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Jasmine F, Argos M, Khamkevych Y, Islam T, Rakibuz-Zaman M, Shahriar M, Shea CR, Ahsan H, Kibriya MG. Molecular Profiling and the Interaction of Somatic Mutations with Transcriptomic Profiles in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) in a Population Exposed to Arsenic. Cells 2024; 13:1056. [PMID: 38920684 PMCID: PMC11201393 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121056] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to inorganic arsenic (As) is recognized as a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We followed up with 7000 adults for 6 years who were exposed to As. During follow-up, 2.2% of the males and 1.3% of the females developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC), while 0.4% of the male and 0.2% of the female participants developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using a panel of more than 400 cancer-related genes, we detected somatic mutations (SMs) in the first 32 NMSC samples (BCC = 26 and SCC = 6) by comparing paired (tissue-blood) samples from the same individual and then comparing them to the SM in healthy skin tissue from 16 participants. We identified (a) a list of NMSC-associated SMs, (b) SMs present in both NMSC and healthy skin, and (c) SMs found only in healthy skin. We also demonstrate that the presence of non-synonymous SMs in the top mutated genes (like PTCH1, NOTCH1, SYNE1, PKHD1 in BCC and TP53 in SCC) significantly affects the magnitude of differential expressions of major genes and gene pathways (basal cell carcinoma pathways, NOTCH signaling, IL-17 signaling, p53 signaling, Wnt signaling pathway). These findings may help select groups of patients for targeted therapy, like hedgehog signaling inhibitors, IL17 inhibitors, etc., in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Jasmine
- Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (F.J.)
| | - Maria Argos
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Global Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yuliia Khamkevych
- Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (F.J.)
| | - Tariqul Islam
- UChicago Research Bangladesh (URB), University of Chicago, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Shahriar
- Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (F.J.)
| | - Christopher R. Shea
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Habibul Ahsan
- Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (F.J.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Science Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Muhammad G. Kibriya
- Institute for Population and Precision Health (IPPH), University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (F.J.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Biological Science Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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2
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Gattuso G, Lavoro A, Caltabiano R, Madonna G, Capone M, Ascierto PA, Falzone L, Libra M, Candido S. Methylation‑sensitive restriction enzyme‑droplet digital PCR assay for the one‑step highly sensitive analysis of DNA methylation hotspots. Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:42. [PMID: 38488030 PMCID: PMC10998716 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that plays a key role in several cellular processes mediating the fine regulation of gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation is observed in a wide range of pathologies, including cancer. Since these DNA modifications are transferred to the cell progenies and are stable over the time, the analysis of DNA methylation status has been proposed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in cancer. Currently, DNA bisulfite conversion is the gold standard method for the high‑throughput analysis of DNA methylation alterations. However, bisulfite treatment induces DNA fragmentation affecting its quality for the downstream analyses. In this field, it is mandatory to identify novel methods to overcome the limits of conventional approaches. In the present study, the Methylation‑Sensitive Restriction Enzyme‑droplet digital PCR (MSRE‑ddPCR) assay was developed as a novel sensitive method for the analysis of DNA methylation of short genomic regions, combining the MSRE assay with the high‑sensitivity ddPCR and using an exogenous methylation sequence as control. Setup and validation experiments were performed analyzing a methylation hotspot of the Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 17 in DNA samples derived from melanoma cell lines as well as from tissues and serum samples obtained from patients with melanoma and healthy controls. Compared with the standard MSRE approaches, the MSRE‑ddPCR assay is more appropriate for the analysis of DNA methylation (methDNA) in samples with low amounts of DNA (up to 0.651 ng) showing a greater sensitivity. These findings suggested the potential clinical application of MSRE‑ddPCR paving the way to the analysis of other methDNA hotspots in different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies 'G.F. Ingrassia', University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Melanoma Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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Urzì AG, Tropea E, Gattuso G, Spoto G, Marsala G, Calina D, Libra M, Falzone L. Ketogenic Diet and Breast Cancer: Recent Findings and Therapeutic Approaches. Nutrients 2023; 15:4357. [PMID: 37892432 PMCID: PMC10609494 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), a complex disease with several influencing factors, is significantly impacted by dietary habits. The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic approach, but its effects on BC remain unclear. This review seeks to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of the KD, its metabolic influence on BC cells, and the findings of recent clinical trials, in order to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of the KD in BC management. For these purposes, a comprehensive literature review was conducted selecting preclinical and clinical studies that investigate the relationship between the KD and BC. The selection criteria prioritized studies exploring the KD's metabolic effects on BC cells and current clinical trials involving the KD in BC management. The reviewed studies provide a diverse range of findings, with some suggesting potential benefits of the KD in inhibiting tumor growth and improving treatment response. However, robust clinical trials providing clear evidence of the KD's efficacy as a standalone therapeutic approach in BC are still lacking. There are also significant concerns regarding the safety and long-term effects of sustained ketosis in cancer patients. The therapeutic potential of the KD in BC remains an area of active research and debate. While preliminary findings are promising, definitive conclusions are hindered by inconsistent results and limited human trial data. Future research, specifically well-structured, large-scale clinical trials, is necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the KD in BC treatment. Until then, caution should be exercised in its application, and patients should continue prioritizing evidence-based, standard-of-care treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfio Giuseppe Urzì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Emanuela Tropea
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Graziana Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
| | - Gabriella Marsala
- Dipartimento del Farmaco, U.O.C. di Farmaceutica Convenzionata, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.G.U.); (G.G.)
