ROS and miRNA Dysregulation in Ovarian Cancer Development, Angiogenesis and Therapeutic Resistance

ROS: A "booster" for chronic inflammation and tumor metastasis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a group of highly active molecules produced by normal cellular metabolism and play a crucial role in the human body. In recent years, researchers have increasingly discovered that ROS plays a vital role in the progression of chronic inflammation and tumor metastasis. The inflammatory tumor microenvironment established by chronic inflammation can induce ROS production through inflammatory cells. ROS can then directly damage DNA or indirectly activate cellular signaling pathways to promote tumor metastasis and development, including breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and so on. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between ROS, chronic inflammation, and tumor metastasis, explaining how chronic inflammation can induce tumor metastasis and how ROS can contribute to the evolution of chronic inflammation toward tumor metastasis. Interestingly, ROS can have a "double-edged sword" effect, promoting tumor metastasis in some cases and inhibiting it in others. This article also highlights the potential applications of ROS in inhibiting tumor metastasis and enhancing the precision of tumor-targeted therapy. Combining ROS with nanomaterials strategies may be a promising approach to enhance the efficacy of tumor treatment.

Cucurbitacin E elicits apoptosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing reactive oxygen species-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a prevalent head and neck neoplasm with escalating global morbidity and mortality rates. Despite the increasing burden of LSCC, the drugs currently approved for its treatment are limited. Therefore, it is necessary to identify novel and promising drugs that target LSCC. Cucurbitacin E (CuE) is a naturally oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid that suppresses several cancers. However, its anti-LSCC activity and the molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study explored its impact on LSCC, revealing cell viability attenuation and apoptosis enhancement in vitro. Further investigations indicated that CuE significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby promoting cytochrome c release, increasing cleaved-Caspase 3 and cleaved-PARP levels, and triggering mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Concurrently, exposure of LSCC cells to CuE enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mobilized the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/initiation factor 2a/ATF4/C-EBP homologous protein pathway, and induced LSCC cell apoptosis. Finally, CuE markedly elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. When ROS were eliminated with N-acetylcysteine, CuE-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, and cell apoptosis were nearly abolished. Similar outcomes were observed in murine LSCC models. Together, these results highlight that CuE suppresses proliferation while triggering apoptosis in LSCC cells via ROS-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction and the ER stress pathway. Hence, CuE may serve as a promising candidate for LCSS treatment.

CRABP2 reduces the sensitivity of Olaparib in ovarian cancer by downregulating Caspase-8 and decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species

Poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, such as Olaparib, have been pivotal in treating BRCA-deficient ovarian cancer. However, their efficacy is limited in over 40% of BRCA-deficient patients, with acquired resistance posing new clinical challenges. To address this, we employed bioinformatics methods to identify key genes impacting Olaparib sensitivity in ovarian cancer. Through comprehensive analysis of public databases including GEO, CPTAC, Kaplan Meier Plotter, and CCLE, we identified CRABP2 as significantly upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in ovarian cancer, correlating with poor prognosis and decreased Olaparib sensitivity. Using colony formation and CCK-8 assays, we confirmed that CRABP2 knockdown in OVCAR3 and TOV112D cells enhanced sensitivity to Olaparib. Additionally, 4D label-free quantitative proteomics analysis, GSEA, and GO/KEGG analysis revealed CRABP2's involvement in regulating oxidation signals. Flow cytometry, colony formation assays, and western blotting demonstrated that CRABP2 knockdown promoted ROS production by activating Caspase-8, thereby augmenting Olaparib sensitivity and inhibiting ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, in xenograft models, CRABP2 knockdown significantly suppressed tumorigenesis and enhanced Olaparib sensitivity, with the effect being reversed upon Caspase-8 knockdown. These findings suggest that CRABP2 may modulate Olaparib sensitivity in ovarian cancer through the Caspase-8/ROS axis, highlighting its potential as a target for Olaparib sensitization.

Research progress in endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer

Endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) is a unique subtype of ovarian malignant tumor originating from endometriosis (EMS) malignant transformation, which has gradually become one of the hot topics in clinical and basic research in recent years. According to clinicopathological and epidemiological findings, precancerous lesions of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (OEC) are considered as EMS. Given the large number of patients with endometriosis and its long time window for malignant transformation, sufficient attention should be paid to EAOC. At present, the pathogenesis of EAOC has not been clarified, no reliable biomarkers have been found in the diagnosis, and there is still a lack of basis and targets for stratified management and precise treatment in the treatment. At the same time, due to the long medical history of patients, the fast growth rate of cancer cells, and the possibility of eliminating the earliest endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, it is difficult to find the corresponding histological evidence. As a result, few patients are finally diagnosed with EAOC, which increases the difficulty of in-depth study of EAOC. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical diagnosis, new treatment strategies and prognosis of endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, and prospects the future direction of basic research and clinical transformation, in order to achieve stratified management and personalized treatment of ovarian cancer patients.

