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Nikolouzakis TK, Chrysos E, Docea AO, Fragkiadaki P, Souglakos J, Tsiaoussis J, Tsatsakis A. Current and Future Trends of Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Exploring Advances in Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1995. [PMID: 38893120 PMCID: PMC11171065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111995] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the colon and rectum (CRC) has been identified among the three most prevalent types of cancer and cancer-related deaths for both sexes. Even though significant progress in surgical and chemotherapeutic techniques has markedly improved disease-free and overall survival rates in contrast to those three decades ago, recent years have seen a stagnation in these improvements. This underscores the need for new therapies aiming to augment patient outcomes. A number of emerging strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT), have exhibited promising outcomes not only in preclinical but also in clinical settings. Additionally, a thorough appreciation of the underlying biology has expanded the scope of research into potential therapeutic interventions. For instance, the pivotal role of altered telomere length in early CRC carcinogenesis, leading to chromosomal instability and telomere dysfunction, presents a promising avenue for future treatments. Thus, this review explores the advancements in CRC immunotherapy and telomere-targeted therapies, examining potential synergies and how these novel treatment modalities intersect to potentially enhance each other's efficacy, paving the way for promising future therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emmanuel Chrysos
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (T.K.N.); (E.C.)
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (A.T.)
| | - John Souglakos
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (P.F.); (A.T.)
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Wang G, Ren X, Li J, Cui R, Zhao X, Sui F, Liu J, Chen P, Yang Q, Ji M, Hou P, Gao K, Qu Y. High expression of RTEL1 predicates worse progression in gliomas and promotes tumorigenesis through JNK/ELK1 cascade. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:385. [PMID: 38532312 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor worldwide. The maintenance of telomeres serves as an important biomarker of some subtypes of glioma. In order to investigate the biological role of RTEL1 in glioma. Relative telomere length (RTL) and RTEL1 mRNA was explored and regression analysis was performed to further examine the relationship of the RTL and the expression of RTEL1 with clinicopathological characteristics of glioma patients. We observed that high expression of RTEL1 is positively correlated with telomere length in glioma tissue, and serve as a poor prognostic factor in TERT wild-type patients. Further in vitro studies demonstrate that RTEL1 promoted proliferation, formation, migration and invasion ability of glioma cells. In addition, in vivo studies also revealed the oncogene role of RTEL1 in glioma. Further study using RNA sequence and phospho-specific antibody microarray assays identified JNK/ELK1 signaling was up-regulated by RTEL1 in glioma cells through ROS. In conclusion, our results suggested that RTEL1 promotes glioma tumorigenesis through JNK/ELK1 cascade and indicate that RTEL1 may be a prognostic biomarker in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Wang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Xi'an Central Hospital, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Ren
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Jianying Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Xi'an Central Hospital, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Rongrong Cui
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xumin Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Fang Sui
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Pu Chen
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Qi Yang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Meiju Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Peng Hou
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Ke Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yiping Qu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, P.R. China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, China.
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Carver AJ, Hing B, Elser BA, Lussier SJ, Yamanashi T, Howard MA, Kawasaki H, Shinozaki G, Stevens HE. Correlation of telomere length in brain tissue with peripheral tissues in living human subjects. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1303974. [PMID: 38516039 PMCID: PMC10954899 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1303974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are important to chromosomal stability, and changes in their length correlate with disease, potentially relevant to brain disorders. Assessing telomere length in human brain is invasive, but whether peripheral tissue telomere length correlates with that in brain is not known. Saliva, buccal, blood, and brain samples were collected at time points before, during, and after subjects undergoing neurosurgery (n = 35) for intractable epilepsy. DNA was isolated from samples and average telomere length assessed by qPCR. Correlations of telomere length between tissue samples were calculated across subjects. When data were stratified by sex, saliva telomere length correlated with brain telomere length in males only. Buccal telomere length correlated with brain telomere length when males and females were combined. These findings indicate that in living subjects, telomere length in peripheral tissues variably correlates with that in brain and may be dependent on sex. Peripheral tissue telomere length may provide insight into brain telomere length, relevant to assessment of brain disorder pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie J. Carver
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Benjamin Hing
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Benjamin A. Elser
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Stephanie J. Lussier
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Biostatistics Graduate Program, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Takehiko Yamanashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Standford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Matthew A. Howard
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Hiroto Kawasaki
