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Nwaokorie A, Kolch W, Fey D. A Systems Biology Approach to Understand the Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:103-117. [PMID: 38051091 PMCID: PMC10785768 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Racial disparities between Black/African Americans (AA) and White patients in colorectal cancer are an ever-growing area of concern. Black/AA show the highest incidence and have the highest mortality among major U.S. racial groups. There is no definite cause other than possible sociodemographic, socioeconomic, education, nutrition, delivery of healthcare, screening, and cultural factors. A primary limitation in this field is the lack of and small sample size of Black/AA studies. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether differences in gene expression contribute to this ongoing unanswered racial disparity issue. In this study, we examined transcriptomic data of Black/AA and White patient cohorts using a bioinformatic and systems biology approach. We performed a Kaplan-Meier overall survival analysis between both patient cohorts across critical colorectal cancer signal transduction networks (STN), to determine the differences in significant genes across each cohort. Other bioinformatic analyses performed included PROGENy (pathway responsive genes for activity inference), RNA sequencing differential expression using DESeq2, multivariable-adjusted regression, and other associated Kaplan-Meier analyses. These analyses identified novel prognostic genes independent from each cohort, 176 differentially expressed genes, and specific patient cohort STN survival associations. Despite the overarching limitation, the results revealed several novel differences in gene expression between the colorectal cancer Black/AA and White patient cohorts, which allows one to dive deeper into and understand the behavior on a systems level of what could be driving this racial difference across colorectal cancer. Concretely, this information can guide precision medicine approaches tailored specifically for colorectal cancer racial disparities. SIGNIFICANCE The purpose of this work is to investigate the racial disparities in colorectal cancer between Black/AA and White patient cohorts using a systems biology and bioinformatic approach. Our study investigates the underlying biology of each patient cohort. Concretely, the findings of this study include disparity-associated genes and pathways, which provide a tangible starting point to guide precision medicine approaches tailored specifically for colorectal cancer racial disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Nwaokorie
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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Cao X, Meng P, Liu Y, Li X, Shi X, Sun X, Zhang T, Wang J, Jiao H, Wang H, Zheng H. Adenoma location, size, and morphology are risk factors for FOBT false-negative results in inpatients with advanced colorectal adenoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:831. [PMID: 38191805 PMCID: PMC10774257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, advanced adenoma (AA) has been recognized as a target for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), the primary non-invasive screening method, shows limited sensitivity in detecting AA. This study investigates the relationship between adenoma characteristics and FOBT false-negative results. In a retrospective cohort study conducted from 2015 to 2022, we examined 342 inpatients with AA who underwent colonoscopy and received qualitative FOBT. FOBT sensitivity was analyzed about various adenoma characteristics, and logistic regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between adenoma features and FOBT false-negative outcomes. FOBT sensitivity in AA inpatients was 52.63%. Significant differences in sensitivity were observed based on adenoma location (left vs. right), morphology (with or without pedunculation), and size (≤ 10 mm vs. > 10 mm). After adjusting for several potential confounders, FOBT showed a reduced false-negative rate in AA with large-sized (OR, 0.49; 95% CI 0.31-0.77), left-sided location (OR, 0.53; 95% CI 0.31-0.89), and pedunculated morphology (OR, 0.73; 95% CI 0.43-1.24). AA with large size, left-sided location, and pedunculated morphology independently contribute to a decreased rate of FOBT false-negative results. However, these adenoma characteristics are not actively modifiable. Therefore, novel non-invasive methods are needed to improve AA detection accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Cao
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Ping Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xiaoyang Shi
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xiaoxing Sun
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Tianpeng Zhang
- Department of Anorectum, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Department of Surgery, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Hao Jiao
- Department of Anorectum, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Huijie Wang
- Department of Endoscopy, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Huanwei Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shijiazhuang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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Song D, Wang F, Ju Y, He Q, Sun T, Deng W, Ding R, Zhang C, Xu Q, Qi C, Bao J. Application and development of noninvasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review. Int J Surg 2023; 109:925-935. [PMID: 36974713 PMCID: PMC10389553 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (9.4% of the 9.9 million cancer deaths). However, CRC develops slowly, and early detection and intervention can effectively improve the survival rate and quality of life. Although colonoscopy can detect and diagnose CRC, it is unsuitable for CRC screening in average-risk populations. Some commercial kits based on DNA mutation or methylation are approved for screening, but the low sensitivity for advanced adenoma or early-stage CRC would limit the applications. MAIN RESULTS Recently, researchers have focused on developing noninvasive or minimally invasive, easily accessible