Prostate-specific IL-6 transgene autonomously induce prostate neoplasm through amplifying inflammation in the prostate and peri-prostatic adipose tissue

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Pygeum africanum Bark Extract: An In Vitro Study of Cytokine Release by Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Pygeum africanum bark has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in the prostate and reduces the production of leukotrienes and other 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolites. It has been suggested that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Data from clinical trials have shown that P. africanum improves the symptoms and objective measures of BPH. This in vitro study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of a proprietary Pygeum bark standardized extract (Prunera®) on cytokine release from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were obtained from four donors, and a bead-based assay (ProcartaPlex™ panel) was used for the detection and quantitation of cytokines. Pygeum africanum bark standardized extract (PABE) induced a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) of IL-6 in three donors. Other effects were as follows: IL-2 was lowered in all donors in the absence of a clear dose-response relationship; IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 levels were decreased in most donors; IL-22 levels seemed to be suppressed only for donor 4 at lower and medium concentrations; and IL-27 and TNF-α levels decreased at all PABE concentrations in all donors. The anti-inflammatory effect of PABE, particularly the reduction in IL-6 as a marker of inflammation, supports the potential use of this natural compound in the management of BPH and other conditions in which pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Measurements of peri-prostatic adipose tissue by MRI predict bone metastasis in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer

Objectives

To investigate the role of MRI measurements of peri-prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) in predicting bone metastasis (BM) in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on 156 patients newly diagnosed with PCa by prostate biopsy between October 2010 and November 2022. Clinicopathologic characteristics were collected. Measurements including PPAT volume and prostate volume were calculated by MRI, and the normalized PPAT (PPAT volume/prostate volume) was computed. Independent predictors of BM were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a new nomogram was developed based on the predictors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to estimate predictive performance.

Results

PPAT and normalized PPAT were associated with BM (P<0.001). Normalized PPAT positively correlated with clinical T stage(cT), clinical N stage(cN), and Grading Groups(P<0.05). The results of ROC curves indicated that PPAT and normalized PPAT had promising predictive value for BM with the AUC of 0.684 and 0.775 respectively. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that high normalized PPAT, cN, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) were independently predictors of BM. The nomogram was developed and the concordance index(C-index) was 0.856.

Conclusions

Normalized PPAT is an independent predictor for BM among with cN, and ALP. Normalized PPAT may help predict BM in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer, thus providing adjunctive information for BM risk stratification and bone scan selection.

Periprostatic Adipose Tissue: A New Perspective for Diagnosing and Treating Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common tumor of the male genitourinary system. It will eventually progress to fatal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, for which treatment options are limited. Adipose tissues are distributed in various parts of the body. They have different morphological structures and functional characteristics and are associated with the development of various tumors. Periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) is the closest white visceral adipose tissue to the prostate and is part of the PCa tumor microenvironment. Studies have shown that PPAT is involved in PCa development, progression, invasion, and metastasis through the secretion of multiple active molecules. Factors such as obesity, diet, exercise, and organochlorine pesticides can affect the development of PCa indirectly or directly through PPAT. Based on the mechanism of PPAT's involvement in regulating PCa, this review summarized various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PCa with potential applications to assess the progression of patients' disease and improve clinical outcomes.

The integrated stress response in cancer progression: a force for plasticity and resistance

During their quest for growth, adaptation, and survival, cancer cells create a favorable environment through the manipulation of normal cellular mechanisms. They increase anabolic processes, including protein synthesis, to facilitate uncontrolled proliferation and deplete the tumor microenvironment of resources. As a dynamic adaptation to the self-imposed oncogenic stress, cancer cells promptly hijack translational control to alter gene expression. Rewiring the cellular proteome shifts the phenotypic balance between growth and adaptation to promote therapeutic resistance and cancer cell survival. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key translational program activated by oncogenic stress that is utilized to fine-tune protein synthesis and adjust to environmental barriers. Here, we focus on the role of ISR signaling for driving cancer progression. We highlight mechanisms of regulation for distinct mRNA translation downstream of the ISR, expand on oncogenic signaling utilizing the ISR in response to environmental stresses, and pinpoint the impact this has for cancer cell plasticity during resistance to therapy. There is an ongoing need for innovative drug targets in cancer treatment, and modulating ISR activity may provide a unique avenue for clinical benefit.

