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Wang C, Yang Y, Li D, Guan Y, Cao M, Nie M, Sun C, Fu W, Kong X. Immunological Roles of CCL18 in Pan‑Cancer and Its Potential Value in Endometrial Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01205-7. [PMID: 38816548 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the female reproductive system. However, the potential functions and mechanisms of immune-related genes in the onset and progression of EC remain unclear. The immune-related gene CCL18 has been implicated in apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in various types of tumors. Nevertheless, its role in pan-cancer has been poorly investigated, and its expression value and prognostic significance in endometrial cancer (EC) have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify potential immune-related prognostic biomarkers for EC by utilizing the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), immunology database and analysis portal (ImmPort) database, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Immunohistochemistry staining results from EC tissue chips demonstrated elevated expression levels of inflammatory chemokine protein 18 (CCL18) in EC compared to normal endometrium. This study offers a potential therapeutic strategy for EC treatment by identifying regulatory targets through microRNA sequencing data. Additionally, drug prediction was based on CCL18 targets. Furthermore, an analysis of CCL18 expression in pan-cancer was conducted, and the results revealed its high expression in various types of cancer, including EC and bladder cancer. Through analysis of the ATAC-seq data, we found that SIX1, SOX3, and TWIST2 may regulate CCL18 transcription by binding to the gene promoter of CCL18 in EC. This study indicated that CCL18 could be a potential biomarker in pan-cancer and EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cangxue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuxiang Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Donghao Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yihao Guan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - MengYuan Cao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Manjie Nie
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Caowei Sun
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenke Fu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Xuhui Kong
- School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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Shiravani Z, Mirshekari K, Larki MH, Shafiee N, Haghshenas MR, Ghaderi A, Fattahi MJ. Evaluation of the genetic diversity of KIR genes in patients with endometrial cancer. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 162:104217. [PMID: 38387251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) constitutes more than half of all genital cancers in women, with an increasing incidence in different countries. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are kinds of innate immune cells that are controlled by sets of receptors, such as killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs), which can inhibit or activate NK cells. In this study, we evaluated the diversity and genetic association of KIRs in confirmed cases of endometrial cancer compared to healthy controls. A total of 151 women with EC and 167 age/race-matched healthy controls were analyzed for KIR genes. Demographic and histopathologic data were gathered in questionnaires, and 16 KIR genes along with two variants of KIR2DS4 (KIR2DS4fl and KIR2DS4del), were genotyped by usingsequence specific primers-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method. A comparison between cases and controls revealed that although there were not any significant differences in A haplotype associated genes and also the variants of KIR2DS4 (p >0.05), B haplotype associated genes such as KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 decreased significantly in EC patients in comparison with healthy controls (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively). Furthermore, we found that EC mostly developed in cases with the AA genotype; however, the carriers of Bx and C4T4 genotypes were less frequent in patients with EC. Our results revealed that KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2, along with Bx and C4T4 genotypes, have a protective impact against developing endometrial cancer in Iranians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shiravani
- Gynecology Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kimia Mirshekari
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marjan Hematian Larki
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nargess Shafiee
- Gynecology Oncology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Haghshenas
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Ghaderi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Fattahi
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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3
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Ayodele A, Obeng-Gyasi E. Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:983. [PMID: 38473344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050983] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderonke Ayodele
