Adiponectin and Intelectin-1: Important Adipokine Players in Obesity-Related Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Multi-omics cluster defines the subtypes of CRC with distinct prognosis and tumor microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy characterized by diverse molecular profiles, clinical outcomes, and limited precision in prognostic markers. Addressing these challenges, this study utilized multi-omics data to define consensus molecular subtypes in CRC and elucidate their association with clinical outcomes and underlying biological processes.

METHODS

Consensus molecular subtypes were obtained by applying ten integrated multi-omics clustering algorithms to analyze TCGA-CRC multi-omics data, including mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation CpG sites, and somatic mutation data. The association of subtypes with prognoses, enrichment functions, immune status, and genomic alterations were further analyzed. Next, we conducted univariate Cox and Lasso regression analyses to investigate the potential prognostic application of biomarkers associated with multi-omics subtypes derived from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The function of one of the biomarkers MID2 was validated in CRC cell lines.

RESULTS

Two CRC subtypes linked to distinct clinical outcomes were identified in TCGA-CRC cohort and validated with three external datasets. The CS1 subtype exhibited a poor prognosis and was characterized by higher tumor-related Hallmark pathway activity and lower metabolism pathway activity. In addition, the CS1 was predicted to have less immunotherapy responder and exhibited more genomic alteration compared to CS2. Then a prognostic model comprising five genes was established, with patients in the high-risk group showing substantial concordance with the CS1 subtype, and those in the low-risk group with the CS2 subtype. The gene MID2, included in the prognostic model, was found to be correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway and distinct DNA methylation patterns. Knockdown of MID2 in CRC cells resulted in reduced colony formation, migration, and invasion capacities.

CONCLUSION

The integrative multi-omics subtypes proposed potential biomarkers for CRC and provided valuable knowledge for precision oncology.

Intelectin-1 is a novel prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma

The molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still not well understood. Gene microarray analysis showed that the expression of Intelectin-1 (ITLN-1) in tumor-adjacent normal liver tissue was 454.8 times higher than in the corresponding cancer tissue. ITLN-1 is a secreted soluble glycoprotein which has been reported to be associated with the occurrence and development of various tumor types. However, the prognostic significance of ITLN-1 in HCC remain unclear. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate 149 liver cancer cases for ITLN-1 mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were used to ascertain protein expression of ITLN-1 in cancer and para-carcinomatous tissue, and further to evaluate the correlation between ITLN-1 mRNA expression and surgical prognosis after liver resection. The ITLN-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in adjacent normal liver tissues than HCC tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the ITLN-1 expression was decreased in 78.5% (117/149) of HCC tissues compared with their corresponding adjacent liver tissues. Moreover, its low expression was significantly correlated with increased tumor size, tumor differentiation degree, degree of liver cirrhosis, capsule integrity, vascular invasion and tumor recurrence. Patients with high ITLN-1 expression had significantly better overall and recurrence-free survival after curative liver resection. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that ITLN-1 was an independent predictor of surgical outcomes in HCC patients. The present study suggested that low ITLN-1 expression was associated with poor clinical outcome for HCC patients, indicating a novel biomarker for prognosis evaluation and a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.

The Role of Omentin-1 in Cancers Development and Progression

Adipose tissue serves as an energy store and is also an active endocrine organ, exerting activity that influences obesity-related processes through the production of regulatory proteins called adipokines or adipocytokines. Adipokines play important direct and indirect roles in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, the regulation of local and systemic inflammatory processes, and related metabolic complications. There have been an increasing number of studies showing the relationship between some adipokines and carcinogenesis. This work reviews the current literature concerning the effects of omentin-1 on carcinogenesis.

Chemical Shift-Encoded Sequence (IDEAL-IQ) and Amide Proton Transfer (APT) MRI for Prediction of Histopathological Factors of Rectal Cancer

To investigate whether parameters from IDEAL-IQ/amide proton transfer MRI (APTWI) could help predict histopathological factors of rectal cancer. Preoperative IDEAL-IQ and APTWI sequences of 67 patients with rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The intra-tumoral proton density fat fraction (PDFF), R2* and magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym (3.5 ppm)) were measured according to the histopathological factors of rectal cancer. The relationship between MR parameters and histopathological factors were analyzed, along with diagnostic performance of MR parameters. PDFF, R2* and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were statistically different between T1+T2/T3+T4 stages, non-metastatic/metastatic lymph nodes, lower/higher tumor grade and negative/positive status of MRF and EMVI (p < 0.001 for PDFF, p = 0.000-0.015 for R2* and p = 0.000-0.006 for MTRasym (3.5 ppm)). There were positive correlations between the above parameters and the histopathological features of rectal cancer (r = 0.464-0.723 for PDFF (p < 0.001), 0.299-0.651 for R2* (p = 0.000-0.014), and 0.337-0.667 for MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (p = 0.000-0.005)). MTRasym (3.5 ppm) correlated moderately and mildly with PDFF (r = 0.563, p < 0.001) and R2* (r = 0.335, p = 0.006), respectively. PDFF provided a significantly higher diagnostic ability than MTRasym (3.5 ppm) for distinguishing metastatic from non-metastatic lymph nodes (z = 2.407, p = 0.0161). No significant differences were found in MR parameters for distinguishing other histopathological features (p > 0.05). IDEAL-IQ and APTWI were associated with histopathological factors of rectal cancer, and might serve as non-invasive biomarkers for characterizing rectal cancer.

