Is the Response of Tumours Dependent on the Dietary Input of Some Amino Acids or Ratios among Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids? All That Glitters Is Not Gold

The Intersection of Purine and Mitochondrial Metabolism in Cancer

Nucleotides are essential to cell growth and survival, providing cells with building blocks for DNA and RNA, energy carriers, and cofactors. Mitochondria have a critical role in the production of intracellular ATP and participate in the generation of intermediates necessary for biosynthesis of macromolecules such as purines and pyrimidines. In this review, we highlight the role of purine and mitochondrial metabolism in cancer and how their intersection influences cancer progression, especially in ovarian cancer. Additionally, we address the importance of metabolic rewiring in cancer and how the evolving landscape of purine synthesis and mitochondria inhibitors can be potentially exploited for cancer treatment.

Current mechanisms in obesity and tumor progression

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hyperadiposity, as present in obesity, is a substantial threat to cancer risk and prognosis. Studies that have investigated the link between obesity and tumor progression have proposed several mechanistic frameworks, yet, these mechanisms are not fully defined. Further, a comprehensive understanding of how these various mechanisms may interact to create a dynamic disease state is lacking in the current literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent work has begun to explore not only discrete mechanisms by which obesity may promote tumor growth (for instance, metabolic and growth factor functions of insulin; inflammatory cytokines; adipokines; and others), but also how these putative tumor-promoting factors may interact.

SUMMARY

This review will highlight the present understanding of obesity, as it relates to tumor development and progression. First, we will introduce the impact of obesity in cancer within the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which will serve as a theme to frame this review. The core of this review will discuss recently proposed mechanisms that implicate obesity in tumor progression, including chronic inflammation and the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, hormones, and genetic approaches. Furthermore, we intend to offer current insight in targeting adipose tissue during the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

Effect of feed composition on the nutritional value of meat of African catfish

The article outlines the results of the research into the influence of feed composition on the amino acid value of African catfish meat. It has been shown that quality characteristics of fish meat depend on protein and fat content. It has been proved that high-protein feed ensures increase in the content of all amino acids in African catfish meat. Nevertheless, protein and fat content in the muscles of the studied fish is more than 2 times higher than the same indicator in the fish on low-protein and low-fat diet. Meat of the African catfish is rich in two amino acids – leucine and lysine. Two amino acids, tryptophan and methionine, are limitative at a high protein diet. At a lower protein diet, isoleucine amino acid is also added. The amino acid composition of African catfish meat is highest at high-protein feeds. The amino acid index of African catfish muscles at high-protein feeds is 0.48, significantly exceeding the index of fish bred on feeds with a reduced protein content. The conducted studies have shown that the use of high-protein feeds in catfish breeding stimulates protein metabolism, enriching the amino acid composition of muscle tissue and increasing the nutritional value of fish as a food product. The research has been funded by the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research, project No. 18-016-00127.