S100A1 as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Assessing Cardiotoxicity and Implications for the Chemotherapy of Certain Cancers

S-100 Proteins: Basics and Applications as Biomarkers in Animals with Special Focus on Calgranulins (S100A8, A9, and A12)

S100 proteins are a group of calcium-binding proteins which received this name because of their solubility in a 100% saturated solution of ammonium sulphate. They have a similar molecular mass of 10-12 KDa and share 25-65% similarity in their amino acid sequence. They are expressed in many tissues, and to date 25 different types of S100 proteins have been identified. This review aims to provide updated information about S100 proteins and their use as biomarkers in veterinary science, with special emphasis on the family of calgranulins that includes S100A8 (calgranulin A; myeloid-related protein 8, MRP8), S100A9 (calgranulin B; MRP14), and S100A12 (calgranulin C). The proteins SA100A8 and S100A9 can be linked, forming a heterodimer which is known as calprotectin. Calgranulins are related to the activation of inflammation and the immune system and increase in gastrointestinal diseases, inflammation and sepsis, immunomediated diseases, and obesity and endocrine disorders in different animal species. This review reflects the current knowledge about calgranulins in veterinary science, which should increase in the future to clarify their role in different diseases and potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets, as well as the practical use of their measurement in non-invasive samples such as saliva or feces.

Analysis of Differential Gene Expression and Core Canonical Pathways Involved in the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a malignant form of cancer with very high mortality and morbidity. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the most common pathophysiological change observed in cancer cells of epithelial origin that promotes metastasis, drug resistance and cancer stem cell formation. Since the information regarding differential gene expression in TNBC cells and cell signaling events leading to EMT is limited, this investigation was done by comparing transcriptomic data generated by RNA isolation and sequencing of a EMT model TNBC cell line in comparison to regular TNBC cells. RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Software Analysis (IPA) of the transcriptomic data revealed several upregulated and downregulated gene expressions along with novel core canonical pathways including Sirtuin signaling, Oxidative Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial dysfunction events involved in EMT changes of the TNBC cells.

S100A1 is a sensitive and specific cardiac biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of acute myocardial infarction measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay

BACKGROUND

A member of the S100 family of Ca²⁺-binding proteins, S100A1 is highly expressed in cardiac muscle tissue. Although this protein is considered an indicator of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), high-throughput and sensitive detection methods are still urgently needed. We constructed a rapid and sensitive method for detecting S100A1 and to investigate the clinical utility of S100A1 as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AMI and subsequent prognostic assessments. We developed an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay to detect S100A1. We then analyzed the performance of the newly developed assay including evaluation of the analytical sensitivity, analytical selectivity, linear range, accuracy and repeatability.

METHODS

We recruited 87 patients with AMI or angina pectoris to explore the value of this marker for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment.

RESULTS

The chemiluminescent-immune-based S100A1 assay had functional analytical sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.13 ng/ml, and a wide linear range of 0.13-31.66 ng/ml. It also exhibited good repeatability with intra-assay and inter-assay findings of <5% and <15%, respectively. Plasma S100A1 was found to have a higher diagnostic sensitivity than conventional cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase-MB and cardiac troponin T). The survival analysis showed that a higher concentration of plasma S100A1 (>1.02 ng/ml) was notably associated with the poor prognosis of AMI patients after first PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of circulating S100A1 concentrations with our newly developed chemiluminescent-immune-based assay shows potential for use in the clinic. This assay could enable early identification and prognostic assessment of AMI.