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Gen Shinozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Standford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Hanna E. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Hawk-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Fang T, Zhang Z, Ren K, Zou L. Genetically determined telomere length as a risk factor for hematological malignancies: evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:4684-4698. [PMID: 38451181 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205625] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past years, the exact correlation between telomere length and hematological malignancies was still not fully understood. METHODS We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to investigate the causal relationship between telomere length and hematological malignancies. We selected genetic instruments associated with telomere length. The genetic associations for lymphoid and hematopoietic malignant neoplasms were obtained from the most recent publicly accessible FinnGen study R9 data. Inverse variant weighted (IVW) analysis was adopted as the primary method, and we also performed the weighted-median method and the MR-Egger, and MRPRESSO methods as sensitive analysis. RESULTS Significant associations have been observed between telomere length and primary lymphoid (IVW: OR = 1.52, P = 2.11 × 10-6), Hodgkin lymphoma (IVW: OR = 1.64, P = 0.014), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (IVW: OR = 1.70, P = 0.002), B-cell lymphoma (IVW: OR = 1.57, P = 0.015), non-follicular lymphoma (IVW: OR = 1.58, P = 1.7 × 10-3), mantle cell lymphoma (IVW: OR = 3.13, P = 0.003), lymphoid leukemia (IVW: OR = 2.56, P = 5.92E-09), acute lymphocytic leukemia (IVW: OR = 2.65, P = 0.021) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (IVW: OR = 2.80, P = 8.21 × 10-6), along with multiple myeloma (IVW: OR = 1.85, P = 0.016). CONCLUSION This MR study found a significant association between telomere length and a wide range of hematopoietic malignancies. But no substantial impact of lymphoma and hematopoietic malignancies on telomere length has been detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Breast Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kexing Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liqun Zou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Spanakis M, Fragkiadaki P, Renieri E, Vakonaki E, Fragkiadoulaki I, Alegakis A, Kiriakakis M, Panagiotou N, Ntoumou E, Gratsias I, Zoubaneas E, Morozova GD, Ovchinnikova MA, Tsitsimpikou C, Tsarouhas K, Drakoulis N, Skalny AV, Tsatsakis A. Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 5:1327792. [PMID: 38260814 PMCID: PMC10801261 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1327792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In modern athlete assessment, the integration of conventional biochemical and ergophysiologic monitoring with innovative methods like telomere analysis, genotyping/phenotypic profiling, and metabolomics has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletes' performance and potential longevity. Telomeres provide insights into cellular functioning, aging, and adaptation and elucidate the effects of training on cellular health. Genotype/phenotype analysis explores genetic variations associated with athletic performance, injury predisposition, and recovery needs, enabling personalization of training plans and interventions. Metabolomics especially focusing on low-molecular weight metabolites, reveal metabolic pathways and responses to exercise. Biochemical tests assess key biomarkers related to energy metabolism, inflammation, and recovery. Essential elements depict the micronutrient status of the individual, which is critical for optimal performance. Echocardiography provides detailed monitoring of cardiac structure and function, while burnout testing evaluates psychological stress, fatigue, and readiness for optimal performance. By integrating this scientific testing battery, a multidimensional understanding of athlete health status can be achieved, leading to personalized interventions in training, nutrition, supplementation, injury prevention, and mental wellness support. This scientifically rigorous approach hereby presented holds significant potential for improving athletic performance and longevity through evidence-based, individualized interventions, contributing to advances in the field of sports performance optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marios Spanakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Persefoni Fragkiadaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet Renieri
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Irene Fragkiadoulaki
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Athanasios Alegakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Mixalis Kiriakakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Gratsias
- Check Up Medicus Biopathology & Ultrasound Diagnostic Center – Polyclinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Galina Dmitrievna Morozova
- Bioelementology and Human Ecology Center, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Alekseevna Ovchinnikova
- Department of Sport Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov Univercity), Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anatoly Viktorovich Skalny
- Bioelementology and Human Ecology Center, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Medical Elementology Department, Peoples Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Computational Bio-Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- LifePlus Diagnostic & Consulting Health Services, Science Technology Park of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Zhang Y, Wang J, Zheng M, Qu H, Yang S, Han F, Yao N, Li W, Qu J. Causal association between telomere length and colorectal polyps: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36867. [PMID: 38181239 PMCID: PMC10766254 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design to explore the causal relation between telomere length (TL) and colorectal polyps. Genome-wide association study summary data of TL and colorectal polyps were extracted from the IEU open genome-wide association study database. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were served as instrumental variables at the significance threshold of P < 5 × 10-8. The inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger method, and weight median method were performed for causal estimation in MR. Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analyses were performed to evaluate the pleiotropy of the MR results. One hundred and twenty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables. We found significant casual association between TL and colorectal polyps. Long TL increased the risk of colorectal polyps using the inverse variance weighted method [ukb-a-521: odds ratio (OR): 1.004, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.001-1.007, P = .004; ukb-d-D12: OR: 1.008, CI: 1.004-1.012, P < .001; finn-b-CD2_BENIGN_COLORECANI_EXALLC2: OR: 1.170, CI: 1.027-1.332, P = .018]. Sensitivity analyses validated that the causality between TL and colorectal polyps was robust. The study provided a causal association between TL and colorectal polyps which indicated that TL might be served as a potential biomarker of colorectal polyps for screening and prevention. Nonetheless, the conclusions need further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingyu Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huanwei Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuya Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fuzhou Han
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing, China
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Baudouin R, Hans S. Clinical and HPV correlation in laryngeal papilloma: A locally advanced immune disease. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104083. [PMID: 37832333 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Baudouin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), Paris, France.
