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Ashraf MAB, Zahid A, Ashraf S, Waquar S, Iqbal S, Malik A. Implication of Prophetic Variables and their Impulsive Interplay in CA Prostate Patients Experiencing Osteo-Metastasis. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:2106-2113. [PMID: 32718298 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200727094430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To identify variables having a critical role in prostate cancer patients experiencing osteometastasis. BACKGROUND Prostatic carcinoma is a multifactorial complex disorder that exhibits an increased propensity to develop bone metastasis. An interplay of inflammatory and bone remodeling parameters promotes the formation of pre-metastatic niches in bones of patients, which could render them more vulnerable to skeletal disabilities. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the multi-dynamic inter-relationship of circulating variables in prostate cancer patients experiencing osteo-metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-seven (n=57) men with clinically confirmed prostate cancer, fifty-nine (n=59) with skeletal metastases, and one hundred (n=100) healthy subjects i.e., men aging from 53-84 years with no clinical evidence of prostate were recruited from the Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Informed consent was obtained, and a venous blood sample was drawn and stored at -70oC until assayed. Levels of variables were evaluated using appropriate methods. Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), Osteopontin (OPN), TGH- β, and sRANKL were estimated by the ELISA method. Each sample was suspended and the given protocol was employed. ELISA readings were obtained for the estimation of all variables. RESULTS Highly significant (P˂0.05) differential expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and bone remodeling variables were observed in localized and osteo-metastatic CA prostate patients. A strong positive correlation was revealed among OPN, sRANKL, MMP-7, MMP-9, PSA, and TGF-β (OPN vs. MMP-7, r=0.698* and OPN vs. MMP-9, r=0.765**, OPN vs. RANKL, =0.856*, sRANKL vs. MMP-9, r=0.825**, TGF- β vs. RANKL, r=0.868* and PSA vs. TGF- β, r=0.752*); lower levels of OPG were estimated in metastasized patients, showing that both osteolytic and osteoblastic phases of bone remodeling occur simultaneously. CONCLUSION The altered oxidative and inflammatory responses endorse Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) increased activity, RANKL/OPG imbalance, and enhanced bone matrix proteins turnover, which can foster the process of osteo-metastasis. The perturbed RANKL/OPG drift and enhanced PSA levels are associated with increased TGF-β activity to aggravate Epithelial Mesenchymal transition (EM) and osteo-tropism of prostate cancer. Thus, designing novel targets of these major variables can minimize the incidence of prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad A B Ashraf
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Zahid
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shazia Ashraf
- Department of Pathology, Independent Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sulayman Waquar
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saima Iqbal
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Arif Malik
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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Integrin expression in correlation to clinicopathological features and prognosis of prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol Oncol 2021; 39:221-232. [PMID: 33558138 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prompt identification of patients with poor prognosis is essential in order to improve the treatment outcomes in prostate cancer (CaP); as a novel approach, several molecular markers, including integrins, have been discussed as prognostic biomarkers. Our aim was to comprehensively examine aberrant expression of integrins in correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis in CaP by synthesizing all available evidence, in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Scientific literature databases (Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus) were systematically searched until May 10, 2020. Random-effects (DerSimonian-Laird) models were used to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) for cross-sectional correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and relative risks for longitudinal associations with prognosis. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included with a total number of 3,194 CaP cases examined (13 cross-sectional and four longitudinal cohort study arms). Correlation of low expression of α6 (pooled OR = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.28, P < 0.001) and β1 (pooled OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21-1.00, P = 0.049) integrin with high Gleason score was noted. A borderline trend between reduced expression of α6 integrin and an advanced clinical stage of CaP (pooled OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.22-1.03, P = 0.06) was observed. No associations with biochemical recurrence and survival were documented. CONCLUSIONS Evidence on the association of low expression of integrins α6 and β1 and more advanced CaP exist, whereas significant results on survival were not documented; further studies are warranted.
