Allergies and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Atopic diseases and oncopathology. What do they have in common? A review

The increasing prevalence of cancer worldwide has influenced the interest of researchers to search for factors that may trigger oncogenesis in order to prevent and treat cancer. There is a burning question, can allergic diseases cause or prevent cancer? Numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted that have evaluated aspects of the relationship between allergic diseases and the occurrence of cancers of various localizations. The results of most of these studies are inconsistent, both in the nature of the course of the disease and in the variety of localizations of the occurrence of cancer. In this connection, two basic theories were suggested: the theory of immune surveillance and the theory of inflammation. This review analyzed current scientific work to estimate the incidence of neoplasms against the background of atopic diseases. The analysis of clinical studies shows inconsistent results of the association between allergic diseases and cancer. Several studies an inverse relationship between atopic diseases and cancer risk, which supports the theory of immune surveillance [brain tumor (glioma), pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and breast cancer, cancer of the mouth and throat, larynx]. At the same time, a number of studies note a positive association between atopic diseases and cancer, which confirms the theory of chronic inflammation (lung cancer and colorectal cancer combined with bronchial asthma). The lack of an unequivocal explanation testifies to the urgency of long-term prospective studies aimed at studying the risk factors of cancer in combination with atopic diseases with the subsequent development of risk scale for the purpose of patient stratification, screening, development of early detection programs and new approaches to the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Time-extended exposure of gastric epithelial cells to secretome of Helicobacter pylori-activated fibroblasts induces reprogramming of gastric epithelium towards pre-cancerogenic and pro-invasive phenotype

Despite of the improvement in gastric cancer (GC) therapies patients still suffer from cancer recurrence and metastasis. Recently, the high ratio of these events combined with increased chemoresistance has been related to the asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infections. The limited efficiency of GC treatment strategies is also increasingly attributed to the activity of tumor stroma with the key role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In order to investigate the influence of Hp infection within stromal gastric tissue on cancer initiation and progression, we have exposed normal gastric epithelial cells to long-term influence of Hp-activated gastric fibroblast secretome. We have referred obtained results to this secretome influence on cancer cell lines. The invasive properties of cells were checked by time-lapse video microscopy and basement membrane assays. The expression of invasion-related factors was checked by RT-PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence and Elisa. Hp-activated gastric fibroblast secretome induced EMT type 3-related shifts of RGM1 cell phenotype; in particular it augmented their motility, cytoskeletal plasticity and invasiveness. These effects were accompanied by Snail1/Twist activation, the up-regulation of cytokeratin19/FAP/TNC/Integrin-β1 and MMPs, and by the induction of cMet^high/pEGFR^high phenotype. Mechanistic studies suggest that this microevolution next to TGFβ relies also on c-Met/EGFR signaling interplay and engages HGF-Integrin-Ras-dependent Twist activation leading to MMP and TNC upregulation with subsequent positive auto- and paracrine feedback loops intensifying this process. Similar shifts were detected in cancer cells exposed to this secretome. Collectively, we show that the secretome of Hp-infected fibroblasts induces reprogramming/microevolution of epithelial and cancer cells towards type 3 EMT-related invasive phenotype in a manner reciprocally reliant next to TGFβ on cMet/Integrin-β1/p-EGFR-dependent axis. Apparently, the phenotypical plasticity of Hp-activated fibroblast reprogrammed gastric epithelial cells determines their susceptibility to the pro-invasive signaling, which results in re-organization of gastric niches and provides the cues for GC promotion/progression.

Risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer: a population-based case-control study in Ontario, Canada

Purpose

There has been an alarming increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence among young adults aged < 50 years, and factors driving this upward trend are unknown. This study investigated associations between various medical, lifestyle, and dietary factors and risk of early-onset CRC (EO-CRC).

