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Wajapeyee N, Beamon TC, Gupta R. Roles and therapeutic targeting of ceramide metabolism in cancer. Mol Metab 2024; 83:101936. [PMID: 38599378 PMCID: PMC11031839 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramides are sphingolipids that act as signaling molecules involved in regulating cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, and metabolism. Deregulation of ceramide metabolism contributes to cancer development and progression. Therefore, regulation of ceramide levels in cancer cells is being explored as a new approach for cancer therapy. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW This review discusses the multiple roles of ceramides in cancer cells and strategies to modulate ceramide levels for cancer therapy. Ceramides attenuate cell survival signaling and metabolic pathways, while activating apoptotic mechanisms, making them tumor-suppressive. Approaches to increase ceramide levels in cancer cells include using synthetic analogs, inhibiting ceramide degradation, and activating ceramide synthesis. We also highlight combination therapies such as use of ceramide modulators with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, apoptosis inducers, and anti-angiogenics, which offer synergistic antitumor effects. Additionally, we also describe ongoing clinical trials evaluating ceramide nanoliposomes and analogs. Finally, we discuss the challenges of these therapeutic approaches including the complexity of ceramide metabolism, targeted delivery, cancer heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and long-term safety. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Ceramide-based therapy is a potentially promising approach for cancer therapy. However, overcoming hurdles in pharmacokinetics, specificity, and resistance is needed to optimize its efficacy and safety. This requires comprehensive preclinical/clinical studies into ceramide signaling, formulations, and combination therapies. Ceramide modulation offers opportunities for developing novel cancer treatments, but a deeper understanding of ceramide biology is vital to advance its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Teresa Chiyanne Beamon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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2
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Bernardo RA, de Oliveira Júnior CI, Roque JV, Costa NDL, Roriz VM, Sorgi CA, Janfelt C, Vaz BG, Chaves AR. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Lipid Evaluation in Gingiva Tissue Stored in TRIzol via Shotgun Lipidomics and MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging. J Proteome Res 2023. [PMID: 37830917 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the prevalent type of oral cavity cancer, requiring precise, accurate, and affordable diagnosis to identify the disease in early stages, Comprehending the differences in lipid profiles between healthy and cancerous tissues encompasses great relevance in identifying biomarker candidates and enhancing the odds of successful cancer treatment. Therefore, the present study evaluates the analytical performance of simultaneous mRNA and lipid extraction in gingiva tissue from healthy patients and patients diagnosed with OSCC preserved in TRIzol reagent. The data was analyzed by partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and confirmed via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI). The lipid extraction in TRIzol solution was linear in a range from 330 to 2000 ng mL-1, r2 > 0.99, intra and interday precision and accuracy <15%, and absolute recovery values ranging from 90 to 110%. The most important lipids for tumor classification were evaluated by MALDI-MSI, revealing that the lipids responsible for distinguishing the OSCC group are more prevalent in the cancerous tissue in contrast to the healthy group. The results exhibit the possibilities to do transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses in the same sample and point out important candidates related to the presence of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Ivo de Oliveira Júnior
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Jataí, 75801-615 Jataí, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jussara Valente Roque
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Nádia do Lago Costa
- Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74605-020 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Virgílio Moreira Roriz
- Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74605-020 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Carlos Arterio Sorgi
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14015-130 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christian Janfelt
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Boniek Gontijo Vaz
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Andréa Rodrigues Chaves
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Jataí, 75801-615 Jataí, Goiás, Brazil
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3
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Markowski AR, Błachnio-Zabielska AU, Pogodzińska K, Markowska AJ, Zabielski P. Diverse Sphingolipid Profiles in Rectal and Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10867. [PMID: 37446046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310867] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a heterogenous group of neoplasms showing a variety of clinical and pathological features depending on their anatomical location. Sphingolipids are involved in the formation and progression of cancers, and their changes are an important part of the abnormalities observed during carcinogenesis. Because the course of rectal and colonic cancer differs, the aim of the study was to assess whether the sphingolipid profile is also different in tumors of these two regions. Using a combination of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, differences in the amounts of cellular sphingolipids were found in colorectal cancer. Sphingosine content was higher in rectal cancer than in adjacent healthy tissue, while the content of two ceramides (C18:0-Cer and C20:0-Cer) was lower. In colon cancer, a higher content of sphingosine, sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and two ceramides (C14:0-Cer and C24:0-Cer) was found compared to healthy tissue, but there was no decrease in the amount of any of the assessed sphingolipids. In rectal cancer, the content of sphinganine and three ceramides (C16:0-Cer, C22:0-Cer, C24:0-Cer), as well as the entire pool of ceramides, was significantly lower compared