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Wemmert S, Pyrski M, Pillong L, Linxweiler M, Zufall F, Leinders-Zufall T, Schick B. Widespread Distribution of Luteinizing Hormone/Choriogonadotropin Receptor in Human Juvenile Angiofibroma: Implications for a Sex-Specific Nasal Tumor. Cells 2024; 13:1217. [PMID: 39056799 PMCID: PMC11274802 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile angiofibroma (JA) is a rare, sex-specific, and highly vascularized nasal tumor that almost exclusively affects male adolescents, but its etiology has been controversial. The G protein-coupled hormone receptor LHCGR [luteinizing hormone (LH)/choriogonadotropin (hCG) receptor] represents a promising new candidate for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of sex specificity, pubertal manifestation, and JA progression. We used highly sensitive RNAscope technology, together with immunohistochemistry, to investigate the cellular expression, localization, and distribution of LHCGR in tissue samples from JA patients. Our results provide evidence for LHCGR expression in subsets of cells throughout JA tissue sections, with the majority of LHCGR+ cells located in close vicinity to blood vessels, rendering them susceptible to endocrine LH/hCG signaling, but LHCGR+ cells were also detected in fibrocollagenous stroma. A majority of LHCGR+ cells located near the vascular lumen co-expressed the neural crest stem cell marker CD271. These results are intriguing as both LH and hCG are produced in a time- and sex-dependent manner, and are known to be capable of inducing cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Our results give rise to a new model that suggests endocrine mechanisms involving LHCGR and its ligands, together with autocrine and paracrine signaling, in JA vascularization and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Wemmert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Martina Pyrski
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Lukas Pillong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Maximilian Linxweiler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Frank Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Trese Leinders-Zufall
- Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (M.P.); (F.Z.)
| | - Bernhard Schick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, 66424 Homburg, Germany; (S.W.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
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Ma F, Zhao Z, Huang J, Xiong Q, Xu S, Lin Z. Hybridization chain reaction assisted multicolor immunosensor for sensitively detection of human chorionic gonadotropin. Talanta 2024; 270:125578. [PMID: 38150971 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is an important indicator for early pregnancy, pregnancy-related diseases trophoblastic diseases and even cancer diagnosis. Therefore, sensitive detection of HCG has crucial significance in clinical, especially in gynaecology and obstetrics. Herein, a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) assisted multicolor immunosensor have been developed for HCG analysis. The proposed method introduced HCR after the immunoreaction between antibody and HCG protein, and produced long double strand DNA (dsDNA) that contain biotin sites. The streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase was linked on the dsDNA by the interaction between biotin and streptavidin, and can further mediated gold nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) etching. The localized surface plasmon resonance absorption peaks of Au NBPs blue shift and accompanied a vivid color change after etching effect. Based on this color change, HCG could be qualitative and semi-quantitative detected. Because of the introduction of HCR and enzyme amplification technique, the proposed method exhibited high sensitivity with a linear range of 0.1-2000 pg/mL and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 pg/mL. Finally, the proposed immunosensor was used to detect clinical serum samples. The results show there are no significant differences between clinical results and the test results by this method, indicating the practicability of the proposed method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311200, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China
| | - Jiahui Huang
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China
| | - Qing Xiong
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China
| | - Shaohua Xu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330004, China.
| | - Zhenyu Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Analytical Science of Food Safety and Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Analysis and Detection for Food Safety, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350116, China.
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Chang C, Chen YL, Wang YW, Chen HW, Hsu CW, Lin KC, Ou YC, Liu T, Chen WL, Chu CA, Ho CL, Lee CT, Chow NH. Aberrant trophoblastic differentiation in human cancer: An emerging novel therapeutic target (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:43. [PMID: 38240107 PMCID: PMC10823338 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Various types of human cancer may develop aberrant trophoblastic differentiation, including histological changes and altered expression of β‑human chorionic gonadotropin (β‑hCG). Aberrant trophoblastic differentiation in epithelial cancer is usually associated with poor differentiation, tumor metastasis, unfavorable prognosis and treatment resistance. Since β‑hCG‑targeting vaccines have failed in an early phase II trial, it is crucial to obtain a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of trophoblastic differentiation in human cancer. The present review summarizes the clinical and translational research on this topic with the aim of accelerating the development of an effective targeted therapy. Ectopic expression of β‑hCG promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, vasculogenesis and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro, and enhances metastatic and tumorigenic capabilities in vivo. Signaling cascades modulated by β‑hCG include the TGF‑β receptor pathway, EMT‑related pathways, the c‑MET receptor tyrosine kinase and mitogen‑activated protein kinase/ERK pathways, and the SMAD2/4 pathway. Taken together, these findings indicated that TGF‑β receptors, c‑MET and ERK1/2 are potential therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, further investigation on the molecular basis of aberrant trophoblastic differentiation is mandatory to improve the design of precision therapy for this aggressive type of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Department of Dental Technology, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Hui-Wen Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Che-Wei Hsu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kun-Che Lin
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yin-Chien Ou
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tsunglin Liu
- The Institute of Bioinformatics and Biosignal Transduction, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Bioinformatics Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wan-Li Chen
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chien-An Chu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Liang Ho
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Nan-Haw Chow
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Medicine Core Laboratory, Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan, R.O.C
- The Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Matsas A, Stefanoudakis D, Troupis T, Kontzoglou K, Eleftheriades M, Christopoulos P, Panoskaltsis T, Stamoula E, Iliopoulos DC. Tumor Markers and Their Diagnostic Significance in Ovarian Cancer. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1689. [PMID: 37629546 PMCID: PMC10455076 DOI: 10.3390/life13081689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is characterized by silent progression and late-stage diagnosis. It is critical to detect and accurately diagnose the disease early to improve survival rates. Tumor markers have emerged as valuable tools in the diagnosis and management of OC, offering non-invasive and cost-effective options for screening, monitoring, and prognosis. PURPOSE This paper explores the diagnostic importance of various tumor markers including CA-125, CA15-3, CA 19-9, HE4,hCG, inhibin, AFP, and LDH, and their impact on disease monitoring and treatment response assessment. METHODS Article searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords used for the searching process were "Ovarian cancer", "Cancer biomarkers", "Early detection", "Cancer diagnosis", "CA-125","CA 15-3","CA 19-9", "HE4","hCG", "inhibin", "AFP", "LDH", and others. RESULTS HE4, when combined with CA-125, shows improved sensitivity and specificity, particularly in early-stage detection. Additionally, hCG holds promise as a prognostic marker, aiding treatment response prediction and outcome assessment. Novel markers like microRNAs, DNA methylation patterns, and circulating tumor cells offer potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and personalized management. Integrating these markers into a comprehensive panel may improve sensitivity and specificity in ovarian cancer diagnosis. However, careful interpretation of tumor marker results is necessary, considering factors such as age, menopausal status, and comorbidities. Further research is needed to validate and refine diagnostic algorithms, optimizing the clinical significance of tumor markers in ovarian cancer management. In conclusion, tumor markers such as CA-125, CA15-3, CA 19-9, HE4, and hCG provide valuable insights into ovarian cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis, with the potential to enhance early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alkis Matsas
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research ‘N.S. Christeas’, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Stefanoudakis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore Troupis
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, MikrasAsias Str. 75, 11627 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontzoglou
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research ‘N.S. Christeas’, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Makarios Eleftheriades
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Christopoulos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Panoskaltsis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, “Aretaieion” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Stamoula
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios C. Iliopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research ‘N.S. Christeas’, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Das S, Devireddy R, Gartia MR. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Sensor for Cancer Biomarker Detection. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:396. [PMID: 36979608 PMCID: PMC10046379 DOI: 10.3390/bios13030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A biomarker is a physiological observable marker that acts as a stand-in and, in the best-case scenario, forecasts a clinically significant outcome. Diagnostic biomarkers are more convenient and cost-effective than directly measuring the ultimate clinical outcome. Cancer is among the most prominent global health problems and a major cause of morbidity and death globally. Therefore, cancer biomarker assays that are trustworthy, consistent, precise, and verified are desperately needed. Biomarker-based tumor detection holds a lot of promise for improving disease knowledge at the molecular scale and early detection and surveillance. In contrast to conventional approaches, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) allows for the quick and less invasive screening of a variety of circulating indicators, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA (miRNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), lipids, and proteins. With several advantages, the SPR technique is a particularly beneficial choice for the point-of-care identification of biomarkers. As a result, it enables the timely detection of tumor markers, which could be used to track cancer development and suppress the relapse of malignant tumors. This review emphasizes advancements in SPR biosensing technologies for cancer detection.
