The role of tumor-associated macrophages in the progression, prognosis and treatment of endometrial cancer

Identify CTBP1-DT as an immunological biomarker that promotes lipid synthesis and apoptosis resistance in KIRC

Recently, mounting evidence has highlighted the essential function of the C-terminal binding protein-1 divergent transcript (CTBP1-DT) in malignancies. However, its role in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to identify the potential function of CTBP1-DT in KIRC. RT-qPCR, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and nomogram analysis were utilized to determine the expression and effects of CTBP1-DT on survival. The subcellular localization of CTBP1-DT was determined using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). To investigate the functions of CTBP1-DT in regulating KIRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, lipid synthesis, and apoptosis, we conducted CCK8, EdU, Transwell, and Oil Red O staining and cell apoptosis staining assays. The relationships between CTBP1-DT and the tumor microenvironment were investigated with multiple bioinformatics analysis algorithms and databases, including CYBERSORT, TIMER2, Spearman correlation test, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunophenoscore (IPS). According to our results, CTBP1-DT is a lncRNA located in the nucleus that is significantly upregulated in KIRC and is correlated with better clinical outcomes. Downregulating CTBP1-DT inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion, and lipid synthesis but triggered cell apoptosis. Additionally, we explored the potential effect of CTBP1-DT in regulating immune cell infiltration in KIRC and other malignancies. Furthermore, CTBP1-DT could be used to predict the effectiveness of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, we identified CTBP1-DT as a potential immunological biomarker and discovered the potential role of CTBP1-DT in regulating lipid synthesis and apoptosis resistance.

Prognostic role of C-reactive protein in patients with endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: The present meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: The effect of CRP level on predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with EC was evaluated according to pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs. Results: High CRP levels were not significantly correlated with OS (HR: 1.32 [95% CI: 0.99-1.77]; p = 0.060) or DFS (HR: 1.05 [95% CI: 0.88-1.25]; p = 0.597) in patients with EC. Conclusion: CRP levels did not significantly predict OS or DFS in patients with EC. However, according to subgroup analyses, higher CRP levels were significantly associated with poor OS in Asian patients with EC.

Lactate-Induced CCL8 in Tumor-Associated Macrophages Accelerates the Progression of Colorectal Cancer through the CCL8/CCR5/mTORC1 Axis

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment. Lactic acid (LA) has been identified as an influential factor in promoting immune escape and tumor progression. However, the mechanisms through which LA modulates TAMs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. We used qRT-PCR to quantify the expression of LA-related genes (LDHA and LAMP2) in CRC tumor tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues (n = 64). The biological effects and mechanisms of LA on macrophages and tumors were evaluated via qRT-PCR, Western blot, RNA-seq, wound healing assay, colony formation assay in vitro, and allograft mouse tumor models in vivo. We found the expression of LDHA and LAMP2 was highly elevated in the tumor regions and positively associated with a poor clinical stage of CRC. A high concentration of LA was generated under hypoxia; it could promote tumor progression and metastasis with the involvement of macrophages. The inhibition of LA release impaired this protumor phenomenon. Mechanically, LA induced M2 macrophages through the AKT/ERK signaling pathway; subsequently, M2 macrophages secreted CCL8 and facilitated the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells by activating the CCL8/CCR5/mTORC1 axis. This effect was inhibited by the antagonist or knockdown of CCR5. In conclusion, lactate-induced CCL8 in TAMs accelerated CRC proliferation and metastasis through the CCL8/CCR5/mTORC1 axis.