Potential activity of adiponectin-expressing regulatory T cells against triple-negative breast cancer cells through the cell-in-cell phenomenon

BACKGROUND

A population of regulatory T cells (Treg), which reside within thymic nurse cell complexes, express adiponectin and abrogate breast cancer development in transgenic mice. In this study, we examined whether adiponectin-expressing Treg could impair triple-negative breast cancer, which is defined by a lack of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2.

METHODS

CD4- and CD25-positive cells were sorted from cultured T lymphocytes of a previously characterized experimental thymic tumor model composed of thymic nurse cells and abundant lymphoid stroma. These sorted cells were examined for FOXP3 and adiponectin immunoreactivity and subsequently exposed to triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-157 and -231 cells.

RESULTS

Adiponectin-expressing Treg were obtained by CD4- and CD25-positive sorting and cell death was induced in triple-negative breast cancer cells through the cell-in-cell phenomenon.

CONCLUSIONS

Adiponectin-expressing Treg may be candidates for adoptive cell therapy against triple-negative breast cancer.

Concentration of Selected Adipokines and Factors Regulating Carbohydrate Metabolism in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer in Respect to Their Body Mass Index

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a group of tumors not common in European populations. So far, not much is known about the role of obesity, adipokines, glucose metabolism, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of HNC. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of ghrelin, omentin-1, adipsin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, visfatin, glucagon, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) in the blood serum of HNC patients depending on their body mass index (BMI). The study included 46 patients divided into two groups according to their BMI values: the normal BMI group (nBMI) included 23 patients with BMI < 25 kg/m² and the increased BMI group (iBMI) included patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m². A control group (CG) included 23 healthy people (BMI < 25 kg/m²). Statistically significant differences in the levels of adipsin, ghrelin, glucagon, PAI-1, and visfatin were shown between nBMI and CG. In the case of nBMI and iBMI, statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of adiponectin, C-peptide, ghrelin, GLP-1, insulin, leptin, omentin-1, PAI-1, resistin, and visfatin. The obtained results indicate a disruption of endocrine function of adipose tissue and impaired glucose metabolism in HNC. Obesity, which is not a typical risk factor for HNC, may aggravate the negative metabolic changes associated with this type of neoplasm. Ghrelin, visfatin, PAI-1, adipsin, and glucagon might be related to head and neck carcinogenesis. They seem to be promising directions for further research.

DDAH1/ADMA Regulates Adiponectin Resistance in Cerebral Ischemia via the ROS/FOXO1/APR1 Pathway

Dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) protects against cerebral ischemia injury via regulating the level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This study is aimed at exploring the effect of adiponectin resistance on ADMA-induced neuronal loss in ischemic stroke (IS) and the underlying mechanism. DDAH1 knockout (DDAH1^−/−) and wild-type (DDAH1^+/+) rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). Plasma and brain adiponectin levels and the expressions of adiponectin receptor 1 (APR1), adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interacting with PH domain and leucine zipper 1 (APPL1), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and phosphorylated AMPK were determined after 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days. Neurological behavior, infarct volume, and adiponectin signaling were evaluated using adiponectin peptide or AdipoRon. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) (a transcription factor for APR1) were also assessed. An oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established in primary neurons. DDAH1 was overexpressed in neurons, after which FOXO1 expression, ROS production, adiponectin resistance, and cell viability were detected. DDAH1^−/− rats showed no significant difference in adiponectin level in either plasma or brain after MCAO/R in DDAH1^+/+ rats, but downregulated APR1 expression and suppressed adiponectin signaling were observed. AdipoRon, but not adiponectin peptide, attenuated the neurological deficits and adiponectin resistance in DDAH1^−/− rats. ROS accumulation and phosphorylated FOXO1 expression also increased with DDAH1 depletion. Following DDAH1 overexpression, decreased cell viability and inhibited adiponectin signaling induced by OGD/R were alleviated in primary neurons, accompanied by reduced ROS production and phosphorylated FOXO1 expression. Our study elucidated that in IS, DDAH1 protected against adiponectin resistance in IS via the ROS/FOXO1/APR1 pathway.

The Emerging Role of Intelectin-1 in Cancer

BACKGROUND

Intelectin (ITLN) is an adipokine with two homologs-ITLN1 and ITLN2-that has various physiological functions. Studies analyzing the relationship between ITLN and cancer are focused on ITLN1; the available literature on ITLN2 and cancer is limited. This review aims to evaluate the role of ITLN1 in cancer without imposing any inclusion criteria, to examine pro- and anticancer roles for ITLN1 and to discuss whether the relationship between ITLN and cancer is mediated by obesity.

FINDINGS

Overall, ITLN1 level was highly variable in cancer patients but different from healthy individuals. Compared with control groups, patients with gastrointestinal and prostate cancer showed increased concentrations of circulating ITLN1, while patients with gynecological, breast, bladder, and renal cancer had lower ITLN1 levels. Several studies also evaluated tissue and tumor expression of ITLN1. In gastrointestinal cancer, ITLN1 was increased in tumor tissue compared with adjacent healthy tissue and elevated in the visceral adipose tissue of patients compared with controls. Consequently, the high levels of circulating ITLN1 might be determined by the tumor and by the cancer-associated weight loss in gastrointestinal cancer. ITLN1 can activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase-protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway. The improper regulation of this pathway may contribute to a series of cellular events that favor tumor development and progression. Obesity has been linked with an increased risk of developing some cancers. Indeed, low circulating ITLN1 levels may be a marker of the metabolic effects of obesity, rather than obesity per se, and might contribute to a deregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

ITLN1 could be associated with cancer formation and progression. Since circulating ITLN1 levels are highly variable and differ between cancer types, the local tumor production of ITLN1 could be more relevant in determining malignant behavior. Future research should aim to identify the source of ITLN1 variability, to understand the differences in ITLN1 between distinct tumor types, and to further explore the signaling pathways through which this adipokine influences cancer biology.

