TRAIL inhibits oxidative stress in human aortic endothelial cells exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli

The Role of TRAIL Signaling in Cancer: Searching for New Therapeutic Strategies

Cancer continues to pose a significant threat to global health, with its status as a leading cause of death remaining unchallenged. Within the realm of cancer research, the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) stands out as a critical player, having been identified in the 1990s as the tenth member of the TNF family. This review examines the pivotal role of TRAIL in cancer biology, focusing on its ability to induce apoptosis in malignant cells through both endogenous and exogenous pathways. We provide an in-depth analysis of TRAIL's intracellular signaling and intercellular communication, underscoring its potential as a selective anticancer agent. Additionally, the review explores TRAIL's capacity to reshape the tumor microenvironment, thereby influencing cancer progression and response to therapy. With an eye towards future developments, we discuss the prospects of harnessing TRAIL's capabilities for the creation of tailored, precision-based cancer treatments, aiming to enhance efficacy and improve patient survival rates.

Effect of coffee, tea and alcohol intake on circulating inflammatory cytokines: a two sample-Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Despite the abundance of research examining the effects of coffee, tea, and alcohol on inflammatory diseases, there is a notable absence of conclusive evidence regarding their direct causal influence on circulating inflammatory cytokines. Previous studies have primarily concentrated on established cytokines, neglecting the potential impact of beverage consumption on lesser-studied but equally important cytokines.

METHODS

Information regarding the consumption of coffee, tea, and alcohol was collected from the UK Biobank, with sample sizes of 428,860, 447,485, and 462,346 individuals, respectively. Data on 41 inflammatory cytokines were obtained from summary statistics of 8293 healthy participants from Finnish cohorts.

RESULTS

The consumption of coffee was found to be potentially associated with decreased levels of Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (β = -0.57, 95% CI -1.06 ~ -0.08; p = 0.022) and Stem cell growth factor beta (β = -0.64, 95% CI -1.16 ~ -0.12; p = 0.016), as well as an increase in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (β = 0.43, 95% CI 0.06 ~ 0.8; p = 0.023) levels. Conversely, tea intake was potentially correlated with a reduction in Interleukin-8 (β = -0.45, 95% CI -0.9 ~ 0; p = 0.045) levels. Moreover, our results indicated an association between alcohol consumption and decreased levels of Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Secreted (β = -0.24, 95% CI -0.48 ~ 0; p = 0.047), as well as an increase in Stem cell factor (β = 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 ~ 0.31; p = 0.023) and Stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 ~ 0.36; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Revealing the interactions between beverage consumption and various inflammatory cytokines may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, thereby facilitating dietary interventions to complement clinical disease treatments.

TRAIL and its receptors in cardiac diseases

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Loss of cardiomyocytes that occurs during many types of damage to the heart such as ischemic injury and stress caused by pressure overload, diminishes cardiac function due to their limited regenerative capacity and promotes remodeling, which further damages the heart. Cardiomyocyte death occurs through two primary mechanisms, necrosis and apoptosis. Apoptosis is a highly regulated form of cell death that can occur through intrinsic (mitochondrial) or extrinsic (receptor mediated) pathways. Extrinsic apoptosis occurs through a subset of Tumor Necrosis Receptor (TNF) family receptors termed "Death Receptors." While some ligands for death receptors have been extensively studied in the heart, such as TNF-α, others have been virtually unstudied. One poorly characterized cardiac TNF related ligand is TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL binds to two apoptosis-inducing receptors, Death Receptor (DR) 4 and DR5. There are also three decoy TRAIL receptors, Decoy Receptor (DcR) 1, DcR2 and osteoprotegerin (OPG). While TRAIL has been extensively studied in the cancer field due to its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in transformed cell types, emerging clinical evidence points towards a role for TRAIL and its receptors in cardiac pathology. This article will highlight our current understanding of TRAIL and its receptors in normal and pathological conditions in the heart.

The Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Potential of TRAIL Signalling in Cardiovascular Diseases

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was originally discovered, almost 20 years ago, for its ability to kill cancer cells. More recent evidence has described pleiotropic functions, particularly in the cardiovascular system. There is potential for TRAIL concentrations in the circulation to act as prognostic and/or diagnostic factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Pre-clinical studies also describe the therapeutic capacity for TRAIL signals, particularly in the context of atherosclerotic disease and diseases of the myocardium. Because diabetes mellitus significantly contributes to the progression and pathogenesis of CVDs, in this review we highlight recent evidence for the prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential of TRAIL signals in CVDs, and where relevant, the impact of diabetes mellitus. A greater understanding of how TRAIL signals regulate cardiovascular protection and pathology may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from CVDs.

Serum OPG/TRAIL ratio predicts the presence of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIMS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Epidemiological studies suggest serum Osteoprotegrin (OPG)/Tumour-necrosis-factor-related-apoptosis-inducing- ligand (TRAIL) ratio may be a useful marker of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to compare serum levels of TRAIL, OPG and OPG/TRAIL ratio in people with T2DM, with and without a history of CVD, and controls; and to determine which of these indices, if any, predict cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

In this single centre observational study of 133 participants, people with T2DM, with and without a history of a cardiovascular event in the last 5 years, were recruited along with a control cohort without T2DM or CVD. Demographic information and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were taken and OPG and TRAIL were measured using ELISA.

RESULTS

People with T2DM and CVD had higher OPG/TRAIL ratios compared to controls or those with a new diagnosis of T2DM. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, OPG/TRAIL ratio was significantly associated with the presence of CVD in people with T2DM and an OPG/TRAIL ratio cut-off > 38.6 predicted the presence of CVD in this cohort with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 82%.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that OPG/TRAIL ratio may have a role as a biomarker of CVD in people with T2DM.