1
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Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Xia Y, Dong J. Circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1255112. [PMID: 37790757 PMCID: PMC10542895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1255112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ghrelin plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer has not been systematically analyzed. Objective This work explored the association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer. Methods The literature search for relevant articles published until November 2022 was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science with the keywords "ghrelin" and "gastric cancer". Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the effectiveness. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model. Results Of 5,302 identified studies, nine were included (N=3,196 participants). Circulating ghrelin levels were lower in gastric cancer patients (SMD=-0.255, 95%CI: -0.528 to 0.017, P < 0.00001), but with high heterogeneity (I2 = 88.8%). Conclusion The circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer were lower than in controls. However, there was heterogeneity among results; therefore, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caishun Zhang
- College of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqing Yu
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunqiu Xia
- Laboratory of Human Body Function, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Physiology Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Abstract
The recently uncovered key role of the peripheral and central nervous systems in controlling tumorigenesis and metastasis has opened a new area of research to identify innovative approaches against cancer. Although the 'neural addiction' of cancer is only partially understood, in this Perspective we discuss the current knowledge and perspectives on peripheral and central nerve circuitries and brain areas that can support tumorigenesis and metastasis and the possible reciprocal influence that the brain and peripheral tumours exert on one another. Tumours can build up local autonomic and sensory nerve networks and are able to develop a long-distance relationship with the brain through circulating adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors or afferent nerve inputs, to promote cancer initiation, growth and dissemination. In turn, the central nervous system can affect tumour development and metastasis through the activation or dysregulation of specific central neural areas or circuits, as well as neuroendocrine, neuroimmune or neurovascular systems. Studying neural circuitries in the brain and tumours, as well as understanding how the brain communicates with the tumour or how intratumour nerves interplay with the tumour microenvironment, can reveal unrecognized mechanisms that promote cancer development and progression and open up opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the dysregulated peripheral and central nervous systems might represent a novel strategy for next-generation cancer treatment that could, in part, be achieved through the repurposing of neuropsychiatric drugs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Magnon
- Laboratory of Cancer and Microenvironment-National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institute of Biology François Jacob-Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), University of Paris Cité, University of Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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3
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Ghrelin and Cancer: Examining the Roles of the Ghrelin Axis in Tumor Growth and Progression. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040483. [PMID: 35454071 PMCID: PMC9032665 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a hormone produced and secreted from the stomach, is prim arily known as an appetite stimulant. Recently, it has emerged as a potential regulator/biomarker of cancer progression. Inconsistent results on this subject make this body of literature difficult to interpret. Here, we attempt to identify commonalities in the relationships between ghrelin and various cancers, and summarize important considerations for future research. The main players in the ghrelin family axis are unacylated ghrelin (UAG), acylated ghrelin (AG), the enzyme ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT), and the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GOAT is responsible for the acylation of ghrelin, after which ghrelin can bind to the functional ghrelin receptor GHSR-1a to initiate the activation cascade. Splice variants of ghrelin also exist, with the most prominent being In1-ghrelin. In this review, we focus primarily on the potential of In1-ghrelin as a biomarker for cancer progression, the unique characteristics of UAG and AG, the importance of the two known receptor variants GHSR-1a and 1b, as well as the possible mechanisms through which the ghrelin axis acts. Further understanding of the role of the ghrelin axis in tumor cell proliferation could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for various cancers.
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4
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New Aspects of Corpus Luteum Regulation in Physiological and Pathological Conditions: Involvement of Adipokines and Neuropeptides. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060957. [PMID: 35326408 PMCID: PMC8946127 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum is a small gland of great importance because its proper functioning determines not only the appropriate course of the estrous/menstrual cycle and embryo implantation, but also the subsequent maintenance of pregnancy. Among the well-known regulators of luteal tissue functions, increasing attention is focused on the role of neuropeptides and adipose tissue hormones—adipokines. Growing evidence points to the expression of these factors in the corpus luteum of women and different animal species, and their involvement in corpus luteum formation, endocrine function, angiogenesis, cells proliferation, apoptosis, and finally, regression. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression and role of adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, apelin, vaspin, visfatin, chemerin, and neuropeptides like ghrelin, orexins, kisspeptin, and phoenixin in the physiological regulation of the corpus luteum function, as well as their potential involvement in pathologies affecting the luteal cells that disrupt the estrous cycle.