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Wessolly M, Mairinger E, Borchert S, Bankfalvi A, Mach P, Schmid KW, Kimmig R, Buderath P, Mairinger FD. CAF-Associated Paracrine Signaling Worsens Outcome and Potentially Contributes to Chemoresistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:798680. [PMID: 35311102 PMCID: PMC8927667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.798680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the predominant and deadliest form of ovarian cancer. Some of its histological subtypes can be distinguished by frequent occurrence of cancer-associated myofibroblasts (CAFs) and desmoplastic stroma reaction (DSR). In this study, we want to explore the relationship between therapy outcome and the activity of CAF-associated signaling pathways in a homogeneous HGSOC patient collective. Furthermore, we want to validate these findings in a general Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cohort. Methods The investigation cohort consists of 24 HGSOC patients. All of them were treated with platinum-based components and clinical follow-up was available. The validation cohort was comprised of 303 patients. Sequencing data (whole transcriptome) and clinical data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RNA of HGSOC patients was isolated using a Maxwell RSC instrument and the appropriate RNA isolation kit. For digital expression analysis a custom-designed gene panel was employed. All genes were linked to various DSR- and CAF- associated pathways. Expression analysis was performed on the NanoString nCounter platform. Finally, data were explored using the R programming environment (v. 4.0.3). Result In total, 15 CAF-associated genes were associated with patients’ survival. More specifically, 6 genes (MMP13, CGA, EPHA3, PSMD9, PITX2, PHLPP1) were linked to poor therapy outcome. Though a variety of different pathways appeared to be associated with therapy failure, many were related to CAF paracrine signaling, including MAPK, Ras and TGF-β pathways. Similar results were obtained from the validation cohort. Discussion In this study, we could successfully link CAF-associated pathways, as shown by increased Ras, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling to therapy failure (chemotherapy) in HGSOC and EOCs in general. As platinum-based chemotherapy has been the state-of-the-art therapy to treat HGSOC for decades, it is necessary to unveil the reasons behind resistance developments and poor outcome. In this work, CAF-associated signaling is shown to compromise therapy response. In the validation cohort, CAF-associated signaling is also associated with therapy failure in general EOC, possibly hinting towards a conserved mechanism. Therefore, it may be helpful to stratify HGSOC patients for CAF activity and consider alternative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Wessolly,
| | - Elena Mairinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Borchert
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Agnes Bankfalvi
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pawel Mach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Subcellular Distribution of Thyroid Hormone Receptor Beta in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052698. [PMID: 35269838 PMCID: PMC8910424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the most well-known function of thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) relies on their ability to act as ligand-activated transcription factors, their subcellular localization has been recognized to be relevant for their biological meaning. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and subcellular distribution of TR beta and TR beta-1 in ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: Tissue was collected from 153 patients that had undergone surgery due to OC at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich. Immunohistochemistry detecting TR beta and TR beta-1 was performed. Staining signals were quantified and tested for association with clinico-pathological parameters including overall survival (OS). Results: The subcellular distribution of TR beta and TR beta-1 differed among histologic subtypes, grade and FIGO stage. TR beta positivity was strongly linked to shortened overall survival (p < 0.001). Strikingly, this shortened OS was mainly attributed to those cases showing complete (p = 0.005) or incomplete shift of TR beta to the cytoplasm (p < 0.001). Significance was lost in multivariate testing. Conclusions: Cytoplasmatic localization of TR beta was associated with reduced OS, at least in univariate analysis. Since TRs have long been supposed to mainly function via the regulation of gene transcription in the nucleus, cytoplasmatic shifting might be interpreted as a regulator of their activity.
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Zhong Y, Chen X, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Chen T, Nie X, Cheng W. Ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma with elevated β-human chorionic gonadotropin: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e28144. [PMID: 34941061 PMCID: PMC8702252 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta. However, hCG (particularly β-hCG) is also expressed in many normal nontrophoblastic tissues. Here, we report the case of a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma with elevated β-hCG, which was insensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs and had a poor prognosis. PATIENT CONCERNS A 50-year-old woman with abdominal distention was admitted to our hospital. Pelvic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were highly suggestive of multiple metastases of ovarian cancer. Surprisingly, an elevation in β-hCG levels was also measured. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS The patient underwent laparoscopic examination and was diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. After 2 prior chemotherapies with paclitaxel and carboplatin, the patient underwent cytoreductive surgery and continued receiving chemotherapy. However, recurrent lesions were observed during the period of chemotherapy, and the level of β-hCG increased. Alternative chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin was administered, but it also had a poor therapeutic effect. OUTCOMES The progression was rapid with a continuous increase in β-hCG levels, and the patient died 9 months after surgery. LESSONS Gynecologists should be aware of women with ovarian carcinoma with an elevated β-hCG level, which suggests a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhong
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Women Health, Zhangqiu Women and Children Health Hospital, Zhangqiu District, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianglin Nie
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjun Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Lee EB, Chakravarthi VP, Wolfe MW, Rumi MAK. ERβ Regulation of Gonadotropin Responses during Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910348. [PMID: 34638689 PMCID: PMC8508937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins are essential for regulating ovarian development, steroidogenesis, and gametogenesis. While follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the development of ovarian follicles, luteinizing hormone (LH) regulates preovulatory maturation of oocytes, ovulation, and formation of corpus luteum. Cognate receptors of FSH and LH are G-protein coupled receptors that predominantly signal through cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent mechanisms that activate protein kinases. Subsequent vital steps in response to gonadotropins are mediated through activation or inhibition of transcription factors required for follicular gene expression. Estrogen receptors, classical ligand-activated transcriptional regulators, play crucial roles in regulating gonadotropin secretion from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis as well as gonadotropin function in the target organs. In this review, we discuss the role of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) regulating gonadotropin response during folliculogenesis. Ovarian follicles in Erβ knockout (ErβKO) mutant female mice and rats cannot develop beyond the antral state, lack oocyte maturation, and fail to ovulate. Theca cells (TCs) in ovarian follicles express LH receptor, whereas granulosa cells (GCs) express both FSH receptor (FSHR) and LH receptor (LHCGR). As oocytes do not express the gonadotropin receptors, the somatic cells play a crucial role during gonadotropin induced oocyte maturation. Somatic cells also express high levels of estrogen receptors; while TCs express ERα and are involved in steroidogenesis, GCs express ERβ and are involved in both steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. GCs are the primary site of ERβ-regulated gene expression. We observed that a subset of gonadotropin-induced genes in GCs, which are essential for ovarian follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation, are dependent on ERβ. Thus, ERβ plays a vital role in regulating the gonadotropin responses in ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun B. Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - V. Praveen Chakravarthi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Michael W. Wolfe
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - M. A. Karim Rumi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; (E.B.L.); (V.P.C.)
