largely uninvestigated. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression of C1q/TNF-related protein 1 (CTRP1), an adiponectin paralogue, contributes to tumor growth by regulating the tumor suppressor p53. In our study, obese mice on a high-fat diet showed higher serum CTRP1 levels. Through in vitro experiments, we showed that the secreted form of CTRP1 in the culture medium decreased p53 expression and p53-dependent transcription in the cells. Moreover, CTRP1 treatment enhanced colony formation and cell migration. These results collectively suggest that elevated levels of CTRP1 in obesity significantly contribute to tumor progression.

Roles for growth factors and mutations in metastatic dissemination

Cancer is initiated largely by specific cohorts of genetic aberrations, which are generated by mutagens and often mimic active growth factor receptors, or downstream effectors. Once initiated cells outgrow and attract blood vessels, a multi-step process, called metastasis, disseminates cancer cells primarily through vascular routes. The major steps of the metastatic cascade comprise intravasation into blood vessels, circulation as single or collectives of cells, and eventual colonization of distant organs. Herein, we consider metastasis as a multi-step process that seized principles and molecular players employed by physiological processes, such as tissue regeneration and migration of neural crest progenitors. Our discussion contrasts the irreversible nature of mutagenesis, which establishes primary tumors, and the reversible epigenetic processes (e.g. epithelial-mesenchymal transition) underlying the establishment of micro-metastases and secondary tumors. Interestingly, analyses of sequencing data from untreated metastases inferred depletion of putative driver mutations among metastases, in line with the pivotal role played by growth factors and epigenetic processes in metastasis. Conceivably, driver mutations may not confer the same advantage in the microenvironment of the primary tumor and of the colonization site, hence phenotypic plasticity rather than rigid cellular states hardwired by mutations becomes advantageous during metastasis. We review the latest reported examples of growth factors harnessed by the metastatic cascade, with the goal of identifying opportunities for anti-metastasis interventions. In summary, because the overwhelming majority of cancer-associated deaths are caused by metastatic disease, understanding the complexity of metastasis, especially the roles played by growth factors, is vital for preventing, diagnosing and treating metastasis.

Simultaneous Targeting Tumor Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts with a Paclitaxel-Hyaluronan Bioconjugate: In Vitro Evaluation in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) facilitate many aspects of cancer development by providing a structural framework rich in bioactive compounds. There are emerging studies proposing a combination of conventional anti-cancer therapies directed against neoplastic cells to molecules targeting tumor microenvironments.

METHODS

The study evaluated the pharmacological properties of the anti-tumor agent paclitaxel conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA) regarding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the surrounding fibroblasts. This molecule, named Oncofid-P20 (Onco-P20), preferentially targets cells expressing high levels of CD44, the natural ligand of HA.

RESULTS

Consistent with paclitaxel's mechanism of action involving interference with the breakdown of microtubules during cell division, highly sensitive carcinoma cells rapidly underwent apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, less sensitive cells, such as dermal fibroblasts, resisted the Onco-P20 treatment and experienced a prolonged growth arrest characterized by morphological change and significant modification of the gene expression profile. Onco-P20-treated fibroblasts exhibited reduced growth factor production, downmodulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, and the acquisition of a marked pro-inflammatory profile. Independently of direct exposure to taxol, in the presence of Onco-P20-treated fibroblasts or in their conditioned medium, carcinoma cells had a reduced proliferation rate. Similar to NHF, fibroblasts isolated from skin cancer lesions or from adjacent tissue acquired anti-neoplastic activity under Onco-P20 treatment.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our data demonstrate that Onco-P20, exerting both a direct and an NHF-mediated indirect effect on carcinoma cells, is a candidate for an innovative therapy alternative to surgery for the treatment of NMSC.

Association Between the Persistence of Obesity and the Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Purpose

There remains controversy about relationship between obesity and gastric cancer. We aimed to examine the association using obesity-persistence.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed a nationwide population-based cohort which underwent health check-up between 2009 and 2012. Among them those who had annual examinations during the last 5 years were selected. Gastric cancer risk was compared between those without obesity during the five years (never-obesity group) and those with obesity diagnosis during the five years (non-persistent obesity group; persistent obesity group).

Results

Among 2,757,017 individuals, 13,441 developed gastric cancer after median 6.78 years of follow-up. Gastric cancer risk was the highest in persistent obesity group (incidence rate (IR), 0.89/1,000 person-years; hazard ratio (HR), 1.197; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.117-1.284), followed by non-persistent obesity group (IR, 0.83/1,000 person-years; HR, 1.113; 95% CI, 1.056-1.172) compared with never-obesity group. In subgroup analysis, this positive relationship was true among those <65 years old and male. Among heavy-drinkers, the impact of obesity-persistence on the gastric cancer risk far increased (non-persistent obesity: HR 1.297, 95% CI 1.094-1.538; persistent obesity: HR 1.351, 95% CI 1.076-1.698).

