Lipopolysaccharide promotes metastasis via acceleration of glycolysis by the nuclear factor-κB/snail/hexokinase3 signaling axis in colorectal cancer

Sphinganine recruits TLR4 adaptors in macrophages and promotes inflammation in murine models of sepsis and melanoma

After recognizing its ligand lipopolysaccharide, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recruits adaptor proteins to the cell membrane, thereby initiating downstream signaling and triggering inflammation. Whether this recruitment of adaptor proteins is dependent solely on protein-protein interactions is unknown. Here, we report that the sphingolipid sphinganine physically interacts with the adaptor proteins MyD88 and TIRAP and promotes MyD88 recruitment in macrophages. Myeloid cell-specific deficiency in serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2, which encodes the key enzyme catalyzing sphingolipid biosynthesis, decreases the membrane recruitment of MyD88 and inhibits inflammatory responses in in vitro bone marrow-derived macrophage and in vivo sepsis models. In a melanoma mouse model, serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2 deficiency decreases anti-tumor myeloid cell responses and increases tumor growth. Therefore, sphinganine biosynthesis is required for the initiation of TLR4 signal transduction and serves as a checkpoint for macrophage pattern recognition in sepsis and melanoma mouse models.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on the Inherent Bioactivity of Black Phosphorus Nanosheets

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the living quality of patients, especially the elderly population. RA-related morbidity and mortality increase significantly with age, while current clinical drugs for RA are far from satisfactory and may have serious side effects. Therefore, the development of new drugs with higher biosafety and efficacy is demanding. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have been widely studied because of their excellent biocompatibility. Here, we focus on the inherent bioactivity of BPNSs, report the potential of BPNSs as a therapeutic drug for RA and elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanism. We find that BPNSs inhibit autophagy at an early stage via the AMPK-mTOR pathway, switch the energy metabolic pathway to oxidative phosphorylation, increase intracellular ATP levels, suppress apoptosis, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and down-regulate senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related genes in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RA-SFs). Further, BPNSs induce the apoptosis of macrophages and promote their transition from the M1 to the M2 phenotype by regulating related cytokines. Significantly, the administration of BPNSs can alleviate key pathological features of RA in mice, revealing great therapeutic potential. This study provides a novel option for treating RA, with BPNSs emerging as a promising therapeutic candidate.

Glioma hexokinase 3 positively correlates with malignancy and macrophage infiltration

BACKGROUND

Glioma is the main subtype of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor with high malignancy and poor prognosis under current therapeutic approaches. Glycolysis and suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) are key markers of glioma with great importance for aggressive features of glioma and inferior clinical outcomes. Hexokinase 3 (HK3) is an important rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis, but its function in glioma remains unknown.

METHODS

This study comprehensively assessed the expression distribution and immunological effect of HK3 via pan-cancer analysis based on datasets from Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, it explored the malignant phenotype and genomic landscape between low-HK3 and high-HK3 expression groups in gliomas from Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and TCGA. Moreover, data from the TIMER website predicted the relationship between macrophage infiltration and HK3 expression. Also, single-cell sequencing data were used to validate the relationship.

RESULTS

For pan-cancer patients, HK3 was expressed in various cancers. The results showed that HK3 was highly expressed in gliomas and positively correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), immune checkpoints, immunomodulators, and chemokines. Meanwhile, HK3 expression was highest in normal immune cells and tissues. In gliomas, the expression of HK3 was found to be closely correlated with the malignant clinical characteristics and the infiltration of macrophages. Also, HK3 was proven to be positively associated with macrophage through single-cell sequencing data and immunohistochemistry techniques. Finally, it is predicted that samples with high HK3 expression are often malignant entities and also significant genomic aberrations of driver oncogenes.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first comprehensive research to figure out the relationship between HK3 and TME characteristics in gliomas. HK3 is positively associated with macrophage infiltration and can induce the immunosuppressive TME and malignant phenotype of gliomas.