- Institute for Reproduction and Perinatal Research, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-588-8059
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Sharma AR, Sharma G, Bhattacharya M, Lee SS, Chakraborty C. Circulating miRNA in atherosclerosis: a clinical biomarker and early diagnostic tool. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:250-262. [PMID: 33719955 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666210315124438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, which is a vascular disease, is characterized by narrowing the arteries and forming plaque inside arteries. There is a record 17.5 million associated deaths recorded annually, representing 31% of global death. It has been noted that there is an association between vascular fibrosis and atherosclerosis. The thickening of the arterial wall and reduction of the lumen diameter may cause unwarranted deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and these conditions help in the progression of many clinical diseases and pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis. Here, we reviewed the involvement of various circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the very early diagnosis of atherosclerosis. We have also tried to provide an insight into the advantages and validation of circulating miRNAs through different techniques. We have discussed different circulating miRNAs, such as miR-17, miR-17-5p, miR-29b, miR-30, miR-92a, miR-126, miR-143, miR-145, miR-146a, miR-212, miR-218, miR-221, miR-222, miR-361-5p, as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The insightful demonstration in this review will offer a better opportunity for the researchers and technology developers in understanding the current scenario of circulating miRNA, which could facilitate them in improving the current diagnostic technologies of atherosclerosis in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24252. Korea
| | - Garima Sharma
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341. Korea
| | - Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore- 756020 Odisha. India
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24252. Korea
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Rd, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126. India
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Pereira M, Matuszewska K, Jamieson C, Petrik J. Characterizing Endocrine Status, Tumor Hypoxia and Immunogenicity for Therapy Success in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:772349. [PMID: 34867818 PMCID: PMC8635771 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.772349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is predominantly diagnosed at advanced stages which creates significant therapeutic challenges. As a result, the 5-year survival rate is low. Within ovarian cancer, significant tumor heterogeneity exists, and the tumor microenvironment is diverse. Tumor heterogeneity leads to diversity in therapy response within the tumor, which can lead to resistance or recurrence. Advancements in therapy development and tumor profiling have initiated a shift from a "one-size-fits-all" approach towards precision patient-based therapies. Here, we review aspects of ovarian tumor heterogeneity that facilitate tumorigenesis and contribute to treatment failure. These tumor characteristics should be considered when designing novel therapies or characterizing mechanisms of treatment resistance. Individual patients vary considerably in terms of age, fertility and contraceptive use which innately affects the endocrine milieu in the ovary. Similarly, individual tumors differ significantly in their immune profile, which can impact the efficacy of immunotherapies. Tumor size, presence of malignant ascites and vascular density further alters the tumor microenvironment, creating areas of significant hypoxia that is notorious for increasing tumorigenesis, resistance to standard of care therapies and promoting stemness and metastases. We further expand on strategies aimed at improving oxygenation status in tumors to dampen downstream effects of hypoxia and set the stage for better response to therapy.
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12
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Chiu NF, Wang YH, Chen CY. Clinical Application for Screening Down's Syndrome by Using Carboxylated Graphene Oxide-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Aptasensors. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:8131-8149. [PMID: 33144830 PMCID: PMC7594198 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s270938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced medical detection technology requires high sensitivity and accuracy to increase the disease detection rate. We showed that carboxyl-functionalized graphene oxide (carboxyl-GO) biosensing materials are capable of accurate detection. METHODS We developed a carboxylated GO-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) aptasensor suitable for screening Down's syndrome in clinical serum. This biosensing material could rapidly and accurately detect hCG protein with a low concentration to identify fetal Down's syndrome. The developed carboxyl-GO-based SPR aptasensor showed excellent sensitivity and limit of detection without the use of antibodies and without any specific preference. RESULTS hCG protein detection limits of 1 pM in buffer samples and 1.9 pM in clinical serum samples were achieved. The results showed that the carboxyl-GO-based chip could detect hCG well below the normal physiological level of serum protein (5.0 mIU/mL). High affinity, sensitivity, and better detection limit were obtained in the range of 1.9 pM to 135 pM. The results showed a 5k-fold dilution factor, and that an SPR angle shift of more than 20 millidegrees (mo) was associated with a significant risk of fetal Down's syndrome compared to normal pregnant women. The results clearly showed that the detection of hCG protein in serum samples from pregnant women at 12-19 weeks could be used to screen Down's syndrome with high selectivity and sensitivity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the potential application of carboxyl-GO film in proof-of-concept studies for serum assays as a new type of SPR material. In addition, peptide and carboxyl-GO films may be conducive to the development of future point of care testing and rapid diagnostic devices for other diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Fu Chiu
- Laboratory of Nano-Photonics and Biosensors, Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City 11677, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City 11677, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hao Wang
- Laboratory of Nano-Photonics and Biosensors, Institute of Electro-Optical Engineering, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei City 11677, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
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Ditsch N, Heublein S, Jeschke U, Sattler C, Kuhn C, Hester A, Czogalla B, Trillsch F, Mahner S, Engel J, Mayr D, Schmoeckel E. Cytoplasmic versus nuclear THR alpha expression determines survival of ovarian cancer patients. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1923-1932. [PMID: 32533406 PMCID: PMC7324415 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Thyroid hormone receptors (THR) have manifold functions and are involved in the carcinogenesis of several tumor types. Within this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern (nuclear versus cytoplasmic) of the THR alpha and its impact on patients survival in ovarian cancer (OvCa). Methods The presence of the thyroid hormone receptors THRα, THRα1 and − 2 was investigated in 156 ovarian cancer samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC) using semi-quantitative immunoreactivity (IR) scores and correlated with clinical, pathological data, subtype of ovarian cancer, clinical data, staining of 20 already described OvCa marker proteins and overall survival (OS). Results Among all subtypes of OvCa, clear cell carcinomas showed the highest THRα expression. Furthermore, nuclear THRα was associated with a reduced survival in this subtype. However, nuclear expressed THRα1 turned out to be a positive prognosticator for all subtypes of OvCa patients. Nuclear THRα2 is a positive prognosticator for OvCa patients of the serous subtype. In contrast, cytoplasmic expression THRα2 was associated with a reduced OS in all subtypes of OvCa patients; while, cytoplasmic expression of THRα1 is associated with reduced OS in mucinous OvCa patients only. In addition, THRα expression correlates with gonadotropin receptors, steroid hormone receptors, TA-MUC1 and glycodelin. Conclusion Depending on nuclear or cytoplasmic expression, our study shows that THRα and its isoforms 1 and 2 provide different prognostic information for ovarian cancer patients. Further investigations should analyze if THRs may represent new endocrine targets for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00432-020-03241-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Stenglinstrasse 2, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Sattler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Hester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Trillsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU Munich, University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jutta Engel
