Nicotine promotes the development of oral leukoplakia via regulating peroxiredoxin 1 and its binding proteins

Peroxiredoxin 1 regulates crosstalk between pyroptosis and autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma leading to a potential pro-survival

Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1), a vital antioxidant enzyme, has been proven to play an important role in the occurrence and development of cancers, but its effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. Here, we performed bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to confirm that Prdx1 was higher in OSCC tissues than in normal tissues. Consistently, RT-PCR and Western blot showed elevated Prdx1 expression in OSCC cell lines compared to human oral keratinocytes (HOK), which could be knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and Lentiviral vector delivery of short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Prdx1 silencing significantly blocked OSCC cell proliferation and metastasis, as evidenced by the CCK8, colony formation, in vivo tumorigenesis experiment, wound healing, transwell assays, and changes in migration-related factors. siPrdx1 transfection increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and provoked pyroptosis, proved by the upregulation of pyroptotic factors and LDH release. Prdx1 silencing ROS-independently blocked autophagy. Mature autophagosome failed to form in the siPrdx1 group. Up-regulated autophagy limited pyroptosis triggered by Prdx1 deficiency, and down-regulated pyroptosis partly reversed siPrdx1-induced autophagy defect. Collectively, Prdx1 regulated pyroptosis in a ROS-dependent way and modulated autophagy in a ROS-independent way, involving the crosstalk between pyroptosis and autophagy.

The risk profile of electronic nicotine delivery systems, compared to traditional cigarettes, on oral disease: a review

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has exploded, especially among teenagers and new smokers, amid widespread awareness of the dangers of traditional tobacco and restrictions on smoking. However, the risk effects of ENDS on physical health, especially oral health, are still ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to review the available evidence on risks of ENDS on oral health, and compares the differences between ENDS and traditional cigarettes. For heavy smokers, transferring the addiction of tobacco to ENDS can be less harmful to periodontal condition and physical health but is not completely without risk. The components of ENDS vapor have cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic properties, and its usage may be associated with a wide range of oral health sequelae. The chemicals in ENDS increase the susceptibility to tooth decay, increase the risk of periodontal disease, peri-implant, and oral mucosal lesions. Nicotine aerosols from ENDS can be a potential risk factor for oral cancer due to the presence of carcinogenic components. Compared to smoking traditional cigarettes, the harm associated with ENDS use may be underestimated due to the reduced ability to control vaping behavior, ease of ENDS access, fewer vaping area restrictions, and better taste. Currently, the available evidence suggests that ENDS may be a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products. Though most oral symptoms experienced by ENDS users are relatively mild and temporary compared to traditional cigarettes, the dangers of ENDS still exist. However, further research with longer follow-up periods is required to establish the long-term safety of ENDS.

SERPINE1 as an Independent Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target for Nicotine-Related Oral Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Nicotine is an ingredient of tobacco, and exposure to nicotine increases the risks of various cancers, including oral cancer. Previous studies have focused on the addictive properties of nicotine, but its carcinogenic mechanism has rarely been studied. We aimed to explore the key genes in the process through which nicotine promotes the occurrence and development of oral cancer via data mining and experimental verification.

METHODS

This study involved three parts. First, key genes related to nicotine-related oral cancer were screened through data mining; second, the expression and clinical significance of a key gene in oral cancer tissues were verified by bioinformatics. Finally, the expression and clinical significance of the key gene in oral cancer were histologically investigated, and the effects of its expression on cell proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance were cytologically assessed.

RESULTS

SERPINE1 was identified as the key gene, which was upregulated in nicotine-treated oral cells and may be an independent prognostic factor for oral cancer. SERPINE1 was enriched in various pathways, such as the tumor necrosis factor and apelin pathways, and was related to the infiltration of macrophages, CD4+T cells, and CD8+T cells. Overexpression of SERPINE1 was associated with N staging and may be involved in hypoxia, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Knockdown of SERPINE1 in oral cancer cells resulted in weakened cell proliferation and invasion ability and increased sensitivity to bleomycin and docetaxel.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed SERPINE1 as a key gene for nicotine-related oral cancer, indicating that SERPINE1 may be a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for oral carcinoma.