Spotlight on New Hallmarks of Drug-Resistance towards Personalized Care for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological malignancy worldwide. Despite the latest advances, a major clinical issue in EOC is the disappointing prognosis related to chemoresistance in almost one-third of cases. Drug resistance relies on heterogeneous cancer stem cells (CSCs), endowed with tumor-initiating potential, leading to relapse. No biomarkers of chemoresistance have been validated yet. Recently, major signaling pathways, micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs), and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been advocated as putative biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for drug resistance. However, further investigation is mandatory before their routine implementation. In accordance with the increasing rate of therapeutic efforts in EOC, the need for biomarker-driven personalized therapies is growing. This review aims to discuss the emerging hallmarks of drug resistance with an in-depth insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms lacking so far. Finally, a glimpse of novel therapeutic avenues and future challenges will be provided.

CD62E- and ROS-Responsive ETS Improves Cartilage Repair by Inhibiting Endothelial Cell Activation through OPA1-Mediated Mitochondrial Homeostasis

Background: In the environment of cartilage injury, the activation of vascular endothelial cell (VEC), marked with excessive CD62E and reactive oxygen species (ROS), can affect the formation of hyaluronic cartilage. Therefore, we developed a CD62E- and ROS-responsive drug delivery system using E-selectin binding peptide, Thioketal, and silk fibroin (ETS) to achieve targeted delivery and controlled release of Clematis triterpenoid saponins (CS) against activated VEC, and thus promote cartilage regeneration. Methods: We prepared and characterized ETS/CS and verified their CD62E- and ROS-responsive properties in vitro. We investigated the effect and underlying mechanism of ETS/CS on inhibiting VEC activation and promoting chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). We also analyzed the effect of ETS/CS on suppressing the activated VEC-macrophage inflammatory cascade in vitro. Additionally, we constructed a rat knee cartilage defect model and administered ETS/CS combined with BMSC-containing hydrogels. We detected the cartilage differentiation, the level of VEC activation and macrophage in the new tissue, and synovial tissue. Results: ETS/CS was able to interact with VEC and inhibit VEC activation through the carried CS. Coculture experiments verified ETS/CS promoted chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by inhibiting the activated VEC-induced inflammatory cascade of macrophages via OPA1-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis. In the rat knee cartilage defect model, ETS/CS reduced VEC activation, migration, angiogenesis in new tissues, inhibited macrophage infiltration and inflammation, promoted chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs in the defective areas. Conclusions: CD62E- and ROS-responsive ETS/CS promoted cartilage repair by inhibiting VEC activation and macrophage inflammation and promoting BMSC chondrogenesis. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic strategy to promote articular cartilage repair.

Aberrant miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p expression in the peripheral blood samples of BRCA1/2 (±) ovarian cancer patients

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks as the eighth most prevalent malignancy among women globally. The short non-coding RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) target multiple mRNAs and regulate the gene expression. Here in this study, we aimed to validate miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p as novel biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic factor OC. After RNA isolation, we analyzed the miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p expression in peripheral blood samples derived from 150 OC patients. Subsequently, we compared their expression levels with 100 healthy controls. The differences of miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p expression were detected using the Quantitative Real Time-PCR (qRT-PCR) technique following miRNA-specific cDNA synthesis pursing miRNA separation. The miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p were higher in OC patients who tested positive for BRCA1/2 compared to BRCA-negative patients, and healthy cases. The level of miR-3135b demonstrated a roughly 4.82-fold increase in OC patients in comparison to the healthy cases, while miR-1273g-3p expression exhibited a roughly 6.77-fold increase. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has demonstrated the potential of miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p as markers for distinguishing between OC patients and healthy controls. The higher expressions of miR-3135b and miR-1273g-3p could be associated with OC development. Moreover, miR-3135b may have a diagnostic potential and miR-1273g-3p may have both diagnostic and prognostic potential in OC cell differentiation. The string analysis has revealed an association between miR-1273g-3p and the MDM2 gene, suggesting a potential link to tumor formation through the proteasomal degradation of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Additionally, the analysis indicates an association of miR-1273g-3p with CHEK1, a gene involved in checkpoint-mediated cell cycle arrest. String analysis also indicates that miR-3135b is associated with the MAPK1 gene, causing activation of the oncogenesis cascade. In conclusion, miR-1273g-3p, and miR-3135b exhibit significant potential as diagnostic markers. However, further research is needed to comprehensively investigate these miRNAs diagnostic and predictive characteristics in a larger cohort.

