1
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Li E, Cheung HCZ, Ma S. CTHRC1 + fibroblasts and SPP1 + macrophages synergistically contribute to pro-tumorigenic tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17412. [PMID: 39075108 PMCID: PMC11286765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68109-z] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely lethal cancer that accounts for over 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases. With a 5-year survival rate of only 13%, PDAC has proven to be extremely desmoplastic and immunosuppressive to most current therapies, including chemotherapy and surgical resection. In recent years, focus has shifted to understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) around PDAC, enabling a greater understanding of biological pathways and intercellular interactions that can ultimately lead to potential for future drug targets. In this study, we leverage a combination of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to further identify cellular populations and interactions within the highly heterogeneous TME. We demonstrate that SPP1+APOE+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and CTHRC1+GREM1+ cancer-associated myofibroblasts (myCAF) not only act synergistically to promote an immune-suppressive TME through active extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), but are spatially colocalized and correlated, leading to worse prognosis. Our results highlight the crosstalk between stromal and myeloid cells as a significant area of study for future therapeutic targets to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Li
- Worcester Academy, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | | | - Shuangge Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Mottini C, Auciello FR, Manni I, Pilarsky C, Caputo D, Caracciolo G, Rossetta A, Di Gennaro E, Budillon A, Blandino G, Roca MS, Piaggio G. The cross-talk between the macro and micro-environment in precursor lesions of pancreatic cancer leads to new and promising circulating biomarkers. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:198. [PMID: 39020414 PMCID: PMC11256648 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03117-5] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a clinically challenging tumor to combat due to its advanced stage at diagnosis as well as its resistance to currently available therapies. The absence of early symptoms and known detectable biomarkers renders this disease incredibly difficult to detect/manage. Recent advances in the understanding of PC biology have highlighted the importance of cancer-immune cell interactions, not only in the tumor micro-environment but also in distant systemic sites, like the bone marrow, spleen and circulating immune cells, the so-called macro-environment. The response of the macro-environment is emerging as a determining factor in tumor development by contributing to the formation of an increasingly immunogenic micro-environment promoting tumor homeostasis and progression. We will summarize the key events associated with the feedback loop between the tumor immune micro-environment (TIME) and the tumor immune macroenvironment (TIMaE) in pancreatic precancerous lesions along with how it regulates disease development and progression. In addition, liquid biopsy biomarkers capable of diagnosing PC at an early stage of onset will also be discussed. A clearer understanding of the early crosstalk between micro-environment and macro-environment could contribute to identifying new molecular therapeutic targets and biomarkers, consequently improving early PC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mottini
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Auciello
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Molecolare Sapienza, Università Di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Di Gennaro
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Budillon
- Scientific Directorate, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- UOC Translational Oncology Research, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Via M. Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, UOSD SAFU, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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3
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Wang Y, Li HT, Liu G, Jiang CS, Ni YH, Zeng JH, Lin X, Wang QY, Li DZ, Wang W, Zeng XP. COMP promotes pancreatic fibrosis by activating pancreatic stellate cells through CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathways. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111135. [PMID: 38479555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111135] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic fibrosis is one of the most important pathological features of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the key cells of fibrosis. As an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is critical for collagen assembly and ECM stability and recent studies showed that COMP exert promoting fibrosis effect in the skin, lungs and liver. However, the role of COMP in activation of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the role and specific mechanisms of COMP in regulating the profibrotic phenotype of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis. METHODS ELISA method was used to determine serum COMP in patients with CP. Mice model of CP was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of cerulein and pancreatic fibrosis was evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (H&E) and Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression changes of COMP and fibrosis marker such as α-SMA and Fibronectin in pancreatic tissue of mice. Cell Counting Kit-8, Wound Healing and Transwell assessed the proliferation and migration of human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs). Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of fibrosis marker, AKT and MAPK family proteins in HPSCs. RNA-seq omics analysis as well as small interfering RNA of COMP, recombinant human COMP (rCOMP), MEK inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors were used to study the effect and mechanism of COMP on activation of HPSCs. RESULTS ELISA showed that the expression of COMP significantly increased in the serum of CP patients. H&E and Sirius red staining analysis showed that there was a large amount of collagen deposition in the mice in the CP model group and high expression of COMP, α-SMA, Fibronectin and Vimentin were observed in fibrotic tissues. TGF-β1 stimulates the activation of HPSCs and increases the expression of COMP. Knockdown of COMP inhibited proliferation and migration of HPSCs. Further, RNA-seq omics analysis and validation experiments in vitro showed that rCOMP could significantly promote the proliferation and activation of HPSCs, which may be due to promoting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT through membrane protein receptor CD36. rCOMP simultaneously increased the expression of α-SMA, Fibronectin and Collagen I in HPSCs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study showed that COMP was up-regulated in CP fibrotic tissues and COMP induced the activation, proliferation and migration of PSCs through the CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathway. COMP may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of CP. Interfering with the expression of COMP or the communication between COMP and CD36 on PSCs may be the next direction for therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Shen Jiang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hong Ni
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hui Zeng
- Department of Presbyatrics, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yun Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Zhou Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xiang-Peng Zeng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
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4
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Saleh O, Shihadeh H, Yousef A, Erekat H, Abdallh F, Al-Leimon A, Elsalhy R, Altiti A, Dajani M, AlBarakat MM. The Effect of Intratumor Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression and Treatment. Pancreas 2024; 53:e450-e465. [PMID: 38728212 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Even though many substantial improvements in the survival rates for other major cancer forms were made, pancreatic cancer survival rates have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s. Even more, no standard classification system for pancreatic cancer is based on cellular biomarkers. This review will discuss and provide updates about the role of stem cells in the progression of PC, the genetic changes associated with it, and the promising biomarkers for diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The search process used PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases to identify the relevant and related articles. Articles had to be published in English to be considered. RESULTS The increasing number of studies in recent years has revealed that the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts is far greater than previously acknowledged, which highlights the need for further research to better understand the various cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations. Despite the huge diversity in pancreatic cancer, some common features can be noted to be shared among patients. Mutations involving CDKN2, P53, and K-RAS can be seen in a big number of patients, for example. Similarly, some patterns of genes and biomarkers expression and the level of their expression can help in predicting cancer behavior such as metastasis and drug resistance. The current trend in cancer research, especially with the advancement in technology, is to sequence everything in hopes of finding disease-related mutations. CONCLUSION Optimizing pancreatic cancer treatment requires clear classification, understanding CAF roles, and exploring stroma reshaping approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Saleh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | - Hana Erekat
- School of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman
| | - Fatima Abdallh
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | | | | | | | - Majd Dajani
- From the Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa
| | - Majd M AlBarakat
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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5
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Ciofoaia V, Chen W, Tarek BW, Gay M, Shivapurkar N, Smith JP. The Role of a Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist in the Management of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Phase 1 Trial. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:611. [PMID: 38794273 PMCID: PMC11125239 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050611] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare but debilitating condition with an 8-fold increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In addition to the symptoms that come from the loss of endocrine and exocrine function in CP, the management of chronic pain is problematic. We previously showed that the CCK-receptor antagonist called proglumide could decrease inflammation, acinar-ductal metaplasia, and fibrosis in murine models of CP. We hypothesized that proglumide would be safe and diminish pain caused by CP. A Phase 1 open-labeled safety study was performed in subjects with clinical and radiographic evidence of CP with moderate to severe pain. After a 4-week observation period, the subjects were treated with proglumide in 400 mg capsules three times daily (1200 mg per day) by mouth for 12 weeks, and then subjects returned for a safety visit 4 weeks after the discontinuation of the study medication. The results of three pain surveys (Numeric Rating Scale, COMPAT-SF, and NIH PROMIS) showed that the patients had significantly less pain after 12 weeks of proglumide compared to the pre-treatment observation phase. Of the eight subjects in this study, two experienced nausea and diarrhea with proglumide. These side effects resolved in one subject with doses reduced to 800 mg per day. No abnormalities were noted in the blood chemistries. A blood microRNA blood biomarker panel that corresponded to pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis showed significant improvement. We conclude that proglumide is safe and well tolerated in most subjects with CP at a dose of 1200 mg per day. Furthermore, proglumide therapy may have a beneficial effect by decreasing pain associated with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ciofoaia
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (V.C.); (B.W.T.)
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Bakain W. Tarek
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (V.C.); (B.W.T.)