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Muñoz-Moreno L, Schally AV, Prieto JC, Carmena MJ, Bajo AM. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor antagonists modify molecular machinery in the progression of prostate cancer. Prostate 2018; 78:915-926. [PMID: 29748961 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic strategies should be designed to transform aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes to a chronic situation. To evaluate the effects of the new growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) antagonists: MIA-602, MIA-606, and MIA-690 on processes associated with cancer progression as cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis. METHODS We used three human prostate cell lines (RWPE-1, LNCaP, and PC3). We analyzed several molecules such as E-cadherin, β-catenin, Bcl2, Bax, p53, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, and VEGF and signaling mechanisms that are involved on effects exerted by GHRH-R antagonists. RESULTS GHRH-R antagonists decreased cell viability and provoked a reduction in proliferation in LNCaP and PC3 cells. Moreover, GHRH-R antagonists caused a time-dependent increase of cell adhesion in all three cell lines and retarded the wound closure with the highest value with MIA-690 in PC3 cells. GHRH-R antagonists also provoked a large number of cells in SubG0 phase revealing an increase in apoptotic cells in PC3 cell line. CONCLUSIONS Taken all together, GHRH-R antagonists of the MIAMI series appear to be inhibitors of tumor progression in prostate cancer and should be considered for use in future therapeutic strategies on this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muñoz-Moreno
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Divisions of Hematology/Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Juan C Prieto
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M José Carmena
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Bajo
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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Yang SH, Lin HY, Changou CA, Chen CH, Liu YR, Wang J, Jiang X, Luh F, Yen Y. Integrin β3 and LKB1 are independently involved in the inhibition of proliferation by lovastatin in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:362-73. [PMID: 26517522 PMCID: PMC4808004 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are one of the most difficult cancers to treat. In our study, Lovastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, demonstrated anticancer properties by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, cell migration and cell adhesion. Lovastatin inhibited the expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Furthermore, lovastatin inhibited the expressions of integrin β1 and integrin β3 but not integrin αv or integrin β5. While Lovastatin's inhibitory effects on TGFβ1, COX2, and ICAM-1 expression were independently controlled by the tumor suppressor LKB1, integrin β3 expression was not affected. Lovastatin's inhibitory effect on cell adhesion was associated with the decreased expression of integrin β3 and cell surface heterodimer integrin αvβ3. Quantitative real time PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and cell migration assays all confirmed that Lovastatin inhibits integrin αvβ3 downstream signaling including FAK activation, and β-catenin, vimentin, ZO-1, and β-actin. Overall, Lovastatin reduced tumor cell proliferation and migration by modifying the expression of genes involved in cell adhesion and other critical cellular processes. Our study highlights novel anti-cancer properties of Lovastatin and supports further exploration of statins in the context of cholangiocarcinoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Huei Yang
- PhD Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yun Lin
- PhD Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun A Changou
- PhD Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrated Laboratory, Center of Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Core Facility, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Han Chen
- PhD Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ru Liu
- Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jinghan Wang
- The First Department of Biliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgical Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Jiang
- The First Department of Biliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgical Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Frank Luh
- School of medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Sino-American Cancer Foundation, Arcadia, California, United States
| | - Yun Yen
