Galectin-3 overexpression in invasive laryngeal carcinoma, assessed by computer-assisted analysis

The Clinical, Pathological, and Prognostic Value of High PD-1 Expression and the Presence of Epstein–Barr Virus Reactivation in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer

Simple Summary

Our immune reaction depends on some ‘immune checkpoints’, such as PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA4, that maintain homeostasis and define new pathways in the fight against carcinogenesis. Viral infections, including EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) are one of the risk factors for laryngeal cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of PD-1 receptor in blood, tumor and lymph node samples collected from 45 laryngeal cancer patients and 20 healthy volunteers from control group. We detected the presence of EBV molecules in cancer samples and show the relationship between tumor progression and the level of PD-1 receptor. We confirmed, that EBV infection may affect the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and develop the laryngeal cancer. What is important, the level of PD-1 on CD4+ T cells in lymph nodes increased the risk of death, so it can be an important prognostic factor (marker) for laryngeal cancer patients’ treatment and their prognosis.

Abstract

Due to the development of molecular diagnostic techniques, the latest research in the diagnosis of cancer diseases, including laryngeal cancer, has been focused on the occurrence of specific types of molecular patterns, including markers expressed on cells of the immune system (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4), which may be directly or indirectly involved in the development of neoplastic diseases. Laryngeal cancer is one of the diseases that is diagnosed more often in men than in women, and many factors are involved in its development, including environmental and lifestyle factors, viral infections (e.g., HPV, HHV-1, and EBV), and disorders of the immune system. In this study, we determined the level of PD-1 receptor expression on T and B lymphocytes and their relationships based on the classification of the grade and TNM scale, in turn based on blood, tumor, and lymph node samples from patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. In addition, we determined the presence of EBV genetic material in the tested biological materials as well as the degree of cancer advancement and its correlation with the level of PD-1 receptor expression. The results suggested that the level of PD-1 expression on T and B lymphocytes was significantly higher in the tumor samples as compared to the lymph node samples, and their comparison with the immunophenotype results from the blood samples provided statistically significant data on changes in the incidence of individual subpopulations of T and B lymphocytes and the level of PD-1 receptor expression. The analysis of the individual parameters of the TNM scale also showed significant changes between the PD-1 expression and the tested biological material in individual subgroups of the scale. We also found that the expression of PD-1 on the CD4+ T cells from the lymph node samples caused an almost 1.5-fold increase in the risk of death. In the analyses of the presence of EBV, the highest concentration was recorded in the tumor samples, then for the lymph node samples, and followed by the blood samples. Furthermore, we showed that the presence of EBV genetic material was positively correlated with the level of PD-1 expression in the tested biological materials.

Prognostic role of galectin-3 expression in patients with solid tumors: a meta-analysis of 36 eligible studies

Background

Galectin-3 as a β-galactoside-binding protein, has been found to be involved in tumor cell growth, anti-apoptosis, adhesion, angiogenesis, invasion, and distant metastases, indicating that it may play a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. However, their results remain debatable and inconclusive. Hence, this meta-analysis was performed to clarify the precise predictive value of galectin-3 in various cancers.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases were searched comprehensively for eligible studies up to July 15, 2018. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of OS or DFS/PFS/RFS were calculated to demonstrate their associations.

Results

A total of 36 relevant studies were ultimately enrolled in this meta-analysis. Our results shed light on the significant association of elevated galectin-3 expression with reduced OS or DFS/RFS/PFS in overall cancer patients (pooled HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.42–2.27, I²= 67.3%, p < 0.01; pooled HR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.04–2.37, I²= 67.1%, p = 0.001). In tumor type subgroup analysis, we found high expression of galectin-3 was correlated with shorter OS or DFS/RFS/PFS in colorectal cancer (pooled HR = 3.05, 95% CI 2.13–4.35, I²= 0.0%, p = 0.734; pooled HR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.82–3.41, I² = 0.0%, p = 0.738; respectively) and meanwhile it merely associated with reduced OS in ovarian cancer or non-small cell lung cancer (pooled HR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.38–3.64, I²= 0.0%, p = 0.910; pooled HR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.48–2.88, I²= 0.0%, p = 0.563; separately).

