Catecholamine up-regulates MMP-7 expression by activating AP-1 and STAT3 in gastric cancer

Cellular senescence is associated with the spatial evolution toward a higher metastatic phenotype in colorectal cancer

In this study, we explore the dynamic process of colorectal cancer progression, emphasizing the evolution toward a more metastatic phenotype. The term "evolution" as used in this study specifically denotes the phenotypic transition toward a higher metastatic potency from well-formed glandular structures to collective invasion, ultimately resulting in the development of cancer cell buddings at the invasive front. Our findings highlight the spatial correlation of this evolution with tumor cell senescence, revealing distinct types of senescent tumor cells (types I and II) that play different roles in the overall cancer progression. Type I senescent tumor cells (p16INK4A+/CXCL12+/LAMC2-/MMP7-) are identified in the collective invasion region, whereas type II senescent tumor cells (p16INK4A+/CXCL12+/LAMC2+/MMP7+), representing the final evolved form, are prominently located in the partial-EMT region. Importantly, type II senescent tumor cells associate with local invasion and lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer, potentially affecting patient prognosis.

Hepatic prohibitin 1 and methionine adenosyltransferase α1 defend against primary and secondary liver cancer metastasis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The liver is a common site of cancer metastasis, most commonly from colorectal cancer, and primary liver cancers that have metastasized are associated with poor outcomes. The underlying mechanisms by which the liver defends against these processes are largely unknown. Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) are highly expressed in the liver. They positively regulate each other and their deletion results in primary liver cancer. Here we investigated their roles in primary and secondary liver cancer metastasis.

METHODS

We identified common target genes of PHB1 and MAT1A using a metastasis array, and measured promoter activity and transcription factor binding using luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, respectively. We examined how PHB1 or MAT1A loss promotes liver cancer metastasis and whether their loss sensitizes to colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

RESULTS

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a common target of MAT1A and PHB1 and its induction is responsible for increased migration and invasion when MAT1A or PHB1 is silenced. Mechanistically, PHB1 and MAT1A negatively regulate MMP7 promoter activity via an AP-1 site by repressing the MAFG-FOSB complex. Loss of MAT1A or PHB1 also increased MMP-7 in extracellular vesicles, which were internalized by colon and pancreatic cancer cells to enhance their oncogenicity. Low hepatic MAT1A or PHB1 expression sensitized to CRLM, but not if endogenous hepatic MMP-7 was knocked down first, which lowered CD4+ T cells while increasing CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Hepatocytes co-cultured with colorectal cancer cells express less MAT1A/PHB1 but more MMP-7. Consistently, CRLM raised distant hepatocytes' MMP-7 expression in mice and humans.

CONCLUSION

We have identified a PHB1/MAT1A-MAFG/FOSB-MMP-7 axis that controls primary liver cancer metastasis and sensitization to CRLM.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Primary and secondary liver cancer metastasis is associated with poor outcomes but whether the liver has underlying defense mechanism(s) against metastasis is unknown. Here we examined the hypothesis that hepatic prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) cooperate to defend the liver against metastasis. Our studies found PHB1 and MAT1A form a complex that suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) at the transcriptional level and loss of either PHB1 or MAT1A sensitizes the liver to metastasis via MMP-7 induction. Strategies that target the PHB1/MAT1A-MMP-7 axis may be a promising approach for the treatment of primary and secondary liver cancer metastasis.

The nerve cells in gastrointestinal cancers: from molecular mechanisms to clinical intervention

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a formidable malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Recent studies have shed light on the complex interplay between the nervous system and the GI system, influencing various aspects of GI tumorigenesis, such as the malignance of cancer cells, the conformation of tumor microenvironment (TME), and the resistance to chemotherapies. The discussion in this review first focused on exploring the intricate details of the biological function of the nervous system in the development of the GI tract and the progression of tumors within it. Meanwhile, the cancer cell-originated feedback regulation on the nervous system is revealed to play a crucial role in the growth and development of nerve cells within tumor tissues. This interaction is vital for understanding the complex relationship between the nervous system and GI oncogenesis. Additionally, the study identified various components within the TME that possess a significant influence on the occurrence and progression of GI cancer, including microbiota, immune cells, and fibroblasts. Moreover, we highlighted the transformation relationship between non-neuronal cells and neuronal cells during GI cancer progression, inspiring the development of strategies for nervous system-guided anti-tumor drugs. By further elucidating the deep mechanism of various neuroregulatory signals and neuronal intervention, we underlined the potential of these targeted drugs translating into effective therapies for GI cancer treatment. In summary, this review provides an overview of the mechanisms of neuromodulation and explores potential therapeutic opportunities, providing insights into the understanding and management of GI cancers.

The relationship between the tumor and its innervation: historical, methodical, morphological, and functional assessments - A minireview

The acceptance of the tumor as a non-isolated structure within the organism has opened a space for the study of a wide spectrum of potential direct and indirect interactions, not only between the tumor tissue and its vicinity, but also between the tumor and its macroenvironment, including the nervous system. Although several lines of evidence have implicated the nervous system in tumor growth and progression, for many years, researchers believed that tumors lacked innervation and the notion of indirect neuro-neoplastic interactions via other systems (e.g., immune, or endocrine) predominated. The original idea that tumors are supplied not only by blood and lymphatic vessels, but also autonomic and sensory nerves that may influence cancer progression, is not a recent phenomenon. Although in the past, mainly due to the insufficiently sensitive methodological approaches, opinions regarding the presence of nerves in tumors were inconsistent. However, data from the last decade have shown that tumors are able to stimulate the formation of their own innervation by processes called neo-neurogenesis and neo-axonogenesis. It has also been shown that tumor infiltrating nerves are not a passive, but active components of the tumor microenvironment and their presence in the tumor tissue is associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype and correlates with poor prognosis. The aim of the present review was to 1) summarize the available knowledge regarding the course of tumor innervation, 2) present the potential mechanisms and pathways for the possible induction of new nerve fibers into the tumor microenvironment, and 3) highlight the functional significance/consequences of the nerves infiltrating the tumors.

Hotspots and frontiers of the relationship between gastric cancer and depression: A bibliometric study

BACKGROUND

A significant relationship between gastric cancer (GC) and depression has been found in the last 20 years. However, there is no comprehensive information that helps researchers find popular and potential research directions on GC and depression.

AIM

To determine the research status and hotspots by bibliometric analysis of relevant publications on the relationship between GC and depression.

METHODS

We used the Web of Science Core Collection to search and collate the literature on GC and depression from 2000 to 2022 on 31 May, 2023. Then, visualization analysis was performed using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19) and the Bibliometrix package in R software.

RESULTS

We retrieved 153 pertinent publications from 2000 to 2022. The annual publication count showed an overall upward trend. China had the most prominent publications and significant contributions to this field (n = 64, 41.83%). Before 2020, most studies focused on "the effect of GC on the development and progression of depression in patients." The latest research trends indicate that "the effect of depression on the occurrence and development of GC and its mechanism" will receive more attention in the future.

CONCLUSION

The study of "the effect of depression on the occurrence and development of GC and its mechanism" has emerged as a novel research theme over the past two years, which may become a research hotspot in this field. This study provides new insights into the hotpots and frontiers of the relationship between GC and depression, potentially guiding researchers toward hot research topics in the future.

Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.