to colon cancer. The S1P/Cer ratio in rectal cancer (S1P/C18:1-Cer, S1P/C20:0-Cer, S1P/C22:0-Cer, S1P/C24:1-Cer) and in colon cancer (S1P/C18:0-Cer, S1P/C18:1-Cer, S1P/C20:0-Cer) was higher than in adjacent healthy tissue and did not differ between the two sites (rectal cancer vs. colonic cancer). It seems that the development of colorectal cancer is accompanied by complex changes in the metabolism of sphingolipids, causing not only qualitative shifts in the ceramide pool of cancer tissue but also quantitative disturbances, depending on the location of the primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Markowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Polish Red Cross Memorial Municipal Hospital, 79 Henryk Sienkiewicz Street, 15-003 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka U Błachnio-Zabielska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Pogodzińska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna J Markowska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Polish Red Cross Memorial Municipal Hospital, 79 Henryk Sienkiewicz Street, 15-003 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Zabielski
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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4
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Markowski AR, Ustymowicz K, Markowska AJ, Romańczyk W, Guzińska-Ustymowicz K. E-Cadherin Expression Varies Depending on the Location within the Primary Tumor and Is Higher in Colorectal Cancer with Lymphoid Follicles. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3260. [PMID: 37370870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123260] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable indicators of cancer advancement have actively been sought recently. The detection of colorectal cancer progression markers is essential in improving diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The aim of the study was to investigate the profile of E-cadherin expression in colorectal cancer tissue depending on the TNM staging and its correlation with several clinical and histopathological features. The study included 55 colorectal cancer patients admitted to the surgical ward for elective surgery. Tissue samples were obtained from resected specimens. Different distributions of E-cadherin expression within tumors were observed; the highest percentage of positive E-cadherin expression was found in the invasive front and in the tumor center. Additionally, the different cellular distribution of E-cadherin expression was noticed; weak membranous E-cadherin expression was the highest in the invasive front and in the budding sites, but a strong membranous pattern was most frequent in the tumor center. Various distributions of E-cadherin expression depending on cancer progression were also found; E-cadherin expression in node-positive patients was lower in the tumor center and in the tumor invasive front, whereas, in patients with distant metastases, the expression of E-Cadherin was lower in the budding sites. In patients with higher TNM stages, E-cadherin expression was lower within the tumor (in the budding sites, tumor center, and invasive front). In tumors with lymphoid follicles, E-cadherin expression was higher in all localizations within the primary tumor. E-cadherin expression in the tumor center was also lower in tumors with some higher tumor budding parameters (areas of poorly differentiated components and poorly differentiated clusters). E-cadherin expression was found to be lower at the tumor center in younger individuals, at the budding sites in men, and at the surrounding lymph nodes in rectal tumors. Low E-cadherin expression appears to be a reliable indicator of higher cancer staging and progression. When assessing the advancement of cancer, apart from the TNM classification, it is beneficial to also consider the expression of E-cadherin. High tumor budding, the poverty of lymphoid follicles, and low E-cadherin expression analyzed simultaneously may contribute to a reliable assessment of colorectal cancer staging. These three histopathological features complement each other, and their investigation, together with conventional tumor staging and grading, may be very helpful in predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients and qualifying them for the best treatment. The role of E-cadherin in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, as a part of a personalized medicine strategy, still requires comprehensive, prospective clinical evaluations to precisely target the optimal therapies for the right patients at the right time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Markowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Polish Red Cross Memorial Municipal Hospital, 79 Henryka Sienkiewicza Street, 15-003 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Anna J Markowska
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Polish Red Cross Memorial Municipal Hospital, 79 Henryka Sienkiewicza Street, 15-003 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Romańczyk
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, 13 Jerzego Waszyngtona Street, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Guzińska-Ustymowicz
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, 13 Jerzego Waszyngtona Street, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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5
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Markowski AR, Żbikowski A, Zabielski P, Chlabicz U, Sadowska P, Pogodzińska K, Błachnio-Zabielska AU. The Effect of Silencing the Genes Responsible for the Level of Sphingosine-1-phosphate on the Apoptosis of Colon Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087197. [PMID: 37108361 PMCID: PMC10138425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087197] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramides (Cer) are engaged in key events of signal transduction, but their involvement in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is not conclusive. The aim of our study was to investigate how the modulation of sphingolipid metabolism through the silencing of the genes involved in the formation (SPHK1) and degradation (SGPL1) of sphingosine-1-phosphate would affect the sphingolipid profile and apoptosis of HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells. Silencing of SPHK1 expression decreased S1P content in HCT-116 cells, which was accompanied by an elevation in sphingosine, C18:0-Cer, and C18:1-Cer, increase in the expression and activation of Caspase-3 and -9, and augmentation of apoptosis. Interestingly, silencing of SGLP1 expression increased cellular content of both the S1P and Cer (C16:0-; C18:0-; C18:1-; C20:0-; and C22:0-Cer), yet inhibited activation of Caspase-3 and upregulated protein expression of Cathepsin-D. The above findings suggest that modulation of the S1P level and S1P/Cer ratio regulates both cellular apoptosis and CRC metastasis through Cathepsin-D modulation. The cellular ratio of S1P/Cer seems to be a crucial component of the above mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Markowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Polish Red Cross Memorial Municipal Hospital, 79 Henryk Sienkiewicz Street, 15-003 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Żbikowski
