Adipokines and Their Receptors Are Widely Expressed and Distinctly Regulated by the Metabolic Environment in the Prostate of Male Mice: Direct Role Under Normal and Tumoral Conditions

Apelin is found in human sperm and testis and is raised in inflammatory pathological conditions

Apelin/APJ receptor (R) is involved in many oxidative stress-induced pathological conditions. Since this system is not yet explored in male reproduction, we studied apelin/APJ-R in human semen and testis. Semen of 41 infertile patients with varicocele, genitourinary infections, unexplained infertility and 12 fertile men was analysed (WHO guidelines, 2021). Apelin was quantified by ELISA in seminal fluid and spermatozoa, interleukin (IL)-1β in seminal fluid. Apelin/APJ-R were immunolocalized in spermatozoa and testis. Apelin was present in spermatozoa and its levels were negatively correlated with normal sperm morphology% (r = -0.857; p < 0.001), and positively with IL-1β levels (r = 0.455; p < 0.001). Apelin and IL-1β concentrations were increased in patients' samples with varicocele (apelin p < 0.01; IL-1β p < 0.05) and infections (apelin p < 0.01; IL-1β p < 0.001). By logistic regression analysis, apelin (OR 1.310; p = 0.011) and IL-1β (OR 1.572; p = 0.005) were predictors of inflammatory diseases (varicocele, infections). Apelin and APJ-R immunofluorescence labels were weak in sperm tail of fertile men and intense along tail, cytoplasmic residues and post-acrosomal sheath of sperm from infertile men. In testis, apelin and APJ-R labels were evident in Leydig cells and weak inside the seminiferous tubule. Apelin/APJ-R system is present in human spermatozoa and testicular tissue and probably involved in human fertility.

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.

Seminal Levels of Omentin-1/ITLN1 in Inflammatory Conditions Related to Male Infertility and Localization in Spermatozoa and Tissues of Male Reproductive System

Purpose

Omentin-1/intelectin (ITLN)1 is an adipocytokine with both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties, and little is known about its role in male reproduction. This study was aimed at exploring the relationships among omentin-1/ITLN1, semen parameters and F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs), a maker of oxidative stress, in groups of patients affected by different pathologies. In addition, omentin-1/ITLN1 immunolocalization was assessed in ejaculated spermatozoa and in tissues of male reproductive system.

Patients and Methods

Semen samples of infertile patients with varicocele (n = 27), genitourinary infections (n = 17), idiopathic infertility (n = 15) and fertile men (n = 21) were analyzed following WHO guidelines, and seminal plasma were used to determine omentin-1/ITLN1 by ELISA and F₂-IsoP levels by gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Omentin-1/ITLN1 was localized in human sperm and in the tissue of male reproductive system.

Results

Considering all participants, F₂-IsoP and omentin-1/ITLN1 levels were positively correlated (p = 0.000), and both these indices were negatively correlated with sperm parameters. Infertile patients showed lower sperm parameters than fertile ones; varicocele and infection groups had significantly increased levels of F₂-IsoPs (both p = 0.000) and omentin-1/ITLN1 (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). Omentin-1/ITLN1 signal was located as a spot in the connecting piece (in 43.5% of cases midpiece was also labeled) of sperm from fertile men and in cytoplasmic residue and in the entire tail in sperm of patients with varicocele and genitourinary infections. A focal omentin-1/ITLN1 immunolabelling was evident in the basal area of epididymal tubule, and a diffuse signal was present in the seminal vesicle epithelium.

Conclusion

Semen omentin-1/ITLN1 originates from seminal vesicles, its levels increase in inflammatory conditions and are negatively correlated with sperm parameters. For this reason, a sort of protective role of omentin-1/ITLN1 can be postulated, as this adipokine shows anti-inflammatory properties also in many other biological systems.