- Munich Cancer Registry (MCR), Bavarian Cancer Registry—Regional Centre Munich (LGL), Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Schmoeckel
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich, Thalkirchner Str. 36, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Firinci B, Mansıroglu AK, Caglar O, Sipal S, Yigiter M. Urethral cavernous hemangioma in a prepubertal girl: A rare pediatric case. Pediatr Int 2020; 62:498-499. [PMID: 32212208 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binali Firinci
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Agah Koray Mansıroglu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Caglar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Sare Sipal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Murat Yigiter
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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15
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Gridelet V, Perrier d'Hauterive S, Polese B, Foidart JM, Nisolle M, Geenen V. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin: New Pleiotropic Functions for an "Old" Hormone During Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:343. [PMID: 32231662 PMCID: PMC7083149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is the first specific molecule synthesized by the embryo. hCG RNA is transcribed as early as the eight-cell stage, and the blastocyst produces the protein before its implantation. hCG in the uterine microenvironment binds with its cognate receptor, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), on the endometrial surface. This binding stimulates leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) production and inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by epithelial cells of the endometrium. These effects ensure essential help in the preparation of the endometrium for initial embryo implantation. hCG also effects angiogenic and immunomodulatory actions as reported in many articles by our laboratories and other ones. By stimulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, hCG provides the placenta with an adequate maternal blood supply and optimal embryo nutrition during the invasion of the uterine endometrium. The immunomodulatory properties of hCG are numerous and important for programming maternal immune tolerance toward the embryo. The reported effects of hCG on uterine NK, Treg, and B cells, three major cell populations for the maintenance of pregnancy, demonstrate the role of this embryonic signal as a crucial immune regulator in the course of pregnancy. Human embryo rejection for hCG-related immunological reasons has been studied in different ways, and a sufficient dose of hCG seems to be necessary to maintain maternal tolerance. Different teams have studied the addition of hCG in patients suffering from recurrent miscarriages or implantation failures. hCG could also have a beneficial or a negative impact on autoimmune diseases during pregnancy. In this review, we will discuss the immunological impacts of hCG during pregnancy and if this hormone might be used therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gridelet
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Center for Assisted Medical Procreation, University of Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sophie Perrier d'Hauterive
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Center for Assisted Medical Procreation, University of Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | - Barbara Polese
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Foidart
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michelle Nisolle
- Center for Assisted Medical Procreation, University of Liège, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHR Citadelle, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Geenen
- GIGA-I3 Center of Immunoendocrinology GIGA Research Institute, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Czogalla B, Partenheimer A, Jeschke U, von Schönfeldt V, Mayr D, Mahner S, Burges A, Simoni M, Melli B, Benevelli R, Bertini S, Casarini L, Trillsch F. β-arrestin 2 Is a Prognostic Factor for Survival of Ovarian Cancer Patients Upregulating Cell Proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:554733. [PMID: 33042017 PMCID: PMC7530235 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.554733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing reliable prognostic factors as well as specific targets for new therapeutic approaches is an urgent requirement in advanced ovarian cancer. For several tumor entities, the ubiquitously spread scaffold protein β-arrestin 2, a multifunctional scaffold protein regulating signal transduction and internalization of activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), has been considered with rising interest for carcinogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the prognostic impact of β-arrestin 2 and its functional role in ovarian cancer. β-arrestin 2 expression was analyzed in a subset of 156 samples of ovarian cancer patients by immunohistochemistry. Cytoplasmic expression levels were correlated with clinical as well as pathological characteristics and with prognosis. The biologic impact of β-arrestin 2 on cell proliferation and survival was evaluated, in vitro. Following transient transfection by increasing concentrations of plasmid encoding β-arrestin 2, different cell lines were evaluated in cell viability and death. β-arrestin 2 was detected in all histological ovarian cancer subtypes with highest intensity in clear cell histology. High β-arrestin 2 expression levels correlated with high-grade serous histology and the expression of the gonadotropin receptors FSHR and LHCGR, as well as the membrane estrogen receptor GPER and hCGβ. Higher cytoplasmic β-arrestin 2 expression was associated with a significantly impaired prognosis (median 29.88 vs. 50.64 months; P = 0.025). Clinical data were confirmed in transfected HEK293 cells, human immortalized granulosa cell line (hGL5) and the ovarian cancer cell line A2780 in vitro, where the induction of β-arrestin 2 cDNA expression enhanced cell viability, while the depletion of the molecule by siRNA resulted in cell death. Reflecting the role of β-arrestin 2 in modulating GPCR-induced proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals, we propose β-arrestin 2 as an important prognostic factor and also as a promising target for new therapeutic approaches in advanced ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Bastian Czogalla
| | - Alexandra Partenheimer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Doris Mayr
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Burges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Beatrice Melli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Benevelli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Bertini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabian Trillsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Extracapsular Lymph Node Involvement in Ovarian Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070924. [PMID: 31266250 PMCID: PMC6678603 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) spread to retro-peritoneal lymph nodes is detected in about one out of two patients at primary diagnosis. Whether the histologic pattern of lymph node involvement i.e., intra-(ICG) or extracapsular (ECG) cancer growth may affect patients’ prognosis remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to analyze the prevalence of ECG and ICG in lymph node positive ovarian cancer. We further investigated whether ECG may be related to patients’ prognosis and whether biomarkers expressed in the primary tumor may predict the pattern of lymph node involvement. Lymph node samples stemming from 143 OC patients were examined for presence of ECG. Capsular extravasation was tested for statistical association with clinico-pathological variables. We further tested 27 biomarkers that had been determined in primary tumor tissue for their potential to predict ECG in metastatic lymph nodes. ECG was detected in 35 (24.5%) of 143 lymph node positive patients. High grade (p = 0.043), histologic subtype (p = 0.006) and high lymph node ratio (LNR) (p < 0.001) were positively correlated with presence of ECG. Both ECG (p = 0.024) and high LNR (p = 0.008) were predictive for shortened overall survival. A four-protein signature determined from the primary tumor tissue was associated with presence of concomitant extracapsular spread in lymph nodes of the respective patient. This work found extracapsular spread of lymph node metastasis to be a common feature of lymph node positive ovarian cancer. Since ECG was positively associated with grade, LNR and shortened overall survival, we hypothesize that the presence of ECG may be interpreted as an indicator of tumor aggressiveness.
