Immunohistochemical staining of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 in benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms

Textile azo dye, Sudan Black B, inducing hepatotoxicity demonstrated in in vivo zebrafish larval model

Environmental pollution, particularly from textile industry effluents, raises concerns globally. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatotoxicity of Sudan Black B (SBB), a commonly used textile azo dye, on embryonic zebrafish. SBB exposure led to concentration-dependent mortality, reaching 100% at 0.8 mM, accompanied by growth retardation and diverse malformations in zebrafish. Biochemical marker analysis indicated adaptive responses to SBB, including increased SOD, CAT, NO, and LDH, alongside decreased GSH levels. Liver morphology analysis unveiled significant alterations, impacting metabolism and detoxification. Also, glucose level was declined and lipid level elevated in SBB-exposed in vivo zebrafish. Inflammatory gene expressions (TNF-α, IL-10, and INOS) showcased a complex regulatory interplay, suggesting an organismal attempt to counteract pro-inflammatory states during SBB exposure. The increased apoptosis revealed a robust hepatic cellular response due to SBB, aligning with observed liver tissue damage and inflammatory events. This multidimensional study highlights the intricate web of responses due to SBB exposure, which is emphasizing the need for comprehensive understanding and targeted mitigation strategies. The findings bear the implications for both aquatic ecosystems and potentially parallels to human health, underscoring the imperative for sustained research in this critical domain.

Liraglutide and resveratrol alleviated cyclosporin A induced nephrotoxicity in rats through improving antioxidant status, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory markers

The recent study delves into the role of both liraglutide and/or resveratrol on the nephropathic affection in rats treated with cyclosporine A (CsA). Rats were intoxicated with CsA (25 mg/kg) orally for 21 days and were supplemented with liraglutide (30 μg/kg) s/c daily and 20 mg/kg of resveratrol (20 mg/kg) orally. At the end of the experiment, serum samples and renal tissues were collected to determine renal damage markers, apoptotic markers, proinflammatory markers, and antioxidant status markers. Kidney function tests and antioxidant activity notably improved in the treated rats (CsA + Lir/CsA + Res/CsA + Lir + Res). Moreover, both Lir and/or Res enhanced Bcl-2 levels while down-regulating the Bax levels in rats treated with CsA. Interestingly, the immune-staining for tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) was tested negative and mild positive in renal tissue of rats given Lir and/or Res while being treated with Cs A which indicated their anti-inflammatory effect that reduced the renal damage. The findings of this investigation revealed the ameliorative anti-inflammatory in addition to the antioxidant role of both liraglutide and resveratrol against the kidney damage caused due to CsA administration.

Sitagliptin ameliorates L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis via modulating inflammatory cytokines expression and combating oxidative stress

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition that resolves spontaneously, but occasionally, develops into systemic inflammation, organ failure and mortality. Oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory pathways represent major players in AP pathogenesis. Current management of AP relies on attenuating injuries to the pancreas and putting the inflammatory process under control. In this study, we investigated the role of sitagliptin in modulating L-arginine-induced AP in rats.

Methods

Swiss rats were subdivided into a healthy control group, AP group (a single dose of L-arginine 250 mg/100 g, intraperitoneal), and sitagliptin + L-arginine-treated group (10 mg sitagliptin/kg body weight/day, orally). Sitagliptin treatment started 1 hour after L-arginine injection and continued for 3days. Biochemical and histopathological investigations were performed on serum and tissue samples collected from test animals.

Results

L-arginine increased pancreatic meyloperoxidase and serum amylase- and lipase activities and serum levels of TNF-α, LT-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α/β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-15. AP animals showed elevated MDA and NO and decreased GSH and serum calcium levels. Histopathological changes were observed by H&E staining. Sitagliptin treatment significantly ameliorated these biochemical and histological changes diminishing the signs of AP.

Conclusion

Sitagliptin treatment was effective in ameliorating L-arginine-induced AP which can be regarded to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect.