Histone methyltransferase KMT2D promotes prostate cancer progression through paracrine IL-6 signaling

Histone methyltransferase KMT2D plays a critical role as a human oncogene in prostate cancer (PCa). Dysregulated inflammatory responses and cytokine signaling are implicated in cancer progression. Furthermore, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that contributes to PCa progression; however, the association between KMT2D and IL-6 in PCa remains unclear. PCa cell proliferative potential, migratory potential, and apoptosis in vitro were determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU incorporation, wound healing, and apoptosis assays. Proliferation and migratory potential were impaired and apoptosis was induced in PCa cells cultured with the conditioned medium from KMT2D-depleted cells. Cytokine array analysis showed that IL-6 was the most affected cytokine in the conditioned media. KMT2D knockdown significantly downregulated the expression of IL-6 in PCa cells. What's more, proliferation and migration were also impaired and apoptosis was also induced by silencing IL-6R expression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to validate the positive correlation between KMT2D and IL-6 in PCa tissue samples. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR demonstrated that KMT2D and H3K4me1 occupied IL-6 enhancer regions and therefore, directly regulated IL-6 expression. The present study revealed that the KMT2D knockdown suppressed prostate cancer progression through the downregulation of paracrine IL-6 signaling. These results suggest that KMT2D could be regarded as a potential new target for PCa therapy.

Mutational analysis and protein profiling predict drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma cell lines

INTRODUCTION

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease where cancer-driver mutations and aberrant signaling may lead to disease progression and drug resistance. Drug responses vary greatly, and there is an unmet need for biomarkers that can guide precision cancer medicine in this disease.

METHODS

To identify potential predictors of drug sensitivity, we applied integrated data from drug sensitivity screening, mutational analysis and functional signaling pathway profiling in 9 cell line models of MM. We studied the sensitivity to 33 targeted drugs and their association with the mutational status of cancer-driver genes and activity level of signaling proteins.

RESULTS

We found that sensitivity to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors correlated with mutations in NRAS/KRAS, and PI3K family genes, respectively. Phosphorylation status of MEK1 and protein kinase B (AKT) correlated with sensitivity to MEK and PI3K inhibition, respectively. In addition, we found that enhanced phosphorylation of proteins, including Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), as well as high expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), correlated with low sensitivity to MEK inhibitors.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, this study shows that mutational status and signaling protein profiling might be used in further studies to predict drug sensitivities and identify resistance markers in MM.

The role of cyclins in the development and progression of prostate cancer

The role of cyclins in hormone-dependent neoplasms is crucial in the development of the disease that is resistant to first-line therapy, as the example of breast cancer shows. However, in prostate cancer, cyclins are studied to a lesser extent. There are some well-described molecular pathways, including cyclins A1 and D1 signaling, however the role of other cyclins, e.g., D2, D3, E, and H, still requires further investigation. Recent studies indicate that cyclins regulate various cellular processes, not only the cell cycle. Furthermore, they remain in cross-talk with many other signaling pathways, e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and Notch. The androgen signaling axis, which is pivotal in prostate cancer progression, interferes with cyclin pathways at many levels. This article summarizes current knowledge on the influence of cyclins on prostate cancer progression by describing interactions between the androgen receptor and cyclins, as well as mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to currently used therapies.

Applications of Vertebrate Models in Studying Prostatitis and Inflammation-Associated Prostatic Diseases

It has long been postulated that the inflammatory environment favors cell proliferation, and is conducive to diseases such as cancer. In the prostate gland, clinical data implicate important roles of prostatitis in the progression of both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). However, their causal relationships have not been firmly established yet due to unresolved molecular and cellular mechanisms. By accurately mimicking human disease, vertebrate animals provide essential in vivo models to address this question. Here, we review the vertebrate prostatitis models that have been developed and discuss how they may reveal possible mechanisms by which prostate inflammation promotes BPH and PCa. Recent studies, particularly those involving genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), suggest that such mechanisms are multifaceted, which include epithelium barrier disruption, DNA damage and cell proliferation induced by paracrine signals, and expansion of potential cells of origin for cancer. Future research using rodent prostatitis models should aim to distinguish the etiologies of BPH and PCa, and facilitate the development of novel clinical approaches for prostatic disease prevention.