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Dai M, Xu Y, Gong G, Zhang Y. Roles of immune microenvironment in the female reproductive maintenance and regulation: novel insights into the crosstalk of immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1109122. [PMID: 38223507 PMCID: PMC10786641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1109122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility decline is an accumulative consequence caused by complex factors, among them, the disruption of the immune profile in female reproduction stands out as a crucial contributor. Presently, the effects of immune microenvironment (IME) on the female reproductive process have attracted increasing attentions for their dynamic but precisive roles. Immunocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils, with diverse subpopulations as well as high plasticity functioned dynamically in the process of female reproduction through indirect intercellular communication via specific cytokine release transduced by molecular signal networks or direct cell-cell contact to maintain the stability of the reproductive process have been unveiled. The immune profile of female reproduction in each stage has also been meticulously unveiled. Especially, the application of single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology in this process reveals the distribution map of immune cells, which gives a novel insight for the homeostasis of IME and provides a research direction for better exploring the role of immune cells in female reproduction. Here, we provide an all-encompassing overview of the latest advancements in immune modulation within the context of the female reproductive process. Our approach involves structuring our summary in accordance with the physiological sequence encompassing gonadogenesis, folliculogenesis within the ovaries, ovulation through the fallopian tubes, and the subsequent stages of embryo implantation and development within the uterus. Our overarching objective is to construct a comprehensive portrayal of the immune microenvironment (IME), thereby accentuating the pivotal role played by immune cells in governing the intricate female reproductive journey. Additionally, we emphasize the pressing need for heightened attention directed towards strategies that focus on immune interventions within the female reproductive process, with the ultimate aim of enhancing female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guidong Gong
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Bruno V, Betti M, D'Ambrosio L, Massacci A, Chiofalo B, Pietropolli A, Piaggio G, Ciliberto G, Nisticò P, Pallocca M, Buda A, Vizza E. Machine learning endometrial cancer risk prediction model: integrating guidelines of European Society for Medical Oncology with the tumor immune framework. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2023; 33:1708-1714. [PMID: 37875322 PMCID: PMC10646888 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current prognostic factors for endometrial cancer are not sufficient to predict recurrence in early stages. Treatment choices are based on the prognostic factors included in the risk classes defined by the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO (European Society for Medical Oncology-European Society of Gynaecological Oncology-European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology) consensus conference with the new biomolecular classification based on POLE, TP53, and microsatellite instability status. However, a minority of early stage cases relapse regardless of their low risk profiles. Integration of the immune context status to existing molecular based models has not been fully evaluated. This study aims to investigate whether the integration of the immune landscape in the tumor microenvironment could improve clinical risk prediction models and allow better profiling of early stages. METHODS Leveraging the potential of in silico deconvolution tools, we estimated the relative abundances of immune populations in public data and then applied feature selection methods to generate a machine learning based model for disease free survival probability prediction. RESULTS We included information on International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, POLEmut status, interferon γ signature, and relative abundances of monocytes, natural killer cells, and CD4+T cells to build a relapse prediction model and obtained a balanced accuracy of 69%. We further identified two novel early stage profiles that undergo different pathways of recurrence. CONCLUSION This study presents an extension of current prognostic factors for endometrial cancer by exploiting machine learning models and deconvolution techniques on available public biomolecular data. Prospective clinical trials are advisable to validate the early stage stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bruno
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Alice Massacci
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Nisticò
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Buda
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Dey DK, Krause D, Rai R, Choudhary S, Dockery LE, Chandra V. The role and participation of immune cells in the endometrial tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 251:108526. [PMID: 37690483 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is surrounded by blood vessels and consists of malignant, non-malignant, and immune cells, as well as signalling molecules, which primarily affect the therapeutic response and curative effects of drugs in clinical studies. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells participate in tumor progression, impact anticancer therapy, and eventually lead to the development of immune tolerance. Immunotherapy is evolving as a promising therapeutic intervention to stimulate and activate the immune system to suppress cancer cell growth. Endometrial cancer (EC) is an immunogenic disease, and in recent years, immunotherapy has shown benefit in the treatment of recurrent and advanced EC. This review discusses the key molecular pathways associated with the intra-tumoral immune response and the involvement of circulatory signalling molecules. Specific immunologic signatures in EC which offer targets for immunomodulating agents, are also discussed. We have summarized the available literature in support of using immunotherapy in EC. Lastly, we have also discussed ongoing clinical trials that may offer additional promising immunotherapy options in the future. The manuscript also explored innovative approaches for screening and identifying effective drugs, and to reduce the financial burdens for the development of personalized treatment strategies. Collectively, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the role of immune cells and the tumor microenvironment in the development, progression, and treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasish Kumar Dey