- PhD Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Cui Y, Li J, Zheng F, Ouyang Y, Chen X, Zhang L, Chen Y, Wang L, Mu S, Zhang H. Effect of SIRT1 Gene on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cells. Med Sci Monit 2016; 22:380-6. [PMID: 26847404 PMCID: PMC4747318 DOI: 10.12659/msm.895312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to be involved in the process of invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer. SIRT1 is the mammalian homologue of the silent information regulator 2 (Sir2) gene, and is abnormally expressed in prostate cancer cells. Therefore, it is hypothesized that SIRT1 mediates the invasion/metastatic ability of prostate cancer via EMT regulation. This study thus investigated the effect of SIRT1 gene on the invasion and migration of prostate cancer cell line PC-3 via the small interference RNA (siRNA) against SIRT1. Material/Methods SiRNA construct was transfected into PC-3 cells, which were tested for the cell migration and invasion ability by scratch assay and Transwell migration assay, respectively. Expression levels of vimentin, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were further quantified by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results Both mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1 were depressed after siRNA transfection, along with weakened migration and invasion ability of PC-3 cells. Elevated E-cadherin and suppressed N-cadherin and vimentin were observed in those transfected cells. Conclusions The silencing of SIRT1 gene in PC-3 cells can suppress the movement, migration, and invasion functions of prostate cancer cells, possibly via the down-regulation of mesenchymal markers vimentin and N-cadherin accompanied with up-regulation of epithelial marker N-cadherin, thus reversing the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Fei Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China (mainland)
| | - Yongri Ouyang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shijie Mu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Huizhong Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Research Center, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China (mainland)
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Drivalos A, Chrisofos M, Efstathiou E, Kapranou A, Kollaitis G, Koutlis G, Antoniou N, Karanastasis D, Dimopoulos MA, Bamias A. Expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin in localized prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2015; 34:165.e11-8. [PMID: 26652134 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the correlation between the expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinicopathological data including tumor grade and clinical stage. METHODS The expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin was examined in 157 cases of PCa and adjacent normal prostatic tissue by immunohistochemical assay, and the correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed. RESULTS Expressions of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin in PCa were lower than those in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). N-cadherin expression was higher in cancer prostatic tissue than in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but it was not associated with positive surgical margins and patient age. The increased expression of N-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but not to age and positive surgical margins. The expression of E-cadherin was highly negatively correlated with that of N-cadherin and also positively correlated with that of α5-integrin and α7-integrin. CONCLUSION The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin and abnormal expression of N-cadherin play an important role in the occurrence and development of PCa. The results indicate that these have potential values in the diagnosis and are predictable indices in the proliferation of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Efstathiou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Kapranou
- Department of Anatomopathology, Athens Navy Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Koutlis
- Department of Anatomopathology, Athens Navy Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nick Antoniou
- Department of Urology, Athens General Hospital "Elpis," Athens, Greece
| | | | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristotelis Bamias
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Tumor microenvironment substantially influences the process of tumorigenesis. In many solid tumors, imbalance between the demand of rapidly proliferating cancer cells and the capabilities of the vascular system generates areas with insufficient oxygen supply. In response to tumor hypoxia, cancer cells modulate their gene expression pattern to match the requirements of the altered microenvironment. One of the most significant adaptations to this milieu is the shift towards anaerobic glycolysis to keep up the energy demands. This oncogenic metabolism is often maintained also in aerobic cells. Lactic acid, its metabolic end-product, accumulates hand-in-hand with carbon dioxide, leading to acidification of the extracellular environment. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is the most widely expressed gene in response to hypoxia. Its crucial role in intracellular pH maintenance represents the means by which cancer cells adapt to the toxic conditions of the extracellular milieu. Furthermore, the activity of CA IX stimulates the migratory pathways of cancer cells and is connected with the increase of the aggressive/invasive phenotype of tumors. CA IX expression in many types of tumors indicates its relevance as a general marker of tumor hypoxia. Moreover, its expression is closely related to prognosis of the clinical outcome in several tumor types. All above mentioned facts support the strong position of CA IX as a potential drug therapy target. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge on its regulation and role in cancer development.