Eating away cancer: the potential of diet and the microbiome for shaping immunotherapy outcome

The gut microbiome (GMB) plays a substantial role in human health and disease. From affecting gut barrier integrity to promoting immune cell differentiation, the GMB is capable of shaping host immunity and thus oncogenesis and anti-cancer therapeutic response, particularly with immunotherapy. Dietary patterns and components are key determinants of GMB composition, supporting the investigation of the diet-microbiome-immunity axis as a potential avenue to enhance immunotherapy response in cancer patients. As such, this review will discuss the role of the GMB and diet on anti-cancer immunity. We demonstrate that diet affects anti-cancer immunity through both GMB-independent and GMB-mediated mechanisms, and that different diet patterns mold the GMB's functional and taxonomic composition in distinctive ways. Dietary modulation therefore shows promise as an intervention for improving cancer outcome; however, further and more extensive research in human cancer populations is needed.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bridge between oral health and immune evasion in gastric cancer

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a gram-negative oral pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis. Previous studies have linked poor oral health and periodontitis with oral cancer. Severe cases of periodontal disease can result in advanced periodontitis, leading to tissue degradation, tooth loss, and may also correlate with higher gastric cancer (GC) risk. In fact, tooth loss is associated with an elevated risk of cancer. However, the clinical evidence for this association remains inconclusive. Periodontitis is also characterized by chronic inflammation and upregulation of members of the Programmed Death 1/PD1 Ligand 1 (PD1/PDL1) axis that leads to an immunosuppressive state. Given that chronic inflammation and immunosuppression are conditions that facilitate cancer progression and carcinogenesis, we hypothesize that oral P. gingivalis and/or its virulence factors serve as a mechanistic link between oral health and gastric carcinogenesis/GC progression. We also discuss the potential impact of P. gingivalis' virulence factors (gingipains, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and fimbriae) on inflammation and the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in GC which are part of the current standard of care for advanced stage patients.

Human NLRC4 expression promotes cancer survival and associates with type I interferon signaling and immune infiltration

The immune system can control cancer progression. However, even though some innate immune sensors of cellular stress are expressed intrinsically in epithelial cells, their potential role in cancer aggressiveness and subsequent overall survival in humans is mainly unknown. Here, we show that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family CARD domain-containing 4 (NLRC4) is downregulated in epithelial tumor cells of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by using spatial tissue imaging. Strikingly, only the loss of tumor NLRC4, but not stromal NLRC4, was associated with poor immune infiltration (mainly DCs and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) and accurately predicted progression to metastatic stage IV and decrease in overall survival. By combining multiomics approaches, we show that restoring NLRC4 expression in human CRC cells triggered a broad inflammasome-independent immune reprogramming consisting of type I interferon (IFN) signaling genes and the release of chemokines and myeloid growth factors involved in the tumor infiltration and activation of DCs and T cells. Consistently, such reprogramming in cancer cells was sufficient to directly induce maturation of human DCs toward a Th1 antitumor immune response through IL-12 production in vitro. In multiple human carcinomas (colorectal, lung, and skin), we confirmed that NLRC4 expression in patient tumors was strongly associated with type I IFN genes, immune infiltrates, and high microsatellite instability. Thus, we shed light on the epithelial innate immune sensor NLRC4 as a therapeutic target to promote an efficient antitumor immune response against the aggressiveness of various carcinomas.

Targeting the Warburg effect: A revisited perspective from molecular mechanisms to traditional and innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer

Cancer reprogramming is an important facilitator of cancer development and survival, with tumor cells exhibiting a preference for aerobic glycolysis beyond oxidative phosphorylation, even under sufficient oxygen supply condition. This metabolic alteration, known as the Warburg effect, serves as a significant indicator of malignant tumor transformation. The Warburg effect primarily impacts cancer occurrence by influencing the aerobic glycolysis pathway in cancer cells. Key enzymes involved in this process include glucose transporters (GLUTs), HKs, PFKs, LDHs, and PKM2. Moreover, the expression of transcriptional regulatory factors and proteins, such as FOXM1, p53, NF-κB, HIF1α, and c-Myc, can also influence cancer progression. Furthermore, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circular RNAs play a vital role in directly regulating the Warburg effect. Additionally, gene mutations, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune system interactions are closely associated with the Warburg effect. Notably, the development of drugs targeting the Warburg effect has exhibited promising potential in tumor treatment. This comprehensive review presents novel directions and approaches for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients by conducting in-depth research and summarizing the bright prospects of targeting the Warburg effect in cancer.