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Zabielski
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Chlabicz
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Patrycja Sadowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Pogodzińska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka U Błachnio-Zabielska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 2C Adam Mickiewicz Street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
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6
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Kar A, Medatwal N, Rajput K, Mandal S, Pani T, Khan A, Sharma P, Oberoi AS, Vishwakarma G, Deo S, Jolly MK, Bajaj A, Dasgupta U. Unique sphingolipid signature identifies luminal and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2410-2423. [PMID: 36602287 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (luminal and triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC]) is the most common cancer among women in India and worldwide. Altered sphingolipid levels have emerged as a common phenomenon during cancer progression. However, these alterations are yet to be translated into robust diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer. Here, we present the quantified sphingolipids of tumor and adjacent-normal tissues from patients of luminal (n = 70) and TNBC (n = 42) subtype from an Indian cohort using targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. We recorded unique sphingolipid profiles that distinguished luminal and TNBC tumors in comparison to adjacent normal tissue by six-sphingolipid signatures. Moreover, systematic comparison of the profiles of luminal and TNBC tumors provided a unique five-sphingolipid signature distinguishing the two subtypes. We further identified key sphingolipids that can stratify grade II and grade III tumors of luminal and TNBC subtype as well as their lymphovascular invasion status. Therefore, we provide the right evidence to develop these candidate sphingolipids as widely acceptable marker/s capable of diagnosing luminal vs TNBC subtype of breast cancer, and predicting the disease severity by identifying the tumor grade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Kar
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Nihal Medatwal
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Kajal Rajput
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Susmita Mandal
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Trishna Pani
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Ali Khan
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Pankaj Sharma
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Ajit Singh Oberoi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, BRA-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Gayatri Vishwakarma
- Department of Biostatistics, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, India.,The George Institute of Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Svs Deo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, BRA-Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Avinash Bajaj
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology and Chemical Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ujjaini Dasgupta
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health, Amity University Haryana, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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7
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Simultaneous analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells density, tumor budding status, and presence of lymphoid follicles in CRC tissue. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21732. [PMID: 36526699 PMCID: PMC9758132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects more than 1,000,000 people worldwide each year. Recently, the number of young patients with early-onset colorectal cancer has increased, and right-sided colorectal cancer is still often diagnosed only in advanced stages. The TNM classification is not perfect for CRC staging. This study aimed to perform, for the first time, simultaneous analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell density, presence of lymphoid follicles, and budding status in CRC tissue. Intraoperative samples of neoplastic tissue were collected from 195 consecutive patients who were admitted to the surgical ward for elective colorectal surgery. Histological parameters were assessed in the tissue samples: tumor budding foci, poorly differentiated clusters and areas of poorly differentiated components. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) were detected in five randomly chosen, areas at the tumor center and at the invasive front. Additionally, the presence of lymphoid follicles in CRC tissue was assessed. Tumor budding parameters were positively correlated with colorectal cancer advancement or histologic (mucinous) type of CRC. The number of poorly differentiated clusters was higher in younger patients. Lower densities of CD3 and CD4 lymphocytes were seen in CRC with a greater depth of tumor invasion. Lower densities of CD3 and CD8 lymphocytes were found in CRC with metastases to the surrounding lymph nodes. The lower density of CD8 lymphocytes was observed in CRC with distant metastases. Lower densities of tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD3 and CD8) were revealed in CRC without lymphoid follicles. The number of lymphoid follicles was higher in patients with less advanced CRCs. Three histopathology markers, such as high tumor budding, scanty lymphocyte infiltration, and the poverty of lymphoid follicles, complement each other, appear to be reliable indicators of colorectal cancer progression, and could be useful in everyday medical practice, but their widespread use requires further research. We propose to take into account these markers, in the assessment of colorectal cancer advancement, in addition to the TNM classification.