Tephrosin Suppresses the Chemoresistance of Paclitaxel-Resistant Ovarian Cancer via Inhibition of FGFR1 Signaling Pathway

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecologic cancers. Paclitaxel is used as a standard first-line therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer. However, chemotherapeutic resistance and high recurrence rates are major obstacles to treating ovarian cancer. We have found that tephrosin, a natural rotenoid isoflavonoid, can resensitize paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. Cell viability, immunoblotting, and a flow cytometric analysis showed that a combination treatment made up of paclitaxel and tephrosin induced apoptotic death. Tephrosin inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT, STAT3, ERK, and p38 MAPK, all of which simultaneously play important roles in survival signaling pathways. Notably, tephrosin downregulated the phosphorylation of FGFR1 and its specific adapter protein FRS2, but it had no effect on the phosphorylation of the EGFR. Immunoblotting and a fluo-3 acetoxymethyl assay showed that tephrosin did not affect the expression or function of P-glycoprotein. Additionally, treatment with N-acetylcysteine did not restore cell cytotoxicity caused by a treatment combination made up of paclitaxel and tephrosin, showing that tephrosin did not affect the reactive oxygen species scavenging pathway. Interestingly, tephrosin reduced the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor XIAP. This study demonstrates that tephrosin is a potent antitumor agent that can be used in the treatment of paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer via the inhibition of the FGFR1 signaling pathway.

Nrf3 alleviates oxidative stress and promotes the survival of colon cancer cells by activating AKT/BCL-2 signal pathway

Oxidative stress is closely linked to tumor initiation and development, conferring a survival advantage to cancer cells. Therefore, understanding cancer cells' antioxidant molecular mechanisms is crucial to cancer therapy. In this study, we discovered that H2O2-induced oxidative stress increased Nrf3 expression in colon cancer cells. Overexpression of Nrf3 decreased H2O2-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Furthermore, Nrf3 reduced reactive oxygen species levels and malondialdehyde concentrations after H2O2 treatment. Mechanistically, H2O2-mediated cell apoptosis involves multiple signaling proteins, including Akt, bcl-2, JNK, and p38. An increase in Nrf3 expression in colon cancer cells treated with H2O2 partly reversed Akt/Bcl-2 inhibition, whereas it decreased activation of p38 and JNK. In addition, we found that increasing Nrf3 decreased stress-associated chemical-induced cell death, resulting in drug resistance. According to these results, Nrf3 is critical for drug resistance and oxidant adaptation.

Global Impacts of Western Diet and Its Effects on Metabolism and Health: A Narrative Review

The Western diet is a modern dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, red meat, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods, conventionally raised animal products, high-fat dairy products, and high-fructose products. The present review aims to describe the effect of the Western pattern diet on the metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status; the impact on gut microbiota and mitochondrial fitness; the effect of on cardiovascular health, mental health, and cancer; and the sanitary cost of the Western diet. To achieve this goal, a consensus critical review was conducted using primary sources, such as scientific articles, and secondary sources, including bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Sports Discuss, ResearchGate, and the Web of Science were used to complete the assignment. MeSH-compliant keywords such "Western diet", "inflammation", "metabolic health", "metabolic fitness", "heart disease", "cancer", "oxidative stress", "mental health", and "metabolism" were used. The following exclusion criteria were applied: (i) studies with inappropriate or irrelevant topics, not germane to the review's primary focus; (ii) Ph.D. dissertations, proceedings of conferences, and unpublished studies. This information will allow for a better comprehension of this nutritional behavior and its effect on an individual's metabolism and health, as well as the impact on national sanitary systems. Finally, practical applications derived from this information are made.

Research progress on the interaction between oxidative stress and platelets: Another avenue for cancer?

Oxidative stress (OS) is a chemical imbalance between an oxidant and an antioxidant, causing damage to redox signaling and control or causing molecular damage. Unbalanced oxidative metabolism can produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). These excess ROS can cause drastic changes in platelet metabolism and further affect platelet function. It will also lead to an increase in platelet procoagulant phenotype and cell apoptosis, which will increase the risk of thrombosis. The creation of ROS and subsequent platelet activation, adhesion, and recruitment are then further encouraged in an auto-amplifying loop by ROS produced from platelets. Meanwhile, cancer cells produce a higher concentration of ROS due to their fast metabolism and high proliferation rate. However, excessive ROS can result in damage to and modification of cellular macromolecules. The formation of cancer and its progression is strongly associated with oxidative stress and the resulting oxidative damage. In addition, platelets are an important part of the tumor microenvironment, and there is a significant cross-communication between platelets and cancer cells. Cancer cells alter the activation status of platelets, their RNA spectrum, proteome, and other properties. The "cloaking" of cancer cells by platelets providing physical protection，avoiding destruction from shear stress and the attack of immune cells, promoting tumor cell invasion.We explored the vicious circle interaction between ROS, platelets, and cancer in this review, and we believe that ROS can play a stimulative role in tumor growth and metastasis through platelets.