IL-6 Signaling Link between Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment and Prostatic Tumorigenesis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are tumoral pathologies characterized by the overexpression of inflammatory processes. The exploration of tumor microenvironment and understanding the sequential events that take place in the stromal area of the prostate could help for an early management of these pathologies. This way, it is feasible the hypothesis that normalizing the stromal environment would help to suppress or even to reverse tumor fenotype. A number of immunological and genetic factors, endocrine dysfunctions, metabolic disorders, infectious foci, nutritional deficiencies, and chemical irritants could be involved in prostate tumor development by maintaining inflammation, affecting local microcirculation, and promoting oxidative stress. Inflammatory processes activate hyperproliferative programs that ensure fibromuscular growth of the prostate and a number of extracellular changes. Acute and chronic inflammations cause accumulation of immunocompetent cells in affected prostate tissue (T cells, macrophages, mastocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes). Prostate epithelial and stromal cells, peri-prostatic fat cells, prostatic microvascular endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells produce cytokines, generating a local inflammatory environment. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) proved to be involved in the prostate tumor pathogenesis. IL-6 ability to induce pro- and anti-inflammatory responses by three mechanisms of signal transduction (classical signaling, transsignaling, cluster signaling), to interact with a diversity of target cells, to induce endocrine effects in an autocrine/paracrine manner, and the identification of an IL-6 endogenous antagonist that blocks the transmission of IL-6 mediated intracellular signals could justify current theories on the protective effects of this cytokine or by alleviating inflammatory reactions or by exacerbating tissue damage. This analysis presents recent data about the role of the inflammatory process as a determining factor in the development of benign and malign prostate tumors. The presented findings could bring improvements in the field of physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment in patients with prostate tumors. Modulation of the expression and activity of interleukin-6 could be a mean of preventing or improving these pathologies.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor suppresses prostate weight increase in type 2 diabetic rats

AIMS

Hyperinsulinemia is an important causative factor of prostate enlargement in type 2 diabetes (T2D), however, clinically prostate weight increases during hypoinsulinemic condition. To investigate the pathogenesis of prostate enlargement and effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats were used as T2D and control, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

OLETF and LETO rats were treated with oral tadalafil (100 μg/kg/day) or vehicle for 12 wks from at the age of 36 wks.

KEY FINDINGS

Prostate weight of OLETF rats was significantly higher than that of LETO at 36 wks, and increased at 48 wks. In OLETF rats, prostate blood flow was significantly lower at 48 wks versus 36 wks. Twelve-week-tadalafil treatment increased prostate blood flow and suppressed prostate weight increase in both strains. This change was inversely correlated with changes in prostate expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Increases with age were observed in mRNA and/or protein levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and cell growth factors insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β); especially IL-6, TNF-α, IGF-1, bFGF and TGF-β increased with T2D. Tadalafil suppressed these cytokines and growth factors.

SIGNIFICANCE

These data suggest chronic ischemia caused by T2D leads to oxidative stress, resulting in prostate enlargement through upregulation of several cytokines and growth factors. Treatment with PDE5i improves prostate ischemia and might prevent enlargement via suppression of cytokines and growth factors in T2D.

Thromboinflammatory Processes at the Nexus of Metabolic Dysfunction and Prostate Cancer: The Emerging Role of Periprostatic Adipose Tissue

Simple Summary

As overweight and obesity increase among the population worldwide, a parallel increase in the number of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer was observed. There appears to be a relationship between both diseases where the increase in the mass of fat tissue can lead to inflammation. Such a state of inflammation could produce many factors that increase the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, especially if this inflammation occurred in the fat stores adjacent to the prostate. Another important observation that links obesity, fat tissue inflammation, and prostate cancer is the increased production of blood clotting factors. In this article, we attempt to explain the role of these latter factors in the effect of increased body weight on the progression of prostate cancer and propose new ways of treatment that act by affecting how these clotting factors work.