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Liu J, Huang J, He Y, Liu J, Liao B, Liao G. Genetic variants in the integrin gene predicted microRNA-binding sites were associated with the risk of prostate cancer. Mol Carcinog 2012; 53:280-5. [PMID: 23065910 DOI: 10.1002/mc.21973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNA) silence target genes through Watson-Crick based binding to the 3'untranslated regions (3'UTR). Thus, polymorphisms in the miRNA-binding sites may disrupt this process and play a potential role in cancer pathogenesis. Integrins have been implicated in the genesis and development of many tumors. This study was designed to evaluate the association between five SNP loci in predicted miRNA-binding sites in five integrin genes and prostate cancer occurrence and prognosis to provide data for screening high-risk Chinese Han individuals. These five polymorphisms were genotyped by using the high-resolution melting method (HRM) in 347 Chinese Han prostate cancer patients with long-time follow-up together with 367 age-matched healthy controls. GC carriers of rs11902171 in ITGAv were associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35-0.93). However, no significant difference was detected in genotype distributions of the five SNP loci in the progression-free survival time of prostate cancer. The ITGAv gene SNP rs11902171 may be potentially associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan Province, P.R., China
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Current challenges in development of differentially expressed and prognostic prostate cancer biomarkers. Prostate Cancer 2012; 2012:640968. [PMID: 22970379 PMCID: PMC3434411 DOI: 10.1155/2012/640968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Predicting the aggressiveness of prostate cancer at biopsy is invaluable in making treatment decisions. In this paper we review the differential expression of genes and microRNAs identified through microarray analysis as potentially useful markers for prostate cancer prognosis and discuss some of the challenges associated with their development. Methods. A review of the literature was conducted through Medline. Articles were identified through searches of the following terms: "prostate cancer AND differential expression", "prostate cancer prognosis", and "prostate cancer AND microRNAs". Results. Though numerous differentially expressed genes and microRNAs were identified as possible prognostic markers, the significance of several of these genes is either debated due to conflicting results or is not validated in other study populations. A few of the articles constructed predictive nomograms using a panel of biomarkers which require further validation. Challenges to the development of useful markers include different methodology, cancer heterogeneity, and sampling error. These can be overcome by categorizing prognostic factors into particular gene pathways or by supplementing biopsy information with blood or urine-based biomarkers. Conclusion. Though biomarkers based on differential expression offer the potential to improve decision making concerning prostate cancer, further validation of their utility and accuracy at the biopsy level is needed.
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Zhou X, Xu X, Meng Q, Hu J, Zhi T, Shi Q, Yu R. Bex2 is Critical for Migration and Invasion in Malignant Glioma Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 50:78-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9864-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Yeung CH, Wang K, Cooper TG. Why are epididymal tumours so rare? Asian J Androl 2012; 14:465-75. [PMID: 22522502 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal tumour incidence is at most 0.03% of all male cancers. It is an enigma why the human epididymis does not often succumb to cancer, when it expresses markers of stem and cancer cells, and constitutively expresses oncogenes, pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic factors that allow tumour cells to escape immunosurveillance in cancer-prone tissues. The privileged position of the human epididymis in evading tumourigenicity is reflected in transgenic mouse models in which induction of tumours in other organs is not accompanied by epididymal neoplasia. The epididymis appears to: (i) prevent tumour initiation (it probably lacks stem cells and has strong anti-oxidative mechanisms, active tumour suppressors and inactive oncogene products); (ii) foster tumour monitoring and destruction (by strong immuno-surveillance and -eradication, and cellular senescence); (iii) avert proliferation and angiogenesis (with persistent tight junctions, the presence of anti-angiogenic factors and misplaced pro-angiogenic factors), which together (iv) promote dormancy and restrict dividing cells to hyperplasia. Epididymal cells may be rendered non-responsive to oncogenic stimuli by the constitutive expression of factors generally inducible in tumours, and resistant to the normal epididymal environment, which mimics that of a tumour niche promoting tumour growth. The threshold for tumour initiation may thus be higher in the epididymis than in other organs. Several anti-tumour mechanisms are those that maintain spermatozoa quiescent and immunologically silent, so the low incidence of cancer in the epididymis may be a consequence of its role in sperm maturation and storage. Understanding these mechanisms may throw light on cancer prevention and therapy in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hei Yeung
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Centre, YuHuangDing Hospital, Yantai, China
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