| | - Martha Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
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6
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Wang Y, Chen K, Liu G, Du C, Cheng Z, Wei D, Li F, Li C, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Nie G. Disruption of Super-Enhancers in Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells Facilitates Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308637. [PMID: 38417121 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
One major obstacle in the drug treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its highly fibrotic tumor microenvironment, which is replete with activated pancreatic stellate cells (a-PSCs). These a-PSCs generate abundant extracellular matrix and secrete various cytokines to form biophysical and biochemical barriers, impeding drug access to tumor tissues. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a strategy for reversing PSC activation and thereby removing the barriers to facilitate PDAC drug treatment. Herein, by integrating chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq, Assays for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC)-seq, and RNA-seq techniques, this work reveals that super-enhancers (SEs) promote the expression of various genes involved in PSC activation. Disruption of SE-associated transcription with JQ1 reverses the activated phenotype of a-PSCs and decreases stromal fibrosis in both orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. More importantly, disruption of SEs by JQ1 treatments promotes vascularization, facilitates drug delivery, and alters the immune landscape in PDAC, thereby improving the efficacies of both chemotherapy (with gemcitabine) and immunotherapy (with IL-12). In summary, this study not only elucidates the contribution of SEs of a-PSCs in shaping the PDAC tumor microenvironment but also highlights that targeting SEs in a-PSCs may become a gate-opening strategy that benefits PDAC drug therapy by removing stromal barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhou Wang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Chong Du
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dan Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Fenfen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chen Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials & Nanosafety, CAS Center of Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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7
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Sun L, Zheng M, Gao Y, Brigstock DR, Gao R. Retinoic acid signaling pathway in pancreatic stellate cells: Insight into the anti-fibrotic effect and mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176374. [PMID: 38309676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176374] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated following loss of cytoplasmic vitamin A (retinol)-containing lipid droplets, which is a key event in the process of fibrogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA). PSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that produce stroma to induce PDAC cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. As an active metabolite of retinol, retinoic acid (RA) can regulate target gene expression in PSCs through its nuclear receptor complex (RAR/RXR or RXR/RXR) or transcriptional intermediary factor. Additionally, RA also has extranuclear and non-transcriptional effects. In vitro studies have shown that RA induces PSC deactivation which reduces extracellular matrix production through multiple modes of action, such as inhibiting TβRⅡ, PDGFRβ, β-catenin and Wnt production, downregulating ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation and suppressing active TGF-β1 release. RA alone or in combination with other reagents have been demonstrated to have an effective anti-fibrotic effect on cerulein-induced mouse CP models in vivo studies. Clinical trial data have shown that repurposing all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as a stromal-targeting agent for human pancreatic cancer is safe and tolerable, suggesting the possibility of using RA for the treatment of CP and PDCA in humans. This review focuses on RA signaling pathways in PSCs and the effects and mechanisms of RA in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis as well as the anti-fibrotic and anti-tumor effects of RA targeting PSCs or CAFs in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential therapies of RA against CP and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Pathology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meifang Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - David R Brigstock
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Runping Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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8
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Hartupee C, Nagalo BM, Chabu CY, Tesfay MZ, Coleman-Barnett J, West JT, Moaven O. Pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment is a major therapeutic barrier and target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287459. [PMID: 38361931 PMCID: PMC10867137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic environment that promotes further tumorigenesis, provides innate systemic resistance, and suppresses anti-tumor immune invasion. This desmoplastic environment combined with the immunoregulatory events that allow it to persist serve as the primary focus of this review. The physical barrier and immune counterbalance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) make PDAC an immunologically cold tumor. To convert PDAC into an immunologically hot tumor, tumor microenvironment could be considered alongside the tumor cells. We discuss the complex network of microenvironment molecular and cellular composition and explore how they can be targeted to overcome immuno-therapeutic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner Hartupee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
- The Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Chiswili Y. Chabu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mulu Z. Tesfay
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John T. West
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Omeed Moaven
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Louisiana State University - Louisiana Children's Medical Center (LSU - LCMC) Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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9
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Madela F, Ferndale L, Aldous C. Diagnostic Differentiation between Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer: A Scoping Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:290. [PMID: 38337806 PMCID: PMC10855106 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030290] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatitis, encompassing acute and chronic forms, and pancreatic cancer pose significant challenges to the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Recurrence rates and complications following acute pancreatitis episodes can lead to long-term risks, including diabetes mellitus. Chronic pancreatitis can develop in approximately 15% of cases, regardless of the initial episode's severity. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis, idiopathic causes, cigarette smoking, and hereditary pancreatitis contribute to the progression to chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with older age at onset and smoking identified as risk factors. This scoping review aims to synthesise recent publications (2017-2022) on the diagnostic differentiation between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer while identifying knowledge gaps in the field. The review focuses on biomarkers and imaging techniques in individuals with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Promising biomarkers such as faecal elastase-1 and specific chemokines offer non-invasive ways to assess pancreatic insufficiency and detect early biomarkers for chronic pancreatitis. Imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and positron emission tomography (PET), aid in differentiating between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, accurately distinguishing between the two conditions remains a challenge, particularly when a mass is present in the head of the pancreas. Several knowledge gaps persist despite advancements in understanding the association between pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, including the correlation between histopathological grading systems, non-invasive imaging techniques, and biomarkers in chronic pancreatitis to determine the risk of progression to pancreatic cancer, as well as differentiating between the two conditions. Further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of these aspects, which can ultimately improve the diagnosis and management of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusi Madela
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa; (L.F.)
