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Di Stefano I, Alì G, Poma AM, Bruno R, Proietti A, Niccoli C, Zirafa CC, Melfi F, Mastromarino MG, Lucchi M, Fontanini G. New Immunohistochemical Markers for Pleural Mesothelioma Subtyping. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2945. [PMID: 37761312 PMCID: PMC10529020 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) comprises three main subtypes: epithelioid, biphasic and sarcomatoid, which have different impacts on prognosis and treatment definition. However, PM subtyping can be complex given the inter- and intra-tumour morphological heterogeneity. We aim to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate five markers (Mesothelin, Claudin-15, Complement Factor B, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 and p21-activated Kinase 4), whose encoding genes have been previously reported as deregulated among PM subtypes. Immunohistochemical expressions were determined in a case series of 73 PMs, and cut-offs for the epithelioid and non-epithelioid subtypes were selected. Further validation was performed on an independent cohort (30 PMs). For biphasic PM, the percentage of the epithelioid component was assessed, and IHC evaluation was also performed on the individual components separately. Mesothelin and Claudin-15 showed good sensitivity (79% and 84%) and specificity (84% and 73%) for the epithelioid subtype. CFB and PAK4 had inferior performance, with higher sensitivity (89% and 84%) but lower specificity (64% and 36%). In the biphasic group, all markers showed different expression when comparing epithelioid with sarcomatoid areas. Mesothelin, Claudin-15 and CFB can be useful in subtype discrimination. PAI1 and PAK4 can improve component distinction in biphasic PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iosè Di Stefano
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Greta Alì
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Anello Marcello Poma
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Rossella Bruno
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Agnese Proietti
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Cristina Niccoli
- Unit of Pathological Anatomy, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.B.); (A.P.); (C.N.)
| | - Carmelina Cristina Zirafa
- Multispecialty Centre for Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.Z.); (F.M.)
| | - Franca Melfi
- Multispecialty Centre for Surgery, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.Z.); (F.M.)
| | | | - Marco Lucchi
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.G.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Gabriella Fontanini
- Surgical, Medical, Molecular, and Critical Care Pathology Department, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.D.S.); (A.M.P.); (G.F.)
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Zafar A, Khan MJ, Naeem A. MDM2- an indispensable player in tumorigenesis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:6871-6883. [PMID: 37314603 PMCID: PMC10374471 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08512-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a well-recognized molecule for its oncogenic potential. Since its identification, various cancer-promoting roles of MDM2 such as growth stimulation, sustained angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, apoptosis evasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression have been established. Alterations in the expression levels of MDM2 occur in multiple types of cancers resulting in uncontrolled proliferation. The cellular processes are modulated by MDM2 through transcription, post-translational modifications, protein degradation, binding to cofactors, and subcellular localization. In this review, we discuss the precise role of deregulated MDM2 levels in modulating cellular functions to promote cancer growth. Moreover, we also briefly discuss the role of MDM2 in inducing resistance against anti-cancerous therapies thus limiting the benefits of cancerous treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasma Zafar
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, 45550 Pakistan
| | | | - Aisha Naeem
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 20057 Washington, DC U.S
- Qatar University Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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Setlai BP, Mkhize-Kwitshana ZL, Mehrotra R, Mulaudzi TV, Dlamini Z. Microbiomes, Epigenomics, Immune Response, and Splicing Signatures Interplay: Potential Use of Combination of Regulatory Pathways as Targets for Malignant Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8991. [PMID: 36012262 PMCID: PMC9409175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesotheliomas (MM) are hard to treat malignancies with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. This cancer is highly misdiagnosed in Sub-Saharan African countries. According to literature, the incidence of MM is likely to increase particularly in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). The burden of asbestos-induced diseases was estimated to be about 231,000 per annum. Lack of awareness and implementation of regulatory frameworks to control exposure to asbestos fibers contributes to the expected increase. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to cancer initiation by several mechanisms. Asbestos-induced epigenetic modifications of gene expression machinery and non-coding RNAs promote cancer initiation and progression. Furthermore, microbiome-epigenetic interactions control the innate and adaptive immunity causing exacerbation of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. This review discusses epigenetic mechanisms with more focus on miRNAs and their interaction with the microbiome. The potential use of epigenetic alterations and microbiota as specific biomarkers to aid in the early detection and/or development of therapeutic targets is explored. The advancement of combinatorial therapies to prolong overall patient survival or possible eradication of MM especially if it is detected early is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botle Precious Setlai