| | - Stéphane Hans
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, School of Medicine, UFR Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University), Paris, France
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Lempesis IG, Georgakopoulou VE, Papalexis P, Chrousos GP, Spandidos DA. Role of stress in the pathogenesis of cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:124. [PMID: 37711028 PMCID: PMC10552722 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5572] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a state of disrupted homeostasis, triggered by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, the stressors, which are counteracted by various physiological and behavioural adaptive responses. Stress has been linked to cancer development and incidence for decades; however, epidemiological studies and clinical trials have yielded contradictory results. The present review discusses the effects of stress on cancer development and the various underlying mechanisms. Animal studies have revealed a clear link between stress and cancer progression, revealing molecular, cellular and endocrine processes that are implicated in these effects. Thus, stress hormones, their receptor systems and their intracellular molecular pathways mediate the effects of stress on cancer initiation, progression and the development of metastases. The mechanisms linking stress and cancer progression can either be indirect, mediated by changes in the cancer microenvironment or immune system dysregulation, or direct, through the binding of neuroendocrine stress‑related signalling molecules to cancer cell receptors. Stress affects numerous anti‑ and pro‑cancer immune system components, including host resistance to metastasis, tumour retention and/or immune suppression. Chronic psychological stress through the elevation of catecholamine levels may increase cancer cell death resistance. On the whole, stress is linked to cancer development and incidence, with psychological stressors playing a crucial role. Animal studies have revealed a better link than human ones, with stress‑related hormones influencing tumour development, migration, invasion and cell proliferation. Randomized controlled trials are required to further evaluate the long‑term cancer outcomes of stress and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios P. Chrousos
- Clinical, Translational and Experimental Surgery Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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D’Arino A, Caputo S, Eibenschutz L, Piemonte P, Buccini P, Frascione P, Bellei B. Skin Cancer Microenvironment: What We Can Learn from Skin Aging? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14043. [PMID: 37762344 PMCID: PMC10531546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814043] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a natural intrinsic process associated with the loss of fibrous tissue, a slower cell turnover, and a reduction in immune system competence. In the skin, the continuous exposition of environmental factors superimposes extrinsic damage, mainly due to ultraviolet radiation causing photoaging. Although not usually considered a pathogenic event, photoaging affects cutaneous biology, increasing the risk of skin carcinogenesis. At the cellular level, aging is typified by the rise of senescence cells a condition characterized by reduced or absent capacity to proliferate and aberrant hyper-secretory activity. Senescence has a double-edged sword in cancer biology given that senescence prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of damaged cells and favors their clearance by paracrine secretion. Nevertheless, the cumulative insults and the poor clearance of injured cells in the elderly increase cancer incidence. However, there are not conclusive data proving that aged skin represents a permissive milieu for tumor onset. On the other hand, tumor cells are capable of activating resident fibroblasts onto a pro-tumorigenic phenotype resembling those of senescent fibroblasts suggesting that aged fibroblasts might facilitate cancer progression. This review discusses changes that occur during aging that can prime neoplasm or increase the aggressiveness of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D’Arino
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Caputo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Eibenschutz
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Piemonte
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Buccini
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
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