Therapeutic potential of a novel prodrug of green tea extract in induction of apoptosis via ERK/JNK and Akt signaling pathway in human endometrial cancer

Natural products' antiangiogenic roles in gynecological cancer

Gynecological cancers pose a significant threat to women's health. Although the pathogenesis of gynecological cancer remains incompletely understood, angiogenesis is widely acknowledged as a fundamental pathological mechanism driving tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting angiogenesis through natural products has emerged as a crucial strategy for treating gynecological cancer. In this review, we conducted comprehensive searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Science Direct, and CNKI databases from the first publication until May 2023 to identify natural products that target angiogenesis in gynecologic tumors. Our findings revealed 63 natural products with anti-angiogenic activity against gynecological cancer. These results underscore the significance of these natural products in augmenting their anticancer effects by modulating other factors within the tumor microenvironment via their impact on angiogenesis. This article focuses on exploring the potential of natural products in targeting blood vessels within gynecological cancer to provide novel research perspectives for targeted vascular therapy while laying a solid theoretical foundation for new drug development.

Comprehensive Review of EGCG Modification: Esterification Methods and Their Impacts on Biological Activities

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the key constituent of tea polyphenols, presents challenges in terms of its lipid solubility, stability, and bioavailability because of its polyhydroxy structure. Consequently, structural modifications are imperative to enhance its efficacy. This paper comprehensively reviews the esterification techniques applied to EGCG over the past two decades and their impacts on bioactivities. Both chemical and enzymatic esterification methods involve catalysts, solvents, and hydrophobic groups as critical factors. Although the chemical method is cost-efficient, it poses challenges in purification; on the other hand, the enzymatic approach offers improved selectivity and simplified purification processes. The biological functions of EGCG are inevitably influenced by the structural changes incurred through esterification. The antioxidant capacity of EGCG derivatives can be compromised under certain conditions by reducing hydroxyl groups, while enhancing lipid solubility and stability can strengthen their antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Additionally, esterification broadens the utility of EGCG in food applications. This review provides critical insights into developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable selective esterification methods, as well as emphasizes the elucidation of the bioactive mechanisms of EGCG derivatives to facilitate their widespread adoption in food processing, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals.

Parthenolide induces gallbladder cancer cell apoptosis via MAPK signalling

Objective

Parthenolide (PTL) has a wide range of clinical applications owing to its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. To date, the antitumor effect of PTL on gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the biological effects of PTL on GBC.

Methods

The cellular viability and proliferation of GBC-SD and NOZ cell lines after treatment with different concentrations of PTL were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8)assay and colony formation assay. Apoptosis analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Hoechst staining was performed. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify PTL-related genes and signalling pathways. Furthermore, we confirmed the involvement of these signalling pathways by qRT-PCR and western blotting. For the in-vivo experiments, a xenograft model was used to evaluate the effects of PTL on the proliferation of NOZ cells.

Results

PTL significantly inhibited GBC cell growth in vitro and induced apoptosis in the GBC-SD and NOZ cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. RNA sequencing data showed that the immune response and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are closely associated with PTL-induced gallbladder cancer cell apoptosis. PTL upregulated BAX, cleaved PARP-1, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, P53 and decreased the expression of BCL-2, phosphorylated ERK, and phosphorylated MEK in vitro. Tumour volume and weight were also suppressed by PTL in vivo. Moreover, the effects of PTL on GBC cells might be mediated by the MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

PTL significantly inhibits gallbladder cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through the MAPK pathway, which is a potential molecular reagent for treating GBC. However, further exploration is needed to verify the antitumor effects of PTL and its intracellular signalling mechanism.

Epigallocatechin Gallate for the Treatment of Benign and Malignant Gynecological Diseases-Focus on Epigenetic Mechanisms

The most common malignant gynecologic diseases are cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. Among them, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A great number of women suffer from endometriosis, uterine fibroids (UFs), adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which are widespread benign health problems causing troublesome and painful symptoms and significantly impairing the quality of life of affected women, and they are some of the main causes of infertility. In addition to the available surgical and pharmacological options, the effects of supporting standard treatment with naturally occurring compounds, mainly polyphenols, are being studied. Catechins are responsible for the majority of potential health benefits attributed to green tea consumption. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is considered a non-toxic, natural compound with potential anticancer properties. Antioxidant action is its most common function, but attention is also drawn to its participation in cell division inhibition, apoptosis stimulation and epigenetic regulation. In this narrative review, we describe the role of EGCG consumption in preventing the development of benign reproductive disorders such as UF, endometriosis, and PCOS, as well as malignant gynecologic conditions. We discuss possible epigenetic mechanisms that may be related to the action of EGCG.

Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Epigallocatechin Gallate Protect against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Acute Epileptic Seizures in Mice via Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Activities

Several negative outcomes are associated with current anti-epileptic medications. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a plant-derived compound called catechin and has many medicinal activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles are also showing their neuroprotective effect. The anti-epileptic effect of EGCG, alone or with SeNPs, is still debated. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-seizure effect of biosynthesized SeNPs using EGCG (EGCG-SeNPs) against epileptic seizures and hippocampal damage, which is enhanced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injection in mice. Mice were grouped as follows: control; PTZ-exposed group (epileptic model); EGCG + PTZ-treated group; sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃) + PTZ-treated group; EGCG-SeNPs + PTZ-treated group; and valproic acid (VPA) + PTZ-treated group. EGCG-SeNPs administration showed anti-epileptic activity by increasing the latency time and reducing the seizure duration following the PTZ injection. Additionally, EGCG-SeNPs counteracted the PTZ-induced changes in oxidants and antioxidants. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs inhibited the inflammatory response by suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreasing the immunoreactivity of the glial fibrillary acidic protein and mRNA expression of glutamate receptor subunit zeta-1 (NMDAR; Grin1), showing their inhibitory effect on epilepsy-associated inflammation. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs reduced PTZ-induced neuronal apoptosis, as indicated by a reduction in the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins and an elevation of the anti-apoptotic protein. Moreover, EGCG-SeNPs administration significantly modulated the PTZ-induced changes in monoamine levels and acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampal tissue. The obtained findings suggest the anti-seizure activity of EGCG-SeNPs via their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, along with their neuromodulatory effect.

Natural products modulate cell apoptosis: a promising way for treating endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent epithelial malignancy in the uterine corpus's endometrium and myometrium. Regulating apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells has been a promising approach for treating EC. Recent in-vitro and in-vivo studies show that numerous extracts and monomers from natural products have pro-apoptotic properties in EC. Therefore, we have reviewed the current studies regarding natural products in modulating the apoptosis of EC cells and summarized their potential mechanisms. The potential signaling pathways include the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) mediated apoptotic pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediated apoptotic pathway, NF-κB-mediated apoptotic pathway, PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated apoptotic pathway, the p21-mediated apoptotic pathway, and other reported pathways. This review focuses on the importance of natural products in treating EC and provides a foundation for developing natural products-based anti-EC agents.

Integrated miRNA and mRNA omics reveal dioscin suppresses migration and invasion via MEK/ERK and JNK signaling pathways in human endometrial carcinoma in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygonatum sibiricum Redouté (PS, also called Huangjing in traditional Chinese medicine), is a perennial herb as homology of medicine and food. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory "Special Records of Famous Doctors", its functions include invigorating qi and nourishing yin, tonifying spleen and kidney. Traditionally, qi and blood therapy has been believed as most applicable to the treatment of uterine disease. The current research has focused on the effect and mechanism of dioscin, the main active component of PS, on Endometrial carcinoma (EC).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the efficacy of dioscin on proliferation and migration of Endometrial carcinoma cell line, we conducted experiments by using xenograft model and Ishikawa cells, and explored the potential molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

mRNA and miRNA omics techniques were employed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of dioscin on EC Ishikawa cells. Based on in vivo and in vitro experiments, cell clone formation, cell scratching, Transwell, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, q-PCR, and Western blot techniques were used to determine the molecular effects and mechanisms of dioscin on cell migration.