Gene polymorphisms of interleukin 10 (− 819 C/T and − 1082 G/A) in women with ovarian cancer

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death associated with gynecologic cancer. IL-10 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. We investigated IL-10 gene polymorphisms in OC patients. The current case–control study screened forty-eight women with OC and forty-eight healthy women who did not have OC. The genotyping of SNPs (− 1082 G > A; rs1800896 and − 819 C > T; rs1800871) of the IL-10 gene was done by tetra primers sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) technique. The plasma levels of IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

For IL-10 (− 1082 G/A) polymorphism, the G (wild allele) was significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 2.054 with CI = 1.154–3.657; P < 0.05), while the A (variant allele) and AA genotype was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of OC (OR = 0.487 with CI = 0.273–0.867; P < 0.05) and (OR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.04–0.63; P < 0.05), respectively. For IL-10 (− 819C/T) polymorphisms, the T allele (variant allele) and (TT, CT genotypes) were significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 2.800 with 95% CI = 1.577–5.037; P < 0.05), (OR = 18.33 with 95% CI = 3.46–97.20; P < 0.001), and (OR = 9.44 with 95% CI = 2.52–35.40; P < 0.001), respectively, while the C (wild allele) was significantly associated with decreasing the risk of OC (OR = 0.357 with 95% CI = 0.199–0.642; P < 0.05). The haplotype analysis for (− 1082 G > A and − 819 C > T shows the GT haplotype was significantly associated with increasing the risk of OC (OR = 50.09 with CI = 6.34–395.92; P < 0.001). OC was substantially correlated with IL-10 level (r = 0.457; p < 0.001). There is no linkage disequilibrium (LD) between IL 10 − 1082 G/A and IL 10 − 819 C/T (D′ = 0.1315, r2 = 0.016; P = NS). A statistically significant positive relationship existed between IL-10 and CA125 and ALT (P < 0.05). IL-10 and albumin showed a strong negative association (P < 0.05), whereas the correlation of IL10 plasma level with BUN, AST, T. Bil., TLC, PLT, Cr., and HB has not any significant value (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, this study supports an association of IL-10 (− 1082 G/A and − 819C/T) polymorphisms with the risk of ovarian cancer.

RELATION OF APELIN, TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA AND CLAUDIN-5 TO BODY MASS INDEX IN CHOLECYSTECTOMIES

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Claudin-5, Apelin, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) expression, and body mass index (BMI) of cholecystectomies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-eight paraffin embedded cholecystectomy specimens diagnosed as chronic cholecystitis were collected in the Pathology Department of the Training and Research Hospital between 2015-2017. The samples were stained with Apelin, Claudin-5 and TNF-α. The immunohistochemical study was carried out using the system in an automatic staining machine.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and TNF-α staining (p=0.010). This result indicated that the degree of staining increased together with BMI. When age, BMI, and the other biochemical parameters were evaluated, a significant correlation was found between BMI and blood glucose only (p=0.029); correlations of BMI with the other parameters were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no relationship between inflammation and BMI with Claudin-5 and Apelin in this study, there is a significant relationship between BMI and TNF-α.

The Periodontopathic Pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Involves a Gut Inflammatory Response and Exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent disorders globally and is strongly associated with many other diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an inflammatory condition of the colon and the small intestine, is reported to be associated with PD through undetermined mechanisms. We analyzed taxonomic assignment files from the Crohn’s Disease Viral and Microbial Metagenome Project (PRJEB3206). The abundance of Porphyromonadaceae in fecal samples was significantly different between patients with Crohn’s disease and control volunteers. Dextran sulfate sodium was used to induce colitis in mice to reveal the effect of this periodontopathic pathogen in vivo. After intrarectal implantation of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)—the primary pathogen causing PD—the disease activity index score, colonic epithelial loss, and inflammatory cell infiltration were intensified. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 showed the highest levels in Pg-infected colons. This revealed the importance of Pg in the exacerbation of IBD. Thus, simultaneous treatment of PD should be considered for people with IBD. Moreover, implantation of Pg in the rectum worsened the clinical symptoms of colitis in mice. Because Pg participates in the pathogenesis of IBD, reducing the chances of it entering the intestine might prevent the worsening of this disorder.