Transcriptome of visceral adipose tissue identifies an inflammation-related ceRNA network that regulates obesity

Obesity is becoming an epidemic of widespread concern, but the underlying causes remain elusive. In this study, whole transcriptome RNA sequencing revealed differential profiles of noncoding (nc) RNAs and mRNAs in visceral adipose tissue from obese (BMI > 32.5 kg/m²) and lean (BMI < 20 kg/m²) individuals, with 1920 differentially expressed genes, 1466 long noncoding (lnc) RNAs, 122 micro (mi) RNAs, and 52 circular (circ) RNAs identified. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that these ncRNAs were involved in inflammation-related pathways that included cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the tumor necrosis factor and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways. The results indicated a critical role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of obesity. The network interaction of lncRNA, circRNA, and miRNA revealed a competing endogenous (ce) RNA network that was associated with inflammation. The ceRNA network included circORC5/miR-197-5p/TNFRSF10D and circNTRK2/miR-760/LAT, which were dysregulated in obese patients. In conclusion, this whole transcriptome study provided a pool of data that will be useful for identifying biomarkers of obesity and identified an obesity-associated ceRNA network that is regulated by circORC5 and circNTRK2.

Expected and paradoxical effects of obesity on cancer treatment response

Obesity, whose prevalence is pandemic and continuing to increase, is a major preventable and modifiable risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as for cancer. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is a negative independent prognostic factor for several oncological outcomes, including overall and cancer-specific survival, for several site-specific cancers as well as for all cancers combined. Yet, a recently growing body of evidence suggests that sometimes overweight and obesity may associate with better outcomes, and that immunotherapy may show improved response among obese patients compared with patients with a normal weight. The so-called 'obesity paradox' has been reported in several advanced cancer as well as in other diseases, albeit the mechanisms behind this unexpected relationship are still not clear. Aim of this review is to explore the expected as well as the paradoxical relationship between obesity and cancer prognosis, with a particular emphasis on the effects of cancer therapies in obese people.

Redox changes in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes

"Life is an instantaneous encounter of circulating matter and flowing energy" (Jean Giaja, Serbian physiologist), is one of the most elegant definitions not only of life but the relationship of redox biology and metabolism. Their evolutionary liaison has created inseparable yet dynamic homeostasis in health, which, when disrupted, leads to disease. This interconnection is even more pertinent today, in an era of increasing metabolic diseases of epidemic proportions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Despite great advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of redox and metabolic regulation, we face significant challenges in preventing, diagnosing, and treating metabolic diseases. The etiological association and temporal overlap of these syndromes present significant challenges for the discrimination of appropriate clinical biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and outcome prediction. These multifactorial, multiorgan metabolic syndromes with complex etiopathogenic mechanisms are accompanied by disturbed redox equilibrium in target tissues and circulation. Free radicals and reactive species are considered both a causal factor and a consequence of disease status. Thus, determining the subtypes and levels of free radicals and reactive species, oxidatively damaged biomolecules (lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) and antioxidant defense components as well as redox-sensitive transcription factors and fluxes of redox-dependent metabolic pathways will help define existing and establish novel redox biomarkers for stratifying metabolic diseases. This review aims to discuss diverse redox/metabolic aspects in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, with the imperative to help establish a platform for emerging and future redox-metabolic biomarkers research in precision medicine. Future research warrants detailed investigations into the status of redox biomarkers in healthy subjects and patients, including the use of emerging 'omic' profiling technologies (e.g., redox proteomes, lipidomes, metabolomes, and transcriptomes), taking into account the influence of lifestyle (diet, physical activity, sleep, work patterns) as well as circadian ~24h fluctuations in circulatory factors and metabolites.

microRNA-377-3p downregulates the oncosuppressor T-cadherin in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death of malignant tumors worldwide. Recent studies point to a role for the adiponectin‐receptor axis in colorectal carcinogenesis, and in particular to the oncosuppressive properties of the T‐cadherin receptor. In addition, the loss of T‐cadherin expression in tumor tissues has been linked to cancer progression and attributed to aberrant methylation of its promoter. Recognizing the pivotal role of microRNAs in CRC, this study explores their possible contribution to the downregulation of T‐cadherin. A systematic bioinformatics analysis, restricted by microRNA expression data in the colon or in cultured colorectal cell lines, predicted twelve top‐ranking target miRNA sites within the 3ʹ UTR of T‐cadherin. Experimental validation analyses based on luciferase reporter constructs and miRNA mimic or miRNA inhibitor transfections toward colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines indicated that miR‐377‐3p was able to directly bind to the T‐cadherin sequence, and thus downregulating its expression. Given the oncogenic activity of miR‐377 and the oncosuppressive activity of T‐cadherin in CRC, the regulatory circuit highlighted in this study may add new insights into molecular mechanisms driving colorectal carcinogenesis, and perspectively it could be exploited to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Association between the omentin-1 gene rs2274907 A>T polymorphism and colorectal cancer in the Chinese Han population: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between the omentin-1 gene rs2274907 A>T polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

rs2274907 A>T was assessed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Plasma omentin-1 expression from 358 patients with CRC and 286 healthy controls was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CRC and control groups were divided into subgroups according to the body mass index (BMI) threshold of 25 kg/m².