Detailed Characterization of the Lung-Gut Microbiome Axis Reveals the Link between PD-L1 and the Microbiome in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Next-generation sequencing technologies have started a new era of respiratory tract research in recent years. Alterations in the respiratory microbiome between healthy and malignant conditions have been revealed. However, the composition of the microbiome varies among studies, even in similar medical conditions. Also, there is a lack of complete knowledge about lung-gut microbiome interactions in lung cancer patients. The aim of this study was to explore the lung-gut axis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and the associations between lung-gut axis microbiota and clinical parameters (CRP, NLR, LPS, CD8, and PD-L1). Lung tissue and fecal samples were used for bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. The results revealed, for the first time, that the bacterial richness in lung tumor tissue gradually decreased with an increase in the level of PD-L1 expression (p < 0.05). An analysis of β-diversity indicated a significant positive correlation between the genera Romboutsia and Alistipes in both the lung tumor biopsies and stool samples from NSCLC patients (p < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that NSCLC patients with higher bacterial richness in their stool samples had prolonged overall survival (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.025-4.17, p = 0.0426).

Differentiation-inducing factor-1 reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 by suppressing mTORC1-S6K signaling in vascular endothelial cells

AIMS

Differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), a compound in Dictyostelium discoideum, exhibits anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and motility of various mammalian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, DIF-1 suppresses lung colony formation in a mouse model, thus impeding cancer metastasis. However, the precise mechanism underlying its anti-metastatic effect remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to elucidate this mechanism by investigating the adhesion of circulating tumor cells to blood vessels using in vitro and in vivo systems.

MAIN METHODS

Melanoma cells (1.0 × 105 cells) were injected into the tail vein of 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice after administration of DIF-1 (300 mg/kg per day) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 2.5 mg/kg per day). To investigate cell adhesion and molecular mechanisms, cell adhesion assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

Intragastric administration of DIF-1 suppressed lung colony formation. DIF-1 also substantially inhibited the adhesion of cancer cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Notably, DIF-1 did not affect the expression level of adhesion-related proteins in cancer cells, but it did decrease the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by suppressing its mRNA-to-protein translation through inhibition of mTORC1-p70 S6 kinase signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE

DIF-1 reduced tumor cell adhesion to blood vessels by inhibiting mTORC1-S6K signaling and decreasing the expression of adhesion molecule VCAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells. These findings highlight the potential of DIF-1 as a promising compound for the development of anti-cancer drugs with anti-metastatic properties.

Stromal-Modulated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Cells

The ability of cancer cells to detach from the primary site and metastasize is the main cause of cancer- related death among all cancer types. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the first event of the metastatic cascade, resulting in the loss of cell-cell adhesion and the acquisition of motile and stem-like phenotypes. A critical modulator of EMT in cancer cells is the stromal tumor microenvironment (TME), which can promote the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype through direct interaction with cancer cells or changes to the broader microenvironment. In this review, we will explore the role of stromal cells in modulating cancer cell EMT, with particular emphasis on the function of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) through the activation of EMT-inducing pathways, extra cellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, immune cell alteration, and metabolic rewiring.

NLRP3 and cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities

More than a decade ago IL-1 blockade was suggested as an add-on therapy for the treatment of cancer. This proposal was based on the overall safety record of anti-IL-1 biologics and the anti-tumor properties of IL-1 blockade in animal models of cancer. Today, a new frontier in IL-1 activity regulation has developed with several orally active NLRP3 inhibitors currently in clinical trials, including cancer. Despite an increasing body of evidence suggesting a role of NLRP3 and IL-1-mediated inflammation driving cancer initiation, immunosuppression, growth, and metastasis, NLRP3 activation in cancer remains controversial. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in the understanding of NLRP3 activation in cancer. Further, we discuss the current opportunities for NLRP3 inhibition in cancer intervention with novel small molecules.

Cytokine dysregulation despite immunoglobulin replacement therapy in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

Introduction

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent symptomatic primary immunodeficiency. CVID is a heterogeneous disorder with a presumed multifactorial etiology. Intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) can prevent severe infections but not underlying immune dysregulation.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the serum concentrations of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-10), as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) in CVID individuals with infectious only (INF-CVID), and those with additional systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (NIC-CVID), and healthy donors (HD).