Fusobacterium nucleatum upregulates MMP7 to promote metastasis-related characteristics of colorectal cancer cell via activating MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor. Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is overabundant in CRC and associated with metastasis, but the role of F. nucleatum in CRC cell migration and metastasis has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Differential gene analysis, protein-protein interaction, robust rank aggregation analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and gene set variation analysis were used to figure out the potential vital genes and biological functions affected by F. nucleatum infection. The 16S rDNA sequencing and q-PCR were used to detect the abundance of F. nucleatum in tissues and stools. Then, we assessed the effect of F. nucleatum on CRC cell migration by wound healing and transwell assays, and confirmed the role of Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) induced by F. nucleatum in cell migration. Furthermore, we dissected the mechanisms involved in F. nucleatum induced MMP7 expression. We also investigated the MMP7 expression in clinical samples and its correlation with prognosis in CRC patients. Finally, we screened out potential small molecular drugs that targeted MMP7 using the HERB database and molecular docking.

RESULTS

F. nucleatum infection altered the gene expression profile and affected immune response, inflammation, biosynthesis, metabolism, adhesion and motility related biological functions in CRC. F. nucleatum was enriched in CRC and promoted the migration of CRC cell by upregulating MMP7 in vitro. MMP7 expression induced by F. nucleatum infection was mediated by the MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis. MMP7 was highly expressed in CRC and correlated with CMS4 and poor clinical prognosis. Small molecular drugs such as δ-tocotrienol, 3,4-benzopyrene, tea polyphenols, and gallic catechin served as potential targeted therapeutic drugs for F. nucleatum induced MMP7 in CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that F. nucleatum promoted metastasis-related characteristics of CRC cell by upregulating MMP7 via MAPK(JNK)-AP1 axis. F. nucleatum and MMP7 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for repressing CRC advance and metastasis.

Reactive Oxygen Species and H. pylori Infection: A Comprehensive Review of Their Roles in Gastric Cancer Development

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and makes up a significant component of the global cancer burden. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most influential risk factor for GC, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifying it as a Class I carcinogen for GC. H. pylori has been shown to persist in stomach acid for decades, causing damage to the stomach's mucosal lining, altering gastric hormone release patterns, and potentially altering gastric function. Epidemiological studies have shown that eliminating H. pylori reduces metachronous cancer. Evidence shows that various molecular alterations are present in gastric cancer and precancerous lesions associated with an H. pylori infection. However, although H. pylori can cause oxidative stress-induced gastric cancer, with antioxidants potentially being a treatment for GC, the exact mechanism underlying GC etiology is not fully understood. This review provides an overview of recent research exploring the pathophysiology of H. pylori-induced oxidative stress that can cause cancer and the antioxidant supplements that can reduce or even eliminate GC occurrence.

Nerves in gastrointestinal cancer: from mechanism to modulations

Maintenance of gastrointestinal health is challenging as it requires balancing multifaceted processes within the highly complex and dynamic ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. Disturbances within this vibrant environment can have detrimental consequences, including the onset of gastrointestinal cancers. Globally, gastrointestinal cancers account for ~19% of all cancer cases and ~22.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Developing new ways to more readily detect and more efficiently target these malignancies are urgently needed. Whereas members of the tumour microenvironment, such as immune cells and fibroblasts, have already been in the spotlight as key players of cancer initiation and progression, the importance of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancers has only been highlighted in the past few years. Although extrinsic innervations modulate gastrointestinal cancers, cells and signals from the gut's intrinsic innervation also have the ability to do so. Here, we shed light on this thriving field and discuss neural influences during gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. We focus on the interactions between neurons and components of the gastrointestinal tract and tumour microenvironment, on the neural signalling pathways involved, and how these factors affect the cancer hallmarks, and discuss the neural signatures in gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, we highlight neural-related therapies that have potential for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.

Psychological distress and eustress in cancer and cancer treatment: Advances and perspectives

Facing cancer diagnosis, patients with cancer are prone to psychological stress and consequent psychological disorders. The association between psychological stress and cancer has long been a subject of high interest. To date, preclinical studies have gradually uncovered the promotive effects of psychological distress on tumor hallmarks. In contrast, eustress may exert suppressive effects on tumorigenesis and beneficial effects on tumor treatment, which brings a practicable means and psychosocial perspective to cancer treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, by focusing on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, as well as stress-related crucial neurotransmitters and hormones, we highlight the effects of distress and eustress on tumorigenesis, the tumor microenvironment, and tumor treatment. We also discuss the findings of clinical studies on stress management in patients with cancer. Last, we summarize questions that remain to be addressed and provide suggestions for future research directions.

Effect of chronic stress on tumorigenesis and development

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to aggravates tumorigenesis and development. Although the importance of SNS and HPA in maintaining homeostasis has already attracted much attention, there is still a lot remained unknown about the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress influence the occurrence and development of tumor. While some researches have already concluded the mechanisms underlying the effect of chronic stress on tumor, complicated processes of tumor progression resulted in effects of chronic stress on various stages of tumor remains elusive. In this reviews we concluded recent research progresses of chronic stress and its effects on premalignancy, tumorigenesis and tumor development, we comprehensively summarized the molecular mechanisms in between. And we highlight the available treatments and potential therapies for stressed patients with tumor.

Expression pattern and clinical significance of beta 2-adrenergic receptor in oral squamous cell carcinoma: an emerging prognostic indicator and future therapeutic target

PURPOSE

Beta 2-Adrenergic Receptor (β2-AR) is significantly overexpressed in various types of malignancies, which is associated with the worst prognosis. However, the role of β2-AR in oral cancer is not well identified. The present study aimed at investigating the β2-AR gene expression and its significance in relation with the clinicopathological features and overall survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR techniques were used to analyze β2-AR protein and mRNA levels in a total of 65 histopathologically confirmed OSCC tissues (case group) and 65 normal tissues (control group) from the oral cavity.

RESULTS

Out of the total of 65 OSCC tissues, 41 tissues (63.1%) exhibited  high expression  for β2-AR protein. Percent positivity and relative density (mean ± SD) of protein were higher in the case group as compared to the control group (positivity 40.31 ± 3.01 vs. 20.46 ± 1.93, p < 0.001; density 2.77 ± 1.17 vs. 1.28 ± 0.37, p < 0.001). In addition, β2-AR mRNA level was also upregulated in patients compared to the controls (2.36 ± 1.30 vs. 1.09 ± 0.42, p < 0.001) and showed a positive correlation with immunostaining of protein in OSCC (r = 0.48, p = 0.011). High β2-AR protein expression was significantly associated with multiple risk habits (p = 0.045), histological differentiation (p = 0.013), clinical TNM stages (p = 0.014), and poor survival (p = 0.006) of patients. In the Cox proportional hazards model, β2-AR was identified as a prognostic biomarker of OSCC (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

β2-AR protein level is identified as an independent significant prognostic factor in patients with oral carcinoma.

β2-adrenergic receptor drives the metastasis and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through activating Cdc42 signaling pathway

Recent investigations indicate that β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) signaling may facilitate the progression of various tumors, whose underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. In the present study, we showed that β2-AR recruited Cdc42 in response to isoproterenol (ISO, a β-AR selective agonist) exposure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. The association of β2-AR and Cdc42 promoted the activation of Cdc42, as revealed by increased levels of Cdc42-GTP, and co-incubation with β2-AR antagonist abrogated ISO-induced activation of Cdc42. β2-AR-mediated Cdc42 activation further led to the phosphorylation of downstream PAK1, LIMK1 and Merlin. Furthermore, we showed that the activation of β2-AR/Cdc42 signaling facilitated the migration and invasion of PDAC cells. In addition, β2-AR and Cdc42 were overexpressed in PDAC specimens, compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. High expression of β2-AR and Cdc42 were correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage in PDAC patients. Finally, we showed that overexpression of β2-AR and Cdc42 were indicative of unfavorable prognosis in PDAC patients. Taken together, our findings suggested that β2-AR might facilitate Cdc42 signaling to drive the migration and invasion of PDAC cells, consequently resulting in the metastasis and dismal prognosis of PDAC. These studies highlight targeting β2-AR/Cdc42 signaling as a therapeutic strategy against PDAC.

Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development

Simple Summary

Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy.

Abstract

Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.

An Unexplored Role for MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in Promoting Gut Permeability After Ischemic Stroke

Poststroke infections are common complications of stroke and are highly associated with poor outcomes for patients. Stroke induces profound immunodepression coupled with alterations to autonomic signaling, which together render the body more susceptible to infection from without (nosocomial/community-acquired infection) and from within (commensal bacterial infection). Critical to the hypothesis of commensal infection is the phenomenon of poststroke gut permeability and gut dysbiosis. Few studies have provided adequate explanations for the mechanisms underlying the molecular alterations that produce a more permeable gut and perturbed gut microbiota after stroke. A dysregulation in the production of matrix MMP-7 (metalloproteinase-7) may play a critical role in the progression of gut permeability after stroke. By cleaving junctional and extracellular matrix proteins, MMP-7 is capable of compromising gut barrier integrity. Because of MMP-7's unique abundance in the small intestine and its capacity to be induced in states of bacterial invasion and inflammation, along with its unique degradative capability, MMP-7 may be crucially important to the progression of gut permeability after ischemic stroke.

The Impact of Perioperative Events on Cancer Recurrence and Metastasis in Patients after Radical Gastrectomy: A Review

Radical gastrectomy is a mainstay therapy for patients with locally resectable gastric cancer (GC). GC patients who are candidates for radical gastrectomy will experience at least part of the following perioperative events: surgery, anesthesia, pain, intraoperative blood loss, allogeneic blood transfusion, postoperative complications, and their related anxiety, depression and stress response. Considerable clinical studies have shown that these perioperative events can promote recurrence and decrease the long-term survival of GC patients. The mechanisms include activation of neural signaling and the inflammatory response, suppression of antimetastatic immunity, increased release of cancer cells into circulation, and delayed adjuvant therapy, which are involved in every step of the invasion-metastasis cascade. Having appreciated these perioperative events and their influence on the risk of GC recurrence, we can now use this knowledge to find strategies that might substantially prevent the deleterious recurrence-promoting effects of perioperative events, potentially increasing cancer-free survival in GC patients.

Chronic restraint stress promotes gastric epithelial malignant transformation by activating the Akt/p53 signaling pathway via ADRB2

The etiology of gastric cancer is associated with infectious, environmental and dietary factors, as well as genetic background. Additionally, emerging evidence has supported the vital role of chronic emotional stress on gastric carcinogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic stress and a detrimental diet on gastric malignant epithelial transformation in rats. Therefore, 26 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: i) Control; ii) detrimental diet (DD); iii) detrimental diet with chronic restraint (DR) and iv) detrimental diet with chronic restraint and propranolol treatment (DRP). ELISA was performed to detect the serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Epithelial cell apoptosis was analyzed using the TUNEL assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Akt and p53 were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Pathological changes were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E). The H&E staining results showed that dysplasia in the gastric mucosa occurred in two of eight rats in the DD group and in four of five rats in the DR group, whereas no dysplasia was detected in the DRP group. The apoptotic ratios of gastric epithelial cells were significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared with the control group. Adrenoceptor β2 (ADRB2) protein expression levels were increased significantly only in the DR group and this effect was significantly reduced in the DRP group. The mRNA expression levels of Akt and p53 were significantly upregulated in the DD group, and Akt mRNA expression was further elevated in the DR group. With regard to protein expression, the levels of Akt and p-Akt were significantly increased in the DR group, whereas these effects were reversed in the DRP group. Furthermore, the ratio of p-p53/p53 protein was significantly reduced in the DD or DR groups, but was reversed in the DRP group. Collectively, the findings of the present study suggested that chronic restraint stress potentially aggravates the gastric epithelial malignant transformation induced by a detrimental diet, at least partially via the Akt/p53 signaling pathway mediated via ADRB2.

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 induces E-cadherin cleavage in acid-exposed primary human pharyngeal epithelial cells via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway

Abstract

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is caused by pharyngeal mucosal damage due to the reflux of gastric contents, including acid, pepsin, and bile juice. Our previous study has demonstrated that LPRD is associated with the cleavage of E-cadherin, which is facilitated by the acid-activated matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7); however, the mechanism by which the acid activates MMP-7 remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which MMP-7 is activated in the pharyngeal epithelial cells that are exposed to acid. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in the epithelial cells exposed to acid. To investigate the signaling mechanism of ROS in the expression of MMP-7, the mechanism of action of the mitogen-activated protein kinase was examined. The expression of various signaling factors was determined, according to the presence or absence of each inhibitor in the acid-exposed pharyngeal epithelial cells. To identify changes in the cleavage of E-cadherin, the integrity of the mucosal membrane was assessed using a transepithelial permeability test. We found that acid exposure increased the levels of ROS, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and phosphorylated-c-Jun (p–c-Jun) in pharyngeal epithelial cells. The ROS inhibitor reduced the expression of p-ERK and MMP-7, while the ERK inhibitor reduced the expression of p–c-Jun and MMP-7. Moreover, the c-Jun inhibitor reduced the expression of MMP-7 and blocked the degradation of E-cadherin. In addition, decrease in the levels of immunostained E-cadherin and increase in transepithelial permeability after acid exposure were collectively alleviated by the inhibitors of ROS, ERK, and c-Jun. The degradation of E-cadherin that occurs after human mucosal cells are exposed to acid appears to be caused by an increase in the expression of MMP-7 via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway, which is thought to be an important mechanism associated with the development of LPRD.

Key messages

• ROS is triggered when reflux occurs.

• ROS regulates the transcription factor c-Jun via the ERK pathway.

• The increase in MMP-7 that induces LPRD is induced via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway.

• This study revealed for the first time the expression mechanism of MMP-7, which is one of the causes of LPRD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-021-02166-z.

Proteomic Signatures of Diffuse and Intestinal Subtypes of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of death from cancer globally. Gastric cancer is classified into intestinal, diffuse and indeterminate subtypes based on histology according to the Laurén classification. The intestinal and diffuse subtypes, although different in histology, demographics and outcomes, are still treated in the same fashion. This study was designed to discover proteomic signatures of diffuse and intestinal subtypes. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics using tandem mass tags (TMT)-based multiplexed analysis was used to identify proteins in tumor tissues from patients with diffuse or intestinal gastric cancer with adjacent normal tissue control. A total of 7448 or 4846 proteins were identified from intestinal or diffuse subtype, respectively. This quantitative mass spectrometric analysis defined a proteomic signature of differential expression across the two subtypes, which included gremlin1 (GREM1), bcl-2-associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) and melanoma-associated antigen 9 (MAGE-A9) proteins. Although GREM1, BAG2, OLFM4, TRIP6 and MAGE-A9 have all been previously implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, they have not been linked to intestinal or diffuse subtypes of gastric cancer. Using immunohistochemical labelling of a tissue microarray comprising of 124 cases of gastric cancer, we validated the proteomic signature obtained by mass spectrometry in the discovery cohort. Our findings should help investigate the pathogenesis of these gastric cancer subtypes and potentially lead to strategies for early diagnosis and treatment.