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between CRC and control groups in terms of genotype or allele frequencies of rs2274907 A>T. Compared with individuals with BMI <25 kg/m² and the rs2274907 TT genotype, those with AA+AT genotypes and BMI ≥25 kg/m² had a 3.027-fold increased risk of CRC. A significant tendency toward a higher stage of colorectal adenocarcinomas and depth of invasion was observed in individuals with the rs2274907 AA genotype compared with other genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The omentin-1 gene rs2274907 A>T polymorphism does not seem to play a critical role in the development of CRC in the Chinese Han population, but an interaction between the rs2274907 A allele and BMI may increase the CRC risk. The rs2274907 AA genotype is a potential biomarker for CRC stage progression.

Glycosyltransferase B4GALNT2 as a Predictor of Good Prognosis in Colon Cancer: Lessons from Databases

BACKGROUND

glycosyltransferase B4GALNT2 and its cognate carbohydrate antigen Sd^a are highly expressed in normal colon but strongly downregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We previously showed that CRC patients expressing higher B4GALNT2 mRNA levels displayed longer survival. Forced B4GALNT2 expression reduced the malignancy and stemness of colon cancer cells.

METHODS

Kaplan-Meier survival curves were determined in "The Cancer Genome Atlas" (TCGA) COAD cohort for several glycosyltransferases, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. Whole expression data of coding genes as well as miRNA and methylation data for B4GALNT2 were downloaded from TCGA.

RESULTS

the prognostic potential of B4GALNT2 was the best among the glycosyltransferases tested and better than that of many oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; high B4GALNT2 expression was associated with a lower malignancy gene expression profile; differential methylation of an intronic B4GALNT2 gene position and miR-204-5p expression play major roles in B4GALNT2 regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

high B4GALNT2 expression is a strong predictor of good prognosis in CRC as a part of a wider molecular signature that includes ZG16, ITLN1, BEST2, and GUCA2B. Differential DNA methylation and miRNA expression contribute to regulating B4GALNT2 expression during colorectal carcinogenesis.

Identification and development of a novel invasion-related gene signature for prognosis prediction in colon adenocarcinoma

The overall survival of metastatic colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains poor, so it is important to explore the mechanisms of metastasis and invasion. This study aimed to identify invasion-related genetic markers for prognosis prediction in patients with COAD. Three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, and C3) were obtained based on 97 metastasis-related genes in 365 COAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 983 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the different subtypes by using the limma package. A 6-gene signature (ITLN1, HOXD9, TSPAN11, GPRC5B, TIMP1, and CXCL13) was constructed via Lasso-Cox analysis. The signature showed strong robustness and could be used in the training, testing, and external validation (GSE17537) cohorts with stable predictive efficiency. Compared with other published signatures, our model showed better performance in predicting outcomes. Pan-cancer expression analysis results showed that ITLN1, TSPAN11, CXCL13, and GPRC5B were downregulated and TIMP1 was upregulated in most tumor samples, including COAD, which was consistent with the results of the TCGA and GEO cohorts. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to validate protein expression. Tumor immune infiltration analysis results showed that TSPAN11, GPRC5B, TIMP1, and CXCL13 protein levels were significantly positively correlated with CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Further, the TIMP1 and CXCL13 proteins were significantly related to the tumor immune infiltration of CD8+ T cells. We recommend using our signature as a molecular prognostic classifier to assess the prognostic risk of patients with COAD.

Preparation and characterization of PEGylated liposomal Doxorubicin targeted with leptin-derived peptide and evaluation of their anti-tumor effects, in vitro and in vivo in mice bearing C26 colon carcinoma

Employing targeting ligands on the surface of liposomes has the great potential to improve therapeutic efficacy and decreases off-target effects of liposomal formulations. In the present study, a leptin-derived peptide (Lp31) was evaluated to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated liposomal Doxorubicin (PLD, Caelyx®). Leptin is an appetite regulatory hormone that is secreted into the blood circulation by the adipose tissue and it functions via its over expressed receptors (Ob-R) in a wide variety of cancers. Lp31, as targeting ligand, was conjugated to Maleimide-PEG2000-DSPE and then post-inserted into Caelyx. The anti-tumor activity and therapeutic efficacy of leptin modified Caelyx were evaluated and compared with Caelyx. The in vitro experiments demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of Lp31-targeted Caelyx in C26 cell line compared to Caelyx. In BALB/c mice bearing C-26 murine carcinoma, Lp31 modified Caelyx groups exhibited significantly higher doxorubicin concentration at tumor tissue. Furthermore, Lp31 modified Caelyx at the dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition and enhanced survival time compared to Caelyx. According to these results, the novel Lp31-liposomal doxorubicin offers great promise for the treatment of colon cancer and merits further investigation.