RESULTS

Integrated miRNA and mRNA omics data showed that 513 significantly different genes marked enrichment in MAPK signaling pathway. The in vivo data showed that dioscin (24 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth. The in vitro proliferation and invasiveness of dioscin on Ishikawa cells showed that dioscin could significantly decrease the colony numbers, and suppress the Ishikawa cell wound healing, migration and invasion. Molecular data revealed that dioscin decreased the MMP2 and MMP9 expression in vitro and in vivo. The p-MEK, p-ERK, and p-JNK expression levels were also confirmed to be significantly reduced. Key regulators in the MAPK signaling pathway were further validated in xenograft tumors.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicated that dioscin inhibited Ishikawa cell migration and invasion mediated through MEK/ERK and JNK signaling. More importantly, screened hub miRNAs and genes can be regarded as potential molecular targets for future EC treatment.

Green Tea in Reproductive Cancers: Could Treatment Be as Simple?

Green tea originates from the tea plant Camellia sinensis and is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Green tea polyphenols, commonly known as catechins, are the major bioactive ingredients and account for green tea's unique health benefits. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is the most potent catechin derivative and has been widely studied for its pro- and anti-oxidative effects. This review summarizes the chemical and chemopreventive properties of green tea in the context of female reproductive cancers. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar up to December 2022 was conducted. All original and review articles related to green tea or EGCG, and gynecological cancers published in English were included. The findings of several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies examining the effect of green tea on reproductive cancers, including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, and vulvar cancers, are presented. Studies have shown that this compound targets specific receptors and intracellular signaling pathways involved in cancer pathogenesis. The potential benefits of using green tea in the treatment of reproductive cancers, alone or in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents, are examined, shedding light on new therapeutic strategies for the management of female reproductive cancers.

Hepatotoxicity with High-Dose Green Tea Extract: Effect of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and Uridine 5'-Diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 Genotypes

The predominant catechin in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may be hepatotoxic in high doses. Our objective was to investigate the influence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 (UGT1A4) genotypes on changes in liver injury biomarkers in response to long-term, high-dose green tea extract (GTE) supplementation among postmenopausal women. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (N = 1,075), in which participants were randomized to consume high-dose GTE (843 mg/day EGCG) or placebo capsules for 12 months. Analysis of covariance adjusting for potential confounders was performed to examine changes in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST: ALT ratio, and alkaline phosphatase from baseline to months 3, 6, 9, and 12 across COMT and UGT1A4 genotypes. Mean age and BMI within the GTE group (n = 400) were 59.8 yrs and 25.1 kg/m2, respectively, and 98% of subjects were white. From baseline to month 3, mean AST: ALT ratio change was +1.0% in the COMT (rs4680) A/G genotype versus -4.8% in the A/A genotype (p = 0.03). From baseline to months 6 and 9, respectively, mean ALT change was +78.1% and +82.1% in the UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype versus +28.0% and +30.1% in the C/C genotype (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype may be an important risk factor for clinically-relevant serum transaminase elevations with 6-9 months of high-dose GTE supplementation among postmenopausal women. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of GTE-related hepatotoxicity may allow for a genetically-informed paradigm for therapeutic use of GTE.

Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Regulates Autophagy in Male and Female Reproductive Cancer

With a rich abundance of natural polyphenols, green tea has become one of the most popular and healthiest nonalcoholic beverages being consumed worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominant catechin found in green tea, which has been shown to promote numerous health benefits, including metabolic regulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Clinical studies have also shown the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cancers of the male and female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, breast, testicular, and prostate cancers. Autophagy is a natural, self-degradation process that serves important functions in both tumor suppression and tumor cell survival. Naturally derived products have the potential to be an effective and safe alternative in balancing autophagy and maintaining homeostasis during tumor development. Although EGCG has been shown to play a critical role in the suppression of multiple cancers, its role as autophagy modulator in cancers of the male and female reproductive system remains to be fully discussed. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge of EGCG in targeting autophagy and its related signaling mechanism in reproductive cancers. Effects of EGCG on regulating autophagy toward reproductive cancers as a single therapy or cotreatment with other chemotherapies will be reviewed and compared. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms and crosstalk of EGCG between autophagy and other cellular processes, such as reactive oxidative stress, ER stress, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, will be summarized. The present review will help to shed light on the significance of green tea as a potential therapeutic treatment for reproductive cancers through regulating autophagy.

Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Obesogenic, and Antidiabetic Properties of Tea Polyphenols-The Positive Impact of Regular Tea Consumption as an Element of Prophylaxis and Pharmacotherapy Support in Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is second only to cervical carcinoma among the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours of the female reproductive system. The available literature provides evidence for the involvement of 32 genes in the hereditary incidence of EC. The physiological markers of EC and coexisting diet-dependent maladies include antioxidative system disorders but also progressing inflammation; hence, the main forms of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy ought to include a diet rich in substances aiding the organism’s response to this type of disorder, with a particular focus on ones suitable for lifelong consumption. Tea polyphenols satisfy those requirements due to their proven antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesogenic, and antidiabetic properties. Practitioners ought to consider promoting tea consumption among individuals genetically predisposed for EC, particularly given its low cost, accessibility, confirmed health benefits, and above all, suitability for long-term consumption regardless of the patient’s age. The aim of this paper is to analyse the potential usability of tea as an element of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy support in EC patients. The analysis is based on information available from worldwide literature published in the last 15 years.

Chemico-biological aspects of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to improve its stability, bioavailability and membrane permeability: Current status and future prospects

Natural products have been a bedrock for drug discovery for decades. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the widely studied natural polyphenolic compounds derived from green tea. It is the key component believed to be responsible for the medicinal value of green tea. Significant studies implemented in in vitro, in cellulo, and in vivo models have suggested its anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, neuroprotective activities etc. Despite having such a wide array of therapeutic potential and promising results in preclinical studies, its applicability to humans has encountered with rather limited success largely due to the poor bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, rapid metabolic clearance and lack of stability of EGCG. Therefore, novel techniques are warranted to address those limitations so that EGCG or its modified analogs can be used in the clinical setup. This review comprehensively covers different strategies such as structural modifications, nano-carriers as efficient drug delivery systems, synergistic studies with other bioactivities to improve the chemico-biological aspects (e.g., stability, bioavailability, permeability, etc.) of EGCG for its enhanced pharmacokinetics and pharmacological properties, eventually enhancing its therapeutic potentials. We think this review article will serve as a strong platform with comprehensive literature on the development of novel techniques to improve the bioavailability of EGCG so that it can be translated to the clinical applications.

Epigallocatechin gallate triggers apoptosis by suppressing de novo lipogenesis in colorectal carcinoma cells

The de novo lipogenesis (DNL) pathway has been identified as a regulator of cancer progression and aggressiveness. Downregulation of key lipogenesis enzymes has been shown to activate apoptosis in cancerous cells. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits cancer cell proliferation without causing cytotoxicity in healthy cells. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of EGCG on the promotion of apoptosis associated with the DNL pathway inhibition in cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. We observed that two colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HCT116 and HT-29) had a higher cytotoxic response to EGCG treatment than hepatocellular carcinoma cells, including HepG2 and HuH-7. EGCG treatment decreased cell viability and increased mitochondrial damage-triggered apoptosis in both HCT116 and HT-29 cancer cells. Additionally, we treated mice transplanted with HCT116 cells with 30 or 50 mg/kg EGCG for 7 days to evaluate the apoptotic effects of EGCN treatment in a xenograft mouse model of cancer. We observed a decrease in intracellular fatty acid levels, which suggested that EGCG-induced apoptosis was associated with a decrease in fatty acid levels in cancer. Suppression of adenosine triphosphate synthesis by EGCG indicated that cell death induction in cancer cells could be mediated by shared components of the DNL and energy metabolism pathways. In addition, EGCG-induced apoptosis suppressed the expression of the phosphorylation protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling proteins in tumors from xenografted mice. Cytotoxic effects in unaffected organs and tissues of the mouse xenograft model were absent upon EGCG treatment.

Semaphorin 3D inhibits proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Semaphorin 3D (SEMA3D) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of multifarious cancers. However, the relationship between SEMA3D and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functions and mechanism of SEMA3D in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

The expression of SEMA3D in PTC tissues and cell lines was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of the related proteins. CCK-8 and colony formation assays and Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation and migration, respectively. A xenograft model was induced to further verify the effect of SEMA3D in vivo.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that SEMA3D was downregulated in PTC tissues and PTC cell lines (TPC-1 and BCPAP). The expression level of SEMA3D was significantly related to age (P < 0.01), extrathyroidal extension (P < 0.01), TNM stage (P < 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of SEMA3D inhibited the proliferation and migration of TPC-1 and BCPAP cells and that upregulated SEMA3D inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and the expression of the phenotype-related proteins PCNA and MMP2. In addition, SEMA3D overexpression inhibited tumour growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that SEMA3D is significantly downregulated in PTC tissues. SEMA3D inhibits the proliferation and migration of PTC cells and suppresses tumour growth in vivo, possibly partially through the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway, suggesting that SEMA3D may be a reliable molecular marker for the diagnosis and treatment of PTC.