High Expression of Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Cancer Cells as Risk Factors for Hypercalcemia in Bone Metastases Lytic Lesions

BACKGROUND: Cancer mortality is more commonly due to metastases of the tumor to other organs and the complications that accompany it than the tumor growth itself. Until recently, metastasis has been an insurmountable problem. AIM: As the most frequent site of metastases, apart from the lungs and liver, tumor metastases to bone are associated with hypercalcemia which is fatal for the affected patient. METHODS: This study used a case-control study design. The case group consisted of paraffin block samples derived from bone metastatic cancer cell biopsies of patients with hypercalcemic lytic lesions. The control group consisted of paraffin block samples derived from bone metastatic cancer cell biopsies of patients with non-hypercalcemic lytic lesions. Radiological examination was performed to examine the presence of lytic lesions, followed by data collection of serum calcium levels. The data obtained from the histopathological examination was confirmed along with the availability of paraffin blocks of bone metastasis cancer cell biopsy samples, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α _(TNF-α) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). A Mann–Whitney test was performed to determine the expression of TNF-α _and PTHrP between hypercalcemia and non-hypercalcemia groups. To identify the cut-off point, Youden index on receiver operating characteristic was used, then the optimal cut-off point was determined where the sensitivity and specificity curves intersect. Analysis of risk factor assessment was done by creating a 2 × 2 cross-tabulations and calculating the association size in the form of odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: The expression of PTHrP and TNF-α _in the case group was significantly different from the control group with p < 0.05. The cut-off point for PTHrP expression was 267.5 with an area under the curve of 0.93, indicating a high accuracy value. The cut-off point for TNF-α _expression was 227.5 with an area under the curve of 0.68, indicating a moderate accuracy value. The OR between hypercalcemia and non-hypercalcemia to PTHrP expression was 110.3 (Fisher’s exact statistical test obtained p < 0.05), while the OR between hypercalcemia and non-hypercalcemia to TNF-α _expression was 7.27 (Fisher’s exact test statistical obtained p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in the expression of PTHrP and TNF-α _were found between patients with bone metastases lytic lesions with hypercalcemia compared to those without hypercalcemia. We can conclude that either a high level of PTHrP expression and/or TNF-α _expression in cancer cells can serve as risk factors for hypercalcemia in patients with bone metastatic lytic lesions.

Effect of intracellular uptake of nanoparticle-encapsulated trehalose on the hemocompatibility of allogeneic valves in the VS83 vitrification protocol

Trehalose is a disaccharide molecule consisting of two molecules of glucose. Industrially, trehalose is derived from corn starch and utilized as a drug. This study aims to examine whether the integration of nanoparticle-encapsulated trehalose to the Ice-Free Cryopreservation (IFC) method for preserving heart valves has better cell viability, benefits to protect the extracellular matrix (ECM), and reduce immune response after storage. For the experiment to be carried out, we obtained materials, and the procedures were carried out in the following manner. The initial step was the preparation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, followed by precipitation to acquire Apatite colloidal suspensions. Animals were obtained, and their tissue isolation and grouping were done ethically. All samples were then divided into four groups, Control group, Conventional Frozen Cryopreservation (CFC) group, IFC group, and IFC + T (IFC with the addition of 0.2 M nanoparticle-encapsulated Trehalose) group. Histological analysis was carried out via H&E staining, ECM components were stained with Modified Weigert staining, and the Gomori Ammonia method was used to stain reticular fibers. Alamar Blue assay was utilized to assess cell viability. Hemocompatibility was evaluated, and samples were processed for immunohistochemistry (TNFα and IL-10). Hemocompatibility was quantified using Terminal Complement Complex (TCC) and Neutrophil elastase (NE) as an indicator. The results of the H&E staining revealed less formation of extracellular ice crystals and intracellular vacuoles in the IFC + T group compared with all other groups. The CFC group’s cell viability showed better viability than the IFC group, but the highest viability was exhibited in the IFC + T group (70.96 ± 2.53, P < 0.0001, n = 6). In immunohistochemistry, TNFα levels were lowest in both IFC and IFC + T group, and IL-10 expression had significantly reduced in IFC and IFC + T group. The results suggested that the nanoparticle encapsulated trehalose did not show significant hemocompatibility issues on the cryopreserved heart valves.

Administration of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaf extract decreases TNF-α and IL-6 expressions in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in rats

Objective:

We aimed to determine the neem leaf extract’s effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rats.

Materials and Methods:

In the first phase of the study, colitis was induced by DSS administration in the case group and compared to the control group. In the second phase, 84 colitis rats were divided into groups I, II, and III receiving 7.8 mg/day of mesalazine, 100 mg/200 gm body weight, and 200 mg/200 gm body weight neem leaf extract, respectively.