Conclusion

Obesity-persistence is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer in a dose-response manner, especially among male <65 years old. The risk raising effect was much stronger among heavy-drinkers.

Pancreatic Cancer Signaling Pathways, Genetic Alterations, and Tumor Microenvironment: The Barriers Affecting the Method of Treatment

Genetic alterations, especially the K-Ras mutation, carry the heaviest burden in the progression of pancreatic precursor lesions into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The tumor microenvironment is one of the challenges that hinder the therapeutic approaches from functioning sufficiently and leads to the immune evasion of pancreatic malignant cells. Mastering the mechanisms of these two hallmarks of PDAC can help us in dealing with the obstacles in the way of treatment. In this review, we have analyzed the signaling pathways involved in PDAC development and the immune system's role in pancreatic cancer and immune checkpoint inhibition as next-generation therapeutic strategy. The direct targeting of the involved signaling molecules and the immune checkpoint molecules, along with a combination with conventional therapies, have reached the most promising results in pancreatic cancer treatment.

The Role of Nuclear Insulin and IGF1 Receptors in Metabolism and Cancer

Insulin (InsR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1R) receptors mediate the metabolic and growth-promoting actions of insulin and IGF1/IGF2, respectively. Evidence accumulated in recent years indicates that, in addition to their typical cell-surface localization pattern and ligand-activated mechanism of action, InsR and IGF1R are present in the cell nucleus of both normal and transformed cells. Nuclear translocation seems to involve interaction with a small, ubiquitin-like modifier protein (SUMO-1), although this modification is not always a prerequisite. Nuclear InsR and IGF1R exhibit a number of biological activities that classically fit within the definition of transcription factors. These nuclear activities include, among others, sequence-specific DNA binding and transcriptional control. Of particular interest, nuclear IGF1R was capable of binding and stimulating its cognate gene promoter. The physiological relevance of this autoregulatory mechanism needs to be further investigated. In addition to its nuclear localization, studies have identified IGF1R in the Golgi apparatus, and this particular distribution correlated with a migratory phenotype. In summary, the newly described roles of InsR and IGF1R as gene regulators, in concert with their atypical pattern of subcellular distribution, add a further layer of complexity to traditional models of cell signaling. Furthermore, and in view of the emerging role of IGF1R as a potential therapeutic target, a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for nuclear IGF1R transport and identification of IGF1R interactors might help optimize target directed therapies in oncology.

Dairy Consumption and Incidence of Breast Cancer in the 'Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra' (SUN) Project

Dairy products might influence breast cancer (BC) risk. However, evidence is inconsistent. We sought to examine the association between dairy product consumption-and their subtypes-and incident BC in a Mediterranean cohort. The SUN ("Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra") Project is a Spanish dynamic ongoing cohort of university graduates. Dairy product consumption was estimated through a previously validated 136-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Incident BC was reported in biennial follow-up questionnaires and confirmed with revision of medical records and consultation of the National Death Index. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with Cox regression models. Among 123,297 women-years of follow-up (10,930 women, median follow-up 12.1 years), we confirmed 119 incident BC cases. We found a nonlinear association between total dairy product consumption and BC incidence (p_nonlinear = 0.048) and a significant inverse association for women with moderate total dairy product consumption (HR_Q2vs.Q1 = 0.49 (95% CI 0.28-0.84); HR_Q3vs.Q1 = 0.49 (95% CI 0.29-0.84) p_trend = 0.623) and with moderate low-fat dairy product consumption (HR_Q2vs.Q1 = 0.58 (95% CI 0.35-0.97); HR_Q3vs.Q1 = 0.55 (95% CI 0.32-0.92), p_trend = 0.136). In stratified analyses, we found a significant inverse association between intermediate low-fat dairy product consumption and premenopausal BC and between medium total dairy product consumption and postmenopausal BC. Thus, dairy products, especially low-fat dairy products, may be considered within overall prudent dietary patterns.