Results

Our results showed increased serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in both INF-CVID and NIC-CVID subjects compared to HD. However, elevations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly more marked in NIC-CVID than INF-CVID. Additionally, LPS concentrations were increased only in NIC-CVID but not in INF-CVID compared to HD. Circulating levels of sCD14 were significantly increased in NIC-CVID compared to both INF-CVID and HD.

Discussion

These findings indicate persistent cytokine dysregulation despite IgRT in individuals with CVID. Moreover, the circulating cytokine profile reveals the heterogeneity of immune dysregulation in different subgroups of CVID subjects.

Implications of MCU complex in metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases are considered the primary culprit for physical and mental health of individuals. Although the diagnosis of these diseases is relatively easy, more effective and convenient potent drugs are still being explored. Ca2+ across the inner mitochondrial membrane is a vital intracellular messenger that regulates energy metabolism and cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and is involved in cell death. Mitochondria rely on a selective mitochondrial Ca2+ unidirectional transport complex (MCU complex) in their inner membrane for Ca2+ uptake. We found that the channel contains several subunits and undergoes dramatic transformations in various pathological processes, especially in metabolic diseases. In this way, we believe that the MCU complex becomes a target with significant potential for these diseases. However, there is no review linking the two factors, thus hindering the possibility of new drug production. Here, we highlight the connection between MCU complex-related Ca2+ transport and the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases, adding understanding and insight at the molecular level to provide new insights for targeting MCU to reverse metabolism-related diseases.

The effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular damage induced by lipopolysaccharides in rats

Introduction

Inflammation and oxidative stress are contributed to cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D (Vit D) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current research, the effect of Vit D on cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and oxidative stress indicators in cardiovascular tissues was studied in lipopolysaccharides(LPS) injected rats.

Methods

Rats were distributed into 5 groups and were treated for 2 weeks. Control: received vehicle(saline supplemented with tween-80) instead of Vit D and saline instead of LPS, LPS: treated by 1 mg/kg of LPS and was given vehicle instead of Vit D, LPS-Vit D groups: received 3 doses of Vit D (100, 1000, and 10000 IU/kg) of Vit D in addition to LPS. Vit D was dissolved in saline supplemented with tween-80 (final concentration 0.1%) and LPS was dissolved in saline. The white blood cell (WBC) was counted. Oxidative stress markers were determined in serum, aorta, and heart. Cardiac tissue fibrosis was also estimated using Masson's trichrome staining method.

Results

WBC and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in the LPS group than the control group, whereas the thiol content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were lower in the LPS group than the control group (P<0.01 and P<0.001). Administration of Vit D decreased WBC (P<0.001) and MDA (P<0.05 and P<0.001) while enhanced thiol (dose 10000 IU/Kg) (P<0.001), SOD (dose 10000 IU/kg) (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05 and P<0.001) compared to the LPS group. All doses of Vit D also decreased cardiac fibrosis compared to the LPS group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Vit D protected the cardiovascular against the detrimental effect of LPS. This cardiovascular protection can be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Vit D.

Establishment and Characterization of Free-Floating 3D Macrophage Programming Model in the Presence of Cancer Cell Spheroids

Reprogramming of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that cancer cells induce/support the formation of immunosuppressive TAMs phenotypes. However, the specific factors that orchestrate this immunosuppressive process are unknown or poorly studied. In vivo studies are expensive, complex, and ethically constrained. Therefore, 3D cell interaction models could become a unique framework for the identification of important TAMs programming factors. In this study, we have established and characterized a new in vitro 3D model for macrophage programming in the presence of cancer cell spheroids. First, it was demonstrated that the profile of cytokines, chemokines, and surface markers of 3D-cultured macrophages did not differ conceptually from monolayer-cultured M1 and M2-programmed macrophages. Second, the possibility of reprogramming macrophages in 3D conditions was investigated. In total, the dynamic changes in 6 surface markers, 11 cytokines, and 22 chemokines were analyzed upon macrophage programming (M1 and M2) and reprogramming (M1→M2 and M2→M1). According to the findings, the reprogramming resulted in a mixed macrophage phenotype that expressed both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer immunostimulatory features. Third, cancer cell spheroids were shown to stimulate the production of immunosuppressive M2 markers as well as pro-tumor cytokines and chemokines. In summary, the newly developed 3D model of cancer cell spheroid/macrophage co-culture under free-floating conditions can be used for studies on macrophage plasticity and for the development of targeted cancer immunotherapy.