Green Tea Catechins Attenuate Human Primary Pterygium Cell Survival and Migration Via Modulation of ERK p42/p44 and p38 Pathways

Pterygium belongs to an ocular surface disease with triangular-shaped hyperplastic growth, characterized by conjunctivalization, inflammation, and connective tissue remodeling. We previously demonstrated neoplastic-like properties of pterygium cells. Green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to possess antitumorigenic properties; herein, we aimed to determine the effects of green tea catechins on human primary pterygium cell survival and migration and compared to that on patients' conjunctival cells. Both human primary pterygium and conjunctival cells expressed EGCG receptor, the 67 kDa laminin receptor. Seven-day treatment of green tea extract (Theaphenon E; 16.25 μg/mL) and EGCG (25 μM) attenuated pterygium cell proliferation by 16.78% (p < 0.001) and 24.09% (p < 0.001) respectively, without significantly influencing conjunctival cells. Moreover, green tea extract (16.25 μg/mL) and EGCG (25 μM) treatments also hindered pterygium cell migration by 35.22% (p < 0.001) and 25.20% (p = 0.019), respectively, but not conjunctival cells. Yet, green tea extract and EGCG treatments did not significantly induce pterygium cell apoptosis. Furthermore, green tea extract and EGCG treatments significantly increased the phosphorylation of p38 protein but reduced the phosphorylation of p42/p44 protein in pterygium cells. In summary, this study revealed that green tea extract and EGCG attenuated human primary pterygium cell survival and migration in vitro without damaging conjunctival cells, suggesting a novel potential therapeutic approach for primary pterygium treatment.

Therapeutic effects of green tea on endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. It affects 8%-10% of women in their reproductive years, and represents a major clinical problem with deleterious social, sexual and reproductive consequences. Current treatment options include pain relief, hormonal intervention and surgical removal. However, these treatments are deemed unsatisfactory owing to varying success, significant side effects and high recurrence rates. Green tea and its major bioactive component, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), possess diverse biological properties, particularly anti-angiogenic, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, and apoptosis induction. In recent years, preclinical studies have proposed the use of green tea to inhibit the growth of endometriosis. Herein, the aim of this review is to summarize the potential therapeutic effects of green tea on molecular and cellular mechanism through inflammation, oxidative stress, invasion and adhesion, apoptosis and angiogenesis in endometriosis.

Risk factors of endometrial cancer in patients with endometrial hyperplasia: implication for clinical treatments

Background

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is commonly-seen in the patients with endometrial cancer (EC), we aimed to evaluated the risk factors of EC in patients with EH, to provide evidence to the clinical prevention and treatment of EC.

Methods

This study was a retrospective study design. EH patients confirmed by pathological examinations and treated with hysterectomy in our hospital from June 1, 2018 to February 28, 2021 were included. The clinical characteristics of EC and no-EC patients were compared and analyzed. Logistics regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the risk factors of EC in patients with EH.

Results

A total of 228 EH patients were included, the incidence of EC in the EH patients was 31.58%. There were significant differences in the age, BMI, diabetes, hypertension and pathology of EH between EC and no EC groups (all P < 0.05), no significant differences in the hyperlipidemia, preoperative CA₁₂₅, number of deliveries, menopause and endometrial thickness between EC and no EC groups were found (all P > 0.05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that age > 50 y (OR 3.064, 95% CI 1.945–5.931), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (OR 2.705, 95% CI 1.121–3.889), diabetes (OR 3.049, 95% CI 1.781–5.114), hypertension (OR 2.725, 95% CI 1.108–3.431) and severe hyperplasia (OR 3.181, 95% CI 1.496–4.228) were the risk factors of EC in patients with EH (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The risk of EC in EH patients is high, especially for those patients with age > 50 y, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², diabetes, hypertension and severe hyperplasia, special attentions should be paid for occurrence of EC and early diagnosis and early treatment are needed for those patients.