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5
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Spiridon IA, Ciobanu DGA, Giușcă SE, Căruntu ID. Ghrelin and its role in gastrointestinal tract tumors (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:663. [PMID: 34296307 PMCID: PMC8335721 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone, is a peptide that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor; it is secreted mainly by enteroendocrine cells in the oxyntic glands of the stomach. Ghrelin serves a role in both local and systemic physiological processes, and is implicated in various pathologies, including neoplasia, with tissue expression in several types of malignancies in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the precise implications of the ghrelin axis in metastasis, invasion and cancer progression regulation has yet to be established. In the case of gastrointestinal (GI) tract malignancies, ghrelin has shown potential to become a prognostic factor or even a therapeutic target, although data in the literature are inconsistent and unsystematic, with reports untailored to a specific histological subtype of cancer or a particular localization. The evaluation of immunohistochemical expression shows a limited outlook owing to the low number of cases analyzed, and in vivo analyses have conflicting data regarding differences in ghrelin serum levels in patients with cancer. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between ghrelin and GI tract malignancies to demonstrate the inconsistencies in current results and to highlight its clinical significance in the outcome of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Alexandra Spiridon
- Department of Pathology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
| | | | - Simona Eliza Giușcă
- Department of Pathology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
| | - Irina Draga Căruntu
- Department of Histology, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași 700115, Romania
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6
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Abstract
This Review focuses on the mechanistic evidence for a link between obesity, dysregulated cellular metabolism and breast cancer. Strong evidence now links obesity with the development of 13 different types of cancer, including oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. A number of local and systemic changes are hypothesized to support this relationship, including increased circulating levels of insulin and glucose as well as adipose tissue-derived oestrogens, adipokines and inflammatory mediators. Metabolic pathways of energy production and utilization are dysregulated in tumour cells and this dysregulation is a newly accepted hallmark of cancer. Dysregulated metabolism is also hypothesized to be a feature of non-neoplastic cells in the tumour microenvironment. Obesity-associated factors regulate metabolic pathways in both breast cancer cells and cells in the breast microenvironment, which provides a molecular link between obesity and breast cancer. Consequently, interventions that target these pathways might provide a benefit in postmenopausal women and individuals with obesity, a population at high risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy A Brown
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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7
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Puklin L, Cartmel B, Harrigan M, Lu L, Li FY, Sanft T, Irwin ML. Randomized trial of weight loss on circulating ghrelin levels among breast cancer survivors. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:49. [PMID: 33976224 PMCID: PMC8113314 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity among breast cancer survivors is associated with increased risk for recurrence and mortality. The hormone ghrelin plays a role in initiating appetite and thus regulating body weight. This study aims to determine the effect of a lifestyle intervention on ghrelin levels in breast cancer survivors with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. The Lifestyle, Exercise, and Nutrition (LEAN) study was a 6-month randomized trial, examining the effectiveness of a weight loss intervention versus usual care in 151 breast cancer survivors with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Ghrelin was measured in fasting baseline and 6-month blood samples. Baseline associations between ghrelin, body composition, and blood biomarkers were examined. Six-month change in ghrelin was compared between study arms. Ghrelin measurements were available for 149 women. At baseline, ghrelin was correlated with age (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with weight (r = -0.18, p = 0.03), lean body mass (r = -0.18, p = 0.02), and leptin (r = -0.18, p = 0.03). Over 6 months, ghrelin increased by 144 pg/mL (7.2%) in the intervention and decreased by 466 pg/mL (32.5%) in the usual care (p = 0.07). Among all women, greater weight loss was associated with an increase in ghrelin (p = 0.01). These findings indicate that weight loss, achieved through a lifestyle intervention, is associated with higher ghrelin levels in breast cancer survivors which may be informative for developing sustainable weight loss programming for this population. Future research should investigate the long term impacts of lifestyle interventions on ghrelin levels in the context of weight maintenance and weight regain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Puklin
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Brenda Cartmel
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maura Harrigan
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fang-Yong Li
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tara Sanft
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Melinda L Irwin
- Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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8
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Ahmed Abdelsalam KE, Asad M, Ahmed MAI, Asdaq SMB, Mohzari Y, Alrashed A, Alghamdi N, Alrami KN, Alharbi WA. A Case Control Study on Serum Levels of Potential Biomarkers in Male Breast Cancer Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4852. [PMID: 34062830 PMCID: PMC8125742 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The global incidence of breast cancer among men is steadily growing. Despite this, compared to female breast cancer patients, there are very few studies on biomarkers in male breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional case control study was carried out to determine the serum levels of melatonin, ghrelin, dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and GABA in male breast cancer. All the recruited patients were obese, old, and had recently been diagnosed with the disease. They had not received any treatment for the cancer until the time of the study. Melatonin and epinephrine serum levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared to their age-matched controls, whereas ghrelin, dopamine, GABA, and serotonin serum levels were lower in patients compared to the control group. The serum levels of most of the studied biomarkers in male breast cancer patients were similar to those observed in female breast cancer patients, except for serum melatonin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Eldin Ahmed Abdelsalam
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11911, Saudi Arabia; (K.E.A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.I.A.)