Abstract

The increased global prevalence of metabolic disorders including obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes is mirrored by an increased incidence of prostate cancer (PCa). Ample evidence suggests that these metabolic disorders, being characterized by adipose tissue (AT) expansion and inflammation, not only present as risk factors for the development of PCa, but also drive its increased aggressiveness, enhanced progression, and metastasis. Despite the emerging molecular mechanisms linking AT dysfunction to the various hallmarks of PCa, thromboinflammatory processes implicated in the crosstalk between these diseases have not been thoroughly investigated. This is of particular importance as both diseases present states of hypercoagulability. Accumulating evidence implicates tissue factor, thrombin, and active factor X as well as other players of the coagulation cascade in the pathophysiological processes driving cancer development and progression. In this regard, it becomes pivotal to elucidate the thromboinflammatory processes occurring in the periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), a fundamental microenvironmental niche of the prostate. Here, we highlight key findings linking thromboinflammation and the pleiotropic effects of coagulation factors and their inhibitors in metabolic diseases, PCa, and their crosstalk. We also propose several novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic interventions possibly modulating the interaction between these pathological states.

Elevated expression of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) induces prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia dependent of epithelial-Gp130

Macrophages are increased in human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. We generate a Pb-Csf1 mouse model with prostate-specific overexpression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-Csf/Csf1). Csf1 overexpression promotes immune cell infiltration into the prostate, modulates the macrophage polarity in a lobe-specific manner, and induces senescence and low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The Pb-Csf1 prostate luminal cells exhibit increased stem cell features and undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Human prostate cancer patients with high CSF-1 expression display similar transcriptional alterations with the Pb-Csf1 model. P53 knockout alleviates senescence but fails to progress PIN lesions. Ablating epithelial Gp130 but not Il1r1 substantially blocks PIN lesion formation. The androgen receptor (AR) is downregulated in Pb-Csf1 mice. ChIP-Seq analysis reveals altered AR binding in 2482 genes although there is no significant widespread change in global AR transcriptional activity. Collectively, our study demonstrates that increased macrophage infiltration causes PIN formation but fails to transform prostate cells.

IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines are associated with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels among patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate at the Uganda Cancer Institute

Background:

The possible clinical application of specific cytokines and chemokines contributing to tumorigenesis and the clinical outcome of several cancers has been reported. However, less invasive and easily applicable biomarkers in prostate cancer diagnosis and prognostication are still lacking. This study assessed the levels of plasma cytokines in prostate cancer patients as potential biomarkers for noninvasive early diagnosis.

Methods:

The plasma levels of nine cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-2, M-CSF, IL-12 and IFN-α, were detected by Luminex^© liquid array-based multiplexed immunoassays in 56 prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy and 27 normal healthy controls.

Results:

Levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were markedly increased in prostate cancer patients compared with controls. There was, however, no significant difference in the concentrations of all cytokines in prostate cancer patients compared with controls. Increasing levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly associated with high levels of plasma prostate-specific antigen (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 are potential biomarkers for prostate cancer pathogenesis and could serve as markers of disease progression.

Skeletal Muscle-Adipose Tissue-Tumor Axis: Molecular Mechanisms Linking Exercise Training in Prostate Cancer

Increased visceral adiposity may influence the development of prostate cancer (PCa) aggressive tumors and cancer mortality. White adipose tissue (WAT), usually referred to as periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), surrounds the prostatic gland and has emerged as a potential mediator of the tumor microenvironment. Exercise training (ET) induces several adaptations in both skeletal muscle and WAT. Some of these effects are mediated by ET-induced synthesis and secretion of several proteins, known as myo- and adipokines. Together, myokines and adipokines may act in an endocrine-like manner to favor communication between skeletal muscle and WAT, as they may work together to improve whole-body metabolic health. This crosstalk may constitute a potential mechanism by which ET exerts its beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of PCa-related disorders; however, this has not yet been explored. Therefore, we reviewed the current evidence on the effects of skeletal muscle–WAT–tumor crosstalk in PCa, and the potential mediators of this process to provide a better understanding of underlying ET-related mechanisms in cancer.