Bacteroides fragilis Enterotoxin Upregulates Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Expression through MAPK and AP-1 Activation in Intestinal Epithelial Cells, Leading to Syndecan-2 Release

Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin (BFT) produced by enterotoxigenic B. fragilis (ETBF) causes colonic inflammation. BFT initially contacts intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and affects the intestinal barrier. Although molecular components of the gut epithelial barrier such as metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and syndecan-2 are known to be associated with inflammation, little has been reported about MMP-7 expression and syndecan-2 shedding in response to ETBF infection. This study explores the role of BFT in MMP-7 induction and syndecan-2 release in IECs. Stimulating IECs with BFT led to the induction of MMP-7 and the activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1. MMP-7 upregulation was not affected by NF-κB, but it was related to AP-1 activation. In BFT-exposed IECs, syndecan-2 release was observed in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. MMP-7 suppression was associated with a reduction in syndecan-2 release. In addition, suppression of ERK, one of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), inhibited AP-1 activity and MMP-7 expression. Furthermore, the suppression of AP-1 and ERK activity was related to the attenuation of syndecan-2 release. These results suggest that a signaling cascade comprising ERK and AP-1 activation in IECs is involved in MMP-7 upregulation and syndecan-2 release during exposure to BFT.

The Circadian Rhythms of STAT3 in the Rat Pineal Gland and Its Involvement in Arylalkylamine-N-Acetyltransferase Regulation

In rodents, the melatonin production by the pineal gland is controlled through adrenergic signaling from the suprachiasmatic nuclei and regulation of the principal enzyme in its synthesis, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT). In the present study, we identified increased isoprenaline-induced aa-nat expression and nocturnal AANAT activity in the pineal glands in response to the silencing of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) with siRNA or STAT3 inhibitors WP1066 and AZD1480. This AANAT activity enhancement in vivo did not interfere with light-induced AANAT suppression. Systemic or in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration markedly increased Stat3 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation, but it did not significantly affect AANAT expression or activity. Simultaneous LPS administration and Stat3 silencing enhanced the aa-nat transcription and AANAT activity to a similar extent as Stat3 inhibition without LPS co-administration. Furthermore, we describe the circadian rhythmicity in Stat3 expression and the phosphorylated form of STAT3 protein in the rat pineal gland. Our data suggest that the higher nocturnal endogenous level of STAT3 in the pineal gland decelerates or hampers the process of NA-induced AANAT activation or affects the AANAT enzyme stability.

Depression accelerates gastric cancer invasion and metastasis by inducing a neuroendocrine phenotype via the catecholamine/β2 -AR/MACC1 axis

Background

Depression is a common, easily ignored, accompanied disease of gastric cancer (GC) patients and is often observed with elevated plasma catecholamine levels. Depression frequently promotes GC progression and leads to poor clinical outcomes; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying depression‐induced GC progression remain poorly understood. We aimed to study the effects of depression on GC progression and explore possible mechanisms mediating the action of depression‐associated catecholamines on GC.

Methods

Depression states of GC patients were graded using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, and plasma catecholamine levels were examined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Migrative and invasive GC cells were examined using transwell assays, and metastatic GC niches were imaged using bioluminescence technology in a depression mouse model established with chronic unpredictable mild stress. Mouse depression‐like behaviors were assessed through sucrose preference, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests. Characteristics of the neuroendocrine phenotype were observed via RT‐PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Fifty‐one GC patients (age: 53.61 ± 1.79 years; cancer duration: 3.71 ± 0.33 months; depression duration: 2.37 ± 0.38 months; male‐to‐female ratio: 1.55:1) were enrolled in the study. Depression grade was significantly higher in GC patients showing higher plasma levels of catecholamines (epinephrine: P = 0.018; noradrenaline: P = 0.009), higher oncogene metastasis‐associated in colon cancer‐1 (MACC1) level (P = 0.018), and metastasis (P < 0.001). Further, depression‐associated catecholamine specifically bound to the beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (β₂‐AR) and upregulated MACC1 expression, and thus promoting neuroendocrine phenotypic transformation through direct binding between MACC1 and synaptophysin. Eventually, the neuroendocrine phenotypic transformation accelerated GC invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. However, β₂‐AR antagonist ICI‐118,551 or MACC1 silencing effectively blocked the catecholamine‐induced neuroendocrine phenotypic transformation and eliminated depression‐enhanced GC migration and invasion. Moreover, β₂‐AR blocking or MACC1 silencing prevented GC metastasis attributed to a neuroendocrine phenotype in a depression mouse model.

Conclusions

Catecholamine‐induced neuroendocrine phenotypes of GC cells led to depression‐accelerated GC invasion and metastasis via the β₂‐AR/MACC1 axis, while β₂‐AR antagonist or MACC1 silencing could reverse it, showing promising potential therapeutic strategies for improving the outcome of GC patients with comorbid depression.

Assessment of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine in Gastric Carcinoma

The aim of our study was to assess the sympathetic nervous system’s involvement in the evolution of gastric carcinoma in patients by analyzing the mediators of this system (epinephrine and norepinephrine), as well as by analyzing the histological expression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). We conducted an observational study including 91 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma and an additional 200 patients without cancer between November 2017 and October 2018. We set the primary endpoint as mortality from any cause in the first two years after enrolment in the study. The patients were monitored by a 24-h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess sympathetic or parasympathetic predominance. Blood was also collected from the patients to measure plasma free metanephrine (Meta) and normetanephrine (N-Meta), and tumor histological samples were collected for the analysis of NET expression. All of this was performed prior to the application of any antineoplastic therapy. Each patient was monitored for two years. We found higher heart rates in patients with gastric carcinoma than those without cancer. Regarding Meta and N-Meta, elevated levels were recorded in the patients with gastric carcinoma, correlating with the degree of tumor differentiation and other negative prognostic factors such as tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastases. Elevated Meta and N-Meta was also associated with a poor survival rate. All these data suggest that the predominance of the sympathetic nervous system’s activity predicts increased gastric carcinoma severity.

SNPs in Sites for DNA Methylation, Transcription Factor Binding, and miRNA Targets Leading to Allele-Specific Gene Expression and Contributing to Complex Disease Risk: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

The complex genetic diversity among human populations results from an assortment of factors acting at various sequential levels, including mutations, population migrations, genetic drift, and selection. Although there are a plethora of DNA sequence variations identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the challenge remains to explain the mechanisms underlying interindividual phenotypic disparity accounting for disease susceptibility. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in the sites for DNA methylation, transcription factor (TF) binding, or miRNA targets can alter the gene expression. The systematic review aimed to evaluate the complex crosstalk among SNPs, miRNAs, DNA methylation, and TFs for complex multifactorial disease risk.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus databases were used from inception until May 15, 2019. Initially, screening of articles involved studies assessing the interaction of SNPs with TFs, DNA methylation, or miRNAs resulting in allele-specific gene expression in complex multifactorial diseases. We also included the studies which provided experimental validation of the interaction of SNPs with each of these factors. The results from various studies on multifactorial diseases were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 11 articles for SNPs interacting with DNA methylation, 30 articles for SNPs interacting with TFs, and 11 articles for SNPs in miRNA binding sites were selected. The interactions of SNPs with epigenetic factors were found to be implicated in different types of cancers, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and asthma.