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Froehlich K, Schmidt A, Heger JI, Al-Kawlani B, Aberl CA, Jeschke U, Loibl S, Markert UR. Breast cancer, placenta and pregnancy. Eur J Cancer 2019; 115:68-78. [PMID: 31121525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies during pregnancy. Tumours often present characteristics of high malignancy and are hormone receptor negative/HER2 positive or triple negative. In general, pregnancy, including the postpartum period, is associated with a transiently increased risk of developing breast cancer but followed by a long-lasting protective period. Placental metastases are very rare and, thus far, breast cancer metastases in the foetal compartment have not been described. To discuss these apparently contradictory observations, this narrative review resumes immunological and hormonal alterations during pregnancy potentially affecting breast cancer risk as well as tumour growth and behaviour. OBSERVATIONS Upregulation of breast cancer-associated genes involved in immunological and reproductive processes has been observed in parous women and is potentially responsible for a transiently increased risk in pregnancy. In contrast, maternal immunisation and immunoglobulin production against antigens expressed on trophoblast cells, such as specific glycosylation patterns of mucin-1 or RCAS1-associated truncated glycans, seem to prevent breast cancer development in later years. Animal and human studies indicate that T cells are involved in these processes. Several placenta-derived factors, especially kisspeptin, have direct anti-tumour effects. The pregnancy-related increase of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones influence growth and characteristics of breast cancer while the role of further placenta-secreted factors is still controversially discussed. CONCLUSION Several factors and cells are involved in altered breast cancer risk during and after pregnancy and have potential for developing novel treatment strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Froehlich
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - André Schmidt
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Isabell Heger
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Boodor Al-Kawlani
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Caroline Anna Aberl
- LMU München, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- LMU München, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Loibl
- German Breast Group, c/o GBG-Forschungs GmbH, Martin-Behaim-Str 12, 63263, Neu-Isenburg, Germany
| | - Udo Rudolf Markert
- University Hospital Jena, Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Lab, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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Heublein S, Page S, Mayr D, Schmoeckel E, Trillsch F, Marmé F, Mahner S, Jeschke U, Vattai A. Potential Interplay of the Gatipotuzumab Epitope TA-MUC1 and Estrogen Receptors in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020295. [PMID: 30642093 PMCID: PMC6359481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor efficacy of Gatipotuzumab, a therapeutic antibody targeting Tumor-Associated Mucin-1 (TA-MUC1), in relapsed ovarian cancer (OC) appeared to be rather heterogeneous. Whether adding a second anti-neoplastic drug may augment response towards Gatipotuzumab, has not been elucidated so far. Since it is known that anti-MUC1 antibodies may alter estrogen receptor activity in breast cancer, this potential interplay was investigated in OC. The correlation between TA-MUC1, estrogen receptors (ERs) and another 12 protein markers as well as their correlation with clinico-pathological parameters in 138 ovarian cancer cases was studied. Finally, Gatipotuzumab and 4-Hydroxy-TTamoxifen (4-OHT) as well as the combination of both was tested for its impact on cell viability in COV318, OV-90, OVCAR-3, and SKOV-3 cells. A strong positive correlation between TA-MUC1 and ERs was detected in OC tissue. Those cases missing ERs but staining positive for TA-MUC1 had significantly reduced overall survival. The combination of 4-OHT and Gatipotuzumab significantly reduced cell viability and was more effective than treatment with Gatipotuzumab alone. Co-stimulation with Gatipotuzumab enhanced the efficacy of 4-OHT in OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3. The data suggest an interplay of TA-MUC1 and ERs in OC. Whether the combination of Gatipotuzumab and TTamoxifen may enhance efficacy of either of the two drugs in vivo, or may even translate into a clinically relevant benefit over the respective monotherapies, remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sabina Page
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Elisa Schmoeckel
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Fabian Trillsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Frederik Marmé
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Aurelia Vattai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Singh P, Sarkar M, Agrawal U, Huhtaniemi I, Pal R. The transgenic expression of the β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin influences the growth of implanted tumor cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:34670-34680. [PMID: 30410667 PMCID: PMC6205172 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) is secreted by various tumors, and its presence associated with poor prognosis. Though exogenous hCG elicits the synthesis of molecules associated with angiogenesis, invasion, immune suppression and chemoresistance from responsive tumor cells in vitro, the influence of cell-extrinsic βhCG on tumorigenesis in vivo has not been adequately explored. Female C57BL/6-/- × FVBβhCG/- F1 transgenic mice demonstrated ovarian hyperplasia and pituitary adenomas; transcripts of hCG-driven, tumor-associated molecules were heightened in the pituitary. Upon the implantation of Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells (murine lung tumor cells derived from C57BL/6 mice) in transgenic mice, tumor incidence and volume were enhanced, and increased transcription and expression of hCG-driven, tumor-associated molecules was observed in excised tumors. While treatment of these mice with Cabergoline (a potent dopamine receptor agonist) had no significant effects, ovariectomy resulted in a reduction in the lag phase, accompanied by an increase in tumor incidence and volume upon Lewis Lung Carcinoma cell implantation. In tumors derived from Lewis Lung Carcinoma cell-implanted ovariectomized, transgenic mice, the transcription and expression of hCG-driven, tumor-associated molecules remained elevated and enhanced animal mortality was observed. Cell-extrinsic βhCG can therefore induce pro-tumorigenic effects in vivo (even on tumor lineages not part of the reproductive axis), with ovarian products mediating an ameliorating influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Singh
- Immunoendocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, INDIA-110067
| | - Moumita Sarkar
- Immunoendocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, INDIA-110067
| | - Usha Agrawal
- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjang Hospital Campus, Ansari Nagar West, New Delhi, INDIA-110029
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK SW7 2AZ
| | - Rahul Pal
- Immunoendocrinology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, INDIA-110067
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Casarini L, Santi D, Brigante G, Simoni M. Two Hormones for One Receptor: Evolution, Biochemistry, Actions, and Pathophysiology of LH and hCG. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:549-592. [PMID: 29905829 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LH and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are glycoproteins fundamental to sexual development and reproduction. Because they act on the same receptor (LHCGR), the general consensus has been that LH and human CG (hCG) are equivalent. However, separate evolution of LHβ and hCGβ subunits occurred in primates, resulting in two molecules sharing ~85% identity and regulating different physiological events. Pituitary, pulsatile LH production results in an ~90-minute half-life molecule targeting the gonads to regulate gametogenesis and androgen synthesis. Trophoblast hCG, the "pregnancy hormone," exists in several isoforms and glycosylation variants with long half-lives (hours) and angiogenic potential and acts on luteinized ovarian cells as progestational. The different molecular features of LH and hCG lead to hormone-specific LHCGR binding and intracellular signaling cascades. In ovarian cells, LH action is preferentially exerted through kinases, phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated AKT (also known as protein kinase B), resulting in irreplaceable proliferative/antiapoptotic signals and partial agonism on progesterone production in vitro. In contrast, hCG displays notable cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated steroidogenic and proapoptotic potential, which is masked by estrogen action in vivo. In vitro data have been confirmed by a large data set from assisted reproduction, because the steroidogenic potential of hCG positively affects the number of retrieved oocytes, and LH affects the pregnancy rate (per oocyte number). Leydig cell in vitro exposure to hCG results in qualitatively similar cAMP/PKA and pERK1/2 activation compared with LH and testosterone. The supposed equivalence of LH and hCG has been disproved by such data, highlighting their sex-specific functions and thus deeming it an oversight caused by incomplete understanding of clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
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22
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TA-MUC1 as detected by the fully humanized, therapeutic antibody Gatipotzumab predicts poor prognosis in cervical cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:1899-1907. [PMID: 30062487 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gatipotuzumab is a fully humanized antibody which was designed to detect a cancer-specific glyco-modification of MUC1 (termed 'TA-MUC1') and which was optimized to effectively trigger antibody-dependent-cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cancer cells. Clinical trials investigating therapeutic efficacy of this antibody have been published recently. The current analysis aimed to determine whether TA-MUC1-as detected by Gatipotuzumab-is expressed in cervical cancer tissue and whether binding of Gatipotuzumab is associated with clinico-pathological variables including recurrence free (RFS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS Cervical cancer tissue (n = 250) was stained for TA-MUC1 using Gatipotuzumab employing a standardized immunohistochemistry protocol. Staining was scored by applying the IR-score. Results were binarized and tested for association to clinico-pathological parameters. RESULTS TA-MUC1 as stained by Gatipotuzumab was detected in 188 (75.2%) out of the 250 cervical cancer cases investigated. Expression of TA-MUC1 was restricted to cancer cells and was positively correlated with viral oncoprotein E6. Membrane staining of TA-MUC1 predicted significantly reduced RFS and OS. Importantly, expression of TA-MUC1 at the cell surface identified a group of early stage cervical cancer patients with exceptional short RFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS We report TA-MUC1-the antigen detected by Gatipotzumab-to be widely expressed in cervical cancer tissue and to localize to the cell membrane. The latter is seen as a pre-requisite to target this epitope by antibody-drug conjugates or antibodies eliciting ADCC. Since especially, membrane localization of TA-MUC1 predicted poor prognosis, evaluating Gatipotuzumab for its therapeutic efficacy in cervical cancer may turn attractive.