Nuclear endonuclease G controls cell proliferation in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Platinum-based chemotherapy and some gene-targeted therapies have shown limited treatment efficacy due to toxicity and recurrence, and thus, it is essential to identify additional therapeutic targets based on an understanding of the pathological mechanism. Here, we report that endonuclease G, which exhibits altered expression in ovarian cancer, does not function as a cell death effector that digests chromosomal DNA in ovarian cancer. Endonuclease G is modulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species dynamics and plays a role in cell proliferation in ovarian cancer, suggesting that targeting endonuclease G alone or in combination with other antitumor agents may have the potential for development into a treatment for endonuclease G-overexpressing cancers, including ovarian cancer.

An overview of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning against ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) has become the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the prevention of IS should be given high priority. Recent studies have indicated that hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC) may be a protective nonpharmacological method, but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. This study comprehensively reviewed the pathophysiology of IS and revealed the underlying mechanism of HBO-PC in protection against IS. The preventive effects of HBO-PC against IS may include inducing antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis capacity; activating autophagy and immune responses; upregulating heat shock proteins, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and erythropoietin; and exerting protective effects upon the blood-brain barrier. In addition, HBO-PC may be considered a safe and effective method to prevent IS in combination with stem cell therapy. Although the benefits of HBO-PC on IS have been widely observed in recent research, the implementation of this technique is still controversial due to regimen differences. Transferring the results to clinical application needs to be taken carefully, and screening for the optimal regimen would be a daunting task. In addition, whether we should prescribe an individualized preconditioning regimen to each stroke patient needs further exploration.

Prognostic Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Correlation with Oxidative Stress Markers in Locally Advanced and Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in tumor progression in ovarian cancer, but the complex mechanism and interaction with oxidative stress are not fully understood.

METHODS

A prospective study included 52 patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma stage IIIA-IV. Serum VEGF and reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as malondialdehyde and ceruloplasmin were measured.

RESULTS

VEGF levels were elevated (mean 1014.7 ± 165 pg/mL), especially in patients with macroscopic residual disease (1058 vs. 810 pg/mL, p = 0.0001). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6 and 40 months in patients with a very high VEGF (over 1200 pg/mL), 11 and 48 months in patients with VEGF between 1000-1200 pg/mL, 18 and 84 months in patients with VEGF between 800-1000 pg/mL, and not reached in patients with normal VEGF. Increased VEGF values were associated with a 2.6-fold increased risk of disease progression (HR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.69-3.99), and a 1.4-fold increased risk of death (HR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.15-1.91, p = 0.002). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate VEGF as a prognostic factor and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.814, p = 0.036 for PFS and 0.729, p = 0.043, for OS. There was a positive correlation between VEGF and malondialdehyde, Pearson coefficient of 0.35, p = 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF and malondialdehyde are important prognostic markers in ovarian cancer, especially in macroscopic residual disease, and there is a positive correlation between angiogenesis and oxidative stress.

Molecular mechanisms behind ROS regulation in cancer: A balancing act between augmented tumorigenesis and cell apoptosis

ROS include hydroxyl radicals (HO^.), superoxide (O₂^..), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). ROS are typically produced under physiological conditions and play crucial roles in living organisms. It is known that ROS, which are created spontaneously by cells through aerobic metabolism in mitochondria, can have either a beneficial or detrimental influence on biological systems. Moderate levels of ROS can cause oxidative damage to proteins, DNA and lipids, which can aid in the pathogenesis of many disorders, including cancer. However, excessive concentrations of ROS can initiate programmed cell death in cancer. Presently, a variety of chemotherapeutic drugs and herbal agents are being investigated to induce ROS-mediated cell death in cancer. Therefore, preserving ROS homeostasis is essential for ensuring normal cell development and survival. On account of a significant association of ROS levels at various concentrations with carcinogenesis in a number of malignancies, further studies are needed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms and develop the possibilities for intervening in these processes.

Research progress on anti-ovarian cancer mechanism of miRNA regulating tumor microenvironment

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly malignancy among women, but its complex pathogenesis is unknown. Most patients with ovarian cancer have a poor prognosis due to high recurrence rates and chemotherapy resistance as well as the lack of effective early diagnostic methods. The tumor microenvironment mainly includes extracellular matrix, CAFs, tumor angiogenesis and immune-associated cells. The interaction between tumor cells and TME plays a key role in tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and treatment, affecting tumor progression. Therefore, it is significant to find new tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes and affect a variety of biological processes. Studies have shown that miRNAs regulate tumor development by affecting TME. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which miRNAs affect ovarian cancer by regulating TME and highlight the key role of miRNAs in TME, which provides new targets and theoretical basis for ovarian cancer treatment.