Laron Syndrome Research Paves the Way for New Insights in Oncological Investigation

Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare genetic endocrinopathy that results from mutation of the growth hormone receptor (GH-R) gene and is typically associated with dwarfism and obesity. LS is the best characterized entity under the spectrum of the congenital insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) deficiencies. Epidemiological analyses have shown that LS patients do not develop cancer, whereas heterozygous family members have a cancer prevalence similar to the general population. To identify genes and signaling pathways differentially represented in LS that may help delineate a biochemical and molecular basis for cancer protection, we have recently conducted a genome-wide profiling of LS patients. Studies were based on our collection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from LS patients, relatives and healthy controls. Bioinformatic analyses identified differences in gene expression in several pathways, including apoptosis, metabolic control, cytokine biology, Jak-STAT and PI3K-AKT signaling, etc. Genes involved in the control of cell cycle, motility, growth and oncogenic transformation are, in general, down-regulated in LS. These genetic events seem to have a major impact on the biological properties of LS cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, response to oxidative stress, etc. Furthermore, genomic analyses allowed us to identify novel IGF1 downstream target genes that have not been previously linked to the IGF1 signaling pathway. In summary, by ‘mining’ genomic data from LS patients, we were able to generate clinically-relevant information in oncology and, potentially, related disciplines.

Colorectal Cancer Genetics, Incidence and Risk Factors: In Search for Targeted Therapies

Each year, colorectal cancers (CRCs) affect over a quarter of a million people. The risk of developing CRC in industrialized nations is approximately 5%. When the disease is localised, treatment success rates range from 70-90%; however, advanced CRC has a high mortality rate, consistently ranking in the top three causes of cancer-related deaths. There is a large geographic difference in global distribution, and CRC is predominantly associated with developed countries and a Western lifestyle and diet. As such, the developed world accounts for more than 63% of all cases of CRC. Geographic variations also predict cancer outcomes, which differ between racial and ethnic groups. This variation is due to inequalities in wealth, differences in the exposure to risk factors and barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. The aim of this paper was to review CRC in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa, India, Brazil and China, and compare them with high-income countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom. It is important to note that these economically less developed countries, with historically low CRC rates, are experiencing an increased frequency of CRC. The review also discusses biological markers and genetic pathways involved in the development of colorectal cancer. Genes known to be responsible for the most common forms of inherited CRCs have also been identified but more remain to be identified. This would provide more candidate genes to be added to known biomarkers. CRC burden can be controlled through the widespread application of existing knowledge, such as reduced smoking habits, vaccination, early detection and promoting physical activity, accompanied by a healthy diet. An increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms and events underlying colorectal carcinogenesis will enable the development of new targets and therapeutic drugs.

Variants in multiple genes are associated with esophageal cancer risk in a Chinese Han population: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated whether 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), selected based on minor allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and reported SNPs related to the susceptibility of certain gastrointestinal cancer, were associated with esophageal cancer (EC) risk in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

We genotyped 16 SNPs among 506 cases and 507 controls using Agena MassARRAY (Agena, San Diego, CA, USA). The association between 16 SNPs and EC risk was analyzed by a chi-squared test and genetic model analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

rs1050631 and the rs6214 were associated with a decreased EC risk (OR = 0.75, p = 0.038; OR = 0.74, p = 0.045, respectively). In stratification analysis, the rs9868873 was associated with an increased EC risk (age < 64 years) (OR = 5.03, p = 0.005). The rs6214 was associated with a decreased EC risk (age < 64 years) (OR = 0.59, p = 0.025). The rs861530 was significantly associated with a decreased EC risk (age ≥ 64 years) (OR = 0.67, p = 0.046). rs1050631 was associated with a decreased EC risk in males (OR = 0.71, p = 0.034). In the stratified analysis of clinical stage III/IV, the rs1800566 was associated with a decreased EC risk (OR = 0.49, p = 0.024). Finally, the rs1052133 was associated with an elevated EC risk in the stratified analysis of lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.73, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study demonstrate that SLC39A6, IGF1, SEMA5B, XRCC3, NQO1 and OGG1 polymorphisms were associated with EC risk under multiple models.

Intensive Weight Loss Intervention and Cancer Risk in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Analysis of the Look AHEAD Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine whether intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) aimed at weight loss lowers cancer incidence and mortality.

METHODS

Data from the Look AHEAD trial were examined to investigate whether participants randomized to ILI designed for weight loss would have reduced overall cancer incidence, obesity-related cancer incidence, and cancer mortality, as compared with the diabetes support and education (DSE) comparison group. This analysis included 4,859 participants without a cancer diagnosis at baseline except for nonmelanoma skin cancer.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 11 years, 684 participants (332 in ILI and 352 in DSE) were diagnosed with cancer. The incidence rates of obesity-related cancers were 6.1 and 7.3 per 1,000 person-years in ILI and DSE, respectively, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.68-1.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups in total cancer incidence (HR, 0.93; 95% CI: 0.80-1.08), incidence of nonobesity-related cancers (HR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.83-1.27), or total cancer mortality (HR, 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS

An ILI aimed at weight loss lowered incidence of obesity-related cancers by 16% in adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study sample size likely lacked power to determine effect sizes of this magnitude and smaller.