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Heidegger H, Jeschke U. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)-An Endocrine, Regulator of Gestation and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051502. [PMID: 29772831 PMCID: PMC5983709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Heidegger
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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24
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Schüler-Toprak S, Treeck O, Ortmann O. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071587. [PMID: 28754015 PMCID: PMC5536074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is well known as a malignancy being strongly influenced by female steroids. Pregnancy is a protective factor against breast cancer. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a candidate hormone which could mediate this antitumoral effect of pregnancy. For this review article, all original research articles on the role of HCG in breast cancer were considered, which are listed in PubMed database and were written in English. The role of HCG in breast cancer seems to be a paradox. Placental heterodimeric HCG acts as a protective agent by imprinting a permanent genomic signature of the mammary gland determining a refractory condition to malignant transformation which is characterized by cellular differentiation, apoptosis and growth inhibition. On the other hand, ectopic expression of β-HCG in various cancer entities is associated with poor prognosis due to its tumor-promoting function. Placental HCG and ectopically expressed β-HCG exert opposite effects on breast tumorigenesis. Therefore, mimicking pregnancy by treatment with HCG is suggested as a strategy for breast cancer prevention, whereas targeting β-HCG expressing tumor cells seems to be an option for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schüler-Toprak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver Treeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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25
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Fluorescence resonance energy transfer usage to track the sequence promoter changes in CGB5 gene in ovarian cancer patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 90:139-146. [PMID: 28355589 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The survival rates for ovarian cancer patients remain very low, often as a result of late diagnosis due to the asymptomatic course of the early stage disease. Based on the important biological contribution of human chorionic gonadotropin to various key processes including; cell cycle control, DNA repair, cellular differentiation and developmental processes, we hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in the genes promoter could be associated with ovarian cancer risk. Thus, the purpose of the study was to determine whether particular polymorphisms occur in the promoter region of the human chorionic gonadotropin polypeptide 5 encoding gene, and if so, are they associated with ovarian cancer outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed Central European females diagnosed with ovarian cancer (n=95) and controls (n=76) for the occurrence of at least one of three polymorphisms (rs7260002, rs7246045, rs540432391) and their impact on cancer risk. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique was used in order to conduct single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping. RESULTS The occurrence of two studied polymorphisms, rs7260002 and rs540432391 present in the 5' upstream region of the chorionic gonadotropin (CG) gene were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The former polymorphism had a minor impact on cancer risk (P=0.049; OR=1.95; 95% CI=0.97-3.92), while the latter had a much larger impact and may be of great importance in the evaluation of cancer development in the analyzed population (p<0.001; OR 8.5; 95% CI 3.59-20.23). CONCLUSIONS The fluorescence resonance energy transfer application used in tracking the sequence promoter variations of genes expressed during tumorigenesis may be an important factor in early prediction of ovarian cancer. Taking under consideration the elevated CG expression associated with several different cancer types it seems reasonable to estimate if the analyzed polymorphisms could affect cancer outcome.
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26
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Khare P, Bose A, Singh P, Singh S, Javed S, Jain SK, Singh O, Pal R. Gonadotropin and tumorigenesis: Direct and indirect effects on inflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators and invasion. Mol Carcinog 2016; 56:359-370. [PMID: 27152491 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone essential for pregnancy, is also ectopically expressed by a variety of cancers and is associated with poor prognosis; molecular mechanisms which may contribute to tumor progression remain ill-defined. Exogenous hCG enhanced the viability of human colorectal and lung cancer cells and promoted the growth of syngeneic tumors in mice. It induced the synthesis of VEGF, IL-8, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and increased invasiveness in an MMP-dependent manner. While inducing the secretion of the tumor-associated extra-cellular matrix proteoglycan versican from tumor cells, hCG consequently caused the TLR-2-mediated generation of the inflammatory, tumor-associated cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 from peripheral blood adherent cells. The molecule up-modulated the Treg-associated transcription factor FOXP3 in tumor cells and increased the secretion of TGFβ and IL-10, thereby inhibiting T cell proliferation and inducing the differentiation FOXP3- CD4+ CD25- cells into functional FOXP3+ CD4+ CD25+ suppressor cells. Co-culture of hCG-treated tumor cells with mature bone-marrow derived dendritic cells induced the generation of active indoleamine deoxygenase. While anti-hCG antibodies restricted the growth of implanted tumor cells in nude mice, immunization of immune competent mice with a βhCG-TT conjugate supplemented with Mycobacterium indicus pranii provided synergistic survival benefit in animals implanted with syngeneic, hCG-responsive tumor cells. These studies elucidate the pathways by which hCG can promote tumorigenesis, providing further rationale for anti-hCG vaccination in the treatment of gonadotropin-sensitive tumors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Khare
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Anjali Bose
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Singh
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandhya Singh
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Saleem Javed
- Department of Biochemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Om Singh
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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Heublein S, Page SK, Mayr D, Ditsch N, Jeschke U. p53 determines prognostic significance of the carbohydrate stem cell marker TF1 (CD176) in ovarian cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:1163-70. [PMID: 26935926 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The oncofoetal Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF1, CD176) epitope is a carbohydrate cancer stem cell (CSC) antigen, and TF1-mediated cancer progression can be widely reversed by anti-TF1 antibodies. Particularly, CSC-like cells are regarded to be tumorigenic and chemoresistant. Aberrant p53 is probably the factor most closely associated with chemoresistance and tumour aggressiveness in ovarian tumours. We thus questioned whether TF1 in combination with p53 or as a single marker may be related to clinico-pathological features and survival of ovarian cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Both markers were quantified in ovarian cancer tissue (n = 151) by immunohistochemistry. p53 staining was subdivided into three subgroups [n (completely negative) = 57, n (moderately stained) = 28, n (overexpressing) = 66]. TF1 was scored as positive (n = 30) versus negative (n = 121). RESULTS Only in those cancers classified with moderate p53 staining-and thus most likely displaying with wild-type TP53-TF1 positivity turned out to be a predictor for shortened overall survival (univariate: p < 0.001, multivariate: p = 0.001). By screening 17 different protein markers for correlation with TF1, only mucin-1 emerged as a potential TF1 carrier protein. CONCLUSION It is hypothesized that TF1 may confer tumour-promoting features, especially in a TP53 wild-type genetic background. In addition, TF1 is an attractive immunotherapeutic target. Whether those cases classified as TF1 positive and at the same time as moderately stained for p53 might particularly benefit from a future anti-TF1 antibody treatment or from TF1 vaccination therapy remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Sabina K Page
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Gehring C, Siepmann T, Heidegger H, Jeschke U. The controversial role of human chorionic gonadotropin in the development of breast cancer and other types of tumors. Breast 2016; 26:135-40. [PMID: 27017252 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is the most often diagnosed tumor of women and one of the leading cause of cancer related death. Due to different known risk factors there are epidemiological differences. Beside genetic disorders and patient's age it is especially the age of the first full-term pregnancy and in this context the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin that seems to play an important role. METHODS This review is based on a PubMed research in publications of the last 20 years. Only articles in English language were considered. RESULTS The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on development of cancer is controversial. In fact, for breast cancer there is evidence that this hormone has a protective effect against tumorigenesis due the differentiation of the mammary tissue after a full term pregnancy through the downregulation of estrogen receptors. CONCLUSION Human chorionic gonadotropin has among promoting pregnancy important controversial functions especially in tumor development. The mechanisms that explain the pro- and anti-carcinogenic effects are not fully understood yet. It seems to have a protective effect on breast cancer through increasing differentiation and hereby decreasing susceptibility of the mammary tissue for toxicants. This knowledge might help developing a preventive agent in the next future that uses the anti-carcinogenic effect of human chorionic gonadotropin and thereby decrease the mortality out of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gehring
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Timo Siepmann
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Freiberger Str. 37, 01067 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Helene Heidegger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany.