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Hussain M, Khan MA, Damaševičius R, Alasiry A, Marzougui M, Alhaisoni M, Masood A. SkinNet-INIO: Multiclass Skin Lesion Localization and Classification Using Fusion-Assisted Deep Neural Networks and Improved Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithm. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2869. [PMID: 37761236 PMCID: PMC10527569 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182869] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Using artificial intelligence (AI) with the concept of a deep learning-based automated computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system has shown improved performance for skin lesion classification. Although deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) have significantly improved many image classification tasks, it is still difficult to accurately classify skin lesions because of a lack of training data, inter-class similarity, intra-class variation, and the inability to concentrate on semantically significant lesion parts. Innovations: To address these issues, we proposed an automated deep learning and best feature selection framework for multiclass skin lesion classification in dermoscopy images. The proposed framework performs a preprocessing step at the initial step for contrast enhancement using a new technique that is based on dark channel haze and top-bottom filtering. Three pre-trained deep learning models are fine-tuned in the next step and trained using the transfer learning concept. In the fine-tuning process, we added and removed a few additional layers to lessen the parameters and later selected the hyperparameters using a genetic algorithm (GA) instead of manual assignment. The purpose of hyperparameter selection using GA is to improve the learning performance. After that, the deeper layer is selected for each network and deep features are extracted. The extracted deep features are fused using a novel serial correlation-based approach. This technique reduces the feature vector length to the serial-based approach, but there is little redundant information. We proposed an improved anti-Lion optimization algorithm for the best feature selection to address this issue. The selected features are finally classified using machine learning algorithms. Main Results: The experimental process was conducted using two publicly available datasets, ISIC2018 and ISIC2019. Employing these datasets, we obtained an accuracy of 96.1 and 99.9%, respectively. Comparison was also conducted with state-of-the-art techniques and shows the proposed framework improved accuracy. Conclusions: The proposed framework successfully enhances the contrast of the cancer region. Moreover, the selection of hyperparameters using the automated techniques improved the learning process of the proposed framework. The proposed fusion and improved version of the selection process maintains the best accuracy and shorten the computational time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Attique Khan
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut 13-5053, Lebanon
- Department of Computer Science, HITEC University, Taxila 47080, Pakistan
| | - Robertas Damaševičius
- Center of Excellence Forest 4.0, Faculty of Informatics, Kaunas University of Technology, 51368 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Areej Alasiry
- College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Mehrez Marzougui
- College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Majed Alhaisoni
- Computer Sciences Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Anum Masood
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7034 Trondheim, Norway
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5
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Gürsel Ürün Y, Budak M, Usturalı Keskin E. Methylation status, mRNA and protein expression of the SMAD4 gene in patients with non-melanocytic skin cancers. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7295-7304. [PMID: 37428273 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08656-2] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SMAD4 is a potent tumor suppressor. SMAD4 loss increases genomic instability and plays a critical role in the DNA damage response that leads to skin cancer development. We aimed to investigate SMAD4 methylation effects on mRNA and protein expression of SMAD4 in cancer and healthy tissues from patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and basosquamous skin cancer (BSC). METHODS AND RESULTS The study included 17 BCC, 24 cSCC and nine BSC patients. DNA and RNA were isolated from cancerous and healthy tissues following punch biopsy. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR methods were used to examine SMAD4 promoter methylation and SMAD4 mRNA levels, respectively. The percentage and intensity of staining of the SMAD4 protein were determined by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of SMAD4 methylation was increased in the patients with BCC (p = 0.007), cSCC (p = 0.004), and BSC (p = 0.018) compared to the healthy tissue. SMAD4 mRNA expression was decreased in the patients with BCC (p˂0.001), cSCC (p˂0.001), and BSC (p = 0.008). The staining characteristic of SMAD4 protein was negative in the cancer tissues of the patients with cSCC (p = 0.00). Lower SMAD4 mRNA levels were observed in the poorly differentiated cSCC patients (p = 0.001). The staining characteristics of the SMAD4 protein were related to age and chronic sun exposure. CONCLUSIONS Hypermethylation of SMAD4 and reduced SMAD4 mRNA expression were found to play a role in the pathogenesis of BCC, cSCC, and BSC. A decrease in SMAD4 protein expression level was observed only in cSCC patients. This suggests that epigenetic alterations to the SMAD4 gene are associated with cSCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION The name of the trial register: SMAD4 Methylation and Expression Levels in Non-melanocytic Skin Cancers; SMAD4 Protein Positivity. The registration number: NCT04759261 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT04759261 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yıldız Gürsel Ürün
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
| | - Metin Budak
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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6
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Ratan C, Arian AM, Rajendran R, Jayakumar R, Masson M, Mangalathillam S. Nano-based formulations of curcumin: elucidating the potential benefits and future prospects in skin cancer. Biomed Mater 2023; 18:052008. [PMID: 37582394 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/acf0af] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancer refers to any malignant lesions that occur in the skin and are observed predominantly in populations of European descent. Conventional treatment modalities such as excision biopsy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, electrodesiccation, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) induce several unintended side effects which affect a patient's quality of life and physical well-being. Therefore, spice-derived nutraceuticals like curcumin, which are well tolerated, less expensive, and relatively safe, have been considered a promising agent for skin cancer treatment. Curcumin, a chemical constituent extracted from the Indian spice, turmeric, and its analogues has been used in various mammalian cancers including skin cancer. Curcumin has anti-neoplastic activity by triggering the process of apoptosis and preventing the multiplication and infiltration of the cancer cells by inhibiting some signaling pathways and thus subsequently preventing the process of carcinogenesis. Curcumin is also a photosensitizer and has been used in PDT. The major limitations associated with curcumin are poor bioavailability, instability, limited permeation into the skin, and lack of solubility in water. This will constrain the use of curcumin in clinical settings. Hence, developing a proper formulation that can ideally release curcumin to its targeted site is important. So, several nanoformulations based on curcumin have been established such as nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, nanopatterned films, nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes, nanodisks, and cyclodextrins. The present review mainly focuses on curcumin and its analogues as therapeutic agents for treating different types of skin cancers. The significance of using various nanoformulations as well non-nanoformulations loaded with curcumin as an effective treatment modality for skin cancer is also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chameli Ratan
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041 Kerala, India
| | - Arya Mangalath Arian
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041 Kerala, India
| | - Rajalakshmi Rajendran
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041 Kerala, India
| | - Rangasamy Jayakumar
- Polymeric Biomaterials Lab, School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041 Kerala, India
| | - Mar Masson
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagata 53, IS-107, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Sabitha Mangalathillam
- Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041 Kerala, India
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7
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Tsatsakis A, Oikonomopoulou T, Nikolouzakis TK, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis M, Flamourakis M, Renieri E, Fragkiadaki P, Iliaki E, Bachlitzanaki M, Karzi V, Katsikantami I, Kakridonis F, Hatzidaki E, Tolia M, Svistunov AA, Spandidos DA, Nikitovic D, Tsiaoussis J, Berdiaki A. Role of telomere length in human carcinogenesis (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:78. [PMID: 37232367 PMCID: PMC10552730 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is considered the most important clinical, social and economic issue regarding cause‑specific disability‑adjusted life years among all human pathologies. Exogenous, endogenous and individual factors, including genetic predisposition, participate in cancer triggering. Telomeres are specific DNA structures positioned at the end of chromosomes and consist of repetitive nucleotide sequences, which, together with shelterin proteins, facilitate the maintenance of chromosome stability, while protecting them from genomic erosion. Even though the connection between telomere status and carcinogenesis has been identified, the absence of a universal or even a cancer‑specific trend renders consent even more complex. It is indicative that both short and long telomere lengths have been associated with a high risk of cancer incidence. When evaluating risk associations between cancer and telomere length, a disparity appears to emerge. Even though shorter telomeres have been adopted as a marker of poorer health status and an older biological age, longer telomeres due to increased cell growth potential are associated with the acquirement of cancer‑initiating somatic mutations. Therefore, the present review aimed to comprehensively present the multifaceted pattern of telomere length and cancer incidence association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Tatiana Oikonomopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Taxiarchis Konstantinos Nikolouzakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Elisavet Renieri
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | | | - Evaggelia Iliaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Bachlitzanaki
- Department of Medical Oncology, Venizeleion General Hospital of Heraklion, 71409 Heraklion
| | - Vasiliki Karzi
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Ioanna Katsikantami
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Fotios Kakridonis
- Department of Spine Surgery and Scoliosis, KAT General Hospital, 14561 Athens
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion
| | - Maria Tolia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andrey A. Svistunov
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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8
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Desaulniers D, Cummings-Lorbetskie C, Leingartner K, Meier MJ, Pickles JC, Yauk CL. DNA methylation changes from primary cultures through senescence-bypass in Syrian hamster fetal cells initially exposed to benzo[a]pyrene. Toxicology 2023; 487:153451. [PMID: 36754249 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Current chemical testing strategies are limited in their ability to detect non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Epigenetic anomalies develop during carcinogenesis regardless of whether the molecular initiating event is associated with genotoxic (GTxC) or NGTxC events; therefore, epigenetic markers may be harnessed to develop new approach methodologies that improve the detection of both types of carcinogens. This study used Syrian hamster fetal cells to establish the chronology of carcinogen-induced DNA methylation changes from primary cells until senescence-bypass as an essential carcinogenic step. Cells exposed to solvent control for 7 days were compared to naïve primary cultures, to cells exposed for 7 days to benzo[a]pyrene, and to cells at the subsequent transformation stages: normal colonies, morphologically transformed colonies, senescence, senescence-bypass, and sustained proliferation in vitro. DNA methylation changes identified by reduced representation bisulphite sequencing were minimal at day-7. Profound DNA methylation changes arose during cellular senescence and some of these early differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were preserved through the final sustained proliferation stage. A set of these DMRs (e.g., Pou4f1, Aifm3, B3galnt2, Bhlhe22, Gja8, Klf17, and L1l) were validated by pyrosequencing and their reproducibility was confirmed across multiple clones obtained from a different laboratory. These DNA methylation changes could serve as biomarkers to enhance objectivity and mechanistic understanding of cell transformation and could be used to predict senescence-bypass and chemical carcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Desaulniers
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | | | - Karen Leingartner
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Matthew J Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | | | - Carole L Yauk
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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9
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Tamas T, Raduly L, Berindan-Neagoe I, Dinu C, Botan E, Bumbu B, Tamas A, Stoia S, Leucuta DC, Bran S, Onisor F, Băciuț G, Armencea G, Băciuț M. The Role of miRNA-221 and miRNA-34a in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck Region. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:503. [PMID: 36833430 PMCID: PMC9956318 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020503] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most frequent types of malignancy in the human body with an increasing incidence. Short, non-coding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) can control post-transcriptional gene expression and they have a significant role in several physiological cellular processes and pathologies, including cancer. Depending on the functions of the genes, miRNAs may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The aim of this paper was to describe the role of miRNA-34a and miRNA-221 in head and neck NMSC. Thirty-eight NMSC match paired (tumor and adjacent) tissue samples were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Total RNA was extracted and isolated from tissue samples using the phenol-chloroform (Trireagent) method according to the manufacturer's protocol. The concentration of RNA was measured by a NanoDrop-1000 spectrophotometer. The expression level of each miRNA was calculated by threshold cycle. For all statistical tests, the 0.05 significance level was used and two-tailed p values. All analyses were conducted in an R environment for statistical computing and graphics. We found the miRNA-221 being overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (p < 0.05), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and basosquamous cell carcinoma (BSC) compared with adjacent normal tissue. Additionally, the levels of miRNA-221 were two times higher (p < 0.05) in cases where the excision of the tumor was done with positive margins (R1), which means that we are the first to highlight the potential role of miRNA-221 in the microscopical local invasion. Mi-RNA-34a expression was altered in the malignant tissue compared with the adjacent normal one both in BCC and SCC but not statistically significantly. In conclusion, NMSC are challenging because of their increasing incidence and rapidly evolving development and discovering their molecular mechanisms of action lead us to understand tumorigenesis and evolution, while also contributing to the implementation of novel therapeutic keys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiberiu Tamas
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristian Dinu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emil Botan
- Department of Pathology, Emergency County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan Bumbu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Adela Tamas
- Doctoral School, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sebastian Stoia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Corneliu Leucuta
- Medical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simion Bran
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Onisor
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Grigore Băciuț
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Armencea
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Băciuț