- College of Medical Laboratory Science, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman 825109, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Asad
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11911, Saudi Arabia; (K.E.A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.I.A.)
| | - Monjid Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11911, Saudi Arabia; (K.E.A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.I.A.)
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Neelain University, Khartoum 11121, Sudan
| | | | - Yahya Mohzari
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 12746, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Alrashed
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, Inpatient Department, Main Hospital, KFMC, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Kholoud Nasser Alrami
- Pharmaceutical Services Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia; (K.N.A.); (W.A.A.)
| | - Wael Ahmed Alharbi
- Pharmaceutical Services Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia; (K.N.A.); (W.A.A.)
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9
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Bergmann R, Chollet C, Els-Heindl S, Ullrich M, Berndt N, Pietzsch J, Máthé D, Bachmann M, Beck-Sickinger AG. Development of a ghrelin receptor inverse agonist for positron emission tomography. Oncotarget 2021; 12:450-474. [PMID: 33747360 PMCID: PMC7939532 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging of Ghrelin receptors in vivo provides unique potential to gain deeper understanding on Ghrelin and its receptors in health and disease, in particular, in cancer. Ghrelin, an octanoylated 28-mer peptide hormone activates the constitutively active growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a) with nanomolar activity. We developed novel compounds, derived from the potent inverse agonist K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2 but structurally varied by lysine conjugation with 1,4,7-triazacyclononane,1-glutaric acid-4,7-acetic acid (NODAGA), palmitic acid and/or diethylene glycol (PEG2) to allow radiolabeling and improve pharmacokinetics, respectively. All compounds were tested for receptor binding, potency and efficacy in vitro, for biodistribution and -kinetics in rats and in preclinical prostate cancer models on mice. Radiolabeling with Cu-64 and Ga-68 was successfully achieved. The Cu-64- or Ga-68-NODAGA-NH-K-K-(D-1-NaI)-F-w-L-L-NH2 radiotracer were specifically accumulated by the GHS-R1a in xenotransplanted human prostate tumor models (PC-3, DU-145) in mice. The tumors were clearly delineated by PET. The radiotracer uptake was also partially blocked by K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2 in stomach and thyroid. The presence of the GHS-R1a was also confirmed by immunohistology. In the arterial rat blood plasma, only the original compounds were found. The Cu-64 or Ga-68-NODAGA-NH-K-K-(D-1-NaI)-F-w-L-L-NH2 radiolabeled inverse agonists turned out to be potent and safe. Due to their easy synthesis, high affinity, medium potency, metabolic stability, and the suitable pharmacokinetic profiles, they are excellent tools for imaging and quantitation of GHS-R1a expression in normal and cancer tissues by PET. These compounds can be used as novel biomarkers of the Ghrelin system in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Bergmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Constance Chollet
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sylvia Els-Heindl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Berndt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Domokos Máthé
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Bachmann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Dresden, Germany.,Tumor Immunology, University Cancer Center, Carl Gustav Carus Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Carl Gustav Carus Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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10
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Molehin D, Rasha F, Rahman RL, Pruitt K. Regulation of aromatase in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2449-2464. [PMID: 33599895 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of aromatase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of estrogen in normal and cancer cells, has been associated with growth factor signaling and immune response modulation. The tissue-specific regulatory roles of these factors are of particular importance as local aromatase expression is strongly linked to cancer development/progression and disease outcomes in patients. Therefore, aromatase has become a chemotherapeutic target and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are used in the clinic for treating hormone-dependent cancers. Although AIs have shown promising results in the treatment of cancers, the emerging increase in AI-resistance necessitates the development of new and improved targeted therapies. This review discusses the role of tumor and stromal-derived growth factors and immune cell modulators in regulating aromatase. Current single-agent and combination therapies with or without AIs targeting growth factors and immune checkpoints are also discussed. This review highlights recent studies that show new connections between growth factors, mediators of immune response, and aromatase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Molehin
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Fahmida Rasha
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Immunology & Molecular Microbiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6591, USA.