Results:

TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were significantly increased in the case group compared to the control group. TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were decreasing in all groups receiving treatment. Group III showed an earlier decrease compared to group II. TNF-α and IL-6 expressions in group III were comparable with group I since the second week. This condition was observed in the 4th week between group II and group I.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that neem leaf extract decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in DSS-induced colitis.

Inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer

Inflammatory cytokines are highly inducible small glycoproteins or regulatory proteins of low molecular weight secreted by different cell types. They regulate intercellular communication and mediate a number of physiological functions in the human immune system. Numerous prospective studies report that inflammatory cytokines strongly predict coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure and other adverse cardiac events. Inflammatory cascade is believed to be a causative factor in the development of atherosclerotic process. Several aspects of atherogenesis are accelerated by cytokines. This article provides an overall overview of current understanding of cytokines in various cardiovascular events. Besides, inflammatory cytokines trigger cellular events that can induce malignancy and carcinogenesis. Elevated expression of several cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage migration inhibitory factor and transforming growth factor-β are involved in tumor initiation and progression. Thus, they exert a pivotal role in cancer pathogenesis. This review highlights the role of several cytokines in various events of tumorigenesis. Actually, this article summarizes the contributions of cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The Effects of Micronized Progesterone and Cabergoline On a Rat Autotransplantation Endometriosis Model: A Placebo Controlled Randomized Trial

AIM

The etiology of endometriosis is complex and various theories have been postulated. Endometriosis pathogenesis involves genetic susceptibility, immunologic alterations and inflammatory prerequisite pathways. In this pilot experimental animal study we wanted to investigate the effects of cabergoline and micronized progesterone on a rat endometriosis model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All rats were provided and housed in the animal laboratory of the Experimental Research Center of Bezmialem Vakif University. This was a placebo controlled randomized trial. The endometriosis model consisted of autotransplantation of endometrial tissue on 21 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Endometriosis formation by second-look laparotomy was confirmed 8 weeks later. After measuring the endometriosis implant area the rats were randomized into three intervention groups: cabergoline treatment group, micronized progesterone treatment group and the control group. Four weeks after treatment, a third laparotomy was performed to remeasure implant volumes. Endometriotic implants were obtained for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of treatment endometriosis implant sizes diminished in all groups. There was no statistically significant difference regarding implant size volume before and after treatment among the groups. The peritoneal histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed no difference with regards to IL-6 and TNF-α staining among groups.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that oral treatment of cabergoline and micronized progesterone for 4 weeks was not statistically effective in endometriotic implant regression. However, we believe further studies are warranted. Treatment for longer durations or via different routes may be investigated in further studies. When ethically applicable other mammals may be considered such as baboons.

Chinese Medicine Jiedu Huayu Granules Reduce Liver Injury in Rats by Regulating T-Cell Immunity

Liver injury, one of the causes of liver failure, is mainly due to T-cell-mediated immunity. Traditional Chinese medicine Jiedu Huayu granules are often used to suppress liver damage and improve liver function. The specific regulatory mechanism of Jiedu Huayu granules has not been fully studied, and its function in the immune system remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, the mechanism of Jiedu Huayu granules in the prevention of hepatic injury was studied in a rat model of hepatic injury induced by D-galactoside and lipopolysaccharide. The cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the peripheral blood were examined. Perforin, granule B, and PD1 expression in CTL increased after the induction of hepatic injury and could be reduced by Jiedu Huayu granules. Hepatic apoptotic factors OX62, FAS, and TNFR1 associated with CTL function were also reduced by Jiedu Huayu granules. These results suggested that Jiedu Huayu granules could inhibit the inflammatory response to relieve liver damage by mediating the T-cell immunity. Therefore, the discovery of the mechanism of action of Jiedu Huayu granules in the immune system could allow their use more effectively in clinical practice.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor modulator spermatogenesis-associated protein 2 is a novel predictor of outcome in ovarian cancer