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, Faculty of Dentistry, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Himawan A, Vora LK, Permana AD, Sudir S, Nurdin AR, Nislawati R, Hasyim R, Scott CJ, Donnelly RF. Where Microneedle Meets Biomarkers: Futuristic Application for Diagnosing and Monitoring Localized External Organ Diseases. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202066. [PMID: 36414019 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202066] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular tissue fluids are interesting biomatrices that have recently attracted scientists' interest. Many significant biomarkers for localized external organ diseases have been isolated from this biofluid. In the diagnostic and disease monitoring context, measuring biochemical entities from the fluids surrounding the diseased tissues may give more important clinical value than measuring them at a systemic level. Despite all these facts, pushing tissue fluid-based diagnosis and monitoring forward to clinical settings faces one major problem: its accessibility. Most extracellular tissue fluid, such as interstitial fluid (ISF), is abundant but hard to collect, and the currently available technologies are invasive and expensive. This is where novel microneedle technology can help tackle this significant obstacle. The ability of microneedle technology to minimally invasively access tissue fluid-containing biomarkers will enable ISF and other tissue fluid utilization in the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of localized diseases. This review attempts to present the current pursuit of the application of microneedle systems as a diagnostic and monitoring platform, along with the recent progress of biomarker detection in diagnosing and monitoring localized external organ diseases. Then, the potential use of various microneedles in future clinical diagnostics and monitoring of localized diseases is discussed by presenting the currently studied cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achmad Himawan
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT97BL, UK.,Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | | | - Andi Dian Permana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Sumarheni Sudir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Airin R Nurdin
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia.,Hasanuddin University Hospital, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Ririn Nislawati
- Hasanuddin University Hospital, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Rafikah Hasyim
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia
| | - Christopher J Scott
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT97BL, UK
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT97BL, UK
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11
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Kesharwani P, Chadar R, Shukla R, Jain GK, Aggarwal G, Abourehab MAS, Sahebkar A. Recent advances in multifunctional dendrimer-based nanoprobes for breast cancer theranostics. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE. POLYMER EDITION 2022; 33:2433-2471. [PMID: 35848467 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2022.2103627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) undoubtedly is one of the most common type of cancers amongst women, which causes about 5 million deaths annually. The treatments and diagnostic therapy choices currently available for Breast Cancer is very much limited . Advancements in novel nanocarrier could be a promising strategy for diagnosis and treatments of this deadly disease. Dendrimer nanoformulation could be functionalized and explored for efficient targeting of overexpressed receptors on Breast Cancer cells to achieve targeted drug delivery, for diagnostics and to overcome the resistance of the cells towards particular chemotherapeutic. Additionally, the dendrimer have shown promising potential in the improvement of therapeutic value for Breast Cancer therapy by achieving synergistic co-delivery of chemotherapeutics and genetic materials for multidirectional treatment. In this review, we have highlighted the application of dendrimer as novel multifunctional nanoplatforms for the treatment and diagnosis of Breast Cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.,University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Rahul Chadar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, U.P, India
| | - Gaurav K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Geeta Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed A S Abourehab
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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12
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Gualdi G, Ferrara G, Simonacci M, Fargnoli MC, Sollima L, Molinelli E, Campanati A, Mazzocchetti G, Giacchetti A, Amerio P. Defining the Profile of Patients with Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Central Italy: A Retrospective Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205140. [PMID: 36291924 PMCID: PMC9600113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merkel cell carcinoma is rarely suspected and often misdiagnosed in the clinical setting. Robust epidemiological data are missing, contributing to a lack of knowledge of this type of tumor among clinicians. We aimed to demographically and clinically characterize Merkel cell carcinoma patients and the tumor’s features through a multicenter real-world analysis of patients from Central Italy from 2015 to 2020. Our study revealed a higher incidence rate compared to the one estimated for the Italian population, with the lower limbs as the anatomical site affected the most. We also report that several specialists are involved in the first-line management of the pathology. In this light, a deeper knowledge of this tumor is advised. Abstract Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer that usually occurs in elderly people on sun-exposed areas, with a predisposition to local recurrence. Evidence suggests a growing incidence over the past decade; however, robust epidemiologic data are still lacking. We describe the MCC population in clinical practice in a retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics from medical records of primary MCC patients, between 2015 and 2020, at six dermatology clinics in Central Italy. Ninety-four patients were included (57.4% male; mean age 78.2 ± 10.1 years, range 47–99 years). The estimated incidence rate of MCC was 0.93 per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Lower limbs were the most frequently affected site (31.5%), and 54% of patients for whom information was available were immunosuppressed. Lymph node involvement was reported in 42.5% of patients, and distant metastases in almost 20%. Most patients underwent surgery for tumor excision and were mainly referred to specialized dermatology clinics by dermatologists (47.9%) and general surgeons (28.7%). Apart from the relatively balanced prevalence of MCC in men and women, the predominant location on lower limbs, and the higher incidence rate compared with previous reports in Italy, this population is, overall, similar to the populations described in other observational studies. MCC management requires the involvement of several specialties. Increased awareness of MCC and standardization of its management are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Gualdi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Dermatologic Clinic, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-085-9172420
| | - Gerardo Ferrara
- Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione ‘G. Pascale’, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Simonacci
- Department of Dermatology, Macerata Hospital, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Laura Sollima
- UOC Pathology, Ospedale San Salvatore, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences—Dermatological Clinic, Polytechnic Marche University, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences—Dermatological Clinic, Polytechnic Marche University, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Amerio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Dermatologic Clinic, University G. D’Annunzio, Chieti Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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13
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Molecular Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies of Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911968. [PMID: 36233269 PMCID: PMC9570397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among human cutaneous malignancies, basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Solid advances in unveiling the molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma have emerged in recent years. In Gorlin syndrome, which shows basal cell carcinoma predisposition, identification of the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) mutation was a dramatic breakthrough in understanding the carcinogenesis of basal cell carcinoma. PTCH1 plays a role in the hedgehog pathway, and dysregulations of this pathway are known to be crucial for the carcinogenesis of many types of cancers including sporadic as well as hereditary basal cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the clinical features, pathological features and hedgehog pathway as applied in basal cell carcinoma. Other crucial molecules, such as p53 and melanocortin-1 receptor are also discussed. Due to recent advances, therapeutic strategies based on the precise molecular mechanisms of basal cell carcinoma are emerging. Target therapies and biomarkers are also discussed.