In1-Ghrelin Splicing Variant as a Key Element in the Pathophysiological Association Between Obesity and Prostate Cancer

CONTEXT

Recent studies emphasize the importance of considering the metabolic status to develop personalized medicine approaches. This is especially relevant in prostate cancer (PCa), wherein the diagnostic capability of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) dramatically drops when considering patients with PSA levels ranging from 3 to 10 ng/mL, the so-called grey zone. Hence, additional noninvasive diagnostic and/or prognostic PCa biomarkers are urgently needed, especially in the metabolic-status context.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential relation of urine In1-ghrelin (a ghrelin-splicing variant) levels with metabolic-related/pathological conditions (eg, obesity, diabetes, body mass index, insulin and glucose levels) and to define its potential clinical value in PCa (diagnostic/prognostic capacity) and relationship with PCa risk in patients with PSA in the grey zone.

METHODS

Urine In1-ghrelin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in a clinically, metabolically, pathologically well-characterized cohort of patients without (n = 397) and with (n = 213) PCa with PSA in the grey zone.

RESULTS

Key obesity-related factors associated with PCa risk (BMI, diabetes, glucose and insulin levels) were strongly correlated to In1-ghrelin levels. Importantly, In1-ghrelin levels were higher in PCa patients compared to control patients with suspect of PCa but negative biopsy). Moreover, high In1-ghrelin levels were associated with increased PCa risk and linked to PCa aggressiveness (eg, tumor stage, lymphovascular invasion). In1-ghrelin levels added significant diagnostic value to a clinical model consisting of age, suspicious digital rectal exam, previous biopsy, and PSA levels. Furthermore, a multivariate model consisting of clinical and metabolic variables, including In1-ghrelin levels, showed high specificity and sensitivity to diagnose PCa (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.740).

CONCLUSIONS

Urine In1-ghrelin levels are associated with obesity-related factors and PCa risk and aggressiveness and could represent a novel and valuable noninvasive PCa biomarker, as well as a potential link in the pathophysiological relationship between obesity and PCa.

GPCRs get fatty: the role of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the abnormal deposition of lipids within the liver not due to alcohol consumption, is a growing epidemic affecting over 30% of the United States population. Both simple fatty liver and its more severe counterpart, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, represent one of the most common forms of liver disease. Recently, several G protein-coupled receptors have emerged as targets for therapeutic intervention for these disorders. These include those with known hepatic function as well as those involved in global metabolic regulation. In this review, we highlight these emerging therapeutic targets, focusing on several common themes including their activation by microbial metabolites, stimulatory effect on insulin and incretin secretion, and contribution to glucose tolerance. The overlap in ligands, localization, and downstream effects of activation indicate the interdependent nature of these receptors and highlight the importance of this signaling family in the development and prevention of NAFLD.

Influence of Obesity in the miRNome: miR-4454, a Key Regulator of Insulin Response Via Splicing Modulation in Prostate

CONTEXT

Obesity is a major health problem associated with severe comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes and cancer, wherein microRNAs (miRNAs) might be useful as diagnostic/prognostic tools or therapeutic targets.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the differential expression pattern of miRNAs in obesity and their putative role in obesity-related comorbidities such as insulin resistance.

METHODS

An Affymetrix-miRNA array was performed in plasma samples from normoweight (n = 4/body mass index < 25) and obese subjects (n = 4/body mass index > 30). The main changes were validated in 2 independent cohorts (n = 221/n = 18). Additionally, in silico approaches were performed and in vitro assays applied in tissue samples and prostate (RWPE-1) and liver (HepG2) cell-lines.

RESULTS

A total of 26 microRNAs were altered (P < 0.01) in plasma of obese subjects compared to controls using the Affymetrix-miRNA array. Validation in ampler cohorts revealed that miR-4454 levels were consistently higher in obesity, associated with insulin-resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance/insulin) and modulated by medical (metformin/statins) and surgical (bariatric surgery) strategies. miR-4454 was highly expressed in prostate and liver tissues and its expression was increased in prostate and liver cells by insulin. In vitro, overexpression of miR-4454 in prostate cells resulted in decreased expression levels of INSR, GLUT4, and phosphorylation of AMPK/AKT/ERK, as well as in altered expression of key spliceosome components (ESRP1/ESRP2/RBM45/RNU2) and insulin-receptor splicing variants.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity was associated to an alteration of the plasmatic miRNA landscape, wherein miR-4454 levels were higher, associated with insulin-resistance and modulated by obesity-controlling interventions. Insulin regulated miR-4454, which, in turn may impair the cellular response to insulin, in a cell type-dependent manner (i.e., prostate gland), by modulating the splicing process.