Obesity, Inflammation, and Advanced Prostate Cancer

Obesity is associated with high-grade and advanced prostate cancer. While this association may be multi-factorial, studies suggest that obesity-induced inflammation may play a role in the progression of advanced prostate cancer. The microenvironment associated with obesity increases growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines which have been implicated mechanistically to promote invasion, metastasis, and androgen-independent growth. This review summarizes recent findings related to obesity-induced inflammation which may be the link to advanced prostate cancer. In addition, this review while introduce novel targets to mitigate prostate cancer metastasis to the bone. Specific emphasis will be placed on the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, and IL-1β.

Protective role of diosmin against testosterone propionate-induced prostatic hyperplasia in Wistar rats: Plausible role of oxidative stress and inflammation

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an important key health concern for aging men. Polyphenolic compounds have been found to possess important roles in the inhibition of numerous ailments that involve reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Diosmin is a citrus flavone that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities, so based on these properties of diosmin, we decided to evaluate its effect on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced BPH. A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups having six animals in each. This study was of 28 days in which TP (5 mg kg−1) was administered to induce BPH in the last 10 days of the study. It was found that diosmin at the doses of 20 and 40 mg kg−1significantly reduced malondialdehyde and xanthine oxidase formation in a dose-dependent manner; however, it replenished catalase, glutathione (GSH), and GSH-dependent enzymes, that is, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione- S-transferase significantly against TP-induced BPH. Further, immunohistochemical study showed that diosmin alleviated inflammatory markers (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-6). It was also found that diosmin downregulated the expression of androgen receptor and decreased the prostate-specific antigen concentration dose-dependently, significantly against TP-induced BPH. Diosmin also restored histoarchitecture of the prostate in a dose-dependent manner. Findings from the present study revealed the protective role of diosmin against TP-induced BPH in Wistar rats.

The regulation of cytokine signaling by retinal determination gene network pathway in cancer

Tumor environment plays a pivotal role in determining cancer biology characteristics. Cytokine factors, as a critical component in tumor milieu, execute distinct functions in the process of tumorigenesis and progression via the autocrine or paracrine manner. The retinal determination gene network (RDGN), which mainly comprised DACH, SIX, and EYA family members, is required for the organ development in mammalian species. While the aberrant expression of RDGN is involved in the proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis of tumors via interacting with different cytokine-related signals, such as CXCL8, IL-6, TGF-β, FGF, and VEGF, in a cell- or tissue-dependent manner. Thus, joint detection of this pathway might be used as a potential biomarker for the stratification of target therapy and for the precision prediction of the prognosis of cancer patients.

Exosome-related tumor microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (tumor cells are located in the internal and external environment) is vital for the occurrence, growth and metastasis of tumors. An increasing number of studies have shown that exosomes are closely related to the tumor microenvironment. The mechanisms involved, however, are unclear. The focus of this review is on the exosome-related tumor microenvironment and other relevant factors, such as hypoxia, inflammation and angiogenesis. Many studies have suggested that exosomes are important mediators of metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, exosomes can be isolated from bodily fluids of cancer patients, including urine, blood, saliva, milk, tumor effusion, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid and so on. Consequently, exosomes are potential biomarkers for clinical predictions and are also good drug carriers because they can cross the biofilm without triggering an immune response. Collectively, these findings illustrate that exosomes are crucial for developing potential targets for a new generation of pharmaceutical therapies that would improve the tumor microenvironment.