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggested that galectin-3 played an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, indicating it could be a promising biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for them. Further studies were warranted to validate our findings.

Galectin-1, -3 and -9 Expression and Clinical Significance in Squamous Cervical Cancer

Galectins are proteins that bind β-galactoside sugars and provide a new type of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Galectin-1, -3 and -9 have become the focus of different research groups, but their expression and function in cervical cancer is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotype of galectin-1, -3 and -9 expressing cells and the association with clinico-pathological parameters in cervical cancer. Galectin expression was scored in tumor cells, tumor epithelium infiltrating immune cells and stromal cells in squamous cervical cancer (n = 160). Correlations with clinico-pathological parameters and survival were studied according to the REMARK recommendations. We additionally investigated whether the galectins were expressed by tumor cells, fibroblasts, macrophages and T cells. Galectin-1 and -9 were both expressed by tumor cells in 11% of samples, while 84% expressed galectin-3. Strong galectin-1 expression by tumor cells was an independent predictor for poor survival (hazard ratio: 8.02, p = 0.001) and correlated with increased tumor invasion (p = 0.032) and receiving post-operative radiotherapy (p = 0.020). Weak and positive tumor cell galectin-3 expression were correlated with increased and decreased tumor invasion, respectively (p = 0.012). Tumor cell expression of galectin-9 showed a trend toward improved survival (p = 0.087). The predominant immune cell type expressing galectin-1, -3 and -9 were CD163⁺ macrophages. Galectin-1 and -3 were expressed by a minor population of T cells. Galectin-1 was mainly expressed by fibroblasts in the tumor stroma. To conclude, while tumor cell expression of galectin-9 seemed to represent a beneficial response, galectin-1 expression might be used as a marker for a more aggressive anti-cancer treatment.

Galectin expression in cancer diagnosis and prognosis: A systematic review

Galectins are a family of proteins that bind to specific glycans thereby deciphering the information captured within the glycome. In the last two decades, several galectin family members have emerged as versatile modulators of tumor progression. This has initiated the development and preclinical assessment of galectin-targeting compounds. With the first compounds now entering clinical trials it is pivotal to gain insight in the diagnostic and prognostic value of galectins in cancer as this will allow a more rational selection of the patients that might benefit most from galectin-targeted therapies. Here, we present a systematic review of galectin expression in human cancer patients. Malignant transformation is frequently associated with altered galectin expression, most notably of galectin-1 and galectin-3. In most cancers, increased galectin-1 expression is associated with poor prognosis while elevated galectin-9 expression is emerging as a marker of favorable disease outcome. The prognostic value of galectin-3 appears to be tumor type dependent and the other galectins require further investigation. Regarding the latter, additional studies using larger patient cohorts are essential to fully unravel the diagnostic and prognostic value of galectin expression. Furthermore, to better compare different findings, consensus should be reached on how to assess galectin expression, not only with regard to localization within the tissue and within cellular compartments but also regarding alternative splicing and genomic variations. Finally, linking galectin expression and function to aberrant glycosylation in cancer cells will improve our understanding of how these versatile proteins can be exploited for diagnostic, prognostic and even therapeutic purposes in cancer patients.