CONCLUSION

The systematic review provides evidence for the interplay between genetic and epigenetic risk factors through allele-specific gene expression in various complex multifactorial diseases.

Dysregulation of MiR-30a-3p/Gastrin Enhances Tumor Growth and Invasion throughSTAT3/MMP11 Pathway in Gastric Cancer

Background

Gastrin (GAST) is a well-known hormone regulating gastric biofunctions in the secretion of acid and maintaining its structural integrity. Furthermore, the dysregulation of GAST is also involved in the development of various forms of cancer. However, there are some limitations for illustrating the cellular regulation of GAST and its regulatory mechanisms in gastric malignant transformation and the potential epigenetic regulators systematically.

Methods

We explored the role of GAST expression in gastric cancer (GC) and normal tissues with the clinical features and investigated the potential relationship between GAST and STAT3/MMP11 pathway by gain or loss of function analyses. Besides, based on our microRNA/mRNA expression profiles, miR-30a-3p was the potential epigenetic regulator and additional experiments were performed to identify the hypothesis.

Results

Elevated GAST expression was frequently detected in GC and was associated with worse outcomes (p<0.001). And we firstly demonstrated that GAST was negatively regulated by miR-30a-3p. Moreover, GAST induced GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion mediating STAT3/MMP11 pathway in this study.

Conclusion

MiR-30a-3p was the promising suppressor gene through negatively regulating the expression of GAST, and dysregulation of GAST was a prognostic signature associated cell proliferation and metastasis through STAT3/MMP11 pathway in GC.

A Common Tag Nucleotide Variant in MMP7 Promoter Increases Risk for Hypertension via Enhanced Interactions With CREB (Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein) Transcription Factor

MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-7-a potent extracellular matrix degrading enzyme-is emerging as a new regulator of cardiovascular diseases. However, potential contributions of MMP7 genetic variations to hypertension remain unknown. In this study, we probed for the association of a tag single-nucleotide polymorphism in the MMP7 promoter (-181A/G; rs11568818) with hypertension in an urban South Indian population (n=1501). The heterozygous AG genotype significantly increased risk for hypertension as compared with the wild-type AA genotype (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.25-2.06]; P=2.4×10^-4); AG genotype carriers also displayed significantly higher diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure than wild-type AA individuals. The study was replicated in a North Indian population (n=949) (odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.11-2.09]; P=0.01). Transient transfection experiments using MMP7 promoter-luciferase reporter constructs revealed that the variant -181G allele conferred greater promoter activity than the -181A allele. Computational prediction and structure-based conformational and molecular dynamics simulation studies suggested higher binding affinity for the CREB (cyclic AMP response element-binding protein) to the -181G promoter. In corroboration, overexpression/downregulation of CREB and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments provided convincing evidence for stronger binding of CREB with the -181G promoter. The -181G promoter also displayed enhanced responses to hypoxia and epinephrine treatment. The higher promoter activity of -181G allele translated to increased MMP7 protein level, and MMP7-181AG heterozygous individuals displayed elevated plasma MMP7 levels, which positively correlated with blood pressure. In conclusion, the MMP7 A-181G promoter polymorphism increased MMP7 expression under pathophysiological conditions (hypoxic stress and catecholamine excess) via increased interactions with CREB and enhanced the risk for hypertension in its carriers.

Nervous system and gastric cancer

The nervous system has been recently shown to exert impact on gastric cancer directly and indirectly. Gastric cancer cells invade nerve fibers to induce outgrowth and branching of neural cells, and nerve fibers in turn infiltrate into tumor microenvironment to promote progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, the neuro-immune interaction also plays an important role in gastric cancer development. The interplay of nerves and gastric cancer is mediated by many nervous system-associated factors, which can not only be synthesized and released by both cancer cells and nerve terminals, but also participate in regulation of many aspects of gastric cancer such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, clinical researches indicate that some of these factors are significant diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for gastric cancer. Herein, we reviewed recent advances and future prospects of the interaction between nervous system and gastric cancer.

TRIM7 promotes proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis through activating c-Jun/AP-1

Atherosclerosis (AS), with associated risk of stroke or cerebrovascular disease, is one of the most common causes of death globally. It has been well established that tripartite motif-containing protein 7 Tripartite Motif-containing 7 (Trim7), as an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, is involved in protein ubiquitination and thus regulating cellular proliferation. Moreover, TRIM7 is upregulated in advanced carotid AS. However, the detailed mechanism of TRIM7 on regulation of AS remains unclear. In the present study, we firstly discovered that TRIM7 expression was robustly induced in platelet-derived growth factor type BB-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human atherosclerotic plaques. Functional approaches established that knockdown of TRIM7 inhibited proliferation and migration of VSMCs, as well as arrested the cell cycle at G1-S, thus suppressing AS progression. Our results also identified that c-Jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway was activated by TRIM7. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that TRIM7 could promote proliferation and migration of VSMCs via activation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway. Finally, by using atherogenic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet AS model, we demonstrated that interference of TRIM7 could effectively mitigate in vivo AS via inactivation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway. In general, activation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway via TRIM7 could be an important mechanism in AS progression, thus shedding light on the development of novel therapeutics to the treatment of the disease.

Phenomenon of atypical vascular effects of epinephrine and an increase of photodynamic response by nitroglycerin in rats with colon adenocarcinoma: adrenergic and nitrergic mechanisms and novel applied aspects

Using an original model of stress-induced colon adenocarcinoma, we uncover atypical vasorelaxation effects of a mucosa injection of epinephrine assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging and a significant increase of fluorescent intensity of 5-ALA/PpIX from malignant colon tissues by a mucosa injection of nitroglycerine. We clearly demonstrate a high activity of adrenergic and nitrergic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and discuss their application in improving of optical approaches for effective diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer.

Role of the brain-gut axis in gastrointestinal cancer

Several studies have largely focused on the significant role of the nervous and immune systems in the process of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. The brain-gut-axis is a new paradigm in neuroscience, which describes the biochemical signaling between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system. This axis may play a critical role in the tumorigenesis and development of GI cancers. Mechanistically, the bidirectional signal transmission of the brain-gut-axis is complex and remains to be elucidated. In this article, we review the current findings concerning the relationship between the brain-gut axis and GI cancer cells, focusing on the significant role of the brain-gut axis in the processes of tumor proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis. It appears that the brain might modulate GI cancer by two pathways: the anatomical nerve pathway and the neuroendocrine route. The simulation and inactivation of the central nervous, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems, or changes in the innervation of the GI tract might contribute to a higher incidence of GI cancers. In addition, neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors can produce stimulatory or inhibitory effects in the progression of GI cancers. Insights into these mechanisms may lead to the discovery of potential prognostic and therapeutic targets.