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Danielle Krause
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Rajani Rai
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Swati Choudhary
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Lauren E Dockery
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Vishal Chandra
- Gynecologic Oncology Section, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Bai J, Deng C, Fu F, Li D, Ma Z, Ma X, Zhang Y, Chen H. Pregnancy may have little influence on ground-glass opacities suspected for lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1383-1389. [PMID: 35445333 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-03999-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Owing to the popularity of low-dose computed tomography in lung cancer screening, young women spotted with ground-glass opacities (GGO) is a growing subgroup in clinical practice. We aim to investigate the influence of pregnancy on GGOs suspected for lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS This retrospective study collected a series of female patients who were pregnant in follow-up of GGO lesions. The last CT images of GGO before pregnancy (CT1) and the first CT images after pregnancy (CT2) were reviewed to assess any radiologic change. Young female patients who were not pregnant in long-term (> 12 months) follow-up of GGO were enrolled as a comparison group. We also enrolled patients who gave birth within 2 years before surgical resection of GGOs. RESULTS Four patients were enrolled according to the criteria. There was no significant change of the GGOs in all four patients with a median follow-up duration of 45.5 (range 17-86) months. Two patients were diagnosed pathologically to be minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, one was invasive adenocarcinoma and one did not underwent surgery. Six patients were enrolled in the comparison group and no significant change was witnessed in all the nodules. In those patients who gave birth within two years before surgical resection of GGOs, we found that the majority present as preinvasive lesions, and those with invasive adenocarcinomas were bigger in size and possess more solid component radiologically. CONCLUSION Pregnancy seems to have little impact on GGOs suspected for lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, pregnancy might be safely planned during the follow-up of GGOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Bai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chaoqiang Deng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fangqiu Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Di Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zelin Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangyi Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Haiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong-An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Xue S, Su XM, Ke LN, Huang YG. CXCL9 correlates with antitumor immunity and is predictive of a favorable prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1077780. [PMID: 36845675 PMCID: PMC9945585 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1077780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-9 (CXCL9) is related to the progression of multiple neoplasms. Yet, its biological functions in uterine corpus endometrioid carcinoma (UCEC) remain shrouded in confusion. Here, we assessed the prognostic significance and potential mechanism of CXCL9 in UCEC. Methods Firstly, bioinformatics analysis of the public cancer database, including the Cancer Genome Atlas / the Genotype-Tissue Expression project (TCGA+ GTEx, n=552) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO): GSE63678 (n=7), were utilized for the CXCL9 expression-related analysis in UCEC. Then, the survival analysis of TCGA-UCEC was performed. Futher, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was carried out to reveal the potential molecular signaling pathway in UCEC associated with CXCL9 expression. Moreover, the immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay of our validation cohort (n=124) from human specimens were used to demonstrate the latent significance of CXCL9 in UCEC. Results The bioinformatics analysis suggested that CXCL9 expression was significantly upregulated in UCEC patients; and hyper-expression of CXCL9 was related to prolonged survival. the GSEA enrichment analysis showed various immune response-related pathways, including T/NK cell, lymphocyte activation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction network, and chemokine signaling pathway, mediated by CXCL9. In addition, the cytotoxic molecules (IFNG, SLAMF7, JCHAIN, NKG7, GBP5, LYZ, GZMA, GZMB, and TNF3F9) and the immunosuppressive genes (including PD-L1) were positively related to the expression of CXCL9. Further, the IHC assay indicated that the CXCL9 protein expression was mainly located in intertumoral and significantly upregulated in the UCEC patients; UCEC with high intertumoral CXCL9 cell abundance harbored an improved prognosis; a higher ratio of anti-tumor immune cells (CD4+, CD8+, and CD56+ cell) and PD-L1 was found in UCEC with CXCL9 high expression. Conclusion Overexpressed CXCL9 correlates with antitumor immunity and is predictive of a favorable prognosis in UCEC. It hinted that CXCL9 may serve as an independent prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target in UCEC patients, which augmented anti-tumor immune effects to furnish survival benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Xue