The Molecular Basis and Clinical Consequences of Chronic Inflammation in Prostatic Diseases: Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and Prostate Cancer

Chronic inflammation is now recognized as one of the major risk factors and molecular hallmarks of chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which chronic inflammation signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of these prostate diseases are poorly understood. Previous efforts to therapeutically target the upstream (e.g., TLRs and IL1-Rs) and downstream (e.g., NF-κB subunits and cytokines) inflammatory signaling molecules in people with these conditions have been clinically ambiguous and unsatisfactory, hence fostering the recent paradigm shift towards unraveling and understanding the functional roles and clinical significance of the novel and relatively underexplored inflammatory molecules and pathways that could become potential therapeutic targets in managing prostatic diseases. In this review article, we exclusively discuss the causal and molecular drivers of prostatitis, BPH, and prostate tumorigenesis, as well as the potential impacts of microbiome dysbiosis and chronic inflammation in promoting prostate pathologies. We specifically focus on the importance of some of the underexplored druggable inflammatory molecules, by discussing how their aberrant signaling could promote prostate cancer (PCa) stemness, neuroendocrine differentiation, castration resistance, metabolic reprogramming, and immunosuppression. The potential contribution of the IL1R-TLR-IRAK-NF-κBs signaling molecules and NLR/inflammasomes in prostate pathologies, as well as the prospective benefits of selectively targeting the midstream molecules in the various inflammatory cascades, are also discussed. Though this review concentrates more on PCa, we envision that the information could be applied to other prostate diseases. In conclusion, we have underlined the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that may need to be targeted and/or further investigated to better understand the association between chronic inflammation and prostate diseases.

Translocation of Oral Microbiota into the Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Tumor Microenvironment

Oral dysbiosis has long been associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this work, we explore the relationship between the oral and tumor microbiomes of patients diagnosed with PDAC. Salivary and tumor microbiomes were analyzed using a variety of sequencing methods, resulting in a high prevalence and relative abundance of oral bacteria, particularly Veillonella and Streptococcus, within tumor tissue. The most prevalent and abundant taxon found within both saliva and tumor tissue samples, Veillonella atypica, was cultured from patient saliva, sequenced and annotated, identifying genes that potentially contribute to tumorigenesis. High sequence similarity was observed between sequences recovered from patient matched saliva and tumor tissue, indicating that the taxa found in PDAC tumors may derive from the mouth. These findings may have clinical implications in the care and treatment of patients diagnosed with PDAC.

Gut Barrier Dysfunction and Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is known to be an essential driver of various types of cancer. An increasing number of studies have suggested that the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) are linked to the inflammatory microenvironment of the intestine. This assumption is further supported by the fact that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop CRC. Multiple studies in mice and humans have shown that preoperative systemic inflammatory response is predictive of cancer recurrence after potentially curative resection. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are membrane surface markers of gram-negative bacteria, which induce gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation and might be significantly involved in the occurrence and development of CRC.

METHODS

A selective literature search was conducted in Medline and PubMed, using the terms "Colorectal Cancer", "Gut Barrier", "Lipopolysaccharides", and "Inflammation".

RESULTS

Disruption of intestinal homeostasis, including gut barrier dysfunction, is linked to increased LPS levels and is a critical factor for chronic inflammation. LPS can activate the diverse nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway via Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) to promote the inflammatory response, which aggravates gut barrier dysfunction and encourages CRC development. An intact gut barrier prevents antigens and bacteria from crossing the intestinal endothelial layer and entering circulation. In contrast, a damaged gut barrier triggers inflammatory responses and increases susceptibility to CRC. Thus, targeting LPS and the gut barrier might be a promising novel therapeutic approach for additional treatment of CRC.

CONCLUSION

Gut barrier dysfuction and bacterial LPS seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis and disease progression of colorectal cancer and therefore require further investigation.