MicroRNA-Assisted Hormone Cell Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Resistance

Despite substantial progress in cancer therapy, colorectal cancer (CRC) is still the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide, mainly due to the acquisition of resistance and disease recurrence in patients. Growing evidence indicates that deregulation of hormone signaling pathways and their cross-talk with other signaling cascades inside CRC cells may have an impact on therapy resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small conserved non-coding RNAs thatfunction as negative regulators in many gene expression processes. Key studies have identified miRNA alterations in cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview and assessment of miRNAs role in hormone signaling pathways in CRC drug resistance and their potential as future targets for overcoming resistance to treatment.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer: A Current Overview with Emphasis on the Role of the Associated Genes Products

Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer (CA-CRC) is one of the most severe complications of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and constitutes the cause of death in 10-15% of patients. The risk ratio for carcinogenesis depends on numerous factors, such as the extent of intestinal inflammatory lesions and the duration of the disease. CA-CRC is a major problem of today's gastroenterology and colorectal surgery due to the fact that the incidence and prevalence of IBD are increasing. In this review, we discussed the current state of knowledge regarding genetic differences between sporadic CRC and CA-CRC, especially pertaining to the chromosomal instability mechanism (CIN). In order to explain CA-CRC molecular basis, we have analyzed the data from studies regarding the correlations between CA-CRC and the presence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Further focus on the role of associated proteins has emphasized the role of NF-κB signaling as the main link between inflammation and carcinogenesis during the course of IBD.

Integrative Gene Expression Profiling Analysis to Investigate Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND Despite noteworthy advancements in the multidisciplinary treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and deeper understanding in the molecular mechanisms of CRC, many of CRC patients with histologically identical tumors present different treatment response and prognosis. Thus, more evidence on novel predictive and prognostic biomarkers for CRC remains urgently needed. This study aims to identify potential prognostic biomarkers for CRC with integrative gene expression profiling analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Differential expression analysis of paired CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples in 6 microarray datasets was independently performed, and the 6 datasets were integrated by the robust rank aggregation method to detect consistent differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Aberrant expression patterns of these genes were further validated in RNA sequencing data. Then, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate significantly dysregulated biological functions in CRC. Finally, univariate, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression models were built to identify key prognostic genes in CRC patients. RESULTS A total of 990 DEGs (495 downregulated and 495 upregulated genes) were acquired after integratedly analyzing the 6 microarray datasets, and 4131 DEGs (2050 downregulated and 2081 upregulated genes) were obtained from the RNA sequencing dataset. Subsequently, these DEGs were intersected and 885 consistent DEGs were finally identified, including 458 downregulated and 427 upregulated genes. Two risky prognostic genes (TIMP1 and LZTS3) and 5 protective prognostic genes (AXIN2, CXCL1, ITLN1, CPT2 and CLDN23) were identified, which were significantly associated with the prognosis of CRC. CONCLUSIONS The 7 genes that we identified would provide more evidence for further applying novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in clinical practice to facilitate personalized treatment of CRC.

Autocrine action of adipokine omentin-1 in the SW480 colon cancer cell line

Omentin-1, a 34-kDa protein, has been demonstrated to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Epidemiological and clinical studies have indicated that the levels of circulating omentin-1 are significantly increased in patients with CRC, but the cause of the high omentin-1 levels and whether CRC cells express this adipokine have not been determined. In the present study, human colorectal carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues were collected from 24 patients with CRC. In addition, SW480 and HCT116 colon cancer cells were cultured in vitro. The expression and localization of omentin-1 protein in human CRC and para-carcinoma tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of omentin-1 in human CRC and para-carcinoma tissues were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting, respectively. In addition, omentin-1 mRNA expression levels in SW480 and HCT116 cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. Since SW480 cells exhibited higher omentin-1 mRNA levels compared with those of HCT116 cells, SW480 cells were selected for further experiments. The expression of omentin-1 protein in the supernatant and lysate of SW480 cells obtained at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h was determined by ELISA. The immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that the positive expression of omentin-1 protein was mainly located in the cytoplasm of cancer cells in human CRC tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of omentin-1 in the CRC tissues were higher compared with those in para-carcinoma tissues. The expression levels of omentin-1 were detected in the cell lysate and supernatant of SW480 cells; the expression level of omentin-1 protein in the cell lysate was higher compared with that in the supernatant. These results indicated that SW480 cells secret and express the adipokine omentin-1 endogenously. Omentin-1 may serve its potential carcinogenetic role in CRC through endocrine, autocrine and paracrine pathways.

Effects of high-fat diet-induced adipokines and cytokines on colorectal cancer development

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common tumor worldwide, and recent epidemiological studies have indicated that obesity contributes to the morbidity and mortality of CRC. Furthermore, obesity‐related adipokines have been shown to be closely related to the incidence of CRC, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of high‐fat diet‐induced adipokines and cytokines on the development of CRC in vitro and in vivo. For the in vivo assays, we divided 2‐week‐old C57BL/6J‐ApcMin/J male mice into three groups: normal‐fat diet (ND), high‐fat and high‐sugar feed (HFHS), and high‐fat and low‐sugar feed (HFLS). After 1 week, all mice were injected with 20 mg·kg⁻¹ 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine once weekly for 10 consecutive weeks. Body weight, liver weight, epididymal fat weight and blood glucose levels were greatly increased in HFHS and HFLS groups compared with the ND group, and the expression levels of some adipokines and cytokines were obviously higher in HFHS or HFLS mice compared with ND mice. For the in vitro assays, HCT116 CRC cells were treated with sera of ND, HFHS or HFLS groups, or serum‐free media as a negative control. We observed that sera derived from HFHS or HFLS mice that contain excess adipokines and cytokines promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCT116 cells compared with the ND sera‐conditioned medium or serum‐free medium group. Therefore, high‐fat diet‐induced adipokines and cytokines may promote the progression of CRC in vivo and in vitro.