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiao-min Su
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-na Ke
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Sinopharm Dongfeng General Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China,*Correspondence: Yu-gang Huang, ; Li-na Ke,
| | - Yu-gang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China,*Correspondence: Yu-gang Huang, ; Li-na Ke,
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Betti M, Vizza E, Piccione E, Pietropolli A, Chiofalo B, Pallocca M, Bruno V. Towards reproducible research in recurrent pregnancy loss immunology: Learning from cancer microenvironment deconvolution. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1082087. [PMID: 36911667 PMCID: PMC9996132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1082087] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The most recent international guidelines regarding recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) exclude most of the immunological tests recommended for RPL since they do not reach an evidence-based level. Comparisons for metanalysis and systematic reviews are limited by the ambiguity in terms of RPL definition, etiological and risk factors, diagnostic work-up, and treatments applied. Therefore, cohort heterogeneity, the inadequacy of numerosity, and the quality of data confirm a not standardized research quality in the RPL field, especially for immunological background, for which potential research application remains confined in a separate single biological layer. Innovative sequencing technologies and databases have proved to play a significant role in the exploration and validation of cancer research in the context of dataset quality and bioinformatics tools. In this article, we will investigate how bioinformatics tools born for large-scale cancer immunological research could revolutionize RPL immunological research but are limited by the nature of current RPL datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Betti
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Piccione
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tiranë, Albania
| | - Adalgisa Pietropolli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Benito Chiofalo
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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10
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Formica VM, Bruno V, Scotto Di Uccio A, Cocca E, Rossi B, Zoccali C. The giant cell tumor during pregnancy: A review of literature. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2022; 109:103396. [PMID: 36087835 DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2022.103396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giant cell tumors (GTC) of bone are benign, locally aggressive tumors generally occurring in young people with a female predominance during reproductive age. Considering their worsening during pregnancy it has been suggested that pregnancy can accelerate GCT progression or favor recurrence but correlation between tumor growth and pregnancy has not yet been clarified. Aim of this study was to clarify clinical characteristics, timing and type of treatment through a literature review on GTCs occurring during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS An electronic search was performed in December 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Register using the keywords "giant cell tumor" AND "pregnancy" looking for papers reporting cases of giant cell tumors of the bone onset or recurred during pregnancy. The electronic search identified 212 papers; sixteen studies were selected, for a total of 32 cases. RESULTS The diagnosis was made during pregnancy in 24 cases and after the partum in 8 cases. 27 cases were new diagnoses while 5 cases were recurrences. Pulmonary metastases were reported in 3 patients. The treatment was performed during the pregnancy in 7 out of 32 cases; in the remaining 27 cases treatment was performed after delivery. The hormone receptor status was reported in 14 patients. Data regarding follow-up was reported for 26 out of 32 patients; three patients had local recurrences that were treated with wide resection and amputation in 2 and 1 case, respectively; at the last follow-up all patients were apparently without any evidence of disease except for three patients who had stable lung metastases. DISCUSSION In case of GCT during pregnancy, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to offer the patients the best treatment in terms of mother and child's health. A correct diagnosis is necessary and not confusing tumor symptoms with ones of pregnancy is mandatory in order not to delay the diagnosis and let the tumor progress. Actually, even though pregnancy would seem to promote GCT growth and aggressiveness, the relationship is not clear. More studies are necessary to clarify this interesting aspect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV, systematic review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Formica
- Hand and Microsurgery Unit, Jewish Hospital, Via Fulda, 14, 00148 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bruno
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Scotto Di Uccio
- School of General Surgery, General Surgery and Organ Transplantation Unit, Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Cocca
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Department of General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 3, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Rossi
- Oncological Orthopaedics Department. IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Zoccali