Methods

A population-based case–control study was conducted in Ontario, Canada during 2018–2019. EO-CRC cases aged 20–49 years (n = 175) were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry; sex- and age group-matched controls (n = 253) were recruited through random digit dialing. Data on potential a priori risk factors were collected using a web-based self-reported questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Family history of CRC in a first- or second-degree relative (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.47–3.84), longer sedentary time (≥ 10 vs. < 5 h/day, OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.02–3.65), greater consumption of sugary drinks (≥ 7 vs. < 1 drinks/week, OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.57–5.68), and a more Westernized dietary pattern (quartile 4 vs. 1, OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.01–3.66) were each associated with an increased risk of EO-CRC. Conversely, calcium supplement use (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.31–0.92), history of allergy or asthma (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.39–0.98), and greater parity in females (≥ 3 vs. nulliparity, OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.76) were each associated with a reduced risk.

Conclusion

Modifiable factors, particularly sedentary behavior and unhealthy diet including sugary drink consumption, may be associated with EO-CRC risk. Our findings, if replicated, may help inform prevention strategies targeted at younger persons.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10552-021-01456-8.

The Regulation of Intestinal Inflammation and Cancer Development by Type 2 Immune Responses

The gut is among the most complex organs of the human body. It has to exert several functions including food and water absorption while setting up an efficient barrier to the outside world. Dysfunction of the gut can be life-threatening. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or colorectal cancer, therefore, pose substantial challenges to clinical care. The intestinal epithelium plays an important role in intestinal disease development. It not only establishes an important barrier against the gut lumen but also constantly signals information about the gut lumen and its composition to immune cells in the bowel wall. Such signaling across the epithelial barrier also occurs in the other direction. Intestinal epithelial cells respond to cytokines and other mediators of immune cells in the lamina propria and shape the microbial community within the gut by producing various antimicrobial peptides. Thus, the epithelium can be considered as an interpreter between the microbiota and the mucosal immune system, safeguarding and moderating communication to the benefit of the host. Type 2 immune responses play important roles in immune-epithelial communication. They contribute to gut tissue homeostasis and protect the host against infections with helminths. However, they are also involved in pathogenic pathways in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. The current review provides an overview of current concepts regarding type 2 immune responses in intestinal physiology and pathophysiology.

Association between atopic dermatitis and colorectal cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study

The role of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a matter of scientific debate with mixed results. We conducted a nationwide cohort study to assess the association between AD and risk of CRC. Drawing on Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, 46,703 patients with AD (the AD cohort) and 186,812 sex, age, and index year-matched patients without AD (the non-AD cohort) were identified in the period between 2000 and 2008. Follow-up time was calculated from the date of entry in the cohort until the occurrence of a first CRC diagnosis, death, or the end of the observation period (December 31, 2013), whichever occurred first. Hazards ratios (HRs) and accompanying 95% confidence intervals (CIs) derived from the Fine-Gray competing risk model were used to estimate the association between AD and CRC risk. After multivariable adjustment, AD was associated with an increased risk of CRC (adjusted HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.40). Of note, a significant positive association between AD and CRC risk was evident in both men and women and in all age groups. In summary, this population-based cohort study revealed that AD was associated with an increased risk of CRC in an Asian population. It will be of interest for cohort studies with prediagnostic specimens to evaluate the potential relationship between AD and CRC using biomarkers for allergy status.

Correlation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway with proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells

The role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) signaling pathway in the proliferation and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells was studied. The transduction process of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway was inhibited using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) inhibitor U0126. Promoting effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on proliferation of human colon cancer cells was detected via Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), the cycle and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells were detected via flow cytometry, and the migration of human colon cancer cells was detected via wound healing assay. The results revealed that after drug treatment for 48 h, there were statistically significant differences in 4 and 8 µmol/l U0126 experimental group compared with control group (P<0.05). Compared with those in control group, G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase and proliferation index (PI) in 2, 4 and 8 µmol/l U0126 group had statistically significant differences (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in comparison of G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase and PI between control and 8 µmol/l U0126 group (P<0.05). Compared with that in control group, the cell migration distance in 8 µmol/l U0126 group had a statistically significant difference after drug treatment for 24 h (P<0.05). After drug treatment for 48 and 72 h, the cell migration distance in 4 and 8 µmol/l U0126 group was significantly reduced, and the differences were statistically significant compared with that in control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, ERK/MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the effects of HGF of promoting proliferation and regulating cell cycle and apoptosis of human colon cancer cells, providing a new approach for the treatment of colon cancer.