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and Obesity-Related Cancer

Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. The increased risk of certain types of cancer is now an established deleterious consequence of obesity, although the molecular mechanisms of this are not completely understood. In this review, we aim to explore the links between MAPK signalling and obesity-related cancer. We focus mostly on p38 and JNK MAPK, as the role of ERK remains unclear. These links are seen through the implication of MAPK in obesity-related immune paralysis as well as through effects on the endoplasmic reticulum stress response and activation of aromatase. By way of example, we highlight areas of interest and possibilities for future research in endometrioid endometrial cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and MAPK.

Systems Analysis of Insulin and IGF1 Receptors Networks in Breast Cancer Cells Identifies Commonalities and Divergences in Expression Patterns

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1), acting respectively via the insulin (INSR) and IGF1 (IGF1R) receptors, play key developmental and metabolic roles throughout life. In addition, both signaling pathways fulfill important roles in cancer initiation and progression. The present study was aimed at identifying mechanistic differences between INSR and IGF1R using a recently developed bioinformatics tool, the Biological Network Simulator (BioNSi). This application allows to import and merge multiple pathways and interaction information from the KEGG database into a single network representation. The BioNsi network simulation tool allowed us to exploit the availability of gene expression data derived from breast cancer cell lines with specific disruptions of the INSR or IGF1R genes in order to investigate potential differences in protein expression that might be linked to biological attributes of the specific receptor networks. Modeling-generated information was corroborated by experimental and biological assays. BioNSi analyses revealed that the expression of 75 and 71 genes changed during simulation of IGF1R-KD and INSR-KD, compared to control cells, respectively. Out of 16 proteins that BioNSi analysis was based on, validated by Western blotting, nine were shown to be involved in DNA repair, eight in cell cycle checkpoints, six in proliferation, eight in apoptosis, seven in oxidative stress, six in cell migration, two in energy homeostasis, and three in senescence. Taken together, analyses identified a number of commonalities and, most importantly, dissimilarities between the IGF1R and INSR pathways that might help explain the basis for the biological differences between these networks.

Viral Hormones: Expanding Dimensions in Endocrinology

Viruses have developed different mechanisms to manipulate their hosts, including the process of viral mimicry in which viruses express important host proteins. Until recently, examples of viral mimicry were limited to mimics of growth factors and immunomodulatory proteins. Using a comprehensive bioinformatics approach, we have shown that viruses possess the DNA/RNA with potential to encode 16 different peptides with high sequence similarity to human peptide hormones and metabolically important regulatory proteins. We have characterized one of these families, the viral insulin/IGF-1-like peptides (VILPs), which we identified in four members of the Iridoviridae family. VILPs can bind to human insulin and IGF-1 receptors and stimulate classic postreceptor signaling pathways. Moreover, VILPs can stimulate glucose uptake in vitro and in vivo and stimulate DNA synthesis. DNA sequences of some VILP-carrying viruses have been identified in the human enteric virome. In addition to VILPs, sequences with homology to 15 other peptide hormones or cytokines can be identified in viral DNA/RNA sequences, some with a very high identity to hormones. Recent data by others has identified a peptide that resembles and mimics α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone's anti-inflammatory effects in in vitro and in vivo models. Taken together, these studies reveal novel mechanisms of viral and bacterial pathogenesis in which the microbe can directly target or mimic the host endocrine system. These findings also introduce the concept of a system of microbial hormones that provides new insights into the evolution of peptide hormones, as well as potential new roles of microbial hormones in health and disease.

Inhibition of EP2/EP4 prostanoid receptor-mediated signaling suppresses IGF-1-induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells via upregulating γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase expression