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Department of General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Orthopedics, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital-Sapienza, University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 3, 00185 Rome, Italy; Oncological Orthopaedics Department. IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
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11
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Zhu N, Yang X, Liu Q, Chen Y, Wang X, Li H, Gao H. “Iron triangle” of regulating the uterine microecology: Endometrial microbiota, immunity and endometrium. Front Immunol 2022; 13:928475. [PMID: 36016947 PMCID: PMC9396262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.928475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is the core place for breeding new life. The balance and imbalance of uterine microecology can directly affect or even dominate the female reproductive health. Emerging data demonstrate that endometrial microbiota, endometrium and immunity play an irreplaceable role in regulating uterine microecology, forming a dynamic iron triangle relationship. Up to nowadays, it remains unclear how the three factors affect and interact with each other, which is also a frontier topic in the emerging field of reproductive tract microecology. From this new perspective, we aim to clarify the relationship and mechanism of the interaction of these three factors, especially their pairwise interactions. Finally, the limitations and future perspectives of the current studies are summarized. In general, these three factors have a dynamic relationship of mutual dependence, promotion and restriction under the physiological or pathological conditions of uterus, among which the regulatory mechanism of microbiota and immunity plays a role of bridge. These findings can provide new insights and measures for the regulation of uterine microecology, the prevention and treatment of endometrial diseases, and the further multi-disciplinary integration between microbiology, immunology and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhu
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xuyan Yang
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yahui Chen
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Gao,
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12
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Study of PD-1 Customization and Autoimmune T Cells for Advanced Colorectal Cancer with High MSI Expression. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:6390924. [PMID: 35965619 PMCID: PMC9357754 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6390924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the significance of PD-1 customization and autoimmune T-cell therapy for advanced colorectal cancer with high MSI expression. Methods One hundred and eight patients with advanced colorectal cancer with high MSI expression admitted to our hospital between August 2019 and January 2022 were divided into control and study groups, and PD-1 customization and autoimmune T-cell therapy were administered to the two groups, respectively. Trends in immune indexes, PD-1 exposure, and survival rates were studied in both groups. Results The treatment efficiency of the study group was 90.74%, which was higher than that of the control group (61.11%) (P < 0. 05); after treatment, the presence of CDl07a, perforin, and GranB cells was significantly higher in both groups compared with that before treatment, but the expression of PD-1 was more pronounced in the study group (P < 0. 05); that is, the expression of PD-1 in peripheral T lymphocytes in the study group compared with that of the control group was higher in patients with grade III-IV, and peripheral T lymphocytes were also higher in patients with grade III-IV compared with patients with grade I-II (P < 0. 05). Conclusion PD-1 customization combined with autoimmune T-cell therapy is a novel therapeutic modality that can substantially improve.
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13
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Immunological microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103632. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Soroczynska K, Zareba L, Dlugolecka M, Czystowska-Kuzmicz M. Immunosuppressive Extracellular Vesicles as a Linking Factor in the Development of Tumor and Endometriotic Lesions in the Gynecologic Tract. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091483. [PMID: 35563789 PMCID: PMC9105295 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091483] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Both gynecological tumors and endometriosis require for their development a favorable environment, termed in the case of tumors a "pre-metastatic niche" and in case of endometriosis a "pro-endometriotic niche". This is characterized by chronic inflammation and immunosuppression that support the further progression of initial lesions. This microenvironment is established and shaped in the course of a vivid cross-talk between the tumor or endometrial cells with other stromal, endothelial and immune cells. There is emerging evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in this cellular communication, mediating both in tumors and endometriosis similar immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the latest findings about EVs as immunosuppressive factors, highlighting the parallels between gynecological tumors and endometriosis. Furthermore, we outline their role as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers as well as their future in therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Soroczynska
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (M.D.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Zareba
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (M.D.)
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Dlugolecka
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (M.D.)
