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Berlanga-Acosta J, Cibrian D, Valiente-Mustelier J, Suárez-Alba J, García-Ojalvo A, Falcón-Cama V, Jiang B, Wang L, Guillén-Nieto G. Growth hormone releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) prevents doxorubicin-induced myocardial and extra-myocardial damages by activating prosurvival mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1402138. [PMID: 38873418 PMCID: PMC11169835 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1402138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a fatal myocardial condition with ventricular structural changes and functional deficits, leading to systolic dysfunction and heart failure (HF). DCM is a frequent complication in oncologic patients receiving Doxorubicin (Dox). Dox is a highly cardiotoxic drug, whereas its damaging spectrum affects most of the organs by multiple pathogenic cascades. Experimentally reproduced DCM/HF through Dox administrations has shed light on the pathogenic drivers of cardiotoxicity. Growth hormone (GH) releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) is a GH secretagogue with expanding and promising cardioprotective pharmacological properties. Here we examined whether GHRP-6 administration concomitant to Dox prevented the onset of DCM/HF and multiple organs damages in otherwise healthy rats. Methods: Myocardial changes were sequentially evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Autopsy was conducted at the end of the administration period when ventricular dilation was established. Semiquantitative histopathologic study included heart and other internal organs samples. Myocardial tissue fragments were also addressed for electron microscopy study, and characterization of the transcriptional expression ratio between Bcl-2 and Bax. Serum samples were destined for REDOX system balance assessment. Results and discussion: GHRP-6 administration in parallel to Dox prevented myocardial fibers consumption and ventricular dilation, accounting for an effective preservation of the LV systolic function. GHRP-6 also attenuated extracardiac toxicity preserving epithelial organs integrity, inhibiting interstitial fibrosis, and ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality. Mechanistically, GHRP-6 proved to sustain cellular antioxidant defense, upregulate prosurvival gene Bcl-2, and preserve cardiomyocyte mitochondrial integrity. These evidences contribute to pave potential avenues for the clinical use of GHRP-6 in Dox-treated subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danay Cibrian
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | - Baohong Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Andruszko A, Szydłowski J, Grabarek BO, Mazur K, Sirek T, Ossowski P, Kozikowski M, Kaminiów K, Zybek-Kocik A, Banaszewski J. Impact of Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Expression Profile of Ghrelin, Irisin, and Titin. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:437. [PMID: 38275878 PMCID: PMC10814803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020437] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Andruszko
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Szydłowski
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
- Gyncentrum, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Virology, 40-851 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Higher School of Strategic Planning in Dąbrowa Górnicza, 41-300 Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sirek
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Piotr Ossowski
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Mieszko Kozikowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, 00-136 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kaminiów
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Ariadna Zybek-Kocik
- Department of Metabolism Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jacek Banaszewski
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Zhu J, Zhou T, Menggen M, Aimulajiang K, Wen H. Ghrelin regulating liver activity and its potential effects on liver fibrosis and Echinococcosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1324134. [PMID: 38259969 PMCID: PMC10800934 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1324134] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin widely exists in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, and has biological activities such as maintaining energy homeostasis, regulating lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, immune response, gastrointestinal physiological activities, cognition, memory, circadian rhythm and reward effects. In many benign liver diseases, it may play a hepatoprotective role against steatosis, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis, and improve liver cell autophagy and immune response to improve disease progression. However, the role of Ghrelin in liver Echinococcosis is currently unclear. This review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which Ghrelin regulates liver growth metabolism, immune-inflammation, fibrogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis, as well as its protective effects in liver fibrosis diseases, and further proposes the role of Ghrelin in liver Echinococcosis infection. During the infectious process, it may promote the parasitism and survival of parasites on the host by improving the immune-inflammatory microenvironment and fibrosis state, thereby accelerating disease progression. However, there is currently a lack of targeted in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence for this viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Hydatid Disease, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tanfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Hydatid Disease, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Meng Menggen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kalibixiati Aimulajiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Hydatid Disease, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center Therapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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Merabet N, Ramoz N, Boulmaiz A, Bourefis A, Benabdelkrim M, Djeffal O, Moyse E, Tolle V, Berredjem H. SNPs-Panel Polymorphism Variations in GHRL and GHSR Genes Are Not Associated with Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3276. [PMID: 38137497 PMCID: PMC10741232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123276] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major public health problem worldwide. Recent studies have suggested that ghrelin and its receptor could be involved in the susceptibility to several cancers such as PCa, leading to their use as an important predictive way for the clinical progression and prognosis of cancer. However, conflicting results of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with ghrelin (GHRL) and its receptor (GHSR) genes were demonstrated in different studies. Thus, the present case-control study was undertaken to investigate the association of GHRL and GHSR polymorphisms with the susceptibility to sporadic PCa. A cohort of 120 PCa patients and 95 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Genotyping of six SNPs was performed: three tag SNPs in GHRL (rs696217, rs4684677, rs3491141) and three tag SNPs in the GHSR (rs2922126, rs572169, rs2948694) using TaqMan. The allele and genotype distribution, as well as haplotypes frequencies and linked disequilibrium (LD), were established. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was used to study gene-gene interactions between the six SNPs. Our results showed no significant association of the target polymorphisms with PCa (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, SNPs are often just markers that help identify or delimit specific genomic regions that may harbour functional variants rather than the variants causing the disease. Furthermore, we found that one GHSR rs2922126, namely the TT genotype, was significantly more frequent in PCa patients than in controls (p = 0.040). These data suggest that this genotype could be a PCa susceptibility genotype. MDR analyses revealed that the rs2922126 and rs572169 combination was the best model, with 81.08% accuracy (p = 0.0001) for predicting susceptibility to PCa. The results also showed a precision of 98.1% (p < 0.0001) and a PR-AUC of 1.00. Our findings provide new insights into the influence of GHRL and GHSR polymorphisms and significant evidence for gene-gene interactions in PCa susceptibility, and they may guide clinical decision-making to prevent overtreatment and enhance patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Merabet
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (A.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.)
- Unit 85 PRC (Physiology of Reproduction and Behavior), Centre INRAe of Tours, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- University Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), 75014 Paris, France; (N.R.); (V.T.)
| | - Amel Boulmaiz
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (A.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Asma Bourefis
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (A.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Maroua Benabdelkrim
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (A.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Omar Djeffal
- Private Medical Uro-Chirurgical Cabinet, Cité SafSaf, BatR02 n°S01, Annaba 23000, Algeria;
| | - Emmanuel Moyse
- Unit 85 PRC (Physiology of Reproduction and Behavior), Centre INRAe of Tours, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Virginie Tolle
- University Paris Cité, INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), 75014 Paris, France; (N.R.); (V.T.)
| | - Hajira Berredjem
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry and Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba 23000, Algeria; (A.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.)
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Larsson SC, Höijer J, Sun J, Li X, Burgess S, Michaëlsson K. Genome-Wide Association and Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analyses of Plasma Ghrelin and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023; 32:1771-1776. [PMID: 37791980 PMCID: PMC10690139 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have suggested that the gut hormone ghrelin is an early marker of future risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer. However, whether ghrelin is a causal risk factor remains unclear. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of plasma ghrelin and used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the possible causal association between ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer risk. METHODS Genetic variants associated with plasma ghrelin were identified in a GWAS comprising 10,742 Swedish adults in the discovery (N = 6,259) and replication (N = 4,483) cohorts. The association between ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer was examined through a two-sample MR analysis using the identified genetic variants as instruments and GWAS data from the UK Biobank, FinnGen, and a colorectal cancer consortium. RESULTS GWAS found associations between multiple genetic variants within ±200 kb of the GHRL gene and plasma ghrelin. A two-sample MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted higher plasma ghrelin levels were associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal cancer in UK Biobank and in a meta-analysis of the UK Biobank and FinnGen studies. The combined OR per approximate doubling of genetically predicted plasma ghrelin was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.99; P = 0.02). Colocalization analysis revealed limited evidence of shared causal variants for plasma ghrelin and gastrointestinal cancer at the GHRL locus (posterior probability H4 = 24.5%); however, this analysis was likely underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence in support of a possible causal association between higher plasma ghrelin levels and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancer. IMPACT Elevated plasma ghrelin levels might reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C. Larsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Höijer
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen Burgess
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Michaëlsson
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Tuero C, Becerril S, Ezquerro S, Neira G, Frühbeck G, Rodríguez A. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective role of ghrelin against NAFLD progression. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:833-849. [PMID: 36417140 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00933-1] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms for the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are complex and multifactorial. Within the last years, experimental and clinical evidences support the role of ghrelin in the development of NAFLD. Ghrelin is a gut hormone that plays a major role in the short-term regulation of appetite and long-term regulation of adiposity. The liver constitutes a target for ghrelin, where this gut-derived peptide triggers intracellular pathways regulating lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Interestingly, circulating ghrelin levels are altered in patients with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which, in turn, are well-known risk factors for the pathogenesis of NAFLD. This review summarizes the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the hepatoprotective action of ghrelin, including the reduction of hepatocyte lipotoxicity via autophagy and fatty acid β-oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress and programmed cell death, the reversibility of the proinflammatory phenotype in Kupffer cells, and the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells. Together, the metabolic and inflammatory pathways regulated by ghrelin in the liver support its potential as a therapeutic target to prevent NAFLD in patients with metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Tuero
- Department of General Surgery, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sara Becerril
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Irunlarrea 1, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ezquerro
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Irunlarrea 1, Spain
| | - Gabriela Neira
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Irunlarrea 1, Spain
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Irunlarrea 1, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Amaia Rodríguez
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Irunlarrea 1, Spain.