Inhibition of prostaglandin E₂ signaling via EP2/EP4 prostanoid receptors suppresses Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1-induced proliferation of pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells. To better understand the mechanism of EP2/EP4 signaling for controlling cell proliferation, we performed metabolome analyses in BxPC-3 cells treated with IGF-1 alone or IGF-1 plus EP2/EP4 inhibitors. These analyses revealed increased g-aminobutyric acid and 5-oxoproline production following the addition of EP2/EP4 inhibitors to IGF-1-treated cells. The expression of a 5-oxoproline-catalyzing enzyme, γ-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT), was also upregulated by IGF-1 treatment and further enhanced by the addition of EP2/EP4 inhibitors. Knockdown of GGCT expression resulted in the loss of suppressive effects of EP2/EP4 inhibitors on IGF-1-induced BxPC-3 cell proliferation, whereas GGCT overexpression repressed the basal proliferation of BxPC-3 cells but did not affect the suppressive effects of EP2/EP4 inhibitors. To summarize, we propose a role for EP2/EP4 signaling in regulating IGF-1-induced cell proliferation, in which EP2/EP4 signaling represses IGF-1-induced GGCT expression, which mediates and whose amount controls a branch of IGF-1 signaling to promote cell proliferation via extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation.

Obesity and cancer risk: Emerging biological mechanisms and perspectives

Continuously rising trends in obesity-related malignancies render this disease spectrum a public health priority. Worldwide, the burden of cancer attributable to obesity, expressed as population attributable fraction, is 11.9% in men and 13.1% in women. There is convincing evidence that excess body weight is associated with an increased risk for cancer of at least 13 anatomic sites, including endometrial, esophageal, renal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas; hepatocellular carcinoma; gastric cardia cancer; meningioma; multiple myeloma; colorectal, postmenopausal breast, ovarian, gallbladder and thyroid cancers. We first synopsize current epidemiologic evidence; the obesity paradox in cancer risk and mortality; the role of weight gain and weight loss in the modulation of cancer risk; reliable somatometric indicators for obesity and cancer research; and gender differences in obesity related cancers. We critically summarize emerging biological mechanisms linking obesity to cancer encompassing insulin resistance and abnormalities of the IGF-I system and signaling; sex hormones biosynthesis and pathway; subclinical chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress; alterations in adipokine pathophysiology; factors deriving from ectopic fat deposition; microenvironment and cellular perturbations including vascular perturbations, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, endoplasmic reticulum stress and migrating adipose progenitor cells; disruption of circadian rhythms; dietary nutrients; factors with potential significance such as the altered intestinal microbiome; and mechanic factors in obesity and cancer. Future perspectives regarding prevention, diagnosis and therapeutics are discussed. The aim of this review is to investigate how the interplay of these main potential mechanisms and risk factors, exerts their effects on target tissues provoking them to acquire a cancerous phenotype.

Randomized phase II trial of cixutumumab alone or with cetuximab for refractory recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Cixutumumab (CIX) and cetuximab (CET) monoclonal antibodies block ligand-binding to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) respectively. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of CIX alone or combined with CET in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) patients.

METHODS

In this open-label phase II trial, 91 R/M HNSCC patients who progressed within 90 days of platinum-based chemotherapy, were randomized to CIX 10 mg/kg alone or with CET 500 mg/m² every 2 weeks. Patients were stratified by prior CET use. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS). Exploratory biomarker assessments included relevant markers on archival tumor and serial cytokine/angiogenic-factor profiles in blood.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were treated with CIX monotherapy and 44 with combination. The median PFS was 1.9 and 2.0 months and clinical benefit rate (complete or partial responses and stable disease) was 5.9% and 15.3%, respectively. There was no exacerbation of CET toxicity by concurrent CIX exposure. Higher tumor expression of IGF-1 was associated with improved PFS in the CIX + CET arm while increased p-EGFR expression correlated with shorter PFS in patients receiving single agent CIX. Higher serum baseline levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 correlated with improved PFS and overall survival (OS) in the CIX arm. Neither regimen resulted in improved PFS or OS compared to historical data with CET alone.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study do not support the use of cixutumumab alone or with cetuximab in unselected patients with R/M HNSCC.

Distribution of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Its Association with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma

Purpose

To analyze the difference in the distribution of an insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) polymorphism (-2995 C/A) between young and old colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

Information from 950 CRC patients undergoing surgery at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 2000 and 2005 was collected. The IGF-1 polymorphism was analyzed in patients in extreme age ranges at the time of CRC onset (i.e., under the 20th and above the 80th percentiles, respectively). Associations between clinicopathological variables and the IGF-1 polymorphism were analyzed.

Results

Young CRC patients had a higher frequency of advanced disease (58.7%) and mucinous adenocarcinoma (20%) than old CRC patients. Among old CRC patients, the frequency of the AA genotype of IGF-1 was 12.7% (24/189), which was significantly higher than in young patients (4.2%). Other clinicopathological factors including tumor location, differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, and TNM stage were not associated with the AA genotype of IGF-1. Mucinous differentiation (but not the other clinicopathological factors) was significantly associated with the CA/AA genotype of IGF-1 (39/195).