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11
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Au CC, Furness JB, Britt K, Oshchepkova S, Ladumor H, Soo KY, Callaghan B, Gerard C, Inghirami G, Mittal V, Wang Y, Huang XY, Spector JA, Andreopoulou E, Zumbo P, Betel D, Dow L, Brown KA. Three-dimensional growth of breast cancer cells potentiates the anti-tumor effects of unacylated ghrelin and AZP-531. eLife 2020; 9:56913. [PMID: 32667883 PMCID: PMC7363447 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and notwithstanding important therapeutic advances, remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite extensive research relating to the hormone ghrelin, responsible for the stimulation of growth hormone release and appetite, little is known of the effects of its unacylated form, especially in cancer. The present study aimed to characterize effects of unacylated ghrelin on breast cancer cells, define its mechanism of action, and explore the therapeutic potential of unacylated ghrelin or analog AZP-531. We report potent anti-tumor effects of unacylated ghrelin, dependent on cells being cultured in 3D in a biologically-relevant extracellular matrix. The mechanism of unacylated ghrelin-mediated growth inhibition involves activation of Gαi and suppression of MAPK signaling. AZP-531 also suppresses the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in xenografts, and may be a novel approach for the safe and effective treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- CheukMan C Au
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - John B Furness
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kara Britt
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sofya Oshchepkova
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Heta Ladumor
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States.,Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kai Ying Soo
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Brid Callaghan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Celine Gerard
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Giorgio Inghirami
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Vivek Mittal
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Xin Yun Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Jason A Spector
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | | | - Paul Zumbo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, United States.,Applied Bioinformatics Core, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Doron Betel
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States.,Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Lukas Dow
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Kristy A Brown
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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12
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Soleyman-Jahi S, Sadeghi F, Pastaki Khoshbin A, Khani L, Roosta V, Zendehdel K. Attribution of Ghrelin to Cancer; Attempts to Unravel an Apparent Controversy. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1014. [PMID: 31681567 PMCID: PMC6805778 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is an endogenous peptide hormone mainly produced in the stomach. It has been known to regulate energy homeostasis, stimulate secretion of growth hormone, and mediate many other physiologic effects. Various effects attributed to ghrelin contribute to many aspects of cancer development and progression. Accordingly, a large body of evidence has emerged about the association of ghrelin with several types of cancer in scales of cell-line, animal, and human studies. However, existing data are controversial. This controversy occurs in two main domains: one is the controversial results in local effects of ghrelin on different types of human cancer cell-lines; the second is the apparent disagreement in the results of in-vitro and clinical studies that investigated ghrelin association to one type of cancer. These inconsistencies have hampered the indications to consider ghrelin as a potential tumor biomarker or therapeutic agent in cancer patients. Previous studies have reviewed different parts of current literature about the ghrelin-cancer relationship. Although they have highlighted these controversial results in various ways, no specific recommendations have been given to address it. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical studies and attempted to use the following approaches to unravel the inconsistencies detected: (a) to distinguish local and systemic effects of ghrelin in interpreting its summary clinical role in each cancer; (b) scrutinizing factors that regulate local effects of ghrelin and could justify different effects of ghrelin on different cancer cell-lines. These approaches could have notable implications for future in-vitro and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Soleyman-Jahi
- Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Cancer Immunology Project, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Pastaki Khoshbin
- Cancer Immunology Project, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Khani
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Venus Roosta
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Zendehdel
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Walker WH, Borniger JC. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer-Induced Sleep Disruption. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2780. [PMID: 31174326 PMCID: PMC6600154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is essential for health. Indeed, poor sleep is consistently linked to the development of systemic disease, including depression, metabolic syndrome, and cognitive impairments. Further evidence has accumulated suggesting the role of sleep in cancer initiation and progression (primarily breast cancer). Indeed, patients with cancer and cancer survivors frequently experience poor sleep, manifesting as insomnia, circadian misalignment, hypersomnia, somnolence syndrome, hot flushes, and nightmares. These problems are associated with a reduction in the patients' quality of life and increased mortality. Due to the heterogeneity among cancers, treatment regimens, patient populations and lifestyle factors, the etiology of cancer-induced sleep disruption is largely unknown. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the pathways linking cancer and the brain and how this leads to altered sleep patterns. We describe a conceptual framework where tumors disrupt normal homeostatic processes, resulting in aberrant changes in physiology and behavior that are detrimental to health. Finally, we discuss how this knowledge can be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer-associated sleep disruption, with special emphasis on host-tumor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Walker
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
| | - Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Abstract
Cancer is a systemic disease. In order to fully understand it, we must take a holistic view on how cancer interacts with its host. The brain monitors and responds to natural and aberrant signals arriving from the periphery, particularly those of metabolic or immune origin. As has been well described, a hallmark of cancer is marked disruption of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Depending on the salience and timing of these inputs, the brain responds via neural and humoral routes to alter whole-body physiology. These responses have consequences for tumor growth and metastasis, directly influencing patient quality of life and subsequent mortality. Additionally, environmental inputs such as light, diet, and stress, can promote inappropriate neural activity that benefits cancer. Here, I discuss evidence for brain-tumor interactions, with special emphasis on subcortical neuromodulator neural populations, and potential ways of harnessing this cross-talk as a novel approach for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy C Borniger
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, P154 MSLS Building, 1201 Welch Rd., Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Zahid H, Subbaramaiah K, Iyengar NM, Zhou XK, Chen IC, Bhardwaj P, Gucalp A, Morrow M, Hudis CA, Dannenberg AJ, Brown KA. Leptin regulation of the p53-HIF1α/PKM2-aromatase axis in breast adipose stromal cells: a novel mechanism for the obesity-breast cancer link. Int J Obes (Lond) 2018; 42:711-720. [PMID: 29104286 PMCID: PMC5936686 DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2017.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Obesity (body mass index (BMI)⩾30 kg m-2) is associated with an increased risk of estrogen-dependent breast cancer after menopause. Levels of aromatase, the rate-limiting enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis, are elevated in breast tissue of obese women. Recently, the regulation of aromatase by the p53-hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α)/pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) axis was characterized in adipose stromal cells (ASCs) of women with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a hereditary cancer syndrome that predisposes to estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The current study aimed to determine whether stimulation of aromatase by obesity-associated adipokine leptin involves the regulation of the p53-HIF1α/PKM2 axis. SUBJECTS/METHODS Human breast ASCs were used to characterize the p53-HIF1α/PKM2-aromatase axis in response to leptin. The effect of pharmacological or genetic modulation of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p53, Aha1, Hsp90, HIF1α and PKM2 on aromatase promoter activity, expression and enzyme activity was examined. Semiquantitative immunofluorescence and confocal imaging were used to assess ASC-specific protein expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of breast of women and mammary tissue of mice following a low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diet for 17 weeks. RESULTS Leptin-mediated induction of aromatase was dependent on PKC/MAPK signaling and the suppression of p53. This, in turn, was associated with an increase in Aha1 protein expression, activation of Hsp90 and the stabilization of HIF1α and PKM2, known stimulators of aromatase expression. Consistent with these findings, ASC-specific immunoreactivity for p53 was inversely associated with BMI in breast tissue, while HIF1α, PKM2 and aromatase were positively correlated with BMI. In mice, HF feeding was associated with significantly lower p53 ASC-specific immunoreactivity compared with LF feeding, while immunoreactivity for HIF1α, PKM2 and aromatase were significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS Overall, findings demonstrate a novel mechanism for the obesity-associated increase in aromatase in ASCs of the breast and support the study of lifestyle interventions, including weight management, which may reduce breast cancer risk via effects on this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Zahid
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Neil M. Iyengar
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Xi Kathy Zhou
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - I-Chun Chen
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Priya Bhardwaj
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Ayca Gucalp
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Monica Morrow
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Clifford A. Hudis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | | | - Kristy A. Brown
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Woelfel IA, Fernandez LJ, Idowu MO, Takabe K. A high burden of comorbid conditions leads to decreased survival in breast cancer. Gland Surg 2018; 7:216-227. [PMID: 29770315 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2018.02.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite our most advanced medical and surgical treatment 40,000 women die from breast cancer each year. The aging population and their increasing burden of comorbidities may not be able to realize the full benefit of treatments due to a combination of the side effects and patient frailty. The aim of this study was to characterize the comorbidities of breast cancer patients and to determine if the number of comorbidities is a significant contributor to survival. Methods A database including patients from the year 2002 to 2012 was created to include health comorbidities from the electronic medical record. Patients were classified into groups according to their number of comorbidities. Disease free and overall survival was calculated for each patient. A one-way analysis of variance was then performed to determine if there was a difference in survival. Results A total of 279 patients were included: predominately African American (48.7%), female (98.6%) and late middle age (average age =56.1 years). The average number of comorbidities was 2.2 with hypertension and obesity being the most common. Significant differences were found in the number of comorbidities between African Americans (2.61) and Caucasians (1.78) (P<0.005). Disease free survival and overall survival according to number of comorbidities were both significantly different (F=2.775, P<0.008; F=3.684, P<0.001) with a threshold of decreased survival at six comorbidities. Conclusions The population of women who face breast cancer is heterogeneous with a wide variety of comorbidities, which negatively impact their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid A Woelfel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Leopoldo J Fernandez
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michael O Idowu
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- Breast Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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