We investigated the effects of high‐fat diet‐induced adipokines and cytokines in the development of colorectal cancer. Some adipokines and cytokines were obviously higher in obese mice than in normal mice. Obesity‐induced adipokines and cytokines promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCT116 cells. Therefore, high‐fat diet‐induced adipokines and cytokines may accelerate the progression of colorectal cancer.

Relationship between Barrett's esophagus and colonic diseases: a role for colonoscopy in Barrett's surveillance

BACKGROUND

Given that risk factors for Barrett's carcinogenesis are predictive, appropriate management and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus (BE) may be provided. The presence of colorectal neoplasms (CRNs) is a possible predictor of the development of BE and the progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We evaluated the relationship between BE or EAC and colonic diseases, including neoplasms and diverticulosis.

METHODS

Patients (N = 5606) who underwent both colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2016 and December 2017 at three institutions were enrolled. The relationships between the presence of colonic diseases and BE or EAC and other clinical or endoscopic predictors of the presence of BE were investigated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of BE ≥ 1 cm and ≥ 3 cm in length was 13.0% and 0.52%, respectively. BE was closely related with the presence of colorectal adenoma (48.4% vs. 37.2% in non-BE; P < 0.001), adenocarcinoma (16.6% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.001) and colonic diverticulosis (CD) (34.1% vs. 29.3%, P < 0.001). In patients with long-segment BE, CRNs (79.3%, P < 0.001) and CD (48.2%, P = 0.038) were more common. EAC patients also had a statistically significantly higher incidence of CRNs than non-BE patients (87.5% vs. 45.6%, P = 0.027). Diverticulosis at the distal colon correlated significantly with EAC and BE (50.0%, P = 0.010 and 15.4%, P = 0.024, vs. 12.0% in non-BE). Multivariate analysis showed that CRNs (t = 8.55, P < 0.001), reflux esophagitis (t = 5.26, P < 0.001) and hiatal hernia (t = 11.68, P < 0.001) were predictors of BE.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of CRNs was strongly associated with BE and EAC. Therefore, colonoscopy may be useful for establishing a strategy for the surveillance of BE.

The prediction of colorectal cancer using anthropometric measures: A Swedish population-based cohort study with 22 years of follow-up

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

The objective of this article is to investigate whether anthropometric measures reflecting visceral obesity are better predictors of CRC than body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Data were analysed from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study in Sweden, comprising 16,669 women and 10,805 men (median age 56.6 and 59.1 years) followed for a median 21.5 years. Diagnoses of CRC were identified using Swedish national registers. Cox regression was used to test the associations of BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip-to-height ratio, A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and percentage body fat with the development of CRC adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, smoking, education and physical activity in men and women.

Results

None of the measures were significantly associated with an increased risk for CRC in women. WC was the strongest predictor of colon cancer (CC) in men and the only measure that was independent of BMI. ABSI was the only measure significantly associated with the risk of rectal cancer in men.

Conclusions

Visceral obesity, best expressed as WC, is a risk factor for CC in men but a poor predictive marker for CRC in women.

The association between Chinese patients' elevated omentin-1 levels, their clinicopathological features, and the risk of colorectal cancer

To investigate the association between plasma omentin-1 levels and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the pathological changes of CRC, a total of 358 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients were included in the experience group, and 286 people were included in the control group. Their levels of omentin-1, adiponectin, visfatin, leptin, and their anthropometric and metabolic parameters were determined, and we analyzed the tertile distributions in the control group, according to the different levels: low, medium, and high. The results showed that the omentin-1 levels in patients with CRC were higher than the levels in the controls [(67.28 ± 32.25) vs (33.16 ± 19.93) ng/mL, P = 0.005]. The patients with the highest concentration of omentin-1 presented significantly higher odds for CRC, adjusted for potential confounding factors for CRC (odds ratio: 5.76; 95% CI 1.81-8.95; P = 0.001). The plasma omentin-1 level in CRC yielded a receiver operating characteristic curve area of 88.4%. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were 81.2% and 69.8% in discriminating CRC from the normal control. A high omentin-1 level was significantly associated the increasing stage of colorectal adenocarcinomas and the depth of invasion (P = 0.005, 0.026, respectively). The present study suggests an increased level of omentin-1 not only was a strong risk factor for CRC but could also represent a potential biomarker for CRC stage progression and CRC diagnosis in Chinese patients.

Correlation of computed tomography with carotid plaque transcriptomes associates calcification with lesion-stabilization

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Unstable carotid atherosclerosis causes stroke, but methods to identify patients and lesions at risk are lacking. We recently found enrichment of genes associated with calcification in carotid plaques from asymptomatic patients. Here, we hypothesized that calcification represents a stabilising feature of plaques and investigated how macro-calcification, as estimated by computed tomography (CT), correlates with gene expression profiles in lesions.

METHODS

Plaque calcification was measured in pre-operative CT angiographies. Plaques were sorted into high- and low-calcified, profiled with microarrays, followed by bioinformatic analyses. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were performed to evaluate the findings in plaques and arteries with medial calcification from chronic kidney disease patients.