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as a key mediator. Recently, spermatogenesis-associated protein 2 (SPATA2) was identified as a TNF receptor modulator which is required for TNF-induced inflammation and apoptosis. The available data on TNF-α in ovarian cancer (OC) are inconsistent, and SPATA2 is completely uncharacterized in tumorigenesis. We analyzed expression of SPATA2 and TNFA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in tissues of 171 patients with low-grade serous (LGSOC), high-grade serous (HGSOC), endometrioid and clear cell OC compared with 28 non-malignant control tissues. We stimulated OC cells (OVCAR3) with pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, interleukin [IL]-1β) and mitogenic stimuli (IL-6, lysophosphatidic acid) to establish a direct effect between inflammatory signaling and SPATA2. Pro-inflammatory, but not mitogenic stimuli, potently induced SPATA2 expression in OC cells. Expression of TNFA and SPATA2 was higher in OC compared with control tissues (P = 0.010 and P = 0.001, respectively) and correlated with each other (P = 0.034, r_s  = 0.198). When compared with grade 1 cancers, SPATA2 was expressed higher in grade 2 and 3 tumors (P = 0.011) as well as in HGSOC compared with LGSOC (P = 0.024). Multivariate survival analyses revealed that OC with high SPATA2 expression were associated with reduced progression-free survival (P = 0.048) and overall survival (P < 0.001). In conclusion, SPATA2 expression is regulated by TNF-α and IL-1β and is found to independently affect clinical outcome in OC patients. These data implicate a role of SPATA2 in tumorigenesis which warrants further investigation in gynecological malignancies.

Serum IL-6 and IL-8 Correlate with Prognostic Factors in Ovarian Cancer

The aim of the study was to correlate serum levels of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α with clinical, laboratory, and pathological prognostic factors in patients with primary ovarian malignancy. Patients treated at the Pelvic Mass Ambulatory of the Discipline of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Oncology Research Institute (IPON) of the UFTM with confirmed diagnosis of malignant ovarian neoplasia (n = 26) were evaluated. Serum collection was performed preoperatively for the determination of tumor markers. The cytokines IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prognostic factors were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, with significance level lower than 0.05. When evaluating IL6, it was observed that higher serum levels were associated with overall survival less than 60 months (p = 0.0382). In the evaluation of IL8, higher serum levels were associated with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 4 and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≥ 200 (p = 0.0198 and p = 0.0072, respectively), altered values of serum CA125 (p = 0.0457), and stage IIIC (p = 0.0486). Therefore, increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 are associated with factors of worse prognosis in ovarian cancer. Additional studies with a larger sample of patients are needed to confirm the role of cytokines as prognostic factors, in the definition of treatment, and in the development of future target therapies.

Abuse, cancer and sexual dysfunction in women: A potentially vicious cycle

More than 30% of women have a history of abuse. Women with cancer may be at substantially increased risk for abuse, but this issue is rarely discussed in the course of oncology care. Women with a history of abuse who present for cancer care commonly have a high prevalence of co-morbid illness. Sexual dysfunction, a highly prevalent but under-recognized condition among women of all ages, is also more common among both women with a history of abuse and women with cancer. Although common after cancer, sexual dysfunction, like abuse, can be stigmatizing and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This review first examines the literature for evidence of a relationship between any history of abuse and cancer among women, addressing two questions: 1) How does abuse promote or create risk for developing cancer? 2) How does cancer increase a woman's susceptibility to abuse? We then examine evidence for a relationship between abuse and female sexual dysfunction, followed by an investigation of the complex relationship between all three factors: abuse, sexual dysfunction and cancer. The literature is limited by a lack of harmonization of measures across studies, retrospective designs, and small and idiosyncratic samples. Despite these limitations, it is imperative that providers integrate the knowledge of this complex relationship into the care of women with cancer.

Comparison of the expression of TGF-β1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TP53, RB1CC1 and HIF-1α in oral squamous cell carcinoma and lymph node metastases of humans and mice

The aim of the present study was to prove that a mouse model closely simulates human oral cancer progression by comparing the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, tumor protein (TP)53, RB1 inducible coiled-coil (RB1CC)1 and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α at different stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in humans and mice. The expression levels of TGF-β1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TP53, RB1CC1, and HIF-1α were detected by immunohistochemical staining in normal oral mucosa, oral mucosa dysplasia, OSCC primary tumor and carcinoma tissues from lymph node metastases. Tissue samples were obtained from human specimens and the Balb/c mouse model of lymphatic metastases oral carcinoma, induced by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide in drinking water. The results indicated no significant differences in the expression levels of TGF-β1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, TP53, RB1CC1 and HIF-1α between humans and mice, at any stage of OSCC examined (P>0.05). The expression of TGF-β1, N-cadherin, TP53 and RB1CC1 increased in different stages of OSCC in both humans and mice. The expression of E-cadherin decreased from normal oral mucosa to OSCC, and increased in lymph node metastases in both human and mouse samples. The expression of HIF-1α increased from normal oral mucosa to OSCC, and decreased in lymph node metastases in both human and mouse samples. Additionally, the expression of p53 was positively correlated with that of RB1CC1 in human and mouse samples (r=0.971, P=0.029; r=0.97, P=0.03). Overall, the similar expression of multiple molecules in both human and mouse carcinoma prove that the mouse model of lymphatic metastases from oral carcinoma established in the present study may closely mimic human oral cancer.