Molecular mechanisms underlying health benefits of tea compounds

Tea is one of the three most widely consumed beverages in the world, not only because of its unique flavor but also due to its various health benefits. The bioactive components in tea, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, polypeptides, pigments, and alkaloids, are the main contributors to its health functions. Based on epidemiological surveys, the consumption of tea and its compounds in daily life has positive effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, hepatopathy, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. In experimental studies, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, cardiovascular protective, liver protective, and hypoglycemic activities of tea and the related mechanisms of action have been widely investigated. The regulation of several classical signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling, is involved. Clinical trials have also demonstrated the potential of tea products to be applied as dietary supplements and natural medicines. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed the recent literature on the health benefits of tea and its compounds, and specifically explored the molecular mechanisms involved.

A Narrative Review of the Role of Diet and Lifestyle Factors in the Development and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer

Simple Summary

The incidence and prevalence of endometrial cancer is increasing globally. The main factors involved in this increase have been the way women live today and what they eat and drink. In fact, the obesity pandemic that is sweeping across the planet is considered to be the main contributory feature. This review aims to introduce to a new audience, those that are not experts in the field, what is known about the different types of endometrial cancer and the mechanisms for their induction and protection. We also seek to summarise the existing knowledge on dietary and lifestyle factors that prevent endometrial development in susceptible populations and identify the main problem in this arena; the paucity of research studies and clinical trials that investigate the interaction(s) between diet, lifestyle and endometrial cancer risk whilst highlighting those areas of promise that should be further investigated.

Abstract

Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer affecting the reproductive organs of women living in higher-income countries. Apart from hormonal influences and genetic predisposition, obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasingly recognised as major factors in endometrial cancer risk, due to changes in lifestyle and diet, whereby high glycaemic index and lipid deposition are prevalent. This is especially true in countries where micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals are exchanged for high calorific diets and a sedentary lifestyle. In this review, we will survey the currently known lifestyle factors, dietary requirements and hormonal changes that increase an individual’s risk for endometrial cancer and discuss their relevance for clinical management. We also examine the evidence that everyday factors and clinical interventions have on reducing that risk, such that informed healthy choices can be made. In this narrative review, we thus summarise the dietary and lifestyle factors that promote and prevent the incidence of endometrial cancer.

Inhibition of SNCG suppresses the proliferation of lung cancer cells induced by high glucose

Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Diabetes is closely associated with the occurrence, development and prognosis of lung cancer. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether SNCG could affect the proliferation of lung cancer cells induced by high glucose. Lung cancer cells induced by high glucose simulated the pathologies of patients with lung cancer with diabetes in vitro. The proliferation of HBE cells and lung cancer cells after transfection and treatment of glucose was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The mRNA expression levels of synuclein γ (SNCG), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in HBE cells and lung cancer cells alone, or cells induced by high glucose were analyzed via reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR analysis. Moreover RT-qPCR analysis was used to determine the transfection efficiencies. The clone formation ability, migration and inflammation of lung cancer cells after high glucose induction and transfection were detected using clone formation, wound healing and ELISA assays. The protein expression levels of SNCG, IGF-1, IGF-1R, ERK 1/2, phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 and JNK in lung cancer cells after high glucose induction and transfection were determined using western blot analysis. The results suggested that high glucose significantly promoted the proliferation of A549, NCI-H1975 and SK-MES-1 cells at 24 and 48 h, as well as upregulated the expression levels of SNCG, IGF-1 and IGF-1R. Knockdown of SNCG suppressed the proliferation, clone formation ability and migration, but alleviated inflammation in A549 cells induced by high glucose. Knockdown of SNCG suppressed the expression levels of SNCG, IGF-1, IGF-1R, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2, while it promoted JNK expression in A549 cells induced by high glucose. The effect of AXL1717 (an IGF-1R inhibitor) treatment on cells was consistent with that of SNCG knockdown. In conclusion, inhibition of SNCG suppresses proliferation of lung cancer cells induced by high glucose.