RESULTS

Smooth muscle cell (SMC) markers were upregulated in high-calcified plaques and calcified plaques from symptomatic patients, whereas macrophage markers were downregulated. The most enriched processes in high-calcified plaques were related to SMCs and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, while inflammation, lipid transport and chemokine signaling were repressed. These findings were confirmed in arteries with high medial calcification. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) was identified as the most upregulated gene in association with plaque calcification and found in the ECM, SMA+ and CD68+/TRAP + cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Macro-calcification in carotid lesions correlated with a transcriptional profile typical for stable plaques, with altered SMC phenotype and ECM composition and repressed inflammation. PRG4, previously not described in atherosclerosis, was enriched in the calcified ECM and localized to activated macrophages and smooth muscle-like cells. This study strengthens the notion that assessment of calcification may aid evaluation of plaque phenotype and stroke risk.

[Role of adipose tissue in the development and progression of colorectal cancer]

The paper gives the current data available in the literature on the relationship and pathogenetic mechanisms of influence of adipose tissue on colorectal carcinogenesis. It considers the aspects of changes in adipose tissue and microenvironment of the tumor itself, including those under the influence of biologically active substances secreted by adipocytes; differences in subcutaneous and visceral fat and their importance in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as the role of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Understanding these mechanisms for adipose tissue influence on CRC will assist not only in preventing this disease, but also in searching for new therapeutic targets.

The prognostic and therapeutic role of hormones in colorectal cancer: a review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest cancers in Western society with a poor prognosis in patients with advanced disease. Targeted therapy is of increasing interest and already, targeted hormone treatment for breast and prostate cancer has improved survival. The aim of this literature review is to summarise the role of hormones in CRC prognosis and treatment. A literature review of all human and animal in vivo and in vitro studies in the last 20 years, which assessed the role of hormones in CRC treatment or prognosis, was carried out. The hormones described in this review have been subdivided according to their secretion origin. Most of the studies are based on in vitro or animal models. The main findings point to adipokines, insulin and the insulin growth factor axis as key players in the link between obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and a subset of CRC. Gut-derived hormones, especially uroguanylin and guanylin are being increasingly investigated as therapeutic targets, with promising results. Using hormones as prognostic and therapeutic markers in CRC is still in the preliminary stages for only a fraction of the hormones affecting the GIT. In light of the increasing interest in tailoring treatment strategies, hormones are an important area of focus in the future of CRC management.

Zebrafish intelectin 1 (zITLN1) plays a role in the innate immune response

Intelectin displays carbohydrate binding capacity and has been demonstrated to agglutinate bacteria, suggesting its role in innate immunity. It has also been linked to many pathogenic conditions in human. After reporting two amphioxus orthologs and the zebrafish intelectin 2 (zITLN2), here we cloned and characterized zebrafish intelectin 1 (zITLN1). Like zITLN2, zITLN1 also contains a conserved fibrinogen-related domain (FReD) and a unique intelectin domain (ITLN-D), expresses in all the tissues tested, with the highest level in intestine, and responds to bacterial challenge in acute phase. We also expressed zITLN1 in E. coli system, and purified recombinant zITLN1 could agglutinate both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in a calcium dependent manner. Its ability to agglutinate Gram-positive bacteria is stronger than that to Gram-negative bacteria whereas zITLN2 did not show such preference. This is probably due to the fact that recombinant zITLN1 could bind peptidoglycan (PGN) with a higher degree to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our results of zITLN1 provided new insight into the evolution and function of the intelectin family.

Classic and Novel Adipocytokines at the Intersection of Obesity and Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we investigate the role of classic and novel adipocytokines in cancer pathogenesis synopsizing the mechanisms underlying the association between adipocytokines and malignancy. Special emphasis is given on novel adipocytokines as new evidence is emerging regarding their entanglement in neoplastic development.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data have emphasized the role of the triad of overweight/obesity, insulin resistance and adipocytokines in cancer. In the setting of obesity, classic and novel adipocytokines present independent and joint effects on activation of major intracellular signaling pathways implicated in cell proliferation, expansion, survival, adhesion, invasion, and metastasis. Until now, more than 15 adipocytokines have been associated with cancer, and this list continues to expand. While the plethora of circulating pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, such as leptin, resistin, extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase, and chemerin are elevated in malignancies, some adipocytokines such as adiponectin and omentin-1 are generally decreased in cancers and are considered protective against carcinogenesis. Elucidating the intertwining of inflammation, cellular bioenergetics, and adiposopathy is significant for the development of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies against cancer. Novel more effective and safe adipocytokine-centered therapeutic interventions may pave the way for targeted oncotherapy.

Cancerous Protein Network That Inhibits the Tumor Suppressor Function of WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase (WWOX) by Aberrantly Expressed Molecules

Recent findings indicate that the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is a tumor suppressor protein that contains two N-terminal WW domains and a central short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase domain. WWOX protein mediates multiple signaling networks that suppress carcinogenesis through binding of its first WW domain to various cancer-associated proteins, i.e., p73, AP-2γ, and others. Although the tumor suppressor property of WWOX is inarguable, WWOX is not inactivated in the manner characteristic of the canonical Knudson hypothesis. Impairment of both alleles of WWOX is thought to be a rare event, only occurring in a few cancer cell lines. How is the tumor suppressor function of WWOX impaired in cancer cells? Recent advances highlight that a small transmembrane protein possessing a PPxY motif, called TMEM207, and its relatives are aberrantly expressed in various cancer cells and hinder the tumor suppressor function of WWOX through inhibiting its WW domain. Here, we review the recent findings related to the pathobiological properties of TMEM207 and its relatives based on clinicopathological and experimental pathological studies.