Visfatin and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pathogenetic Implications and Clinical Utility

Objective:

Analysis and generalization of data related to visfatin involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammation at various stages of rheumatoid arthritis.

Data Synthesis:

Visfatin is an adipocytokine which has also been identified in non-adipose tissues. It influences directly on the maturation of B cells, which are involved in autoantibody production and T cell activation. Visfatin can promote inflammation via regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF, IL-1β and IL-6. The concentration of circulating visfatin in rheumatoid arthritis patients is higher compared to healthy individuals. Several studies suggest that visfatin level is associated with rheumatoid arthritis activity, and its elevation may precede clinical signs of the relapse. In murine collagen-induced arthritis, visfatin levels were also found to be elevated both in inflamed synovial cells and in joint vasculature. Visfatin blockers have been shown to confer fast and long-term attenuation of pathological processes; however, most of their effects are transient. Other factors responsible for hyperactivation of the immune system can participate in this process at a later stage. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with a combination of these blockers and inhibitors of other mediators of inflammation can potentially improve treatment outcomes compared to current therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in the treatment of experimental arthritis in mice as well as the application of emerging treatment strategies obtained from oncology for rheumatoid arthritis management could be a source of novel adipokine-mediated anti-rheumatic drugs.

Conclusion:

The ongoing surge of interest in anticytokine therapy makes further study of visfatin highly relevant as it may serve as a base for innovational RA treatment.

Clinical association of metabolic syndrome, C-reactive protein and testosterone levels with clinically significant prostate cancer

Recently, the influence that metabolic syndrome (MetS), hormonal alterations and inflammation might have on prostate cancer (PCa) risk has been a subject of controversial debate. Herein, we aimed to investigate the association between MetS‐components, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and testosterone levels, and the risk of clinically significant PCa (Sig‐PCa) at the time of prostate biopsy. For that, men scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate were studied. Clinical, laboratory parameters and criteria for MetS characterization just before the biopsy were collected. A total of 524 patients were analysed, being 195 (37.2%) subsequently diagnosed with PCa and 240 (45.8%) meet the diagnostic criteria for MetS. Among patients with PCa, MetS‐diagnosis was present in 94 (48.2%). Remarkably, a higher risk of Sig‐PCa was associated to MetS, greater number of MetS‐components and higher CRP levels (odds‐ratio: 1.83, 1.30 and 2.00, respectively; P < 0.05). Moreover, higher circulating CRP levels were also associated with a more aggressive Gleason score in PCa patients. Altogether, our data reveal a clear association between the presence of MetS, a greater number of MetS‐components or CRP levels >2.5 mg/L with an increased Sig‐PCa diagnosis and/or with aggressive features, suggesting that MetS and/or CRP levels might influence PCa pathophysiology.

Bone Marrow Adipocyte: An Intimate Partner With Tumor Cells in Bone Metastasis

The high incidences of bone metastasis in patients with breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer still remains a puzzling issue. The "seeds and soil" hypothesis suggested that bone marrow (soil) may provide a favorable "niche" for tumor cells (seed). When seeking for effective ways to prevent and treat tumor bone metastasis, most researchers focus on tumor cells (seed) but not the bone marrow microenvironment (soil). In reality, only a fraction of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could survive and colonize in bone. Thus, the bone marrow microenvironment could ultimately determine the fate of tumor cells that have migrated to bone. Bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) are abundant in the bone marrow microenvironment. Mounting evidence suggests that BMAs may play a dominant role in bone metastasis. BMAs could directly provide energy for tumor cells, enhance the tumor cell proliferation, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. BMAs are also known for releasing some inflammatory factors and adipocytokines to promote or inhibit bone metastasis. In this review, we made a comprehensive summary for the interaction between BMAs and bone metastasis. More importantly, we discussed the potentially promising methods for the prevention and treatment of bone metastasis. Genetic disruption and pharmaceutical inhibition may be effective in inhibiting the formation and pro-tumor functions of BMAs.