Drastic induction of MMP-7 by cortisol in the human amnion: implications for membrane rupture at parturition

Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes precedes 30-40% of preterm births. Activation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) is the one of the major causes of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in membrane rupture. Increased cortisol, regenerated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in the amnion at parturition, is known to participate in a number of parturition-pertinent events. However, whether cortisol has a role in the regulation of MMPs in the membranes is not known. Here, we addressed this issue using human amnion tissue, the most tensile layer of the membranes. RNA-sequencing revealed that cortisol induced MMP7 expression dramatically in amnion fibroblasts, which was confirmed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis in cortisol-treated amnion explants and fibroblasts. Measurement of collagen IV α5 chain (COL4A5), a substrate for MMP-7, showed that cortisol reduced its extracellular abundance, which was blocked by an antibody against MMP-7. Moreover, increased MMP-7 but decreased COL4A5 abundance was observed in the amnion tissue following labor-initiated spontaneous rupture of membranes. Mechanistic studies showed that cortisol increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun and the expression of c-Fos, the 2 major components of activated protein 1 (AP-1), respectively. The knocking down of c-Fos or c-Jun significantly attenuated the induction of MMP7 expression by cortisol. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that cortisol stimulated the enrichment of c-Fos and c-Jun at the AP-1 binding site in the MMP7 promoter. The data suggest that induction of MMP7 by cortisol via AP-1 may be a contributing factor to ECM degradation in membrane rupture at parturition.-Wang, L.-Y., Wang, W.-S., Wang, Y.-W., Lu, J.-W., Lu, Y., Zhang, C.-Y., Li, W.-J., Sun, K., Ying, H. Drastic induction of MMP-7 by cortisol in the human amnion: implications for membrane rupture at parturition.

Molecular alterations of cancer cell and tumour microenvironment in metastatic gastric cancer

The term metastasis is widely used to describe the endpoint of the process by which tumour cells spread from the primary location to an anatomically distant site. Achieving successful dissemination is dependent not only on the molecular alterations of the cancer cells themselves, but also on the microenvironment through which they encounter. Here, we reviewed the molecular alterations of metastatic gastric cancer (GC) as it reflects a large proportion of GC patients currently seen in clinic. We hope that further exploration and understanding of the multistep metastatic cascade will yield novel therapeutic targets that will lead to better patient outcomes.

MiR-760 suppresses human colorectal cancer growth by targeting BATF3/AP-1/cyclinD1 signaling

Background

Recent studies have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) often function as negative post-transcriptional regulators with altered expression levels found in colorectal cancer (CRC). There have been few studies on miRNAs that regulate the oncogenic alterations in CRC. Here, we aim to explore the anti-cancer miRNA and the potential mechanisms by which miRNAs modulate CRC progression.

Methods

We performed an integrated analysis of CRC miRNA expression datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The miRNA with the lowest expression, miR-760, was validated in an independent validation sample cohort of 76 CRC tissues. Functional assays, such as CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and CFSE staining, were used to determine the oncogenic role of miR-760 in human CRC progression. Furthermore, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to determine the mechanism by which miR-760 promotes proliferation of CRC cells. Xenograft nude mouse models were used to determine the role of miR-760 in CRC tumorigenicity in vivo. Immunohistochemical assays were conducted to study the relationship between miR-760 expression and basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF-like 3 (BATF3) expression in human CRC samples.

Results

miR-760 was markedly downregulated in CRC tissues, and low miR-760 expression was associated with poor prognosis among CRC patients. Upregulation of miR-760 suppressed CRC cell proliferation, whereas downregulation of miR-760 promoted CRC proliferation in vitro. Additionally, we identified BATF3 as a direct target of miR-760, and that the essential biological function of miR-760 during CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo is to suppress the expression of BATF3 and downstream cyclinD1 via AP-1 transcription factor. Finally, we showed a significant correlation between miR-760 and BATF3 expression in CRC tissues.

Conclusions

miR-760 inhibited CRC growth by downregulating BATF3/AP-1/ cyclinD1 signaling.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0757-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

EGFR-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-7 up-regulation promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via ERK1-AP1 axis during ovarian endometriosis progression

Endometriosis, characterized by extrauterine development of endometrial glands and stroma, is associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer development. In the present study, we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during ovarian endometriosis ( N = 40) progression. We found that the expressions of EMT markers such as vimentin, slug, and N-cadherin were significantly elevated in late stages of ovarian endometriosis compared with those found in early stages. In addition, the activity and expression of ectopic MMP-7 were significantly higher in the late stages of endometriosis. In vitro studies revealed that increased expression of MMP-7 as well as epidermal growth factor (EGF), which was significantly elevated in severe stages of ovarian endometriosis, induced EMT in endocervical epithelial cells (End1/E6E7). Silencing the MMP-7 transcripts using small interfering RNA attenuated EMT responses, whereas treatment with recombinant active MMP-7 promoted EMT by cleaving E-cadherin. In addition, EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitor treatments regressed endometriotic lesions and decreased MMP-7 activities in a mouse model of endometriosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay identified EGFR-mediated ERK1 and activator protein 1 signaling for the transcriptional activation of MMP-7 in End1/E6E7 epithelial cells.-Chatterjee, K., Jana, S., DasMahapatra, P., Swarnakar, S. EGFR-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-7 up-regulation promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via ERK1-AP1 axis during ovarian endometriosis progression.

Clinicopathological significance and prognostic role of p-STAT3 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aim

Constitutive activation of STAT3 through its phosphorylation (p-STAT3) plays a key role in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the relationship between p-STAT3 expression and the clinicopathological features and prognostic value in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of p-STAT3 in HCC.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese CNKI, and Chinese Wanfang databases were searched using the appropriate terms to find the relevant studies on p-STAT3 and HCC. The relationship between p-STAT3 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value was established. Pool odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using the STATA 14.2 software.

Results

The eight articles included in this meta-analysis comprised 752 patients. Expression of p-STAT3 was associated with incidence, age, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, vascular invasion, and TNM stage of HCC, but it was not related to gender, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), number of tumors, and tumor differentiation. Additionally, the expression of p-STAT3 was related to a poor 3- and 5-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate.

Conclusion

Expression of p-STAT3 was associated with the incidence, age, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, vascular invasion, and TNM stage. Thus, p-STAT3 can be a reliable prognostic biomarker for HCC. Further high-quality studies with larger numbers of patients are needed.

Apolipoprotein E Promotes Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients generally have a poor prognosis, because of the invasive nature of these tumors. In comparing transcription profiles between OSCC tumors with a more invasive (worst pattern of tumor invasion 5) versus a less invasive (worst pattern of tumor invasion 3) pattern of invasion, we identified a total of 97 genes that were overexpressed at least 1.5-fold in the more invasive tumor subtype. The most functionally relevant genes were assessed using in vitro invasion assays with an OSCC cell line (UM-SCC-1). Individual siRNA knockdown of 15 of these 45 genes resulted in significant reductions in tumor cell invasion compared to a nontargeting siRNA control. One gene whose knockdown had a strong effect on invasion corresponded to apolipoprotein E (APOE). Both matrix degradation and the number of mature invadopodia were significantly decreased with APOE knockdown. APOE knockdown also resulted in increased cellular cholesterol, consistent with APOE's role in regulating cholesterol efflux. APOE knockdown resulted in decreased levels of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and phospho-cJun, as well as decreased activator protein 1 (AP-1) activity. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), an AP-1 target, was also significantly decreased. Our findings suggest that APOE protein plays a significant role in OSCC tumor invasion because of its effects on cellular cholesterol and subsequent effects on cell signaling and AP-1 activity, leading to changes in the expression of invasion-related proteins, including MMP7.

cag Pathogenicity island-dependent upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-7 in infected patients with Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been involved in the pathogenesis of most important gastroduodenal diseases. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of zincendopeptidases which play important roles in degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and various inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we examined MMP-7 mRNA levels in the gastric mucosa of patients with H. pylori infection and evaluated the effects of virulence factors, such as vacA (vacuolating cytotoxin A) and cagA (cytotoxin-associated gene), in H. pylori-infected patients upon the MMP-7 mRNA mucosal levels. We also determined the correlation between mucosal MMP-7 mRNA levels and the types of disease. Total RNA was extracted from gastric biopsies of 50 H. pylori-infected patients and 50 uninfected individuals. Mucosal MMP-7 mRNA expression level in H. pylori-infected and non-infected gastric biopsies was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presences of cagA and vacA virulence factors was evaluated using PCR. MMP-7 expression was significantly higher in biopsies of patients infected with H .pylori compared to uninfected individuals. In addition, mucosal MMP-7 mRNA expression in H. pylori-infected patients significantly associated with the cagA status and the types of disease. Our results suggest that MMP-7 might be involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori. Peptic ulcer was associated with cag pathogenicity island-dependent MMP-7 upregulation.