LECTINS IN ANTI-CANCER STRATEGIES

The published during last few years data concerning communicative role of lectins (proteins and their complexes which recognize  carbohydrates, glycoconjugates and their patterns) in on-duty  supporting and increasing anticancer status of human immunity are  analyzed. Examples of lectin-(glycoconjugate pattern) strategies,  approaches and tactic variants in study and development of  anticancer treatments, principle variants of therapy, possible  vaccines in 35 cases of blood connected tumors (leukemia,  lymphomas, others), solid tumors (carcinomas, sarcoma, cancers of vaginal biotopes, prostate, bladder, colon, other intestinal  compartments, pancreas, liver, kidneys, others) and cancer cell lines  are described and systemized. The list of mostly used communicative lectins (pattern recognition receptors, their soluble forms, other  soluble lectins possessing specificities of importance) involving in key intercellular cascades and pathway co-functioning is presented. The  regulation of resulting expression of distinct active lectins (available and hetero/di/oligomeric forms) and their interaction to  adequate glycoconjugate patterns as well as influence distribution of  co-functioning lectins and antigens CD between populations and  subpopulations of antigen-presented cells (dendritic cells cDC, mDC,  moDC, pDC; macrophages M2 and M1), mucosal M-cells, NK-cells  play key role for choice and development of anticancer complex  procedures increasing innate and innate-coupled immune responses.  Prospects of (receptor lectin)-dependent intercellular  communications and targeting glycoconjugate constructions into  innate immunity cells for therapy of cancer and development of anticancer vaccines are evaluated and discussed.

Omentin-1 prevents inflammation-induced osteoporosis by downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines

Osteoporosis is a frequent complication of chronic inflammatory diseases and increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokines make an important contribution to bone loss by promoting bone resorption and impairing bone formation. Omentin-1 is a newly identified adipocytokine that has anti-inflammatory effects, but little is known about the role of omentin-1 in inflammatory osteoporosis. Here we generated global omentin-1 knockout (omentin-1-/-) mice and demonstrated that depletion of omentin-1 induces inflammatory bone loss-like phenotypes in mice, as defined by abnormally elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased osteoclast formation and bone tissue destruction, as well as impaired osteogenic activities. Using an inflammatory cell model induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), we determined that recombinant omentin-1 reduces the production of pro-inflammatory factors in the TNF-α-activated macrophages, and suppresses their anti-osteoblastic and pro-osteoclastic abilities. In the magnesium silicate-induced inflammatory osteoporosis mouse model, the systemic administration of adenoviral-delivered omentin-1 significantly protects from osteoporotic bone loss and inflammation. Our study suggests that omentin-1 can be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention or treatment of inflammatory bone diseases by downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines.

TMEM207 hinders the tumour suppressor function of WWOX in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The WW domain‐containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) functions as a tumour suppressor in oral carcinogenesis. As aberrant TMEM207 expression may lead to tumour progression by hampering the tumour suppressor function of WWOX in various cancers, we explored the expression and pathobiological properties of TMEM207, focusing on the WWOX‐mediated regulation of the HIF‐1α pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). TMEM207 immunoreactivity was detected in 40 of 90 OSCC samples but not in neighbouring non‐tumorous epithelial tissues. Moreover, TMEM207 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. An in situ proximal ligation assay demonstrated the colocalization of TMEM207 and WWOX in invasive OSCC cells, especially glycogen‐rich ones. Enforced expression of TMEM207 abrogated the binding of WWOX to HIF‐1α, increased HIF‐1α and GLUT‐1 expression, even under normoxic conditions, and promoted tumour growth in a xenoplant assay using SAS tongue squamous cancer cells. In contrast, TMEM207 knockdown decreased GLUT‐1 expression in two OSCC cell lines. As a whole, our findings indicate that the aberrant expression of TMEM207 contributes to tumour progression in OSCC, possibly via promoting aerobic glycolysis.

Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Cancer Progression: Novel Insights from Gut Microbiota?

Purpose of Review

Obesity is strongly associated with the development of several types of cancers. This review aims to discuss the recent key mechanisms and actors underlying the link between adipose tissue metabolism and cancer, and the unequivocal common mechanisms connecting gut microbes to adipose tissue and eventually cancer development.

Recent Findings

Complex interactions among systemic and tissue-specific pathways are suggested to link obesity and cancer, involving endocrine hormones, adipokines, fatty acids, inflammation, metabolic alterations, and hypoxia. Emerging evidence also suggests that the gut microbiota, another key environmental factor, may be considered as a converging element. Studies have shown that cancer susceptibility may be induced in germ-free mice colonized with the gut microbiota from high-fat diet-fed mice. Suggested mechanisms may involve inflammation, immunity changes, lipogenic substrates, and adipogenesis.

Summary

Cancer development is a complex process that may be under the control of previously unthought factors such as the gut microbiota. Whether specific intervention targeting the gut microbiota may reduce adipose tissue-driven cancer is an interesting strategy that remains to be proven.