Computer based correlation of the texture of P63 expressed nuclei with histological tumour grade, in laryngeal carcinomas

Background. P63 immunostaining has been considered as potential prognostic factor in laryngeal cancer. Considering that P63 is mainly nuclear stain, a possible correlation between the texture of P63-stained nuclei and the tumor's grade could be of value to diagnosis, since this may be related to biologic information imprinted as texture on P63 expressed nuclei. Objective. To investigate the association between P63 stained nuclei and histologic grade in laryngeal tumor lesions. Methods. Biopsy specimens from laryngeal tumour lesions of 55 patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas were immunohistochemically (IHC) stained for P63 expression. Four images were digitized from each patient's IHC specimens. P63 positively expressed nuclei were identified, the percentage of P63 expressed nuclei was computed, and 118 textural, morphological, shape, and architectural features were calculated from each one of the 55 laryngeal lesions. Data were split into the low grade (21 grade I lesions) and high grade (34 grade II and grade III lesions) classes for statistical analysis. Results. With advancing grade, P63 expression decreased, P63 stained nuclei appeared of lower image intensity, more inhomogeneous, of higher local contrast, contained smaller randomly distributed dissimilar structures and had irregular shape. Conclusion. P63 expressed nuclei contain important information related to histologic grade.

Effects of corn replacement by sorghum in broiler diets on performance and intestinal mucosa integrity

The effect of replacing corn with low-tannin sorghum on broiler performance, carcass yield, integrity of mucosa of small intestine segments, and activity of membrane enzymes of the jejunum is investigated. A total of 594 male Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments: 100% corn (control), 50% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum (low sorghum), and 100% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum (high sorghum). Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion, and carcass yield were determined at 7, 21, and 42 d, and segments of the small intestine were collected. Feed conversion and weight gain were impaired at d 42 in broilers fed the high-sorghum diet, but no differences were observed for carcass yield among the treatments (P > 0.05). Crypt cell mitotic index of the jejunum and ileum at d 21 and 42 was lower in broilers fed the control diet than in those fed low- and high-sorghum diets (P < 0.05). Aminopeptidase activity was higher in broilers fed the control diet than in those fed low- and high-sorghum diets irrespective of age (P < 0.05). Conversely, intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine did not differ among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that 50% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum is suitable for broiler diets, whereas 100% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum had negative effects on the intestinal mucosa and performance of broilers at 42 d.

Galectin-3 accelerates the progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma via a Wnt/β-catenin-dependent pathway

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological significance and mechanism of action of galectin-3 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Here, the expression of galectin-3 was quantified in OTSCC (n = 68) and paired OTSCC and normal surrounding tissues (n = 10) using immunohistochemical staining. Tca8113 OTSCC cells were transfected with a plasmid expressing galectin-3 cDNA or siRNA against galectin-3. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were measured using the MTT assay, Matrigel-coated Transwell migration assay and wound healing assay. The effect of galectin-3 on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated using a plasmid expressing the Wnt antagonist dickkopf 1 (DKK1) and Western blotting. Galectin-3 was expressed at significantly higher levels in OTSCC than the normal adjacent tissues; galectin-3 expression correlated strongly with pathological stage, pathological grade and lymph node invasion in OTSCC. Overexpression of galectin-3 promoted Tca8113 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, upregulated Wnt protein expression, activated β-catenin and induced the EMT; knockdown of galectin-3 had the opposite effects. Co-transfection of Tca8113 cells overexpressing galectin-3 with the Wnt antagonist DKK1 reduced the ability of galectin-3 to increase cell proliferation, migration and invasion, reduced upregulation of Wnt, inhibited β-catenin activation and abrogated the EMT, demonstrating that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway mediated the effects of galectin-3. Galectin-3 plays an important role in the progression of OTSCC via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Potential prognostic and therapeutic role for angiogenesis markers in laryngeal carcinoma

Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer, fundamental to its growth. The 'angiogenic switch' occurs when pro-angiogenic factors are not balanced by anti-angiogenic factors. A correlation between angiogenic properties and oncological prognosis (for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) too) was first hypothesized in the 1990s. An exhaustive literature review was performed to investigate available data on angiogenesis markers and their biological role and therapeutic potential in LSCC. The prognostic significance of microvascular density in LSCC was investigated with endothelial targets, e.g. CD105, CD34, and CD31. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2, angiogenin, hypoxia-inducible factor 1, and other biological markers were also studied. Only anti-EGFR therapy has been approved by the USFood and Drug Administration (FDA) for head and neck carcinoma in recent years, while several agents interfering with VEGF and its receptors are being studied. Experimental findings indicate that anti-CD105 monoclonal antibodies efficiently inhibit tumor angiogenesis. There are two main ways to approach the vascular profile of solid malignancies: by inhibiting new vessel formation (anti-angiogenic therapy) or selectively damaging neoplastic vessels (vascular targeting therapy). In advanced LSCC, both these strategies seem promising and warrant further preclinical and clinical investigation.