Liposomal Resveratrol and/or Carvedilol Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Modulating Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and S100A1 in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic and one of the important chemotherapeutic agents for different types of cancers. DOX treatment is associated with adverse effects, particularly cardiac dysfunction. This study examined the cardioprotective effects of carvedilol (CAR) and/or resveratrol (RES) and liposomal RES (LIPO-RES) against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, pointing to their modulatory effect on oxidative stress, inflammation, S100A1 and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase2a (SERCA2a). Rats received CAR (30 mg/kg) and/or RES (20 mg/kg) or LIPO-RES (20 mg/kg) for 6 weeks and were challenged with DOX (2 mg/kg) twice per week from week 2 to week 6. DOX-administered rats exhibited a significant increase in serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin-I and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with histological alterations, reflecting cardiac cell injury. Cardiac toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 protein expression were up-regulated, and lipid peroxidation was increased in DOX-administered rats. Treatment with CAR, RES or LIPO-RES as well as their alternative combinations ameliorated all observed biochemical and histological alterations with the most potent effect exerted by CAR/LIPO-RES. All treatments increased cardiac antioxidants, and the expression of S100A1 and SERCA2a. In conclusion, the present study conferred new evidence on the protective effects of CAR and its combination with either RES or LIPO-RES on DOX-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and calcium dysregulation.

Grain Amaranth Is Associated with Improved Hepatic and Renal Calcium Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus of Male Wistar Rats

Background

Dysregulation of calcium signaling is a hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM) and grain amaranth (AG) has antidiabetic properties. Information on the mechanism of action of AG on blood, renal, and hepatic tissues is sparse, although it continues to be an important alternative medicinal plant in several developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine key changes in calcium levels and s100a1 protein levels and antioxidant and histopathologic changes in blood, renal, and hepatic tissues of male diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

This was an experimental study in which 30 male Wistar rats were kept for 5 weeks (6 groups, N =5). Groups 1-IV had T2DM induced using Nicotinamide and Streptozotocin: Group I, Mixtard®; group II, positive control; group III, 25% AG; group IV, 50% AG. Furthermore, group V consisted of normal rats given 50% GA and group VI was negative control. Blood, renal, and hepatic tissues were collected and analyzed for calcium, s100a1 protein levels, and antioxidant and histopathological changes.

Results and Discussion

In blood, renal, and hepatic tissue, calcium and s100a1 levels were low during T2DM and these increased following AG supplementation. This was important for improved metabolic processes, thus leading to the low malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the tissues. Efficient antioxidant status was important for improved calcium signaling mechanisms, thus leading to improved tissue function and protection demonstrating the importance of AG as an alternative medicinal source through the calcium signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Grain amaranth exerts its antidiabetic properties through improved calcium homeostasis in blood, kidney, and liver.

Trastuzumab inhibits pituitary tumor cell growth modulating the TGFB/SMAD2/3 pathway

In pituitary adenomas, early recurrences and resistance to conventional pharmacotherapies are common, but the mechanisms involved are still not understood. The high expression of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signal observed in human pituitary adenomas, together with the low levels of the antimitogenic transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TBR2), encouraged us to evaluate the effect of the specific HER2 inhibition with trastuzumab on experimental pituitary tumor cell growth and its effect on the antiproliferative response to TGFB1. Trastuzumab decreased the pituitary tumor growth as well as the expression of ERK1/2 and the cell cycle regulators CCND1 and CDK4. The HER2/ERK1/2 pathway is an attractive therapeutic target, but its intricate relations with other signaling modulators still need to be unraveled. Thus, we investigated possible cross-talk with TGFB signaling, which has not yet been studied in pituitary tumors. In tumoral GH3 cells, co-incubation with trastuzumab and TGFB1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, an effect accompanied by a reduction in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, an increase of SMAD2/3 activation. In addition, through immunoprecipitation assays, a diminution of SMAD2/3-ERK1/2 and an increase SMAD2/3-TGFBR1 interactions were observed when cells were co-incubated with trastuzumab and TGFB1. These findings indicate that blocking HER2 by trastuzumab inhibited pituitary tumor growth and modulated HER2/ERK1/2 signaling and consequently the anti-mitogenic TGFB1/TBRs/SMADs cascade. The imbalance between HER2 and TGFBRs expression observed in human adenomas and the response to trastuzumab on experimental tumor growth may make the HER2/ERK1/2 pathway an attractive target for future pituitary adenoma therapy.