- Department of Surgery, Level 7, Bridge E, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Pretoria 0007, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Medical School Campus, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Zilungile Lynette Mkhize-Kwitshana
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, Medical School Campus, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Ravi Mehrotra
- India Cancer Research Consortium (ICMR-DHR), Department of Health Research, Red Cross Road, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Thanyani Victor Mulaudzi
- Department of Surgery, Level 7, Bridge E, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Pretoria 0007, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
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HIF1α: A Novel Biomarker with Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapy in Pan-cancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:1246267. [PMID: 35860430 PMCID: PMC9289759 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1246267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a catastrophic disease that seriously affects human health. HIF1α plays an important role in cancer initiation, progression, and prognosis. However, little is known about the specific role of HIF1α in pan-cancer. Therefore, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed HIF1α using GEPIA, HPA, GeneMANIA, STRING, SMPDB, cBioPortal, UALCAN, and TISDB databases and also 33 cancer and normal tissues in TCGA downloaded from the Genome Data Commons (GDC) data portal. Data and statistical analysis were performed using R software v4.0.3. Our results found that there were differences in the mRNA expression levels of HIF1α in human pan-cancer and its corresponding normal tissues. The expression level of HIF1α correlated with tumor stage in LIHC and also significantly correlated with prognosis in LIHC, LUSC, STAD, OV, PAAD, PRAD, THCA, LUAD, MESO, and READ. The small molecule pathways involved in HIF1α include succinate signaling, fumarate, and succinate carcinogenesis-related pathways. The highest mutation frequency of the HIF1α gene in pan-cancer was head and neck cancer, and the HIF1α methylation level in most tumors is significantly reduced. HIF1α was not only associated with immune cell infiltration but also with immune checkpoint genes and immune regulators TMB and MSI. There were currently 5 small molecule drugs targeting HIF1α.
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Pavan A, Ferro A, Fortarezza F, Schiavon M, Evangelista L, Pezzuto F, Lunardi F, Frega S, Bonanno L, Rea F, Guarneri V, Conte P, Calabrese F, Pasello G. Tumor Immune-Infiltrate Landscape After Chemo-Radiotherapy in a Case Series of Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Pretreatment Predictors and Correlation With Outcome. Oncologist 2022; 27:e199-e202. [PMID: 35641202 PMCID: PMC8895738 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data on tumor immune-milieu after chemo-radiation (CT-RT) are scarce. Noninvasive tools are needed to improve the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in the locally advanced (LA) setting. METHODS We collected a series of superior-sulcus (SS)- patients with NSCLC referred to our Institute (2015-2019), eligible for a preoperative CT-RT. We characterized tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), determined PD-L1-TPS and the residual viable tumor cells (RVTC). Radiological and metabolic responses were reviewed. We calculated pre-surgery neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). RESULTS Eight patients were included. Radiological responses were 6 disease stabilities (SD) and 2 partial responses (PR). Metabolic responses were 4 SD and 4 PR. CD68+-TIICs were correlated with metabolic response and lower RVTC. CD68+-TIICs were associated with higher PLR. Higher PLR values seemed linked with lower RVTC. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results could be useful for consolidation treatment selection for patients with LA-NSCLC without evaluable baseline PD-L1 and higher PLR values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pavan
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferro
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Pathology Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavon
- Thoracic Surgery Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Evangelista
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Pezzuto
- Pathology Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Lunardi
- Pathology Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - PierFranco Conte
- Medical Oncology 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Pathology Division, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Goričar K, Holcar M, Mavec N, Kovač V, Lenassi M, Dolžan V. Extracellular Vesicle Enriched miR-625-3p Is Associated with Survival of Malignant Mesothelioma Patients. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11101014. [PMID: 34683154 PMCID: PMC8538530 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is characterized by poor prognosis and short survival. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles released from cells into various body fluids, and their molecular composition reflects the characteristics of the origin cell. Blood EVs or their miRNA cargo might serve as new minimally invasive biomarkers that would enable earlier detection of MM or treatment outcome prediction. Our aim was to evaluate miRNAs enriched in serum EVs as potential prognostic biomarkers in MM patients in a pilot longitudinal study. EVs were isolated from serum samples obtained before and after treatment using ultracentrifugation on 20% sucrose cushion. Serum EV-enriched miR-103-3p, miR-126-3p and miR-625-3p were quantified using qPCR. After treatment, expression of miR-625-3p and miR-126-3p significantly increased in MM patients with poor treatment outcome (p = 0.012 and p = 0.036, respectively). A relative increase in miR-625-3p expression after treatment for more than 3.2% was associated with shorter progression-free survival (7.5 vs. 19.4 months, HR = 3.92, 95% CI = 1.20-12.80, p = 0.024) and overall survival (12.5 vs. 49.1 months, HR = 5.45, 95% CI = 1.06-28.11, p = 0.043) of MM patients. Bioinformatic analysis showed enrichment of 33 miR-625-3p targets in eight biological pathways. Serum EV-enriched miR-625-3p could therefore serve as a prognostic biomarker in MM and could contribute to a more personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Goričar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.G.); (M.H.); (N.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Marija Holcar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.G.); (M.H.); (N.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Nina Mavec
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.G.); (M.H.); (N.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Viljem Kovač
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Lenassi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.G.); (M.H.); (N.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (K.G.); (M.H.); (N.M.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-543-76
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S K J, S P D, R S, Sai Surya NU, Chenmala K. Guardian of genome on the tract: Wild type p53-mdm2 complex inhibition in healing the breast cancer. Gene 2021; 786:145616. [PMID: 33811963 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145616] [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: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer acts as an assassin among women. According to WHO (world health organisation), about 6, 27,000 deaths have occurred in 2018 due to breast cancer. Since, the evolution of cancer involves many complicated pathway, in this article we have decided to focus on wild type p53. P53 is also called as tumor suppressor gene. As the name suggest, p53 is a real guardian of genome, if it is not mutated or subjected to degradation. It can perform a wide range of activities during cancer progression. It either stimulates or inhibits the genes or proteins that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, anti-angiogenic activity and anti-metastatic activity. At times, the p53 will be unable to produce its action due to various reasons like mutation or degradation by other proteins or degrading ligases. Since, we are focusing on wild type p53, it will be inhibited occasionally by mdm2 resulting in proteosomal degradation of p53. However, this condition can be prevented by possible treatment regimen. With the above points in mind, we have focused on p53 activation, complex formation between p53 and mdm2, and inhibition of the complex in order to free p53 and allow them to perform their action for rehabilitation of cancer. Furthermore, we have also discussed pathways involved in eradicating cancer through p53 activation. By considering the following aspects, hope that p53 can be considered for management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani S K
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Dhanabal S P
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Sureshkumar R
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Nikitha Upadhyayula Sai Surya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Karthika Chenmala
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
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Abstract
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process increasing transcript diversity, thereby regulating different biological processes. We recently observed that mutations resulting from RNA editing due to hydrolytic deamination of adenosine increase during the development of mesothelioma, a rare cancer linked to chronic exposure to asbestos. This review gathers information from the published literature and public data mining to explore several aspects of RNA editing and their possible implications for cancer growth and therapy. We address possible links between RNA editing and particular types of mesothelioma genetic and epigenetic alterations and discuss the relevance of an edited substrate in the context of current chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Hariharan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suna Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wipplinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lungen- und Thoraxonkologie Zentrum, University Hospital Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 14, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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Boscolo A, Fortarezza F, Lunardi F, Comacchio G, Urso L, Frega S, Menis J, Bonanno L, Guarneri V, Rea F, Conte P, Calabrese F, Pasello G. Combined Immunoscore for Prognostic Stratification of Early Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:564915. [PMID: 33072595 PMCID: PMC7544833 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.564915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, no combined immunoscore has been evaluated for prognostic stratification of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The main goal of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and different immune cell components (CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages) in early stage NSCLC patients, distinguishing peritumoral (PT) and intratumoral (IT) localizations. The secondary aim was to identify a combined immunoscore to optimize the prognostic stratification of NSCLC patients. Methods This retrospective study included surgical specimens from consecutive chemo-naive stage II-III radically resected NSCLC patients. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate PD-L1 expression and to quantify IT and PT CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages. The impact of a single marker and of a combination of multiple markers on overall survival (OS) was investigated. Results Seventy-nine patients were included in the study. PD-L1 expression was associated with worse prognosis (3 years OS: 58% in high- compared with 67% in low-expressing tumors), even though without statistical significance. When integrating PT CD8+, CD4+, and CD68 into a combined PT immunoscore, a significant prognostic stratification of patients was obtained and confirmed at multivariate analysis (3 years OS: 86% in patients with low PT immunoscore vs. 59% in patients with high PT immunoscore, p = 0.018). The integration of derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) with combined PT immunoscore improved prognostic stratification, with longer OS in patients with low PT immunoscore and low dNLR (p = 0.002). Conclusion The combined PT immunoscore (CD8+, CD4+, and CD68) integrated with dNLR may be a promising marker for the development of an integrated Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) immunoscore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Boscolo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Lunardi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Comacchio
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Loredana Urso
- Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Frega
- Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Jessica Menis
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Bonanno
- Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Guarneri
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Rea
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - PierFranco Conte
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Pathology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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Wang JW, Qian Y, Wu CS, Zhao NH, Fang Y, Yuan XD, Gao S, Fan YC, Wang K. Combined use of murine double minute-2 promoter methylation and serum AFP improves diagnostic efficiency in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:3190-3199. [PMID: 33173438 PMCID: PMC7646102 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 85% of all cases of liver cancer. In China, chronic hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-related HCC) is the most common type of HCC. However, the majority of HBV-related HCC patients are asymptomatic, and the best opportunities for treating these patients are missed. The precise diagnosis of HBV-related HCC is crucial. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of murine double minute-2 (MDM2) promoter methylation in HBV-related HCC patients. Methods: The methylation status of the MDM2 promoter was detected by methylation-specific PCR. The MDM2 expression levels were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma. Results: The methylation frequency of the MDM2 promoter was decreased in HBV-related HCC patients. The MDM2 mRNA levels of patients with HBV-related HCC were higher than those of patients with liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B. The plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in HBV-related HCC patients than that in liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B patients. The TNF-α levels were higher in the unmethylated MDM2 promoter group than in the methylated MDM2 promoter group in HBV-related HCC patients. Moreover, the combination of MDM2 promoter methylation and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) improved the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC. Conclusions: Our study indicates, for the first time, that MDM2 promoter hypomethylation is present in HBV-related HCC patients. The combination of MDM2 promoter methylation and AFP can greatly improve diagnostic efficiency in HBV-related HCC, which might provide a new method for HBV-related HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chen-Si Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ning-Hui Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yuan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu-Chen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.,Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Li J, Li T, Li S, Xie L, Yang YL, Lin Q, Kadoch O, Li H, Hou S, Xu Z. Experimental study of the inhibition effect of CXCL12/CXCR4 in malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Investig Med 2018; 67:338-345. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-2018-000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is closely related to tumors such as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This research was conducted in order to detect whether CXCL12/CXCR4 inhibitors could restrain MPM and have a synergistic effect with chemotherapy, also to investigate the relationship of CXCL12/CXCR4 with other gene expressions in MPM. Forty mice were injected MPM cells and randomly divided into four groups: the PBS (control group), AMD3100 (CXCR4-CXCL12 antagonist), pemetrexed and AMD3100 plus pemetrexed. The mice were treated respectively for duration of 3 weeks. The size, bioluminescence and weight of tumors were measured. The differences between gene expressions in each group were analyzed. The tumor weights of each treatment group were lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). The bioluminescence of the tumor of the AMD3100 treatment group and the AMD3100 plus pemetrexed treatment group were lower than that of the control group (p<0.05), and AMD3100 was shown to have synergistic effects with pemetrexed (p<0.05). Among the 2.5 billion genes, several hundreds of genes expressed differently between groups. Results show that AMD3100 and pemetrexed can inhibit the growth of MPM in vivo, also that there is a better result if both are used together. Our findings suggest that CXCL12/CXCR4 axis affects a certain amount of gene expression in MPM.