Epidemiology of human papillomavirus-related head and neck cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now recognized to cause a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Although excessive tobacco and alcohol use continue to be important risk factors for HNSCC, epidemiologic studies suggest that more than 25% of HNSCC are now caused by HPV. The incidence of HPV-related HNSCC is increasing, highlighting the need to understand the oral HPV infections causing these cancers. This article reviews the evidence for a causal association between HPV and HNSCC, examines the changing epidemiologic trends of HNSCC, and discusses what is currently known about oral HPV infection, natural history, and transmission.

Possible implication of Mdm2 as a prognostic marker in invasive laryngeal carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignant neoplasms of the head and neck. In Brazil, laryngeal tumors represent 2% of all cancers and are associated with approximately 3,000 deaths annually. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported to play an important role in the etiology of laryngeal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of p53, p27, and Mdm2 in laryngeal carcinomas. Sixty-three larynx biopsies were selected for the study, including 9 in situ laryngeal carcinomas, 27 laryngeal carcinomas without metastasis and 27 laryngeal carcinomas with metastasis. Twenty-seven cervical lymph nodes from patients with metastatic lesions were also evaluated. The expression levels of p53, p27, and Mdm2 were assessed by immunohistochemistry using a computer-assisted system. HPV detection and typing were performed using PCR, and the HPV types that were evaluated included HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33. Out of 63 patients, 53 (84.1%) were positive for β-globin (internal control), and 10 (15.9%) were β-globin negative and therefore excluded from the evaluation. Thus, 7 (13.2%) out of 53 patients were HPV positive, and 46 (86.8%) out of 53 patients were HPV negative. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in Mdm2 expression levels were observed in the in situ laryngeal carcinoma samples compared with the laryngeal carcinoma samples with metastasis. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in either p53 or p27 expression levels were detected. These findings suggest that Mdm2 may be associated with the invasiveness and aggressiveness of laryngeal carcinomas.

K. Open Wound Healing In Vivo: Monitoring Binding and Presence of Adhesion/Growth-Regulatory Galectins in Rat Skin during the Course of Complete Re-Epithelialization

Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that modulate inflammation and immunity. This functional versatility prompted us to perform a histochemical study of their occurrence during wound healing using rat skin as an in vivo model. Wound healing is a dynamic process that exhibits three basic phases: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. In this study antibodies against keratins-10 and -14, wide-spectrum cytokeratin, vimentin, and fibronectin, and non-cross-reactive antibodies to galectins-1, -2, and -3 were applied to frozen sections of skin specimens two days (inflammatory phase), seven days (proliferation phase), and twenty-one days (maturation phase) after wounding. The presence of binding sites for galectins-1, -2, -3, and -7 as a measure for assessing changes in reactivity was determined using labeled proteins as probes. Our study detected a series of alterations in galectin parameters during the different phases of wound healing. Presence of galectin-1, for example, increased during the early phase of healing, whereas galectin-3 rapidly decreased in newly formed granulation tissue. In addition, nuclear reactivity of epidermal cells for galectin-2 occurred seven days post-trauma. The dynamic regulation of galectins during re-epithelialization intimates a role of these proteins in skin wound healing, most notably for galectin-1 increasing during the early phases and galectin-3 then slightly increasing during later phases of healing. Such changes may identify a potential target for the development of novel drugs to aid in wound repair and patients’ care.