GBM Cells Exhibit Susceptibility to Metformin Treatment According to TLR4 Pathway Activation and Metabolic and Antioxidant Status

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer associated with poor overall survival. The metabolic status and tumor microenvironment of GBM cells have been targeted to improve therapeutic strategies. TLR4 is an important innate immune receptor capable of recognizing pathogens and danger-associated molecules. We have previously demonstrated the presence of TLR4 in GBM tumors and the decreased viability of the GBM tumor cell line after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (TLR4 agonist) stimulation. In the present study, metformin (MET) treatment, used in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) in two GBM cell lines (U87MG and A172) and stimulated with LPS was analyzed. MET is a drug widely used for the treatment of diabetes and has been repurposed for cancer treatment owing to its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions. The aim of the study was to investigate MET and LPS treatment in two GBM cell lines with different metabolic statuses. MET treatment led to mitochondrial respiration blunting and oxidative stress with superoxide production in both cell lines, more markedly in U87MG cells. Decreased cell viability after MET + TMZ and MET + LPS + TMZ treatment was observed in both cell lines. U87MG cells exhibited apoptosis after MET + LPS + TMZ treatment, promoting increased ER stress, unfolded protein response, and BLC2 downregulation. LPS stimulation of U87MG cells led to upregulation of SOD2 and genes related to the TLR4 signaling pathway, including IL1B and CXCL8. A172 cells attained upregulated antioxidant gene expression, particularly SOD1, TXN and PRDX1-5, while MET treatment led to cell-cycle arrest. In silico analysis of the TCGA-GBM-RNASeq dataset indicated that the glycolytic plurimetabolic (GPM)-GBM subtype had a transcriptomic profile which overlapped with U87MG cells, suggesting GBM cases exhibiting this metabolic background with an activated inflammatory TLR4 pathway may respond to MET treatment. For cases with upregulated CXCL8, coding for IL8 (a pro-angiogenic factor), combination treatment with an IL8 inhibitor may improve tumor growth control. The A172 cell line corresponded to the mitochondrial (MTC)-GBM subtype, where MET plus an antioxidant inhibitor, such as anti-SOD1, may be indicated as a combinatory therapy.

Exploring the prognostic value of HK3 and its association with immune infiltration in glioblastoma multiforme

Background: Hexokinase 3 (HK3) is one of the key enzymes involved in glucose phosphorylation (the first step in most glucose metabolic pathways). Many studies have demonstrated the vital role of dysregulation of HK3 in several tumors. However, there is a need for in-depth characterization of the role of HK3 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: All data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate regression were applied for survival analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used for enrichment analysis. Tumor Immune Single Cell Hub (TISCH) database was applied for single-cell analysis. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis was applied to evaluate the immune response. Results: HK3 expression was upregulated in GBM and correlated with poor prognosis. The high HK3 expression group was primarily enriched in adaptive immune response, chemokine signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. The high HK3 expression group showed significantly greater enrichment of the majority of immune cells and immune-related pathways. HK3 showed significant correlation with most immune cells, especially macrophages (p < .001, R = .81). TISCH analysis showed that HK3 was predominantly expressed in macrophages in most cancers. HK3 showed significant correlation with most immune-related genes, such as PD-1 (p < .001, R = .41), PDL-1 (p < .001, R = .27), and CTLA-4 (p < .001, R = .29). TIDE analysis revealed that the low HK3 expression group has a lower TIDE score and may benefit from immunotherapy. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that patients with high HK3 expression frequently showed drug resistance. Conclusion: HK3 was associated with poor prognosis and may serve as a biomarker of macrophages in GBM. HK3 was also associated with immune response and drug resistance. Our findings may provide novel insights for GBM immunotherapy.

Cognitive impairment and biomarkers of gut microbial translocation in testicular germ cell tumor survivors

Background

Survivors of testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) may suffer from late cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that disruption of intestinal barrier during chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be a contributing factor of cognitive dysfunction within the gut-blood-brain axis.

Methods

GCT survivors (N = 142) from National Cancer Institute of Slovakia completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Cognitive Function questionnaires during their annual follow-up visit at 9-year median (range 4-32). Biomarkers of gut microbial translocation and dysbiosis high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1), lipopolysaccharide, d-lactate and sCD14 were measured from peripheral blood obtained during the same visit. Each questionnaire score was correlated with biomarkers. Survivors were treated with orchiectomy only (N = 17), cisplatin-based chemotherapy (N = 108), radiotherapy to the retroperitoneum (N = 11) or both (N = 6).

