Functional Characterization of FH Mutation c.557G>A Underlies Uterine Leiomyomas

Ferroptosis: a promising target for fumarate hydratase-deficient tumor therapeutics literature review

Background and Objective

This review aims to investigate the ferroptosis mechanism of fumarate hydratase (FH)-related tumors for the purpose of possible treatment of tumors. Ferroptosis is an iron (Fe)-dependent form of regulated cell death caused by lipid peroxidation on the cell membrane. Studies have implicated FH in tumorigenesis. As mutations in the FH gene alter cellular metabolism and increase tumorigenesis risk, particularly in the kidneys. As most tumor cells require higher amounts of ferrous ions (Fe2+) than normal cells, they are more susceptible to ferroptosis. Recent studies have indicated that ferroptosis is inhibited the pathogenesis and progression of FH-deficient tumors by regulating lipid and iron metabolism, glutathione-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GSH-GPX4), nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathways. While the Fe2+ content is significantly lower in FH-deficient tumor cells, than that in normal cells. It is promising to promote ferroptosis by increasing the concentration of Fe2+ in cells to achieve the purpose of tumor treatment.

Methods

In this study, we searched for relevant articles on ferroptosis and FH-deficient tumors using PubMed database.

Key Content and Findings

FH is a tumor suppressor. A number of basic studies have shown that the loss of FH plays an important role in hereditary leiomyomas and tumors such as renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and other tumors. This type of tumor cells can through induce ferroptosis, inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells, increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy, and reverse the drug resistance through various molecular mechanisms. At present, the research on ferroptosis in FH-related tumors is still in the basic experimental stage.

Conclusions

This article reviews the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of FH and ferroptosis, in order to further explore the medical value of ferroptosis in FH-related tumor therapy.

Gene variants polymorphisms and uterine leiomyoma: an updated review

Uterine leiomyoma, commonly referred to as fibroids, is a benign tumor that develops in the muscular wall of the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous and can vary in size, ranging from tiny nodules to larger masses. Uterine leiomyomas often occur during a woman's reproductive years and can lead to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on nearby organs. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal factors, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are believed to play a role in their development. The exploration of connections between genetic variants and uterine leiomyoma has captivated scientific attention for numerous years. The results from investigations remain a subject of intrigue within the scientific community. To date, the findings regarding the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and uterine leiomyoma have exhibited some inconsistencies. However, amidst these inconsistencies, several promising outcomes have emerged that hold the potential to shape future research endeavors. These promising leads could pave the way for the development of innovative targeted therapies and novel prognostic biomarkers. This review specifically centers on accentuating the existing literature data concerning genetic variants that have been explored for their potential connections to uterine leiomyoma. Additionally, it underscores the prospects of employing genetic variations as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for individuals diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Uterine Fibroids: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications

In the last few decades, our understanding of the complex pathobiology of uterine fibroid development has grown. While previously believed to be a purely neoplastic entity, we now understand that uterine fibroids possess different and equally important aspects of their genesis. An increasing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress, the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is an important factor in fibroid development. Oxidative stress is controlled by multiple, interconnecting cascades, including angiogenesis, hypoxia, and dietary factors. Oxidative stress in turn influences fibroid development through genetic, epigenetic, and profibrotic mechanisms. This unique aspect of fibroid pathobiology has introduced several clinical implications, both diagnostic and therapeutic, that can aid us in managing these debilitating tumors by using biomarkers as well as dietary and pharmaceutical antioxidants for diagnosis and treatment. This review strives to summarize and add to the current evidence revealing the relationship between oxidative stress and uterine fibroids by elucidating the proposed mechanisms and clinical implications.