Conclusions

Older patients had a higher frequency of the AA genotype of IGF-1(-2995 C/A), while younger patients more often had advanced disease and mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Current perspectives between metabolic syndrome and cancer

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent studies linked metabolic syndrome and several types of cancer. Although metabolic syndrome may not necessarily cause cancer, it is linked to poorer cancer outcomes including increased risk of recurrence and overall mortality. This review tends to discuss the major biological and physiological alterations involved in the increase of incidence and mortality of cancer patients affected by metabolic syndrome. We focus on metabolic syndrome-associated visceral adiposity, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) pathway as well as estrogen signaling and inflammation. Several of these factors are also involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. A better understanding of the link between metabolic syndrome and cancer may provide new insight about oncogenesis. Moreover, prevention of metabolic syndrome - related alterations may be an important aspect in the management of cancer patients during simultaneous palliative care.

Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Lung Cancer Risk in Non-Hispanic Whites

BACKGROUND

Postprandial glucose (PPG) and insulin responses play a role in carcinogenesis. We evaluated the association between dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), markers of carbohydrate intake and PPG, and lung cancer risk in non-Hispanic whites.

METHODS

GL and GI were assessed among 1,905 newly diagnosed lung cancer cases recruited from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) and 2,413 healthy controls recruited at Kelsey-Seybold Clinics (Houston, TX). We assessed associations between quintiles of GI/GL and lung cancer risk and effect modification by various risk factors. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

We observed a significant association between GI [5th vs. 1st quintile (Q) OR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.21-1.83; P(trend) <0.001] and lung cancer risk and GI(ac) (5th vs. 1st Q OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.20-1.81; P(trend) = 0.001) and lung cancer risk. We observed a more pronounced association between GI and lung cancer risk among never smokers (5th vs. 1st Q OR = 2.25; 95% CI, 1.42-3.57), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC; 5th vs. 1st Q OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.30-2.83), and those with less than 12 years of education (5th vs. 1st Q OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.58, P(interaction) = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that dietary GI and other lung cancer risk factors may jointly and independently influence lung cancer etiology.

IMPACT

Understanding the role of GI in lung cancer could inform prevention strategies and elucidate biologic pathways related to lung cancer risk.

Obesity and Cancer Mechanisms: Cancer Metabolism

Obesity is a risk factor for cancer development and is associated with poor prognosis in multiple tumor types. The positive energy balance linked with obesity induces a variety of systemic changes including altered levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, leptin, adiponectin, steroid hormones, and cytokines. Each of these factors alters the nutritional milieu and has the potential to create an environment that favors tumor initiation and progression. Although the complete ramifications of obesity as it relates to cancer are still unclear, there is convincing evidence that reducing the magnitude of the systemic hormonal and inflammatory changes has significant clinical benefits. This review will examine the changes that occur in the obese state and review the biologic mechanisms that connect these changes to increased cancer risk. Understanding the metabolic changes that occur in obese individuals may also help to elucidate more effective treatment options for these patients when they develop cancer. Moving forward, targeted clinical trials examining the effects of behavioral modifications such as reduced carbohydrate intake, caloric restriction, structured exercise, and/or pharmacologic interventions such as the use of metformin, in obese populations may help to reduce their cancer risk.

Adipose-Induced Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumorigenesis: A Potential Crosstalk between Sarcoma and Fat Cells

Previous data demonstrated that high retroperitoneal visceral fat content increases retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma (RSTS) local recurrence and patients' mortality. Most RSTS tumors initiate and recur within visceral fat. The objective of the current study was to evaluate potential paracrine effects of visceral fat on RSTS. A xenograft model was used to evaluate in vivo effects of human visceral fat on STS growth. Tissue explants were prepared from visceral fat, and their conditioned medium (CM) was utilized for various in vitro experiments designed to evaluate growth, survival, migration, and invasion of STS and endothelial cells. Visceral fat-secreted protumorigenic factors were identified by mass spectrometry. The in vivo experiments demonstrated a significant increase in STS tumor growth rate when SK-LMS-1 leiomyosarcoma cells were colocalized with human visceral fat compared with subcutaneous injection of cancer cells only. The in vitro model demonstrated that visceral fat CM increased STS cellular growth and reduced doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Visceral fat also enhanced STS cellular migration and invasion. In addition, visceral fat CM significantly increased endothelial cell tube formation, suggesting its role as a proangiogenic factor in the STS tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a robust proteomic approach, liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry resolved various molecules within the visceral fat CM, of which a subset was associated with protumorigenic biologic processes. These results suggest that visceral fat directly interacts with STS cells by secreting specific adipokines into the TME, thus augmenting STS tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness. Fat-induced STS molecular deregulations should be studied to identify new potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.