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Su M, Fan C, Gao S, Shen A, Wang X, Zhang Y. An HCG-rich microenvironment contributes to ovarian cancer cell differentiation into endothelioid cells in a three-dimensional culture system. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2395-402. [PMID: 26479853 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the expression of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and its effects on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in ovarian cancer cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions in three-dimensional matrices preconditioned by an endothelial-trophoblast cell co-culture system. The co-culture model was established using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HTR-8 trophoblast cells in a three-dimensional culture system. The co-cultured cells were removed with NH4OH, and ovarian cancer cells were implanted into the preconditioned matrix. VM was identified morphologically and by detecting vascular markers expressed by cancer cells. The specificity of the effects of exogenous HCG in the microenvironment was assessed by inhibition with a neutralizing anti-HCG antibody. HCG siRNA was used to knock down endogenous HCG expression in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. HTR-8 cells 'fingerprinted' HUVECs to form capillary-like tube structures in co-cultures. In the preconditioned HCG-rich microenvironment, the number of vessel-like network structures formed by HCG receptor-positive OVCAR-3 cells and the expression levels of CD31, VEGF and factor VIII were significantly increased. The preconditioned HCG-rich microenvironment significantly increased the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF‑1α) and VM formation in OVCAR-3 cells under hypoxic conditions. Treatment with a neutralizing anti-HCG antibody but not HCG siRNA significantly inhibited the formation of vessel-like network structures. HCG in the microenvironment contributes to OVCAR-3 differentiation into endothelioid cells in three-dimensional matrices preconditioned with an endothelial-trophoblast cell co-culture system. HCG may synergistically enhance hypoxia-induced vascular markers and HIF-1α expression. These findings would provide perspectives on new therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Sainan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Aiguo Shen
- The Immunology Laboratory of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- The Immunology Laboratory of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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Heublein S, Mayr D, Meindl A, Angele M, Gallwas J, Jeschke U, Ditsch N. Thyroid Hormone Receptors Predict Prognosis in BRCA1 Associated Breast Cancer in Opposing Ways. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127072. [PMID: 26029931 PMCID: PMC4451081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Since BRCA1 associated breast cancers are frequently classified as hormone receptor negative or even triple negative, the application of endocrine therapies is rather limited in these patients. Like hormone receptors that bind to estrogen or progesterone, thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. TRs might be interesting biomarkers - especially in the absence of classical hormone receptors. The current study aimed to investigate whether TRs may be specifically expressed in BRCA1 associated cancer cases and whether they are of prognostic significance in these patients as compared to sporadic breast cancer cases. This study analyzed TRα and TRβ immunopositivity in BRCA1 associated (n = 38) and sporadic breast cancer (n = 86). Further, TRs were studied in MCF7 (BRCA1 wildtype) and HCC3153 (BRCA1 mutated) cells. TRβ positivity rate was significantly higher in BRCA1 associated as compared to sporadic breast cancers (p = 0.001). The latter observation remained to be significant when cases that had been matched for clinicopathological criteria were compared (p = 0.037). Regarding BRCA1 associated breast cancer cases TRβ positivity turned out to be a positive prognostic factor for five-year (p = 0.007) and overall survival (p = 0.026) while TRα positivity predicted reduced five-year survival (p = 0.030). Activation of TRβ resulted in down-modulation of CTNNB1 while TRα inhibition reduced cell viability in HCC3153. However, only BRCA1 wildtype MCF7 cells were capable of rapidly degrading TRα1 in response to T3 stimulation. Significantly, this study identified TRβ to be up-regulated in BRCA1 associated breast cancer and revealed TRs to be associated with patients’ prognosis. TRs were also found to be expressed in triple negative BRCA1 associated breast cancer. Further studies need to be done in order to evaluate whether TRs may become interesting targets of endocrine therapeutic approaches, especially when tumors are triple-negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alfons Meindl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Angele
- Department of Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Heublein S, Mayr D, Egger M, Karsten U, Goletz S, Angele M, Gallwas J, Jeschke U, Ditsch N. Immunoreactivity of the fully humanized therapeutic antibody PankoMab-GEX™ is an independent prognostic marker for breast cancer patients. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015; 34:50. [PMID: 25986064 PMCID: PMC4447018 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Mucin-1 (MUC1, CD227), more widely known as CA15-3, is an abundantly expressed epithelial cell surface antigen and has evolved to be the most predictive serum tumour marker in breast cancer. PankoMab-GEX™, which is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy in a phase IIb clinical trial, is a glyco-optimized anti-MUC1 antibody specifically recognizing a tumour-associated MUC1 epitope (TA-MUC1). The current study aimed to analyse the immunoreactivity of PankoMabGEX™ and its correlation with established clinico-pathological variables including 10-year and overall survival in a large cohort of breast cancer patients. Methods Breast cancer tissue sections (n = 227) underwent a standardized immunohistochemical staining protocol for TA-MUC1 by using PankoMab-GEX™ as a primary antibody. The staining was evaluated by two independent observers and quantified by applying the IR-score. Results TA-MUC1 as detected by PankoMab-GEX™ was identified in 74.9% of breast cancer tissue sections. Patients were subdivided according to the subcellular localisation of TA-MUC1 and cases classified as mem-PankoMab-GEX™ (solely membranous) positive, cyt-PankoMab-GEX™ (solely cytoplasmic) positive, double positive or as completely negative were compared regarding their survival. Herein mem-PankoMab-GEX™-positive patients performed best, while double-negative ones presented with a significantly shortened survival. Positivity for mem-PankoMab-GEX™ as well as a double-negative immunophenotype turned out to be independent prognosticators for survival. Conclusions This is the first study to report on PankoMab-GEX™ in a large panel of breast cancer patients. The PankoMab-GEX™ epitope TA-MUC1 could be identified in the majority of cases and was found to be an independent prognosticator depending on its subcellular localisation. Since TA-MUC1 is known to be highly immunogenic cancers staining positive for PankoMab-GEX™ might be more compromised by host anti-tumour immune defence. Further, the observations reported here might be fundamental for selecting patients to undergo PankoMab-GEX™-containing chemotherapy protocols. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-015-0152-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Markus Egger
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | | | | | - Martin Angele
- Department of Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia Gallwas
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Heublein S, Mayr D, Friese K, Jarrin-Franco MC, Lenhard M, Mayerhofer A, Jeschke U. The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) in ovarian granulosa cell tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15161-72. [PMID: 25167139 PMCID: PMC4200831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are thought to arise from cells of the ovarian follicle and comprise a rare entity of ovarian masses. We recently identified the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) to be present in granulosa cells, to be regulated by gonadotropins in epithelial ovarian cancer and to be differentially expressed throughout folliculogenesis. Thus, supposing a possible role of GPER in GCTs, this study aimed to analyze GPER in GCTs. GPER immunoreactivity in GCTs (n = 26; n (primary diagnosis) = 15, n (recurrence) = 11) was studied and correlated with the main clinicopathological variables. Positive GPER staining was identified in 53.8% (14/26) of GCTs and there was no significant relation of GPER with tumor size or lymph node status. Those cases presenting with strong GPER intensity at primary diagnosis showed a significant reduced overall survival (p = 0.002). Due to the fact that GPER is regulated by estrogens, as well as gonadotropins, GPER may also be affected by endocrine therapies applied to GCT patients. Moreover, with our data supposing GPER to be associated with GCT prognosis, GPER might be considered as a possible confounder when assessing the efficacy of hormone-based therapeutic approaches in GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Innenstadt, 80337 Munich, Germany; E-Mails: (K.F.); (U.J.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: E-Mail: ; Tel.: +49-89-4400-54234; Fax: +49-89-4400-54916
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; E-Mails: (D.M.); (M.C.J.-F.)
| | - Klaus Friese
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Innenstadt, 80337 Munich, Germany; E-Mails: (K.F.); (U.J.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Großhadern, 81377 Munich, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Maria Cristina Jarrin-Franco
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; E-Mails: (D.M.); (M.C.J.-F.)
| | - Miriam Lenhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Großhadern, 81377 Munich, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Department of Anatomy III, Cell Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; E-Mail:
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Innenstadt, 80337 Munich, Germany; E-Mails: (K.F.); (U.J.)