- CIBER Fisiopatología de La Obesidad Y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
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Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Xia Y, Dong J. Circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1255112. [PMID: 37790757 PMCID: PMC10542895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1255112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ghrelin plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer has not been systematically analyzed. Objective This work explored the association between circulating ghrelin levels and gastric cancer. Methods The literature search for relevant articles published until November 2022 was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science with the keywords "ghrelin" and "gastric cancer". Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the effectiveness. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model. Results Of 5,302 identified studies, nine were included (N=3,196 participants). Circulating ghrelin levels were lower in gastric cancer patients (SMD=-0.255, 95%CI: -0.528 to 0.017, P < 0.00001), but with high heterogeneity (I2 = 88.8%). Conclusion The circulating ghrelin levels in patients with gastric cancer were lower than in controls. However, there was heterogeneity among results; therefore, studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caishun Zhang
- College of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiaqing Yu
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- Clinical Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunqiu Xia
- Laboratory of Human Body Function, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Special Medicine Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Physiology Department, College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Childs M, Chandrabalan A, Hodgson D, Ramachandran R, Luyt LG. Discovery of Ghrelin(1-8) Analogues with Improved Stability and Functional Activity for PET Imaging. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1075-1086. [PMID: 37470019 PMCID: PMC10353549 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The highest affinity ghrelin-based analogue for fluorine-18 positron emission tomography, [Inp1,Dpr3(6-FN),1Nal4,Thr8]ghrelin(1-8) amide (1), has remarkable subnanomolar receptor affinity (IC50 = 0.11 nM) toward the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR). However, initial in vivo PET imaging and biodistribution of [18F]1 in mice demonstrated an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile with rapid clearance and accumulation in liver and intestinal tissue, prompting concerns about the metabolic stability of this probe. The aims of the present study were to examine the proteolytic stability of ghrelin analogue 1 in the presence of blood and liver enzymes, structurally modify the peptide to improve stability without impeding the strong binding affinity, and measure the presently unknown functional activity of ghrelin(1-8) analogues. The in vitro stability and metabolite formation of 1 in human serum and liver S9 fraction revealed a metabolic soft spot between amino acids Leu5 and Ser6 in the peptide sequence. A focused library of ghrelin(1-8) analogues was synthesized and evaluated in a structure-activity-stability relationship study to further understand the structural importance of the residues at these positions in the context of stability and receptor affinity. The critical nature of l-stereochemistry at position 5 was identified and substitution of Ser6 with l-2,3-diaminopropionic acid led to a novel ligand with substantially improved in vitro stability while maintaining subnanomolar GHSR affinity. Despite the highly modified nature of these analogues compared to human ghrelin, ghrelin(1-8) analogues were found to recruit all G protein subtypes (Gαq/11/13/i1/oB) known to associate with GHSR as well as β-arrestins with low micromolar to nanomolar potencies. The study of these analogues demonstrates the ability to balance desirable ligand properties, including affinity, stability, and potency to produce well-rounded candidate molecules for further in vivo evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina
D. Childs
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Arundhasa Chandrabalan
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Derian Hodgson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Rithwik Ramachandran
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Leonard G. Luyt
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- Departments
of Medical Imaging and Oncology, University
of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7, Canada
- London
Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research
Institute, 800 Commissioners
Road East, London, Ontario, N6A 4L6, Canada
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9