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Bertino G, Groselj A, Campana LG, Kunte C, Schepler H, Gehl J, Muir T, Clover JAP, Quaglino P, Kis E, Mascherini M, Bisase B, Pecorari G, Bechara F, Matteucci P, Odili J, Russano F, Orlando A, Pritchard-Jones R, Moir G, Mowatt D, Silvestri B, Seccia V, Saxinger W, de Terlizzi F, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: The INSPECT experience (2008-2020). Front Oncol 2022; 12:951662. [PMID: 36203425 PMCID: PMC9531998 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.951662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a frequent skin cancer with a high risk of recurrence characterized by tumor infiltration and, in advanced cases, a poor prognosis. ECT (electrochemotherapy) is an alternative treatment option for locally advanced or recurrent cSCC that is unsuitable for surgical resection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the data in the InspECT (International Network for Sharing Practice on ECT) registry of the referral centers and to clarify the indications for the use of ECT as a treatment modality for cSCC. Materials and methods Patients with primary, recurrent or locally advanced cSCC from 18 European centers were included. They underwent at least one ECT session with bleomycin between February 2008 and November 2020, which was performed following the European Standard Operating Procedures. Results The analysis included 162 patients (mean age of 80 years; median, 1 lesion/patient). Side effects were mainly local and mild (hyperpigmentation, 11%; ulceration, 11%; suppuration, 4%). The response to treatment per patient was 62% complete and 21% partial. In the multivariate model, intravenous drug administration and small tumor size showed a significant association with a positive outcome (objective response). One-year local progression-free survival was significantly better (p<0.001) in patients with primary tumors (80% (95% C.I. 70%-90%) than in patients with locally advanced disease (49% (95% C.I. 30%-68%). Conclusion In the present study, ECT showed antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in patients with complex cSCC for whom there was no widely accepted standard of care. Better results were obtained in primary and small tumors (<3 cm) using intravenous bleomycin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giulia Bertino,
| | - Ales Groselj
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luca G. Campana
- Department of Surgery, The Christie National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Kunte
- Department of Dermatosurgery and Dermatology, Artemed Fachklinik Munich, München, Germany
| | - Hadrian Schepler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julie Gehl
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (CEDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobian Muir
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - James A. P. Clover
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Cancer Research @UCC, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Erika Kis
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Matteo Mascherini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Polyclinic Hospital San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Brian Bisase
- Clinic for Head and Neck Cancer, Queen Victoria Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, United Kingdom
| | - Giancarlo Pecorari
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Otolaryngology Clinic, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Falk Bechara
- Department of Dermatologic Surgery, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Paolo Matteucci
- Dept Plastic Surgery, Hull University Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Odili
- Department of Plastic Surgery, St. Georges University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Russano
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Orlando
- Southmead Hospital, North Bristol National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rowan Pritchard-Jones
- Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, University of Liverpool, St. Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Moir
- Department of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, The Royal London Hospital & Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), Bart’s Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Mowatt
- Department of Surgery, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Silvestri
- Oncology and Haematology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Socio Sanitaria (AULSS) 3 Serenissima-Mirano, Venice, Italy
| | - Veronica Seccia
- Otorhinolaryngology Audiology and Phoniatric Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Werner Saxinger
- Department of Dermatology, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Austria
| | | | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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An Efficient Deep Learning-Based Skin Cancer Classifier for an Imbalanced Dataset. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092115. [PMID: 36140516 PMCID: PMC9497837 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient skin cancer detection using images is a challenging task in the healthcare domain. In today’s medical practices, skin cancer detection is a time-consuming procedure that may lead to a patient’s death in later stages. The diagnosis of skin cancer at an earlier stage is crucial for the success rate of complete cure. The efficient detection of skin cancer is a challenging task. Therefore, the numbers of skilful dermatologists around the globe are not enough to deal with today’s healthcare. The huge difference between data from various healthcare sector classes leads to data imbalance problems. Due to data imbalance issues, deep learning models are often trained on one class more than others. This study proposes a novel deep learning-based skin cancer detector using an imbalanced dataset. Data augmentation was used to balance various skin cancer classes to overcome the data imbalance. The Skin Cancer MNIST: HAM10000 dataset was employed, which consists of seven classes of skin lesions. Deep learning models are widely used in disease diagnosis through images. Deep learning-based models (AlexNet, InceptionV3, and RegNetY-320) were employed to classify skin cancer. The proposed framework was also tuned with various combinations of hyperparameters. The results show that RegNetY-320 outperformed InceptionV3 and AlexNet in terms of the accuracy, F1-score, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve both on the imbalanced and balanced datasets. The performance of the proposed framework was better than that of conventional methods. The accuracy, F1-score, and ROC curve value obtained with the proposed framework were 91%, 88.1%, and 0.95, which were significantly better than those of the state-of-the-art method, which achieved 85%, 69.3%, and 0.90, respectively. Our proposed framework may assist in disease identification, which could save lives, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and reduce costs for patients, dermatologists, and healthcare professionals.
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16
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Souto EB, da Ana R, Vieira V, Fangueiro JF, Dias-Ferreira J, Cano A, Zielińska A, Silva AM, Staszewski R, Karczewski J. Non-melanoma skin cancers: physio-pathology and role of lipid delivery systems in new chemotherapeutic treatments. Neoplasia 2022; 30:100810. [PMID: 35649306 PMCID: PMC9160356 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-melanoma carcinoma has high incidence rates and has two most common subtypes: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This type of carcinoma is usually not fatal; however, it can destroy sensory organs such as the nose, ears, and lips. The treatment of these injuries using non-invasive methods is thus strongly recommended. Some treatments for non-melanoma carcinoma are already well defined, such as surgery, cryosurgery, curettage and electrode section, and radiotherapy; however, these conventional treatments cause inflammation and scarring. In the non-surgical treatment of non-melanoma carcinoma, the topical administration of chemotherapeutic drugs contributes for an effective treatment with reduced side effects. However, the penetration of anticancer drugs in the deeper layers of the skin is required. Lipid delivery systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers) have been developed to overcome epidermal barrier of the skin and to allow the drugs to reach tumor cells. These lipid nanoparticles contribute to control the release profile of the loaded chemotherapeutic drugs, maintaining their stability and increasing death of tumor cells. In this review, the characteristics of non-melanoma carcinoma will be discussed, describing the main existing treatments, together with the contribution of lipid delivery systems as an innovative approach to increase the effectiveness of topical therapies for non-melanoma carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana B Souto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Raquel da Ana
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vânia Vieira
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150, Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana F Fangueiro
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Fernando Pessoa, Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150, Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Dias-Ferreira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Amanda Cano
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Zielińska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznań, Poland
| | - Amélia M Silva
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, P-5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, CITAB, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, P-5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rafał Staszewski
- Department of Hypertension Angiology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jacek Karczewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland; Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, H. Swiecicki University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland.