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Lawrenson K, Grun B, Lee N, Mhawech-Fauceglia P, Kan J, Swenson S, Lin YG, Pejovic T, Millstein J, Gayther SA. NPPB is a novel candidate biomarker expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts in epithelial ovarian cancer. Int J Cancer 2014; 136:1390-401. [PMID: 25047817 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Most solid tumors contain cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that support tumorigenesis and malignant progression. However, the cellular origins of CAFs in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) remain poorly understood, and their utility as a source of clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis has not been explored in great depth. Here, we report establishing in vitro and in vivo models of CAFs in ovarian cancer development. Normal ovarian fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the presence of EOC cells acquired a CAF-like phenotype, and promoted EOC cell migration in vitro. CAFs also promoted ovarian cancer growth in vivo in both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal murine xenograft assays. Molecular profiling of CAFs identified gene expression signatures that were highly enriched for extracellular and secreted proteins. We identified novel candidate CAF-specific biomarkers for ovarian cancer including NPPB, which was expressed in the stroma of 60% primary ovarian cancer tissues (n = 145) but not in the stroma of normal ovaries (n = 4). NPPB is a secreted protein that was also elevated in the blood of 50% of women with ovarian cancer (n = 8). Taken together, these data suggest that the tumor stroma is a novel source of biomarkers, including NPPB, that may be of clinical utility for detection of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lawrenson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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Zhang H, Liu Y, Zhang R, Liu R, Chen Y. Binding mode investigations on the interaction of lead(II) acetate with human chorionic gonadotropin. J Phys Chem B 2014; 118:9644-50. [PMID: 25096834 DOI: 10.1021/jp505565s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lead exposure could induce endocrine disruption and hormonal imbalance of humans, resulting in detrimental effects on the reproductive system even at low doses. However, mechanisms of lead actions remain unknown. This article investigated lead interactions with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as a conceivable mechanism of its reproductive toxicity by spectroscopic technique, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), molecular docking study, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fluorescence measurements showed that lead acetate dynamically quenched intrinsic fluorescence of HCG through collisional mechanism with the association constant (KSV) in the magnitude of 10(3) L/mol at the detected temperatures (298, 303, and 310 K). ITC and molecular docking results revealed lead acetate could bind into 5 binding sites of HCG through electrostatic effects (ΔH < 0, ΔS > 0) and hydrophobic forces (ΔH > 0, ΔS > 0). The conformational investigation of HCG by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and ELISA indicated lead acetate changed the secondary structure of HCG by loosening and destruction of HCG skeleton and increasing the hydrophobicity around Tyr residues and resulted in the decreased bioactivities of HCG. This work presents direct interactions of lead with sex hormones and obtains a possible mechanism on lead induced reproductive toxicity at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University , 27 Shanda Nanlu, Jinan 250100, P. R. China
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Heublein S, Mayr D, Vrekoussis T, Friese K, Hofmann SS, Jeschke U, Lenhard M. The G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) is a gonadotropin receptor dependent positive prognosticator in ovarian carcinoma patients. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71791. [PMID: 23951246 PMCID: PMC3739730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) were demonstrated to impact upon survival of patients suffering from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Though structure wise the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) is related to FSHR/LHCGR, its prognostic impact in EOC remains controversial. We recently found that FSHR negative patients represent a specific EOC subgroup that may behave differently in respect to both treatment response and prognosis. Hence, the current study aimed to analyze how GPER may interact with the FSHR/LHCGR system in EOC and whether the prognostic significance of GPER in EOC cases (n = 151) may be dependent on the FSHR/LHCGR immunophenotype of the tumor. Ovarian cancer cell lines were used to study how FSH and LH regulate GPER and whether GPER activation differentially affects in vitro cell proliferation in presence/absence of activated FSHR/LHCGR. In EOC tissue, GPER correlated with FSHR/LHCGR and was related to prolonged overall survival only in FSHR/LHCGR negative patients. Although GPER was found to be specifically induced by LH/FSH, GPER agonists (4-Hydroxy-Tamoxifen, G1) reduced EOC cell proliferation only in case of LH/FSH unstimulated pathways. To the same direction, only patients characterized as LHCGR/FSHR negative seem to gain from GPER in terms of survival. Our combined tissue and in vitro results support thus the hypothesis that GPER activation could be of therapeutic benefit in LHCGR/FSHR negative EOC patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of GPER activation on a clinical scheme.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/genetics
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/mortality
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Prognosis
- Receptor Cross-Talk/drug effects
- Receptors, Estrogen/agonists
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, FSH/genetics
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Retrospective Studies
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Survival Analysis
- Tamoxifen/analogs & derivatives
- Tamoxifen/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Friese
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone S. Hofmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Miriam Lenhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Campus Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Scholz C, Heublein S, Lenhard M, Friese K, Mayr D, Jeschke U. Glycodelin A is a prognostic marker to predict poor outcome in advanced stage ovarian cancer patients. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:551. [PMID: 23036050 PMCID: PMC3599868 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glycodelin is a cell surface glycoprotein offering a unique gender specific carbohydrate configuration. Sialylated carbohydrate structures, which are unusual for mammals, characterize Glycodelin isolated from amniotic fluid (Glycodelin A, GdA). Glycodelin in general exerts multiple, partly opposing functions ranging from immunosuppression to cell differentiation. As these markedly influence tumorigenesis, this study aimed to clarify whether expression of different Glycodelin isoforms is related to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Further the use of Glycodelin as a serum marker in benign and malignant ovarian diseases was evaluated. METHODS Ovarian cancer specimens (n = 152) were stained for Glycodelin with carbohydrate and peptide specific antibodies. Associations between Glycodelin expression and histological grading, FIGO stage as well as patient's prognosis were examined. Glycodelin was correlated to expression of gonadotropin receptors and mucin-1, which are discussed as ovarian cancer tissue markers. In addition, Glycodelin serum concentrations were analyzed in patients suffering from benign (n = 73) or malignant (n = 38) ovarian neoplasias. RESULTS Glycodelin A was found to be an independent prognostic marker for poor prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer patients. GdA staining correlated with gonadotropin receptor (FSHR and LHCGR) and with hCG expression. Gd expression showed a positive correlation with a tumour-associated epitope of mucin 1 (TA-MUC1). Further, compared to ovarian cancer, serum Gd was increased in patients with benign ovarian tumors. CONCLUSION Glycodelin A might be related to tumor aggressiveness and poor clinical outcome in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Glycodelin serum levels found in patients suffering from benign ovarian tumors, might contribute to a more global attenuation during progression of these precursor lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Scholz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Ma R, Jiang T, Kang X. Circulating microRNAs in cancer: origin, function and application. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2012; 31:38. [PMID: 22546315 PMCID: PMC3431991 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-31-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The dysregulation of miRNAs has been linked to a series of diseases, including various types of cancer. Since their discovery in the circulation of cancer patients, there has been a steady increase in the study of circulating miRNAs as stable, non-invasive biomarkers. However, the origin and function of circulating miRNAs has not been systematically elucidated. In this review, we summarize the discovery of circulating miRNAs and their potential as biomarkers. We further emphasize their possible origin and function. Finally, we discuss the application and existing questions surrounding circulating miRNAs in cancer diagnostics. Although several challenges remain to be concerned, circulating miRNAs could be useful, non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Ma
- Laboratory Diagnosis Center, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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