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury 61 St., 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czystowska-Kuzmicz
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1 St., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (L.Z.); (M.D.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Ferrer AI, Einstein E, Morelli SS. Bone Marrow-Derived Cells in Endometrial Cancer Pathogenesis: Insights from Breast Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040714. [PMID: 35203363 PMCID: PMC8869947 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, representing 3.5% of all new cancer cases in the United States. Abnormal stem cell-like cells, referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), reside in the endometrium and possess the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into cancer progenitors, leading to tumor progression. Herein we review the role of the endometrial microenvironment and sex hormone signaling in sustaining EC progenitors and potentially promoting dormancy, a cellular state characterized by cell cycle quiescence and resistance to conventional treatments. We offer perspective on mechanisms by which bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) within the endometrial microenvironment could promote endometrial CSC (eCSC) survival and/or dormancy. Our perspective relies on the well-established example of another sex hormone-driven cancer, breast cancer, in which the BM microenvironment plays a crucial role in acquisition of CSC phenotype and dormancy. Our previous studies demonstrate that BMDCs migrate to the endometrium and express sex hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptors. Whether the BM is a source of eCSCs is unknown; alternatively, crosstalk between BMDCs and CSCs within the endometrial microenvironment could be an additional mechanism supporting eCSCs and tumorigenesis. Elucidating these mechanisms will provide avenues to develop novel therapeutic interventions for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra I. Ferrer
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (A.I.F.); (E.E.)
- School of Graduate Studies Newark, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ella Einstein
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (A.I.F.); (E.E.)
| | - Sara S. Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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LMWH-induced miRNA changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in pregnancies with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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17
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Zhu SD, Zhang J, Liu XJ, Zhang JH, Wei B, Wang WY, Fan YJ, Li D, Cao YX, Zhan L. NLRC5 Might Promote Endometrial Cancer Progression by Inducing PD-L1 Expression. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221112742. [PMID: 35880269 PMCID: PMC9340384 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221112742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, caspase recruitment (CARD) domain containing 5 (NLRC5) was dysregulated in endometrial cancer (EC). However, the potential regulatory mechanisms of NLRC5 in EC remained unclear. We aimed to explore whether NLRC5 could regulate the programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) in EC. We also investigated the related molecular which led to the inactivation of NLRC5 in EC. Methods: The expressions of NLRC5 and PD-L1 in endometrium tissue microarray were detected by immunohistochemistry. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to detect the expression correlation between NLRC5 and PD-L1. Immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the role of NLRC5 in PD-L1 in EC cell lines. The somatic mutation in EC patients was detected by whole-exome sequencing (WGS). Results: NLRC5 was downregulated in the endometrium of EC patients when compared to those in the normal endometrium. The level of PD-L1 in the endometrium of EC patients was higher when compared to those in the normal endometrium. There was a negative expression correlation between NLRC5 and PD-L1. NLRC5 could promote the expression of PD-L1 in EC cell lines. The mutations of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK may lead to the downregulation of NLRC5 in EC patients. Conclusion: NLRC5 could inhibit the activation of PD-L1 in EC. Mutations of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK may lead to the downregulation of NLRC5 in EC patients. Future study should investigate the mechanism of NLRC5 in PD-L1, as well as the mechanism of ANKRD20A2, C2orf42, ADGRB3, AVPR2, GOLGA6C, and IPPK in NLRC5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ding Zhu
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Liu
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hui Zhang
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Wei
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Yan Wang
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Jun Fan
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Xia Cao
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhan
- 533251The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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18