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Zdanowicz K, Bobrus-Chcociej A, Pogodzinska K, Blachnio-Zabielska A, Zelazowska-Rutkowska B, Lebensztejn DM, Daniluk U. Analysis of Sphingolipids in Pediatric Patients with Cholelithiasis—A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195613. [PMID: 36233480 PMCID: PMC9570855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Disturbances in the sphingolipid profile are observed in many diseases. There are currently no data available on the evaluation of sphingolipids and ceramides in cholelithiasis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of sphingolipids in the sera of pediatric patients with gallstones. We determined their relationship with anthropometric and biochemical parameters. (2) Methods: The concentrations of sphingolipids in serum samples were evaluated using a quantitative method, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. (3) Results: The prospective study included 48 children and adolescents diagnosed with gallstones and 38 controls. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC); sphinganine (SPA); ceramides—C14:0-Cer, C16:0-Cer, C18:1-Cer, C18:0-Cer, C20:0-Cer and C24:1-Cer; and lactosylceramides—C16:0-LacCer, C18:0-LacCer, C18:1-LacCer, C24:0-LacCer and C24:1-LacCer differed significantly between patients with cholelithiasis and without cholelithiasis. After adjusting for age, gender, obesity and TC and TG levels, we found the best differentiating sphingolipids for cholelithiasis in the form of decreased SPA, C14:0-Cer, C16:0-Cer, C24:1-LacCer and C24:0-LacCer concentration and increased C20:0-Cer, C24:1-Cer, C16:0-LacCer and C18:1-LacCer. The highest area under the curve (AUC), specificity and sensitivity were determined for C16:0-Cer with cholelithiasis diagnosis. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that serum sphingolipids may be potential biomarkers in pediatric patients with cholelithiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Zdanowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and Allergology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-857450710
| | - Anna Bobrus-Chcociej
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and Allergology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Pogodzinska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-22 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Blachnio-Zabielska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-22 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Beata Zelazowska-Rutkowska
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dariusz Marek Lebensztejn
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and Allergology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Daniluk
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutrition and Allergology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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9
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Li RZ, Wang XR, Wang J, Xie C, Wang XX, Pan HD, Meng WY, Liang TL, Li JX, Yan PY, Wu QB, Liu L, Yao XJ, Leung ELH. The key role of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer: New therapeutic targets, diagnostic and prognostic values, and anti-tumor immunotherapy resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941643. [PMID: 35965565 PMCID: PMC9364366 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically active sphingolipids are closely related to the growth, differentiation, aging, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Some sphingolipids, such as ceramides, are favorable metabolites in the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, usually mediating antiproliferative responses, through inhibiting cancer cell growth and migration, as well as inducing autophagy and apoptosis. However, other sphingolipids, such as S1P, play the opposite role, which induces cancer cell transformation, migration and growth and promotes drug resistance. There are also other sphingolipids, as well as enzymes, played potentially critical roles in cancer physiology and therapeutics. This review aimed to explore the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer. In this article, we summarized the role and value of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer, including the distribution of sphingolipids, the functions, and their relevance to cancer diagnosis and prognosis. We also summarized the known and potential antitumor targets present in sphingolipid metabolism, analyzed the correlation between sphingolipid metabolism and tumor immunity, and summarize the antitumor effects of natural compounds based on sphingolipids. Through the analysis and summary of sphingolipid antitumor therapeutic targets and immune correlation, we aim to provide ideas for the development of new antitumor drugs, exploration of new therapeutic means for tumors, and study of immunotherapy resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xuan-Run Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chun Xie
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xing-Xia Wang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hu-Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wei-Yu Meng
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tu-Liang Liang
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi-Biao Wu
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery/State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine/Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Breast Surgery, Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Jun Yao, ; Liang Liu, ; Elaine Lai-Han Leung,
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Cai J, Liu Y, Li Q, Wen Z, Li Y, Chen X. Ceramide synthase 3 affects invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via the SMAD6 gene. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 47:588-599. [PMID: 35753729 PMCID: PMC10929919 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have poor prognosis due to lack of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the molecular mechanisms associated with HCC and to identify effective targets for early diagnosis and treatment. This study is to explore the expression and biological role of ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3) in HCC. METHODS A total of 159 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained from the patients underwent radical resection in Shenzhen People's Hospital, and the total RNA and proteins from HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were obtained. The expression of CerS3 protein and mRNA in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR. In vitro experiments, Hep3B cells were divided into a control vector group and a CerS3 vector group, and the cells were transfected with retroviral vector containing control cDNA or CerS3 cDNA, respectively. HCCLM3 cells were divided into a normal control shRNA group and a CerS3 shRNA group, and the cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors containing normal control shRNA or CerS3 shRNA, respectively. MTT, EdU, Transwell and scratch method were used to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. RNA sequencing was performed to determine the downstream signal of CerS3. RESULTS Compared with the corresponding adjacent tissues,the mRNA and protein levels of CerS3 were elevated in the HCC tissues, with significant difference (both P<0.05). The Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the overall survival rate was significantly correlated with the presence of venous invasion (95% CI 1.8-9.2, P<0.01), TNM stage (95% CI 2.3-5.2, P<0.05), poor histological grade (95% CI 1.4-6.8, P<0.05), and CerS3 (95% CI 1.5-3.9, P<0.05). Furthermore, the high CerS3 expression levels in tumor tissues were significantly associated with shorter overall survival rates compared with the low CerS3 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the vector control group, the Hep3B cell viability, EdU positive cells, and migration and invasion cell numbers in the CerS3 vector group were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the shRNA normal control group, the HCCLM3 cell viability, EdU positive cells, and numbers of migrating and invasive cells in the CerS3 shRNA group were significantly lower (all P<0.05). The RNA sequencing confirmed that the small mothers against decapentaplegic family member 6 (SMAD6) gene as an oncogenic gene could promote the HCC metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Clinically, the overexpression of CerS3 is closely related to poor clinical features and poor prognosis. Functionally, CerS3 participates in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells via activating SMAD6 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhong Cai
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China.
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Qiyang Li
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Zhenchao Wen
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Xianxian Chen
- Department of Intervention, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, China
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11
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Pan Z, Hu Z, Guan L, Zhang L, Gao X, Yang L, Gong T, Hu Y, Zhao Y, Yu H. Diagnostic value of serum sphingolipids in patients with colorectal cancer. Analyst 2022; 147:2189-2197. [PMID: 35441613 DOI: 10.1039/d1an02239c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Abnormal lipid metabolism affects the regulation of tumor progression, though use of serum lipids and sphingolipids for disease progression identification is uncertain. Methods: Serum samples from 51 healthy volunteers and 76 patients were collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Levels of serum total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were significantly lower in colorectal cancer patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated distinct sphingolipid profiles between healthy individuals and patients. Of 106 sphingolipids, 15 metabolites that showed statistical significance were selected, and receiver operating characteristic analysis of these metabolites yielded an area under the curve of 0.868 to 0.9 by machine learning algorithms for distinguishing colorectal cancer from a healthy status. Conclusions: Healthy individuals, polyps patients and colorectal cancer patients have different serum sphingolipid signatures. Serum sphingolipids might be used as biomarkers for early detection or prediction of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zuojian Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xia Gao
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lujie Yang
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Tianqi Gong
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanling Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanping Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hongxiu Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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12
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Pakiet A, Sikora K, Kobiela J, Rostkowska O, Mika A, Sledzinski T. Alterations in complex lipids in tumor tissue of patients with colorectal cancer. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:85. [PMID: 34348720 PMCID: PMC8340484 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01512-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence indicates alterations in lipid metabolism and lipid composition in neoplastic tissue. Earlier nuclear magnetic resonance studies showed that the contents of major lipid groups, such as triacylglycerols, phospholipids and cholesterol, are changed in colon cancer tissue. Methods In this study, a more detailed analysis of lipids in cancer and tumor adjacent tissues from colorectal cancer patients, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, allowed for comparison of 199 different lipids between cancer tissue and tumor adjacent tissue using principal component analysis. Results Significant differences were found in 67 lipid compounds between the two types of tissue; many of these lipid compounds are bioactive lipids such as ceramides, lysophospholipids or sterols and can influence the development of cancer. Additionally, increased levels of phospholipids and sphingolipids were present, which are major components of the cell membrane, and increases in these lipids can lead to changes in cell membrane properties. Conclusions This study showed that many complex lipids are significantly increased or decreased in colon cancer tissue, reflecting significant alterations in lipid metabolism. This knowledge can be used for the selection of potential molecular targets of novel anticancer strategies based on the modulation of lipid metabolism and the composition of the cell membrane in colorectal cancer cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-021-01512-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Pakiet
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Kinga Sikora
- Physics-Chemistry Workshops, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jarek Kobiela
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Olga Rostkowska
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sledzinski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
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