Results

GCT survivors with higher sCD14 (above median) had worse cognitive function perceived by others (CogOth domain) (mean ± SEM; 14.6 ± 0.25 vs 15.4 ± 0.25, p = 0.019), lower perceived cognitive abilities (CogPCA domain) (20.0 ± 0.74 vs 23.4 ± 0.73, p = 0.025) and lower overall cognitive function score (109.2 ± 0.74 vs 116.7 ± 1.90, p = 0.021). There were no significant cognitive declines associated with HMGB-1, d-lactate and lipopolysaccharide. Survivors treated with ≥ 400mg/m2 vs < 400mg/m2 of cisplatin-based chemotherapy had a higher lipopolysaccharide (567.8 μg/L ± 42.7 vs 462.9 μg/L ± 51.9, (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

sCD14 is a marker of monocytic activation by lipopolysaccharide and may also serve as a promising biomarker of cognitive impairment in long-term cancer survivors. While chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced intestinal injury may be the underlying mechanism, further research using animal models and larger patient cohorts are needed to explore the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in GCT survivors within the gut-brain axis.

Effects of Long Non-Coding RNAs Induced by the Gut Microbiome on Regulating the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Although an imbalanced gut microbiome is closely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), how the gut microbiome affects CRC is not known. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can affect important cellular functions such as cell division, proliferation, and apoptosis. The abnormal expression of lncRNAs can promote CRC cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis, mediating the effects of the gut microbiome on CRC. Generally, the gut microbiome regulates the lncRNAs expression, which subsequently impacts the host transcriptome to change the expression of downstream target molecules, ultimately resulting in the development and progression of CRC. We focused on the important role of the microbiome in CRC and their effects on CRC-related lncRNAs. We also reviewed the impact of the two main pathogenic bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, and metabolites of the gut microbiome, butyrate, and lipopolysaccharide, on lncRNAs. Finally, available therapies that target the gut microbiome and lncRNAs to prevent and treat CRC were proposed.

Microbiome analysis reveals universal diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer across populations and technologies

The gut microbial dysbiosis is a risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and some bacteria have been reported as potential markers for CRC diagnosis. However, heterogeneity among studies with different populations and technologies lead to inconsistent results. Here, we investigated six metagenomic profiles of stool samples from healthy controls (HC), colorectal adenoma (CA) and CRC, and six and four genera were consistently altered between CRC and HC or CA across populations, respectively. In FengQ cohort, which composed with 61 HC, 47 CA, and 46 CRC samples, a random forest (RF) model composed of the six genera, denoted as signature-HC, distinguished CRC from HC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84. Similarly, another RF model composed of the four universal genera, denoted as signature-CA, discriminated CRC from CA with an AUC of 0.73. These signatures were further validated in five metagenomic sequencing cohorts and six independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing cohorts. Interestingly, three genera overlapped in the two models (Porphyromonas, Parvimonas and Peptostreptococcus) were with very low abundance in HC and CA, but sharply increased in CRC. A concise RF model on the three genera distinguished CRC from HC or CA with AUC of 0.87 and 0.67, respectively. Functional gene family analysis revealed that Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Orthogroups categories which were significantly correlated with markers in signature-HC and signature-CA were mapped into pathways related to lipopolysaccharide and sulfur metabolism, which might be vital risk factors of CRC development. Conclusively, our study identified universal bacterial markers across populations and technologies as potential aids in non-invasive diagnosis of CRC.

NF-κB: blending metabolism, immunity, and inflammation

The procurement and management of nutrients and ability to fight infections are fundamental requirements for survival. These defense responses are bioenergetically costly, requiring the immune system to balance protection against pathogens with the need to maintain metabolic homeostasis. NF-κB transcription factors are central regulators of immunity and inflammation. Over the last two decades, these factors have emerged as a pivotal node coordinating the immune and metabolic systems in physiology and the etiopathogenesis of major threats to human health, including cancer, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and others. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding how NF-κB-dependent metabolic programs control inflammation, metabolism, and immunity and how improved knowledge of them may lead to better diagnostics and therapeutics for widespread human diseases.