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Zhu Y, Lin X, Zang Y, Yang Q. Identification of ZEB2 as an Immune-Associated Gene in Endometrial Carcinoma and Associated with Macrophage Infiltration by Bioinformatic Analysis. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:4372373. [PMID: 34970423 PMCID: PMC8714326 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4372373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological tumor arising from the endometrium. In this study, we use a published single-cell transcriptome profile of endometrial carcinoma (EC) to reveal the composition of immune cells and found an immunosuppressive environment since the presence of macrophage subtype M2 and exhausted CD8+ T cell markers. We focused on ZEB2 (Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2), a well-known player in epithelial to mesenchymal transition process, and we showed that ZEB2 is exclusively expressed in immune cells in single-cell transcriptome and, at the same time, downregulated in TCGA-UCEC (The Cancer Genome Atlas-Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma) bulk RNA-seq data and negatively associated with tumor purity. Loss of ZEB2 protein in EC in normal endometrium and EC samples was validated in samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC) from HPA (Human Protein Atlas) database. Furthermore, we found ZEB2 was associated with immune infiltrations especially for macrophage using TIMER 2.0. Interestingly, ZEB2 prognostic significance differed under various macrophage and Th2 helper cell content using Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis. More importantly, we showed that over 11% EC patients have somatic mutations of ZEB2 in EC samples collected from cBioportal and they have a lower body weight, earlier diagnosis age, and better overall survival and disease-free survival status compared with the unaltered group. Analysis in TIMER2.0 suggested that ZEB2 mutation would possibly change the composition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Taken together, by combining the results from single-cell data, bulk TCGA RNA-seq, and other online bioinformatic tools, we provided evidence that ZEB2 might have a unique role in the immune environment of EC. These results would provide a better insight into the pathogenetic process and ZEB2 might further be used an immunotherapeutic target of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine (Dongzhimen Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinchao Lin
- Department of International, The First School of Clinical Medicine (Dongzhimen Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanlong Zang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaohui Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The First School of Clinical Medicine (Dongzhimen Hospital), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071621. [PMID: 34209508 PMCID: PMC8303392 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071621] [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: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56brightCD16low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.
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20
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Kras P, Talkowski K, Grabarek BO, Skalska-Dziobek N, Boroń D, Oplawski M. Evaluation of Variances in VEGF-A-D and VEGFR-1-3 Expression in the Ishikawa Endometrial Cancer Cell Line Treated with Salinomycin and Anti-Angiogenic/Lymphangiogenic Effect. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:697-705. [PMID: 32648839 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200710093519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cancer, an excessive and uncontrolled process of creating new blood and lymphatic vessels that play a key role in the metastasis process can be observed. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF-A,-B,-C,-D) family together with their specific receptors (VEGFR-1,-2,- 3) plays a key role in these processes, therefore, it would be reasonable to determine the correct pattern of their expression. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the use of salinomycin as an anti-angiogenic and anti-lymphangiogenic drug during endometrial cancer by examining changes in the expression pattern of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 depending on the treatment period of the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells with salinomycin in comparison to the control culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS To determine how influential salinomycin was on the expression of both mRNAs, 1 μM of the drug was added to the cell culture and then it was cultured all together for 12, 24 and 48 hour periods. The cells that made up the control culture were not treated with salinomycin. To determine the changes in the expression profile of the selected genes, we used the microarray, techniques: RTqPCR and ELISA (p<0.05). RESULTS For all isoforms of VEGF-A-D as well as receptors of VEGFR-1-3, a decrease in expression under the influence of salinomycin was noted. For VEGF-A and VEGFR-1, the difference in the expression between the culture treated with salinomycin in comparison to the control was statistically significant (p=0.0004). In turn, for VEGF-B, the difference between the culture exposed for 24 hours in comparison to the control (p=0.00000) as well as the comparison between H48 vs. C (p=0.00000) was statistically significant. In reference to VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, the statistical analysis showed the significant difference in expression between the culture incubated with the drug for 12, 24 and 48 hours in comparison to the control as well as between the selected times. For all of these comparisons, p=0.00000 was utilized. CONCLUSION Salinomycin changes the expression pattern of VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 in endometrial cancer cells. The obtained results suggest that salinomycin might exert the effect via VEGF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kras