Anxiety and serum catecholamines as predictors of survival and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence suggests that psychological factors are involved in tumor progression. This study investigated the influence of anxiety and serum catecholamines (CAs) on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHOD

We enrolled 110 HCC patients who underwent tumor resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, China, in this long-term investigation between 2005 and 2009. We evaluated anxiety using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and analyzed CA levels using an ELISA kit. We then assessed the association of each of them with overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR), as well as with other clinical variables.

RESULTS

The HAMA scores significantly correlated with metastasis (P = 0.015), hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) (P = 0.045), and the tumor-node-metastasis stage (P = 0.032), whereas the CA levels also significantly associated with tumor differentiation (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that HAMA scores and CA levels were significant predictors of OS and TTR in HCC patients, with high levels of each being strongly correlated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The HAMA scores and the CA levels were elevated in HCC patients and correlated with OS and TTR, suggesting that they are candidate prognostic markers of HCC.

Depression accelerates the development of gastric cancer through reactive oxygen species‑activated ABL1 (Review)

Depression is a common symptom among gastric cancer (GC) patients and serves as a potential indication of poor prognosis and advanced cancer clinical stage. However, the molecular mechanism of depression‑associated poor prognoses of GC patients remains unclear. Recent studies have revealed that GC patients with depression are under high levels of oxidative stress (OS) status that is accompanied by the dysfunction of numerous proto‑oncogenes, including the ABL proto‑oncogene 1 (ABL1), which is a non‑receptor tyrosine kinase. Recent evidence indicates that ABL1 was dysregulated in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and cancer patients with depression, and high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to the activation of ABL1 in response to OS and that activated ABL1 subsequently contributes to development of GC via interactions with the downstream targets and corresponding signaling pathways. In this review, we examine the evidence to illuminate the molecular mechanism of ABL1 in the progression of GC patients with depression and identify out new and effective methods for the initial and long‑term treatment of GC.

Gastric biomarkers: a global review

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is an aggressive disease with a poor 5-year survival and large global burden of disease. The disease is biologically and genetically heterogeneous with a poorly understood carcinogenesis at the molecular level. Despite the many prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic biomarkers investigated to date, gastric cancer continues to be detected at an advanced stage with resultant poor clinical outcomes.

MAIN BODY

This is a global review of gastric biomarkers with an emphasis on HER2, E-cadherin, fibroblast growth factor receptor, mammalian target of rapamycin, and hepatocyte growth factor receptor as well as sections on microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, matrix metalloproteinases, PD-L1, TP53, and microsatellite instability.

CONCLUSION

A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis and biological features of gastric cancer, including the identification and characterization of diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic biomarkers, hopefully will provide improved clinical outcomes.

Clinical significance of β2-adrenergic receptor expression in patients with surgically resected gastric adenocarcinoma

The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is highly expressed in various human neoplasms and has been considered a novel therapeutic target of cancer treatment. However, the clinicopathological significance of β2-AR expression in patients with gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore β2-AR expression and its prognostic significance. A total of 331 patients with surgically resected GC were evaluated. Tumor sections were stained immunohistochemically for β2-AR. And, we confirmed β2-AR expression in the GC cell lines by Western blot. β2-AR was highly expressed in 30.5 % of GC patients. Expression was significantly associated with age, T factor, tumor differentiation, histology of non-signet cells, lymphatic permeation, and vascular invasion. And, all the GC cell lines expressed β2-AR. On univariate analysis, age, disease stage, T factor, N factor, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, and β2-AR expression were significantly associated with overall survival. Although the multivariate analysis did not indicate that β2-AR expression was independently prognostic of survival, high-level β2-AR expression was associated with significantly poorer survival of GC patients with well or moderately differentiated tumors. β2-AR expression was a significant predictor of tumor aggressiveness in, and poorer survival of, patients with GC.

Isoproterenol regulates CD44 expression in gastric cancer cells through STAT3/MicroRNA373 cascade

Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and stem cells are thought to be the cell of origin contributed to this malignancy. However, studies with breast and intestinal cancer models show non-stem cancer cells can change their surface phenotype and convert into tumor-initiating cells induced by the signals emanating from surrounding tumor microenvironment. Here, we show that CD44 was expressed at different levels in gastric metastases compared with primary tumors, and also negatively correlated with the expression of miR-373. By using a panel of human gastric cancer cell lines and analysis of archived data from The Cancer Genomics Altas (TCGA) database, we verified the inverse correlation between CD44 and miR-373. Furthermore, the stress-associated hormone, isoproterenol, could increase the expression levels of "stem"-related proteins, such as CD44, Nanog, and Rex-1, and induce chemoresistance in gastric cancer cells. Transfection with miR-373, however, reversed not only the effect of isoproterenol on phenotypic conversion but also its effect on drug sensitivity. Isoproterenol triggered downstream target STAT3 mainly through β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs). Activated STAT3 functioned as a miR-373 suppressor by binding to its promoter, which forms a positive feedback circuit to maintain CD44 activity and direct the phenotypic conversion from CD44(low) to CD44(hi) expression. Our data suggest an important role of β2-AR/STAT3/miR-373 signaling on the transformation of gastric cancer cells. This study also suggests a potential therapeutic or preventive treatment for gastric cancer patients who are especially prone to psychosocial stress.

By activating matrix metalloproteinase-7, shear stress promotes chondrosarcoma cell motility, invasion and lung colonization

Interstitial fluid flow and associated shear stress are relevant mechanical signals in cartilage and bone (patho)physiology. However, their effects on chondrosarcoma cell motility, invasion and metastasis have yet to be delineated. Using human SW1353, HS.819.T and CH2879 chondrosarcoma cell lines as model systems, we found that fluid shear stress induces the accumulation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which in turn markedly enhance chondrosarcoma cell motility and invasion via the induction of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7). Specifically, shear-induced cAMP and IL-1β activate PI3-K, ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways, which lead to the synthesis of MMP-7 via transactivating NF-κB and c-Jun in human chondrosarcoma cells. Importantly, MMP-7 upregulation in response to shear stress exposure has the ability to promote lung colonization of chondrosarcomas in vivo. These findings offer a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying MMP-7 activation in shear-stimulated chondrosarcoma cells, and provide insights on designing new therapeutic strategies to interfere with chondrosarcoma invasion and metastasis.

A Her2-let-7-β2-AR circuit affects prognosis in patients with Her2-positive breast cancer

Background

Our previous studies show that β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is highly expressed in most Her2-overexpressing breast cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying upregulation of the β2-AR expression in Her2-overexpressing breast cancer cells are not fully understood. The clinical significance of the β2-AR overexpression in breast cancer is unclear.