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CD47 Expression in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Its Clinicopathological Implications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081859. [PMID: 36010209 PMCID: PMC9406543 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
CD47 is a cell surface molecule and regulates diverse cellular responses. CD47 is highly expressed in cancer cells and has potential as a therapeutic target and prognostic factor in cancer patients. The expression patterns of CD47 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursor lesions, and its clinicopathological significance were investigated. CD47 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 152 cases of BCC and 71 cases of SCC. For comparison of CD47 expression, actinic keratosis (AK), squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), keratoacanthoma (KA), and normal skin (NS) tissue were used. CD47 expression in BCC was significantly lower than that of SCC (p < 0.001). CD47 expression levels in SCC and KA were significantly higher than those of NS and AK (p < 0.05). High CD47 expression was significantly associated with the presence of ulceration (p = 0.005) and a deeper level of invasion (p = 0.011) in BCC. In addition, high CD47 expression was significantly associated with the presence of ulceration (p = 0.019) and larger tumor size (p = 0.004) in SCC. CD47 expression was associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression in non-melanoma skin cancers.
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18
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Dobre EG, Constantin C, Neagu M. Skin Cancer Research Goes Digital: Looking for Biomarkers within the Droplets. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071136. [PMID: 35887633 PMCID: PMC9323323 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer, which includes the most frequent malignant non-melanoma carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma, SCC), along with the difficult to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM), pose important worldwide issues for the health care system. Despite the improved anti-cancer armamentarium and the latest scientific achievements, many skin cancer patients fail to respond to therapies, due to the remarkable heterogeneity of cutaneous tumors, calling for even more sophisticated biomarker discovery and patient monitoring approaches. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), a robust method for detecting and quantifying low-abundance nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a powerful technology for skin cancer analysis in tissue and liquid biopsies (LBs). The ddPCR method, being capable of analyzing various biological samples, has proved to be efficient in studying variations in gene sequences, including copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations, DNA methylation, circulatory miRNome, and transcriptome dynamics. Moreover, ddPCR can be designed as a dynamic platform for individualized cancer detection and monitoring therapy efficacy. Here, we present the latest scientific studies applying ddPCR in dermato-oncology, highlighting the potential of this technology for skin cancer biomarker discovery and validation in the context of personalized medicine. The benefits and challenges associated with ddPCR implementation in the clinical setting, mainly when analyzing LBs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Khan NH, Mir M, Qian L, Baloch M, Ali Khan MF, Rehman AU, Ngowi EE, Wu DD, Ji XY. Skin cancer biology and barriers to treatment: Recent applications of polymeric micro/nanostructures. J Adv Res 2022; 36:223-247. [PMID: 35127174 PMCID: PMC8799916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Skin cancer has been the leading type of cancer worldwide. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are now the most common types of skin cancer that have been reached to epidemic proportion. Based on the rapid prevalence of skin cancers, and lack of efficient drug delivery systems, it is essential to surge the possible ways to prevent or cure the disease. Aim of review Although surgical modalities and therapies have been made great progress in recent years, however, there is still an urgent need to alleviate its increased burden. Hence, understanding the precise pathophysiological signaling mechanisms and all other factors of such skin insults will be beneficial for the development of more efficient therapies. Key scientific concepts of review In this review, we explained new understandings about onset and development of skin cancer and described its management via polymeric micro/nano carriers-based therapies, highlighting the current key bottlenecks and future prospective in this field. In therapeutic drug/gene delivery approaches, polymeric carriers-based system is the most promising strategy. This review discusses that how polymers have successfully been exploited for development of micro/nanosized systems for efficient delivery of anticancer genes and drugs overcoming all the barriers and limitations associated with available conventional therapies. In addition to drug/gene delivery, intelligent polymeric nanocarriers platforms have also been established for combination anticancer therapies including photodynamic and photothermal, and for theranostic applications. This portfolio of latest approaches could promote the blooming growth of research and their clinical availability.
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Key Words
- 5-ALA, 5-aminolevulinic acid
- 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil
- AIDS, Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- BCC, Basal cell carcinoma
- BCCs, Basal cell carcinomas
- Basal cell carcinoma
- CREB, response element-binding protein
- DDS, Drug delivery system
- DIM-D, Di indolyl methane derivative
- Drug delivery
- GNR-PEG-MN, PEGylated gold nanorod microneedle
- Gd, Gadolinium
- Gene delivery
- HH, Hedgehog
- HPMC, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- IPM, Isopropyl myristate
- MCIR, Melanocortin-1 receptor
- MNPs, Magnetic nanoparticle
- MNs, Microneedles
- MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- MSC, Melanoma skin cancer
- Microneedles
- Mn, Manganese
- NMSC, Non melanoma skin cancer
- NPs, Nano Particles
- OTR, Organ transplant recipients
- PAMAM, Poly-amidoamines
- PAN, Polyacrylonitrile
- PATCH1, Patch
- PCL, Poly (ε-caprolactone)
- PDT, Photodynamic therapy
- PEG, Polyethylene glycol
- PLA, Poly lactic acid
- PLA-HPG, Poly (d-l-lactic acid)-hyperbranched polyglycerol
- PLGA, Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers
- PLL, Poly (L-lysine)
- Polymeric nanocarriers
- QDs, Quantum dots
- SC, Skin cancer
- SCC, Squamous cell Carcinoma
- SMO, Smoothen
- SPIO, Superparamagnetic iron oxide
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- UV, Ultra Violet
- cAMP, Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
- dPG, Dendritic polyglycerol
- hTERT, Human telomerase reverse transcriptase
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazeer Hussain Khan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences. Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Maria Mir
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Lei Qian
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Mahnoor Baloch
- School of Natural Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farhan Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Asim-ur- Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam 2329, Tanzania
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
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Is miRNA Regulation the Key to Controlling Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Evolution? Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121929. [PMID: 34946878 PMCID: PMC8701953 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It has a number of subtypes, which include basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecules, capable of regulating gene expression at a post transcriptional level. They play a pivotal role in a variety of physiologic cellular functions and pathologies, including malignant diseases. The development of miRNAs represents an important study field, which has been extensively exploited in melanoma for almost a decade with promising results, therefore we consider it a stepstone for further research projects also in non-melanoma skin cancers. The aim of our study was to explore the current literature in order to present the role of the different miRNAs in some of the most frequent types of NMSC pertaining to oncogenesis, evolution and therapy. The most relevant and accurate available data from the literature were evaluated. Our study concluded that there are almost 100 miRNAs which can be upregulated or downregulated and can play a role in oncogenesis. They can be easily identified in circulation, are stable and they can be important diagnosis/prognosis and therapy monitoring markers.