Protecting the heart in cancer therapy

Recent advances in cancer prevention and management have led to an exponential increase of cancer survivors worldwide. Regrettably, cardiovascular disease has risen in the aftermath as one of the most devastating consequences of cancer therapies. In this work, we define cancer therapeutics-induced cardiotoxicity as the direct or indirect cardiovascular injury or injurious effect caused by cancer therapies. We describe four progressive stages of this condition and four corresponding levels of prevention, each having a specific goal, focus, and means of action. We subsequently unfold this didactic framework, surveying mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, risk factors, cardioprotectants, biomarkers, and diagnostic imaging modalities. Finally, we outline the most current evidence-based recommendations in this area according to multidisciplinary expert consensus guidelines.

Cardiovascular safety of oncologic agents: a double-edged sword even in the era of targeted therapies - Part 2

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cancer are subject to the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapy. Improved cancer treatments lead to more cancer-survivors, who though are exposed to various forms of cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) as they age. Aging patients are at increased risk of developing both malignancy and CVD or they may have survived some form of CVD as a result of effective CV treatments. Furthermore, patients with CVD may develop cancer and require treatment (and vice versa), all contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of both malignancy and CVD will increase due to the trend toward a longer lifespan.

AREAS COVERED

In part 2 of this review, the discussion of the CV effects of specific oncology drugs is completed with inclusion of additional immunological agents, current hormonal and other agents. Early detection and monitoring of cardiotoxicity, use of biomarkers and other imaging and diagnostic methods and prevention and treatment options are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

As outlined in part 1 of this review, oncologists need to be aware of the CV adverse-effects of their treatments and make careful and expectant clinical decisions, especially in patients with preexisting CVD or CV risk factors. Similarly, cardiologists should consider a detailed previous history of treatment for malignant disease, including prior chemotherapy exposure, dose(s) received, and/or combined modality therapy with chest radiotherapy. Both specialists should collaborate in order to minimize the impact of these two ubiquitous diseases (cancer and CVD) and mitigate the adverse effects of treatment modalities.

A multiomics analysis of S100 protein family in breast cancer

The S100 gene family is the largest subfamily of calcium binding proteins of EF-hand type, expressed in tissue and cell-specific manner, acting both as intracellular regulators and extracellular mediators. There is a growing interest in the S100 proteins and their relationships with different cancers because of their involvement in a variety of biological events closely related to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the collective role and the possible coordination of this group of proteins, as well as the functional implications of their expression in breast cancer (BC) is still poorly known. We previously reported a large-scale proteomic investigation performed on BC patients for the screening of multiple forms of S100 proteins. Present study was aimed to assess the functional correlation between protein and gene expression patterns and the prognostic values of the S100 family members in BC. By using data mining, we showed that S100 members were collectively deregulated in BC, and their elevated expression levels were correlated with shorter survival and more aggressive phenotypes of BC (basal like, HER2 enriched, ER-negative and high grading). Moreover a multi-omics functional network analysis highlighted the regulatory effects of S100 members on several cellular pathways associated with cancer and cancer progression, expecially immune response and inflammation. Interestingly, for the first time, a pathway analysis was successfully applied on different omics data (transcriptomics and proteomics) revealing a good convergence between pathways affected by S100 in BC. Our data confirm S100 members as a promising panel of biomarkers for BC prognosis.

Alternative Biomarkers for Combined Biology

Chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CRCD) has challenged clinicians to hesitate in using cardiotoxic agents such as anthracycline and several protein kinase inhibitors. As early detection of CRCD and timely cessation of cardiotoxic agents became a strategy to avoid CRCD, cardiac troponin and natriuretic peptide are measured to monitor cardiotoxicity; however, there are inconsistencies in their predictability of CRCD. Alternative biomarkers have been researched extensively for potential use as more sensitive and accurate biomarkers. The mechanisms of CRCD and previous studies on traditional and novel biomarkers for CRCD are examined to enlighten future direction of investigation in this combined biology.