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karol Talkowski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Beniamin O Grabarek
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Nina Skalska-Dziobek
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Oplawski
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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21
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Patel MV, Shen Z, Rodriguez-Garcia M, Usherwood EJ, Tafe LJ, Wira CR. Endometrial Cancer Suppresses CD8+ T Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Postmenopausal Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:657326. [PMID: 33968059 PMCID: PMC8103817 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.657326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer. To investigate how it suppresses host immune function, we isolated CD8+ T cells from endometrial endometroid carcinomas and adjacent non-cancerous endometrium and determined if the tumor environment regulates cytotoxic capacity. Endometrial carcinomas had increased numbers of CD8+ T cells compared to adjacent non-cancerous endometrium. Tumor CD8+ T cells expressed significantly less granzyme A (GZA), B (GZB), and PD-1 than those in adjacent non-cancerous tissues and also had significantly lower cytotoxic killing of allogeneic target cells. CD103-CD8+ T cells, but not CD103+CD8+ T cells, from both adjacent and tumor tissue were primarily responsible for killing of allogeneic target cells. Secretions recovered from endometrial carcinoma tissues suppressed CD8+ cytotoxic killing and lowered perforin, GZB and PD-1 expression relative to non-tumor CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, tumor secretions contained significantly higher levels of immunosuppressive cytokines including TGFβ than non-tumor tissues. Thus, the tumor microenvironment suppresses cytotoxic killing by CD8+ T cells via the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines leading to decreased expression of intracellular cytolytic molecules. These studies demonstrate the complexity of CD8+ T cell regulation within the endometrial tumor microenvironment and provide a foundation of information essential for the development of therapeutic strategies for gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickey V. Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Zheng Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Marta Rodriguez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Edward J. Usherwood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Laura J. Tafe
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Charles R. Wira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
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Albini A, Noonan DM. Decidual-Like NK Cell Polarization: From Cancer Killing to Cancer Nurturing. Cancer Discov 2020; 11:28-33. [PMID: 33277305 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells accumulate at the fetal-maternal interface and represent 70% of immune cells in the decidua (dNK) at first-trimester pregnancy; they are immune-tolerant toward the semiallogenic fetus and are "nurturing" and nonkilling NK cells. A subset of NK cells in patients with cancer have features in common with dNK, which include expressing CD56, CD9, CD49a, and CXCR3, being poorly cytotoxic and proangiogenic, and mimicking the decidual nurturing role. In the oncologic patient, several factors can "decidualize" NK cells, turning them into immune-suppressant, growth-promoting proangiogenic cells. Here, we suggest ways to sharpen their blunted blades and intercept and curb their cancer-nurturing attitudes to restore their cytotoxic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Risk factors of progression to endometrial cancer in women with endometrial hyperplasia: A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243064. [PMID: 33259545 PMCID: PMC7707482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate risk factors of progression to endometrial cancer (EC) in women with non-atypical and atypical endometrial hyperplasia (EH). Methods The data of 62,333 women with EH diagnostic codes from 2007 to 2018 were sourced from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service databases. The data from 11,525 women with non-atypical EH and 2,219 women with atypical EH who met the selection criteria were extracted for analysis. Results Risk of EC in women with EH decreased in 40–49 year olds compared to other ages (non-atypical EH: [≤39 vs. 40–49 years] HR, 0.557; 95% CI, 0.439–0.708; P<0.001; [≤39 vs. ≥50 years] P = 0.739; atypical EH: [≤39 vs. 40–49 years] HR, 0.391; 95% CI, 0.229–0.670; P = 0.001; [≤39 vs. ≥50 years] P = 0.712). Risk of EC increased with increase in number of follow-up biopsies in women with non-atypical EH (1 biopsy: HR, 1.835; 95% CI, 1.282–2.629; P = 0.001; ≥2 biopsies: HR, 3.644; 95% CI, 2.585–5.317; P<0.001) and in women receiving ≥2 follow-up biopsies with atypical EH (HR, 3.827; 95% CI, 1.924–7.612; P = 0.001). Time of progression to EC decreased in women ≥50 years old with non-atypical EH compared to other ages (P = 0.004) and showed no differences among ages in women with atypical EH (P = 0.576). Progestational agents were a protective factor for EC in women with non-atypical EH (HR, 0.703; 95% CI, 0.565–0.876; P = 0.002). Conclusions In this claim data analysis, women ≤39 and ≥50 years old with EH were at a high risk for progression to EC, and repeat follow-up biopsy after a diagnosis of EH increased detection of EC. Progestational agents were an effective modality to prevent EC in women with non-atypical EH.
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