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Wang J, Liu D, Xie Y. GHRL as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltrates and progression of precancerous lesions in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1142017. [PMID: 37469414 PMCID: PMC10353738 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1142017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Ghrelin is a protein that regulate appetite and energy balance in the human body, which is encoded by the ghrelin prepropeptide gene (GHRL). GHRL is linked with carcinogenesis and immune regulation. However, the correlation of GHRL to prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Methods In this study, we assessed the transcriptional expression, prognosis, and different clinicopathological features about GHRL and the correlation between GHRL and tumor infiltration immune cells in GC patients based on the data published in the following databases: TIMER, GEPIA, GEO, STRING, UALCAN, TISIDB, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Furthermore, R software analysis for GC Correa' cascade was also provided. Finally, GHRL expression in GC tissues was assayed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Results We found that GHRL expression in GC samples was lower than in normal samples and verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. However, sample type, cancer stage, and worse survival were correlated to high GHRL expression. We also found that the expression of GHRL in dysplasia was significantly lower than that in CNAG and in GC. High GHRL expression was connected with immunomodulators, chemokines, and infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in GC. Conclusions GHRL is a prognostic biomarker for GC patients, and it is correlated with progression of precancerous lesions in GC. It might lead to poor prognosis by regulating tumor immune microenvironment. Studies are important to explore therapeutic targeting GHRL in the future.
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Pereira ADA, Reis ESD, Guilarducci MJ, Oliveira JSE, Gomes JMG. Food Aversion during Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review. Nutr Cancer 2023; 75:389-401. [PMID: 36382624 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2129079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with cancer often present food aversion after initiation of anti-tumor treatment, which may impair nutritional status. We aim to assess the prevalence and factors associated with food aversion during cancer treatment. Articles from three databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. English was used, with no restriction on the year of publication. Inclusion criteria were original articles that evaluated food aversion in adults and the elderly undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment. Fifteen articles were included. A high prevalence of food aversion (21-62%) was observed, with meat considered the most aversive food. The aversion is usually transient and may be due to gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting, caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment, and even psychological and emotional issues. Offering a new food before the beginning of treatment seems to be an effective strategy to reduce aversion, combined with nutritional and psychological monitoring. Cancer patients have a high prevalence of food aversion. Multidisciplinary care can minimize the consequences of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Araújo Pereira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | - Emylliane Santana Dos Reis
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | - Mariana Julião Guilarducci
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
| | | | - Júnia Maria Geraldo Gomes
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sudeste de Minas Gerais - Campus Barbacena, Barbacena, Brazil
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Larsson SC, Spyrou N, Mantzoros CS. Body fatness associations with cancer: evidence from recent epidemiological studies and future directions. Metabolism 2022; 137:155326. [PMID: 36191637 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review highlights current evidence linking greater body fatness to risk of various cancers, with focus on evidence from recent large cohort studies and pooled analyses of cohort studies as well as Mendelian randomization studies (which utilized genetic variants associated with body mass index to debrief the causal effect of higher body fatness on cancer risk). This review also provides insights into the biological mechanisms underpinning the associations. Data from both observational and Mendelian randomization studies support the associations of higher body mass index with increased risk of many cancers with the strongest evidence for digestive system cancers, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancer, as well as kidney, endometrial, and ovarian (weak association) cancer. Evidence from observational studies suggests that greater body fatness has contrasting effects on breast cancer risk depending on menopausal status and on prostate cancer risk depending on disease stage. Experimental and Mendelian randomization studies indicate that adiponectin, insulin, and sex hormone pathways play an important role in mediating the link between body fatness and cancer risk. The possible role of specific factors and pathways, such as other adipocytokines and hormones and the gut microbiome in mediating the associations between greater body fatness and cancer risk is yet uncertain and needs investigation in future studies. With rising prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide, the proportion of cancer caused by excess body fatness is expected to increase. There is thus an urgent need to identify efficient ways at the individual and societal level to improve diet and physical activity patterns to reduce the burden of obesity and accompanying comorbidities, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C Larsson
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Nikolaos Spyrou
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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