Immunometabolism characteristics and a potential prognostic risk model associated with TP53 mutations in breast cancer

TP53, a gene with high-frequency mutations, plays an important role in breast cancer (BC) development through metabolic regulation, but the relationship between TP53 mutation and metabolism in BC remains to be explored. Our study included 1,066 BC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, 415 BC cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and two immunotherapy cohorts. We identified 92 metabolic genes associated with TP53 mutations by differential expression analysis between TP53 mutant and wild-type groups. Univariate Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic effects of 24 TP53 mutation-related metabolic genes. By unsupervised clustering and other bioinformatics methods, the survival differences and immunometabolism characteristics of the distinct clusters were illustrated. In a training set from TCGA cohort, we employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method to construct a metabolic gene prognostic model associated with TP53 mutations, and the GEO cohort served as an external validation set. Based on bioinformatics, the connections between risk score and survival prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy response, metabolic activity, clinical characteristics, and gene characteristics were further analyzed. It is imperative to note that our model is a powerful and robust prognosis factor in comparison to other traditional clinical features and also has high accuracy and clinical usefulness validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). Our findings deepen our understanding of the immune and metabolic characteristics underlying the TP53 mutant metabolic gene profile in BC, laying a foundation for the exploration of potential therapies targeting metabolic pathways. In addition, our model has promising predictive value in the prognosis of BC.

Targeting cellular energy metabolism- mediated ferroptosis by small molecule compounds for colorectal cancer therapy

Alterations in cellular energy metabolism, including glycolysis, glutamine and lipid metabolism that affects ferroptosis in the tumour microenvironment (TME), play a critical role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and offer evolutionary advantages to tumour cells and even enhance their aggressive phenotype. This review summarises the findings on the dysregulated energy metabolism pathways, including lipid and fatty acid metabolism especially for regulating the ferroptosis in TME. Moreover, the cellular energy metabolism and tumour ferroptosis to be regulated by small molecule compounds, which targeting the different aspects of metabolic pathways of energy production as well as metabolic enzymes that connect with the tumour cell growth and ferroptosis in CRC are also discussed. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive summary on small molecule compounds regulatory function of different energy metabolic routes on ferroptosis in tumour cells and discuss those metabolic vulnerabilities for the development of potential ferroptosis-based tumour therapies for colorectal cancer.

A Gut Instinct on Leukaemia: A New Mechanistic Hypothesis for Microbiota-Immune Crosstalk in Disease Progression and Relapse

Despite significant advances in the treatment of Chronic Myeloid and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (CML and ALL, respectively), disease progression and relapse remain a major problem. Growing evidence indicates the loss of immune surveillance of residual leukaemic cells as one of the main contributors to disease recurrence and relapse. More recently, there was an appreciation for how the host’s gut microbiota predisposes to relapse given its potent immunomodulatory capacity. This is especially compelling in haematological malignancies where changes in the gut microbiota have been identified after treatment, persisting in some patients for years after the completion of treatment. In this hypothesis-generating review, we discuss the interaction between the gut microbiota and treatment responses, and its capacity to influence the risk of relapse in both CML and ALL We hypothesize that the gut microbiota contributes to the creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which promotes tumour progression and relapse.

Tumor Cell Glycolysis—At the Crossroad of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Autophagy

Upregulation of glycolysis, induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy), are phenotypic changes that occur in tumor cells, in response to similar stimuli, either tumor cell-autonomous or from the tumor microenvironment. Available evidence, herein reviewed, suggests that glycolysis can play a causative role in the induction of EMT and autophagy in tumor cells. Thus, glycolysis has been shown to induce EMT and either induce or inhibit autophagy. Glycolysis-induced autophagy occurs both in the presence (glucose starvation) or absence (glucose sufficiency) of metabolic stress. In order to explain these, in part, contradictory experimental observations, we propose that in the presence of stimuli, tumor cells respond by upregulating glycolysis, which will then induce EMT and inhibit autophagy. In the presence of stimuli and glucose starvation, upregulated glycolysis leads to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and autophagy induction. In the presence of stimuli and glucose sufficiency, upregulated glycolytic enzymes (e.g., aldolase or glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) or decreased levels of glycolytic metabolites (e.g., dihydroxyacetone phosphate) may mimic a situation of metabolic stress (herein referred to as “pseudostarvation”), leading, directly or indirectly, to AMPK activation and autophagy induction. We also discuss possible mechanisms, whereby glycolysis can induce a mixed mesenchymal/autophagic phenotype in tumor cells. Subsequently, we address unresolved problems in this field and possible therapeutic consequences.