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21
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Epigenetic Dysregulations in Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111464. [PMID: 34768895 PMCID: PMC8584046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a small DNA virus with oncogenic potential. MCPyV is the causative agent of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive tumor of the skin. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, such as histone posttranslational modifications (HPTMs), DNA methylation, and microRNA (miRNA) regulation on MCPyV-driven MCC has recently been highlighted. In this review, we aim to describe and discuss the latest insights into HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA regulation, as well as their regulative factors in the context of MCPyV-driven MCC, to provide an overview of current findings on how MCPyV is involved in the dysregulation of these epigenetic processes. The current state of the art is also described as far as potentially using epigenetic dysregulations and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic tools is concerned, in addition to targets for MCPyV-driven MCC therapy. Growing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of HPTMs, DNA methylation, and miRNA pathways plays a role in MCPyV-driven MCC etiopathogenesis, which, therefore, may potentially be clinically significant for this deadly tumor. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and related factors may improve diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for MCPyV-driven MCC.
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22
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Beyond Nicotinamide Metabolism: Potential Role of Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase as a Biomarker in Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194943. [PMID: 34638427 PMCID: PMC8508019 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers (SC) collectively represent the most common type of malignancy in white populations. SC includes two main forms: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC includes different subtypes, namely, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and keratoacanthoma (KA), together with the two pre-neoplastic conditions Bowen disease (BD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Both malignant melanoma and NMSC are showing an increasing incidence rate worldwide, thus representing an important challenge for health care systems, also because, with some exceptions, SC are generally characterized by an aggressive behavior and are often diagnosed late. Thus, identifying new biomarkers suitable for diagnosis, as well as for prognosis and targeted therapy is mandatory. Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that is emerging as a crucial player in the progression of several malignancies, while its substrate, nicotinamide, is known to exert chemopreventive effects. Since there is increasing evidence regarding the involvement of this enzyme in the malignant behavior of SC, the current review aims to summarize the state of the art as concerns NNMT role in SC and to support future studies focused on exploring the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NNMT in skin malignancies and its suitability for targeted therapy.
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23
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Bonilla C, Bertoni B, Min JL, Hemani G, Elliott HR. Investigating DNA methylation as a potential mediator between pigmentation genes, pigmentary traits and skin cancer. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:892-904. [PMID: 33248005 PMCID: PMC8518056 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pigmentation characteristics are well-known risk factors for skin cancer. Polymorphisms in pigmentation genes have been associated with these traits and with the risk of malignancy. However, the functional relationship between genetic variation and disease is still unclear. This study aims to assess whether pigmentation SNPs are associated with pigmentary traits and skin cancer via DNA methylation (DNAm). Using a meta-GWAS of whole-blood DNAm from 36 European cohorts (N = 27,750; the Genetics of DNA Methylation Consortium, GoDMC), we found that 19 out of 27 SNPs in 10 pigmentation genes were associated with 391 DNAm sites across 30 genomic regions. We examined the effect of 25 selected DNAm sites on pigmentation traits, sun exposure phenotypes and skin cancer and on gene expression in whole blood. We uncovered an association of DNAm site cg07402062 with red hair in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We also found that the expression of ASIP and CDK10 was associated with hair colour, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Our results indicate that DNAm and expression of pigmentation genes may play a role as potential mediators of the relationship between genetic variants, pigmentation phenotypes and skin cancer and thus deserve further scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Bonilla
- Departamento de Medicina PreventivaFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Bernardo Bertoni
- Departamento de GenéticaFacultad de MedicinaUniversidad de la RepúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Josine L. Min
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology UnitUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Gibran Hemani
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology UnitUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | | | - Hannah R. Elliott
- Population Health SciencesBristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology UnitUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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24
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Courtenay LA, González-Aguilera D, Lagüela S, del Pozo S, Ruiz-Mendez C, Barbero-García I, Román-Curto C, Cañueto J, Santos-Durán C, Cardeñoso-Álvarez ME, Roncero-Riesco M, Hernandez-Lopez D, Guerrero-Sevilla D, Rodríguez-Gonzalvez P. Hyperspectral imaging and robust statistics in non-melanoma skin cancer analysis. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:5107-5127. [PMID: 34513245 PMCID: PMC8407807 DOI: 10.1364/boe.428143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Non-Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer. Early detection is encouraged so as to ensure the best treatment, Hyperspectral imaging is a promising technique for non-invasive inspection of skin lesions, however, the optimal wavelengths for these purposes are yet to be conclusively determined. A visible-near infrared hyperspectral camera with an ad-hoc built platform was used for image acquisition in the present study. Robust statistical techniques were used to conclude an optimal range between 573.45 and 779.88 nm to distinguish between healthy and non-healthy skin. Wavelengths between 429.16 and 520.17 nm were additionally found to be optimal for the differentiation between cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd A. Courtenay
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain
Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila,
University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50,
05003 Ávila, Spain
| | - Diego González-Aguilera
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain
Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila,
University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50,
05003 Ávila, Spain
| | - Susana Lagüela
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain
Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila,
University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50,
05003 Ávila, Spain
| | - Susana del Pozo
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain
Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila,
University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50,
05003 Ávila, Spain
| | - Camilo Ruiz-Mendez
- Department of Didactics of Mathematics and
Experimental Sciences, Faculty of
Education, Paseo de Canaleja 169, 37008, Salamanca,
Spain
| | - Inés Barbero-García
- Department of Cartographic and Terrain
Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Ávila,
University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50,
05003 Ávila, Spain
| | - Concepción Román-Curto
- Department of Dermatology,
University Hospital of Spain, Paseo de San
Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de
Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca
(IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, 37007 Salamanca,
Spain
| | - Javier Cañueto
- Department of Dermatology,
University Hospital of Spain, Paseo de San
Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Instituto de
Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca
(IBSAL), Paseo de San Vicente, 58-182, 37007 Salamanca,
Spain
- Instituto de Biología
Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IBMCC)/Centro de
Investigación del Cáncer (lab 7). Campus
Miguel de Unamuno s/n. 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Santos-Durán
- Department of Dermatology,
University Hospital of Spain, Paseo de San
Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Mónica Roncero-Riesco
- Department of Dermatology,
University Hospital of Spain, Paseo de San
Vicente 58-182, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - David Hernandez-Lopez
- Institute for Regional Development,
University of Castilla la Mancha, Campus
Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Diego Guerrero-Sevilla
- Institute for Regional Development,
University of Castilla la Mancha, Campus
Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-Gonzalvez
- Department of Mining Technology, Topography
and Structures, University of León,
Ponferrada, Léon, Spain
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25
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Manganelli M, Guida S, Ferretta A, Pellacani G, Porcelli L, Azzariti A, Guida G. Behind the Scene: Exploiting MC1R in Skin Cancer Risk and Prevention. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1093. [PMID: 34356109 PMCID: PMC8305013 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most frequent cancers of the skin in white populations. An increased risk in the development of skin cancers has been associated with the combination of several environmental factors (i.e., ultraviolet exposure) and genetic background, including melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) status. In the last few years, advances in the diagnosis of skin cancers provided a great impact on clinical practice. Despite these advances, NMSCs are still the most common malignancy in humans and melanoma still shows a rising incidence and a poor prognosis when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Efforts are required to underlie the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of melanoma and NMSCs, leading to an optimization of the management of affected patients. The clinical implications of the impact of germline MC1R variants in melanoma and NMSCs' risk, together with the additional risk conferred by somatic mutations in other peculiar genes, as well as the role of MC1R screening in skin cancers' prevention will be addressed in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Manganelli
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari-“Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (A.F.)
- DMMT-Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Guida
- Department of Surgical-Medical-Dental and Morphological Science with Interest Transplant-Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Anna Ferretta
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari-“Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Dermatology Clinic, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Gabriella Guida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari-“Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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26
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Ko EK, Capell BC. Methyltransferases in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143402. [PMID: 34298617 PMCID: PMC8304454 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the disruption of gene expression by alterations in DNA, RNA, and histone methylation may be critical contributors to the pathogenesis of keratinocyte cancers (KCs), made up of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which collectively outnumber all other human cancers combined. While it is clear that methylation modifiers are frequently dysregulated in KCs, the underlying molecular and mechanistic changes are only beginning to be understood. Intriguingly, it has recently emerged that there is extensive cross-talk amongst these distinct methylation processes. Here, we summarize and synthesize the latest findings in this space and highlight how these discoveries may uncover novel therapeutic approaches for these ubiquitous cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Brian C. Capell
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Bacchetti T, Salvolini E, Pompei V, Campagna R, Molinelli E, Brisigotti V, Togni L, Lucarini G, Sartini D, Campanati A, Mattioli-Belmonte M, Rubini C, Ferretti G, Offidani A, Emanuelli M. Paraoxonase-2: A potential biomarker for skin cancer aggressiveness. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13452. [PMID: 33210737 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous neoplasms include melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Among NMSCs, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common lesion. On the contrary, although accounting for less than 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma is responsible for most of cutaneous malignancy-related deaths. Paraoxonase-2 (PON2) is an intracellular enzyme exerting a protective role against production of reactive oxygen species within mitochondrial respiratory chain. Recently, a growing attention has been focused on exploring the role of PON2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of PON2 in skin neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 cases of BCC, distinguished between nodular and infiltrative lesions, as well as 29 melanoma samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate PON2 protein expression. Subsequent statistical analyses were carried out to explore the existence of correlations between intratumour enzyme levels and clinicopathological features. RESULTS Results obtained showed PON2 overexpression in BCCs compared with controls. In particular, distinguishing between less and more aggressive tumour forms, we found no significant differences in enzyme levels between nodular BCCs and controls. Conversely, PON2 expression was significantly higher in infiltrative BCCs compared with controls. Moreover, the enzyme was strongly upregulated in melanoma samples with respect to controls. Interestingly, PON2 levels were positively correlated with Breslow thickness, Clark level, regression, mitoses, lymph node metastases, primary tumour (pT) parameter and pathological stage. CONCLUSIONS Reported findings seem to suggest that PON2 expression levels could be positively related with tumour aggressiveness of both BCC and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bacchetti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Salvolini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Pompei
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Campagna
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Molinelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valerio Brisigotti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Togni
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Guendalina Lucarini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Sartini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Anna Campanati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Corrado Rubini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianna Ferretti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Annamaria Offidani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Monica Emanuelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.,New York-Marche Structural Biology Center (NY-MaSBiC), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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28
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Phenethyl Isothiocyanate-Containing Carbomer Gel for Use against Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010106. [PMID: 33467626 PMCID: PMC7830123 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently estimated that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common type of skin cancer that can develop due to the skin’s exposure to the sun. Herein, we prepared a topical gel containing 0.5% v/w phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) for the treatment of SCC. PEITC is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate that has been shown to have efficacy against various types of cancer in preclinical studies. We first incorporated PEITC into a carbomer gel. A uniform formulation was prepared, and its viscosity was appropriate for topical application. We then demonstrated the release of PEITC from the gel into and through a Strat-M skin-like membrane. Finally, the effects of the PEITC-containing gel were tested against SCC and normal keratinocytes skin cells in culture, and these results were compared to those obtained for free 5-fluoruracil (5-FU), a commonly used skin-cancer drug. Our results show that a homogeneous PEITC-containing topical gel can be prepared and used to kill SCC cells. Thus, our formulation may be useful for treating SCC in the clinic.
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