Coexpression of growth differentiation factor 11 and reactive oxygen species in metastatic oral cancer and its role in inducing the epithelial to mesenchymal transition

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression in metastatic oral cancer and explored their roles in inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).

STUDY DESIGN

The expression of GDF11, ROS, and EMT-related markers was evaluated in primary tumor tissues from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). SCC-9 cells, a human tongue carcinoma cell line, were treated with recombinant GDF11. Induction of EMT, expression of EMT-related markers, and the effect of ROS on EMT in SCC-9 cells were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overexpression of GDF11 and ROS was observed in patients with metastatic oral cancer. Downregulated expression of E-cadherin and upregulated expression of vimentin, δ-EF1, SIP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were observed in patients with metastatic oral cancer, relative to the expression of these factors in patients with nonmetastatic oral cancer. With recombinant GDF11 treatment, obvious spindle-shaped cells appeared, and gene expressions of EMT-related markers were altered in SCC-9 cells. Treatment with the powerful antioxidant N-acetylcysteine inhibited GDF11-induced EMT and cell migration.

CONCLUSIONS

GDF11 induces EMT and cell migration with ROS involvement in SCC-9 cells. Overexpression of GDF11 and ROS is associated with metastatic oral cancer. GDF11 and ROS may participate in metastasis of oral cancer through EMT.

Interleukin-17 augments tumor necrosis factor α-mediated increase of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and inhibits vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein expression to reduce the adhesion of breast cancer cells

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are able to cooperatively alter the expression levels of a number of genes. In the present study, the mRNA expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α were analyzed in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells following treatment with IL-17, TNF-α or the combination of IL-17 and TNF-α. The protein expression levels of HIF-1α and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) were evaluated using western blot analysis. The adhesive ability of the cells was determined using an MTT assay following treatment with HIF-1α-small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA-VASP that were used to suppress the expression levels of HIF-1α and VASP protein, respectively. These results demonstrated that IL-17 augmented TNF-α-induced gene expression of HIF-1α. The combination of IL-17 and TNF-α promoted an increase in HIF-1α expression and a decrease in VASP expression and a reduction in the adhesive ability of cells. These results demonstrated that IL-17 effectively enhanced the TNF-α-induced increase in HIF-1α and inhibited VASP expression, thus reducing the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells.

TNF-α expression, risk factors, and inflammatory exposures in ovarian cancer: evidence for an inflammatory pathway of ovarian carcinogenesis?

Inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are elevated in ovarian cancer. Differences in cytokine expression by histologic subytpe or ovarian cancer risk factors can provide useful insight into ovarian cancer risk and etiology. We used ribonucleic acid in situ hybridization to assess TNF-α and IL-6 expression on tissue microarray slides from 78 epithelial ovarian carcinomas (51 serous, 12 endometrioid, 7 clear cell, 2 mucinous, 6 other) from a population-based case-control study. Cytokine expression was scored semiquantitatively, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using polytomous logistic regression. TNF-α was expressed in 46% of the tumors, whereas sparse IL-6 expression was seen in only 18% of the tumors. For both markers, expression was most common in high-grade serous carcinomas followed by endometrioid carcinomas. Parity was associated with a reduced risk of TNF-α-positive (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7 for 3 or more children versus none) but not TNF-α-negative tumors (P heterogeneity=.02). In contrast, current smoking was associated with a nearly 3-fold increase in risk of TNF-α-negative (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.6) but not TNF-α-positive tumors (P heterogeneity = .06). Our data suggest that TNF-α expression in ovarian carcinoma varies by histologic subtype and provides some support for the role of inflammation in ovarian carcinogenesis. The novel associations detected in our study need to be validated in a larger cohort of patients in future studies.