biomarkers with higher sensitivity and accuracy for CRC screening. Numerous reports describe advances in biomarkers, including DNA mutations and methylation, mRNA and miRNA, gut microbes, and metabolites, as well as low-throughput multiomics panels. In small cohorts, the specificity and sensitivity improved when fecal immunochemical testing combined with other biomarkers; further verification in large cohorts is expected. In addition, the continuous improvement of laboratory technology has also improved the sensitivity of detection technology, such as PCR, and the application of CRISPR/Cas technology. Besides, artificial intelligence has extensively promoted the mining of biomarkers. Machine learning was performed to construct a diagnosis model for CRC screening based on the cfDNA fragment features from whole-genome sequencing data. In another study, multiomics markers, including cfDNA, epigenetic, and protein signals, were also discovered by machine learning. Finally, advancements in sensor technology promote the applicability of volatile organic compounds in CRC early detection. CONCLUSION Here, the authors review advances in early detection and screening of CRC based on different biomarker types. Most studies reported optimistic findings based on preliminary research, and prospective clinical studies are ongoing. These promising biomarkers are expected to more accurately identify early-stage patients with CRC and be applied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fei Wang
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yongzhi Ju
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianru He
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tingting Sun
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wanglong Deng
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ran Ding
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qing Xu
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuang Qi
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co. Ltd, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co. Ltd, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun Bao
- Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Baiziting
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Zhang Y, Chai N, Wei Z, Li Z, Zhang L, Zhang M, Ren J, Xu R, Pang X, Zhang B, Tang Q, Sui H. YYFZBJS inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis by enhancing Tregs-induced immunosuppression through HIF-1α mediated hypoxia in vivo and in vitro. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 98:153917. [PMID: 35093671 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a variety of factors. Accumulating evidence shows that peripheral differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critical in controlling tumorigenesis. Our previous studies demonstrated that the Yi-Yi-Fu-Zi-Bai-Jiang-San (YYFZBJS) extract exerted potent anticancer activities by significantly enhancing immunosuppression in ApcMin/+ mice. However, there is limited knowledge on the effect of YYFZBJS in the prevention of colorectal cancer and the underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS In this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of YYFZBJS in preventing azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced tumorigenesis. We found that YYFZBJS treatment decreased tumor load, tumor number, histology, and the severity of disease activity index (DAI) scores. To investigate if YYFZBJS inhibited tumorigenesis by regulating regulatory T cells, we depleted Tregs in AOM/DSS mice. We then analyzed the effect of intragastric administration of YYFZBJS on tumorigenesis and the regulation of tumor microenvironment. RESULTS As expected, intragastric administration of YYFZBJS in AOM/DSS mice model significantly increased immune responses in the tumor microenvironment through its hypoxia-associated anti-cancer activities. Additionally, YYFZBJS regulated the polarization of peripheral Treg (pTreg) to suppress CRC cell proliferation and infiltration. This was demonstrated by the decrease in tumor proliferation-related proteins including p-STAT3, p-NF-κB and MMPs in a dose-dependent manner. Clinically, the increase in the levels of Tregs in human tissues during CRC progression was associated with low expression of HIF-1α in the stroma, and correlated with CRC survival and prognosis. CONCLUSION Altogether, we demonstrated that HIF-1α may promote pTreg -induced carcinogenesis and progression of CRC cells, indicating that YYFZBJS is a promising protective agent against HIF-1α-mediated Treg activation in colorectal cancer. This study is the first to imply a novel clinical significance of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine from Synopsis of Golden Chamber in the cancer treatment and clarify the important role of tumor microenvironment in preventing tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Zhang
- Medical Experiment Center, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China
| | - Ni Chai
- Oncology department, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated of Traditional Chinese and western medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wei
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zan Li
- Medical Experiment Center, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Medical Experiment Center, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China
| | - Junze Ren
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Renjie Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, PLA Marine Corps Hospital, Guangdong 521011, China
| | - Xiufeng Pang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bimeng Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China.
| | - Qingfeng Tang
- Medical Experiment Center, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China.
| | - Hua Sui
- Medical Experiment Center, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201803, China.
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Jafarpour S, Saberi F, Yazdi M, Nedaeinia R, Amini G, Ferns GA, Salehi R. Association between colorectal cancer and the degree of ITGA4 promoter methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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