IMPLICATIONS

Visceral fat induces protumorigenic effects, in STS, through various secreted factors that should be investigated to improve our understanding of adipose-cancer cell interactions. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1254-65. ©2016 AACR.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in cancerogenesis

Determination of the role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family components in carcinogenesis of several human tumors is based on numerous epidemiological and pre-clinical studies, experiments in vivo and in vitro and on attempts at application of drugs affecting the IGF axis. Investigative hypotheses in original studies were based on biological functions manifested by the entire family of IGF (ligands, receptors, linking proteins, adaptor molecules). In the context of carcinogenesis the most important functions of IGF family involve intensification of proliferation and inhibition of cell apoptosis and effect on cell transformation through synthesis of several regulatory proteins. IGF axis controls survival and influences on metastases of cells. Interactions of IGF axis components may be of a direct or indirect nature. The direct effects are linked to activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, in which the initiating role is first of all played by IGF-1 and IGF-1R. Activity of this signaling pathway leads to an increased mitogenesis, cell cycle progression, and protection against different apoptotic stresses. Indirect effects of the axis depend on interactions between IGF and other molecules important for cancer etiology (e.g. sex hormones, products of suppressor genes, viruses, and other GFs) and the style of life (nutrition, physical activity). From the clinical point of view, components of IGF system are first of all considered as diagnostic serous and/or tissue biomarkers of a given cancer, prognostic factors and attractive target of modern anti-tumor therapies. Several mechanisms in which IGF system components act in the process of carcinogenesis need to be clarified, mainly due to multifactorial etiology of the neoplasms. Pin-pointing of the role played in carcinogenesis by any single signaling pathway remains particularly difficult. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data of several epidemiological studies, experiments in vitro and on animal models, to increase our understanding of the complex role of IGF family components in the most common human cancers.

The insulin-like growth factor system is modulated by exercise in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF´s) play a crucial role in controlling cancer cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Exercise has been postulated as an effective intervention in improving cancer-related outcomes and survival, although its effects on IGF´s are not well understood. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of exercise in modulating IGF´s system in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Databases of PuMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and Scopus were systematically searched up to November 2014. Effect estimates were calculated through a random-effects model of meta-analysis according to the DerSimonian and Laird method. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I² test. Risk of bias and methodological quality were evaluated using the PEDro score.

Results

Five randomized controlled trials (n = 235) were included. Most women were post-menopausal. High-quality and low risk of bias were found (mean PEDro score = 6.2 ± 1). Exercise resulted in significant improvements on IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-I, IGFBP-3, Insulin and Insulin resistance (P < 0.05). Non-significant differences were found for Glucose. Aerobic exercise improved IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and Insulin. No evidence of publication bias was detected by Egger´s test (p = 0.12).

Conclusions

Exercise improved IGF´s in breast cancer survivors. These findings provide novel insight regarding the molecular effects of exercise on tumoral microenvironment, apoptosis and survival in breast cancer survivors.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2733-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cancer of the Pancreas: Molecular Pathways and Current Advancement in Treatment

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers among all malignances, with a median overall survival of <1 year and a 5-year survival of ~5%. The dismal survival rate and prognosis are likely due to lack of early diagnosis, fulminant disease course, high metastasis rate, and disappointing treatment outcome. Pancreatic cancers harbor a variety of genetic alternations that render it difficult to treat even with targeted therapy. Recent studies revealed that pancreatic cancers are highly enriched with a cancer stem cell (CSC) population, which is resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, and therefore escapes chemotherapy and promotes tumor recurrence. Cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is highly associated with metastasis, generation of CSCs, and treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Reviewed here are the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer, the major signaling pathways regulating pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs, and the advancement in current clinical and experimental treatments for pancreatic cancer.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Signaling Axis Meets p53 Genome Protection Pathways

Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental evidence indicate that the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are important mediators in the biochemical chain of events that lead from a phenotypically normal to a neoplastic cell. The IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), which mediates the biological actions of IGF1 and IGF2, exhibits potent pro-survival and antiapoptotic activities. The IGF1R is highly expressed in most types of cancer and is regarded as a promising therapeutic target in oncology. p53 is a transcription factor with tumor suppressor activity that is usually activated in response to DNA damage and other forms of cellular stress. On the basis of its protective activities, p53 is commonly regarded as the guardian of the genome. We provide evidence that the IGF signaling axis and p53 genome protection pathways are tightly interconnected. Wild-type, but not mutant, p53 suppresses IGF1R gene transcription, leading to abrogation of the IGF signaling network, with ensuing cell cycle arrest. Gain-of-function, or loss-of-function, mutations of p53 in tumor cells may disrupt its inhibitory activity, thus generating oncogenic molecules capable of transactivating the IGF1R gene. The interplay between the IGF1 and p53 pathways is also of major relevance in terms of metabolic regulation, including glucose transport and glycolysis. A better understanding of the complex physical and functional interactions between these important signaling pathways will have major basic and translational relevance.