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12
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Urso L, Cavallari I, Silic-Benussi M, Biasini L, Zago G, Calabrese F, Conte PF, Ciminale V, Pasello G. Synergistic targeting of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells by MDM2 inhibitors and TRAIL agonists. Oncotarget 2018; 8:44232-44241. [PMID: 28562336 PMCID: PMC5546476 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a chemoresistant tumor characterized by low rate of p53 mutation and upregulation of Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2), suggesting that it may be effectively targeted using MDM2 inhibitors. In the present study, we investigated the anticancer activity of the MDM2 inhibitors Nutlin 3a (in vitro) and RG7112 (in vivo), as single agents or in combination with rhTRAIL. In vitro studies were performed using MPM cell lines derived from epithelioid (ZL55, M14K), biphasic (MSTO211H) and sarcomatoid (ZL34) MPMs. In vivo studies were conducted on a sarcomatoid MPM mouse model. In all the cell lines tested (with the exception of ZL55, which carries a biallelic loss-of-function mutation of p53), Nutlin 3a enhanced p21, MDM2 and DR5 expression, and decreased survivin expression. These changes were associated to cell cycle arrest but not to a significant induction of apoptosis. A synergistic pro-apoptotic effect was obtained through the association of rhTRAIL in all the cell lines harboring functional p53. This synergistic interaction of MDM2 inhibitor and TRAIL agonist was confirmed using a mouse preclinical model. Our results suggest that the combined targeting of MDM2 and TRAIL might provide a novel therapeutic option for treatment of MPM patients, particularly in the case of sarcomatoid MPM with MDM2 overexpression and functional inactivation of wild-type p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Urso
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cavallari
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Micol Silic-Benussi
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorena Biasini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Zago
- Medical Oncology Unit 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Pier Franco Conte
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ciminale
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy.,Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Pasello
- Medical Oncology Unit 2, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 35128, Padova, Italy
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13
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Malignant Mesothelioma, BAP1 Immunohistochemistry, and VEGFA: Does BAP1 Have Potential for Early Diagnosis and Assessment of Prognosis? DISEASE MARKERS 2017; 2017:1310478. [PMID: 29085180 PMCID: PMC5612603 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1310478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy of the serosal membranes. Early diagnosis and accurate prognostication remain problematic. BAP1 is a tumour suppressor gene commonly mutated in MM. Germline BAP1 mutation has been associated with early onset and less aggressive disease compared with sporadic MM. Sporadic BAP1 mutations are common and are associated with improved survival in MM, contrary to other malignancies. This study investigated the prognostic role of BAP1 in matched cytology and surgical specimens and aimed to investigate the association between BAP1 and the established prognostic marker VEGFA from a cohort of 81 patients. BAP1 mutation was found in 58% of histology and 59% of cytology specimens. Loss of BAP1 expression in both surgical and cytology specimens was significantly associated with poorer survival in a multivariate analysis when controlling for known prognostic indicators. Increased levels of VEGFA in pleural effusions were associated with poor survival. We conclude that the prognostic significance of BAP1 mutations in MM cannot be determined in isolation of other prognostic factors, which may vary between patients. Pathologists should employ caution when commenting on prognostic implications of BAP1 status of MM patients in diagnostic pathology reports, but it may be useful for early diagnosis.
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Hernández-Monge J, Rousset-Roman AB, Medina-Medina I, Olivares-Illana V. Dual function of MDM2 and MDMX toward the tumor suppressors p53 and RB. Genes Cancer 2016; 7:278-287. [PMID: 28050229 PMCID: PMC5115168 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The orchestrated crosstalk between the retinoblastoma (RB) and p53 pathways contributes to preserving proper homeostasis within the cell. The deregulation of one or both pathways is a common factor in the development of most types of human cancer. The proto-oncoproteins MDMX and MDM2 are the main regulators of the well- known tumor suppressor p53 protein. Under normal conditions, MDM2 and MDMX inhibit p53, either via repression of its transcriptional activity by protein-protein interaction, or via polyubiquitination as a result of MDM2-E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, for which MDM2 needs to dimerize with MDMX. Under genotoxic stress conditions, both become positive regulators of p53. The ATM-dependent phosphorylation of MDM2 and MDMX allow them to bind p53 mRNA, these interactions promote p53 translation. MDM2 and MDMX are also being revealed as effective regulators of the RB protein. MDM2 is able to degrade RB by two different mechanisms, that is, by ubiquitin dependent and independent pathways. MDMX enhances the ability of MDM2 to bind and degrade RB protein. However, MDMX also seems to stabilize RB through interaction and competition with MDM2. Here, we will contextualize the findings that suggest that the MDM2 and MDMX proteins have a dual function on both p53 and RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Hernández-Monge
- Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av Manuel Nava No 6 Zona Universitaria CP 78290. SLP, México
| | - Adriana Berenice Rousset-Roman
- Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av Manuel Nava No 6 Zona Universitaria CP 78290. SLP, México
| | - Ixaura Medina-Medina
- Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av Manuel Nava No 6 Zona Universitaria CP 78290. SLP, México
| | - Vanesa Olivares-Illana
- Instituto de Física, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av Manuel Nava No 6 Zona Universitaria CP 78290. SLP, México
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