DACH1 antagonizes CXCL8 to repress tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma and improve prognosis

BACKGROUND

C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), known as a proinflammatory chemokine, exerts multiple effects on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumor cells via the autocrine or paracrine manner. Conversely, the human Dachshund homologue 1 (DACH1) is recognized as a tumor suppressor which retards the progression of various cancers. In prostate cancer, it has been demonstrated that DACH1 was negatively correlated with the expression of CXCL8 and able to antagonize the effects of CXCL8 on cellular migration. Herein, we explored the mechanisms by which DACH1 regulated the CXCL8 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Public microarray and Kaplan-Meier plotter datasets were analyzed. Blood serum samples from lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients were collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted on tissue microarray. Cell lines with stable expression of DACH1 were established, and relative gene expression was measured by Western blot, ELISA, real-time PCR, and human cytokine array. Correspondingly, cell lines transfected with shDACH1 were established, and relative gene expression was measured by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence array. Functional studies were performed by transwell and xenograft mice models. Luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to measure the regulation of DACH1 on CXCL8.

RESULTS

Our study indicated that CXCL8 both at the mRNA and protein level was associated with the high tumor burden of ADC. Correlational analyses in ADC cell lines and ADC tissues showed that DACH1 was inversely correlated with CXCL8. Meanwhile, patients with high DACH1 expression and low CXCL8 expression had prolonged time to death and recurrence. Moreover, we verified the inhibitory effects of DACH1 on CXCL8 both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanism studies proved that DACH1 transcriptionally repressed CXCL8 promoter activity through activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study proved that CXCL8 acted as an unfavorable factor promoting to tumor progression and poor prognosis of ADC, while DACH1 antagonized CXCL8 to provide a favorable survival of ADC patients. Double detection of DACH1 and CXCL8 may provide a precise information for further evaluating the prognosis of ADC patients.

The mysterious relation between inflammation and prostate cancer

Recent studies showed that inflammation is a critical cause for initiation and/or development of many cancers. In prostate cancer (PC), the inflammatory cells usually populate an immune-competent organ. This inflammatory organ can be involved in the initiation and progression of PC. Here, we mainly focus on the role of inflammation in the PC and progression of castration-resistant PC (CRPC). Moreover, we summarize the roles of inflammation factors (such as chemokines and cytokines) in PC and CRPC. Taken together, this review gives an insight into therapy for PC and CRPC through anti-inflammation.

Natriuretic Peptides: The Case of Prostate Cancer

Cardiac natriuretic peptides have long been known to act as main players in the homeostatic control of blood pressure, salt and water balance. However, in the last few decades, new properties have been ascribed to these hormones. A systematic review of English articles using MEDLINE Search terms included prostate cancer, inflammation, cardiac hormones, atrial natriuretic peptide, and brain natriuretic peptide. Most recent publications were selected. Natriuretic peptides are strongly connected to the immune system, whose two branches, innate and adaptive, are finely tuned and organized to kill invaders and repair injured tissues. These peptides control the immune response and act as anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory agents. In addition, in cancers, natriuretic peptides have anti-proliferative effects by molecular mechanisms based on the inhibition/regulation of several pathways promoting cell proliferation and survival. Nowadays, it is accepted that chronic inflammation is a crucial player in prostate cancer development and progression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the link between prostate cancer and inflammation and the potential use of natriuretic peptides as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.

Targeting interlukin-6 to relieve immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment

Immunotolerance is one of the hallmarks of malignant tumors. Tumor cells escape from host immune surveillance through various mechanisms resulting in tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Interlukin-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in many physiological and pathological processes by integrating with multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of interlukin-6 is associated with the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance in a wide range of cancers. Interlukin-6 exerts immunosuppressive capacity mostly by stimulating the infiltrations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated neutrophils, and cancer stem-like cells via Janus-activated kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway in tumor microenvironment. On this foundation, blockage of interlukin-6 signal may provide potential approaches to novel therapies. In this review, we introduced interlukin-6 pathways and summarized molecular mechanisms related to interlukin-6-induced immunosuppression of tumor cell. We also concluded recent clinical studies targeting interlukin-6 as an immune-based therapeutic intervention in patients with cancer.