A preliminary study of pamidronic acid downregulation of angiogenic factors IGF-1/PECAM-1 expression in circulating level in bone metastatic breast cancer patients

Objective

To evaluate the expressions of circulating angiogenic factors affected by pamidronic acid (PA) intravenous infusion in bone metastatic breast cancer patients and the impact on their prognosis.

Methods

Peripheral blood of ten bone metastatic breast cancer patients was collected for serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 expression detection just before and 2 days after PA infusion.

Results

Both IGF-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations decreased after PA treatment for 48 hours (P<0.05). Modification was defined as >20% decrease recorded 2 days after PA administration. The decrease of IGF-1 was more significant in breast cancer patients who had received previous hormonotherapy. Moreover, the progression-free survival of first-line chemotherapy treatment of IGF-1 modified patients was longer than that of IGF-1 unmodified patients (P=0.009).

Conclusion

PA treatment could suppress circulating serum IGF-1 and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations; moreover, the prognosis of patients in IGF-1 unmodified group was relatively poor.

Cancer susceptibility and reproductive trade-offs: a model of the evolution of cancer defences

The factors influencing cancer susceptibility and why it varies across species are major open questions in the field of cancer biology. One underexplored source of variation in cancer susceptibility may arise from trade-offs between reproductive competitiveness (e.g. sexually selected traits, earlier reproduction and higher fertility) and cancer defence. We build a model that contrasts the probabilistic onset of cancer with other, extrinsic causes of mortality and use it to predict that intense reproductive competition will lower cancer defences and increase cancer incidence. We explore the trade-off between cancer defences and intraspecific competition across different extrinsic mortality conditions and different levels of trade-off intensity, and find the largest effect of competition on cancer in species where low extrinsic mortality combines with strong trade-offs. In such species, selection to delay cancer and selection to outcompete conspecifics are both strong, and the latter conflicts with the former. We discuss evidence for the assumed trade-off between reproductive competitiveness and cancer susceptibility. Sexually selected traits such as ornaments or large body size require high levels of cell proliferation and appear to be associated with greater cancer susceptibility. Similar associations exist for female traits such as continuous egg-laying in domestic hens and earlier reproductive maturity. Trade-offs between reproduction and cancer defences may be instantiated by a variety of mechanisms, including higher levels of growth factors and hormones, less efficient cell-cycle control and less DNA repair, or simply a larger number of cell divisions (relevant when reproductive success requires large body size or rapid reproductive cycles). These mechanisms can affect intra- and interspecific variation in cancer susceptibility arising from rapid cell proliferation during reproductive maturation, intrasexual competition and reproduction.

Metformin may protect nondiabetic breast cancer women from metastasis

Metformin, a widely prescribed oral hypoglycemic agent, has recently received a big interest because of its potential antitumorigenic effects in different cancer types. The present study investigated the impact of adding metformin to breast cancer adjuvant therapy in nondiabetic women on, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), the molar ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-3, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and metastasis. 102 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were divided into 2 main groups, a control group and a metformin group. All women were treated with adjuvant therapy, according to the protocols of Ministry of Health and Population and National Cancer Institute, Egypt. Moreover, the women in the metformin group received 850 mg of metformin twice daily. Blood samples were collected at baseline, after chemotherapy (CT), after 6 months of hormonal therapy (6-HT) and 12 months of hormonal therapy (12-HT) for analysis of serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, FBG and cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3). Metformin resulted in a significant reduction of IGF-1, IGF-1: IGFBP-3 molar ratio, insulin, FBG and HOMA-IR. On the other hand, metformin caused a significant increase of IGFBP-3. Moreover, metformin significantly decreased the numbers of metastatic cases after 6-HT. Metformin may have potential antitumor and antimetastatic effects that need further clinical investigations. This may be attributed to either the significant increase of the apoptotic inducer IGFBP-3 or/and the significant reduction of mitogenic insulin, IGF-1, free bioactive IGF-1, FBG and HOMA-IR.