Methods

Human breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MCF-7/Her2 were transfected with the let-7 mimics or inhibitors. The expression of β2-AR was analyzed by Western blot. The β2-AR status in primary and metastatic sites of breast cancer and the human breast cancer tissue microarrays containing 49 primary tumors and 50 metastatic lymph node tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The correlation of lymph node metastasis with the β2-AR level was determined in 59 primary tumor tissues from the patients with Her2-positive breast cancer. The clinical prognostic significance of the β2-AR overexpression in the patients with Her2-positive breast cancers was evaluated by a retrospective study.

Results

The let-7f level in Her2-overexpressing breast cancer cells SKBR3 and BT474 was significantly lower than that in MCF-7 cells, which express low level of Her2. Ectopic expression of Her2 in MCF-7 cells (MCF-7/Her2) represses the expression of microRNA let-7f, which is previously identified to regulate baseline β2-AR expression. The treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitors PD98059 or PD184352 effectively restored the let-7f level, suggesting that Her2-overexpression-mediated ERK constitutive activation inhibited let-7f, leading to the upregulation of the β2-AR expression. The transfection with the let-7f mimics markedly downregulated the β2-AR level, whereas the let-7 inhibitor significantly upregulated the β2-AR expression in both parental MCF-7 and MCF-7/Her2 cells. In addition, treatment of MCF-7/Her2 cells with isoproterenol resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction of the let-7f expression, demonstrating that the inhibitory effect of Her2 overexpression on let-7f can be reinforced by agonist-triggered β2-AR activation. We further demonstrate that high level of β2-AR associates with lymph node metastasis and poor outcome in the patients with Her2-positive breast cancer.

Conclusions

The mutual and reciprocal interaction between Her2, β2-AR, and let-7f may maintain a high level of β2-AR in breast cancer cells. Our data suggest that β2-AR may be a new useful biomarker for predicting prognosis in Her2-positive breast cancer and may also be a promising selective therapeutic target for the aggressive subtype of breast cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1869-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Chronic Psychological Stress on Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer in Mice

Metastasis to the liver is a main factor in colorectal cancer mortality. Previous studies suggest that chronic psychological stress is important in cancer progression, but its effect on liver metastasis has not been investigated. To address this, we established a liver metastasis model in BALB/c nude mice to investigate the role of chronic stress in liver metastasis. Our data suggest that chronic stress elevates catecholamine levels and promotes liver metastasis. Chronic stress was also associated with increased tumor associated macrophages infiltration into the primary tumor and increased the expression of metastatic genes. Interestingly, β-blocker treatment reversed the effects of chronic stress on liver metastasis. Our results suggest the β-adrenergic signaling pathway is involved in regulating colorectal cancer progression and liver metastasis. Additionally, we submit that adjunctive therapy with a β-blocker may complement existing colorectal cancer therapies.

Circulating Anti-Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Antibodies May Be a Potential Biomarker for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of serum autoantibody against matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anti-MMP-7 antibodies were measured in sera from 204 patients with OSCC and 212 normal controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated. Prognostic consequence was assessed with Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank tests using Cox proportional hazard models. To check whether anti-MMP-7 antibody was related to tumor associated antigen, real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to measure MMP-7 mRNA and protein expression in tumor tissues from all 204 patients with OSCC.

RESULTS

Serum anti-MMP-7 antibody was higher in patients with OSCC (P < .05), and those with poorly differentiated tumors had more anti-MMP-7 antibody than those with well to moderate tumor differentiation (P < .01, P < .01, respectively). Patients with OSCC at late TNM stages (III, IV) and lymph node metastases had relatively higher serum anti-MMP-7 antibody levels than those with earlier stages (I, II) and those who lacked lymph node metastases (P < .05 for the 2 comparisons). OSCC prediction sensitivity as measured by receiver operating characteristics analysis was 0.485 and specificity was 0.896 (area under the curve, 0.761; 95% confidence interval, 0.716 to 0.806). Cox analysis showed that serum anti-MMP-7 antibody positivity independently predicted poor overall survival in patients with OSCC (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 4.61). MMP-7 mRNA and protein expression was increased in tumor tissues from patients with OSCC and high serum anti-MMP-7 antibody.

CONCLUSION

Serum anti-MMP-7 antibody might be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for OSCC.

Isoprenaline induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells

The emerging role of stress-related signaling in regulating cancer development and progression has been recognized. However, whether stress serves as a mechanism to promote gastric cancer metastasis is not clear. Here, we show that the β2-AR agonist, isoprenaline, upregulates expression levels of CD44 and CD44v8-10 in gastric cancer cells. CD44, a cancer stem cell-related marker, is expressed at high levels in gastric cancer tissues, which strongly correlates with the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes both in vivo and in vitro. Combined with experimental observations in two human gastric cancer cell lines, we found that β2-AR signaling can initiate EMT. It led to an increased expression of mesenchymal markers, such as α-SMA, vimentin, and snail at mRNA and protein levels, and conversely a decrease in epithelial markers, E-cadherin and β-catenin. Isoprenaline stimulation of β2-AR receptors activates the downstream target STAT3, which functions as a positive regulator and mediated the phenotypic switch toward a mesenchymal cell type in gastric cancer cells. Our data provide a mechanistic understanding of the complex signaling cascades involving stress-related hormones and their effects on EMT. In light of our observations, pharmacological interventions targeting β2-AR-STAT3 signaling can potentially be used to ameliorate stress-associated influences on gastric cancer development and progression.

NOX1 to NOX2 switch deactivates AMPK and induces invasive phenotype in colon cancer cells through overexpression of MMP-7

Background

Although matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 expression is correlated with increased metastatic potential in human colon cancer cells, the underlying molecular mechanism of invasive phenotype remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated the regulatory effects of membrane NADPH oxidase (NOX) and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) on MMP-7 expression and invasive phenotype change in colon cancer cells.

Methods

Production of superoxide anion was measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence assay using whole cells and protein extracts (NADPH oxidase activity), and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescence microscopy using 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein levels, respectively. siRNA transfection was used to assess involvement of genes in cancer invasion, which were identified by Matrigel transwell invasion assay. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify transcription factors linked to gene expression.

Results

Under basal conditions, less invasive human colon cancer cells (HT29 and Caco-2) showed low MMP-7 expression but high NOX1 expression and AMPK phosphorylation. Treatment of HT29 and Caco-2 cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced an invasive phenotype response along with corresponding increases in ROS production and NOX2 and MMP-7 expression as well as reduced AMPK phosphorylation, which resemble basal conditions of highly invasive human colon cancer cells (SW620 and HCT116). In addition, inverse regulation between AMPK phosphorylation and NOX2 and MMP-7 expression was observed in HT29 cells treated with different concentrations of exogenous hydrogen peroxide. TPA-induced invasive phenotype in HT29 cells was abolished by treatment with Vit. E, DPI, apocynin, and NOX2 siRNA but not NOX1 siRNA, indicating NOX2-derived ROS production induced an invasive phenotype. TPA-induced induction of MMP-7 expression was suppressed by AP-1, NF-κB, and MAPK (ERK, p38, and JNK) inhibitors, whereas TPA-induced expression of NOX2 and its regulators, p47phox and p67phox, was blocked by p38 and NF-κB inhibitors.

Conclusions

Molecular switch from NOX1 to NOX2 in colon cancer cells induces ROS production and subsequently enhances MMP-7 expression by deactivating AMPK, which otherwise inhibits stimulus-induced autoregulation of ROS and NOX2 gene expression.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0379-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.