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10
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Jeong SH, Hurh K, Park EC, Leigh JH, Kim SH, Jang SI. Risk of Pancreatic Cancer After Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Analysis of the Korean National Sample Cohort. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e21. [PMID: 38288535 PMCID: PMC10825454 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, although this association remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this association. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the 2002-2019 Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort using 1:3 propensity score matching for sex and age (acute pancreatitis, n = 4,494; matched controls, n = 13,482). We calculated the hazard ratio (HR) for pancreatic cancer risk in patients with acute pancreatitis using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Acute pancreatitis was significantly associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer throughout the study period (adjusted HR, 7.56 [95% confidence interval, 5.00-11.41]), which persisted for 2, 2-5, and > 5 years post-diagnosis (19.11 [9.60-38.05], 3.46 [1.35-8.33], and 2.73 [1.21-6.15], respectively). This pancreatitis-related pancreatic cancer risk became insignificant beyond 10 years of follow-up (1.24 [0.24-6.49]). Furthermore, this risk notably increased as the number of recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes increased (1 episode: 5.25 [3.31-8.33], 2 episodes: 11.35 [6.38-20.19], ≥ 3 episodes: 24.58 [13.66-44.26]). CONCLUSION Following an acute pancreatitis diagnosis, the risk of pancreatic cancer increases significantly in the initial years, with a rapid increase further accentuated with recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes. Additional study is needed to evaluate whether this increased risk of carcinogenesis is attributed to accumulated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hoon Jeong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, Korea
| | - Kyungduk Hurh
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja-Ho Leigh
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, Korea
| | - Seung Hoon Kim
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Sung-In Jang
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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11
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Wan H, Yuan M, Fu Y, Deng M. Continually adapting pre-trained language model to universal annotation of single-cell RNA-seq data. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae047. [PMID: 38388681 PMCID: PMC10883808 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae047] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Cell-type annotation of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data is a hallmark of biomedical research and clinical application. Current annotation tools usually assume the simultaneous acquisition of well-annotated data, but without the ability to expand knowledge from new data. Yet, such tools are inconsistent with the continuous emergence of scRNA-seq data, calling for a continuous cell-type annotation model. In addition, by their powerful ability of information integration and model interpretability, transformer-based pre-trained language models have led to breakthroughs in single-cell biology research. Therefore, the systematic combining of continual learning and pre-trained language models for cell-type annotation tasks is inevitable. RESULTS We herein propose a universal cell-type annotation tool, called CANAL, that continuously fine-tunes a pre-trained language model trained on a large amount of unlabeled scRNA-seq data, as new well-labeled data emerges. CANAL essentially alleviates the dilemma of catastrophic forgetting, both in terms of model inputs and outputs. For model inputs, we introduce an experience replay schema that repeatedly reviews previous vital examples in current training stages. This is achieved through a dynamic example bank with a fixed buffer size. The example bank is class-balanced and proficient in retaining cell-type-specific information, particularly facilitating the consolidation of patterns associated with rare cell types. For model outputs, we utilize representation knowledge distillation to regularize the divergence between previous and current models, resulting in the preservation of knowledge learned from past training stages. Moreover, our universal annotation framework considers the inclusion of new cell types throughout the fine-tuning and testing stages. We can continuously expand the cell-type annotation library by absorbing new cell types from newly arrived, well-annotated training datasets, as well as automatically identify novel cells in unlabeled datasets. Comprehensive experiments with data streams under various biological scenarios demonstrate the versatility and high model interpretability of CANAL. AVAILABILITY An implementation of CANAL is available from https://github.com/aster-ww/CANAL-torch. CONTACT dengmh@pku.edu.cn. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Journal Name online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wan
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China, 100871
| | - Musu Yuan
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China, 100871
| | - Yiwei Fu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China, 100871
| | - Minghua Deng
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China, 100871
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking University, Beijing, China, 100871
- Center for Statistical Science, Peking university, Beijing, China, 100871
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12
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Kong F, Pan Y, Wu D. Activation and Regulation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Chronic Pancreatic Fibrosis: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Chronic Pancreatitis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:108. [PMID: 38255213 PMCID: PMC10813475 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010108] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In the complex progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) emerge as central figures. These cells, initially in a dormant state characterized by the storage of vitamin A lipid droplets within the chronic pancreatitis microenvironment, undergo a profound transformation into an activated state, typified by the secretion of an abundant extracellular matrix, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This review delves into the myriad factors that trigger PSC activation within the context of chronic pancreatitis. These factors encompass alcohol, cigarette smoke, hyperglycemia, mechanical stress, acinar cell injury, and inflammatory cells, with a focus on elucidating their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we explore the regulatory factors that play significant roles during PSC activation, such as TGF-β, CTGF, IL-10, PDGF, among others. The investigation into these regulatory factors and pathways involved in PSC activation holds promise in identifying potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. We provide a summary of recent research findings pertaining to the modulation of PSC activation, covering essential genes and innovative regulatory mediators designed to counteract PSC activation. We anticipate that this research will stimulate further insights into PSC activation and the mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis, ultimately leading to the discovery of groundbreaking therapies targeting cellular and molecular responses within these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyi Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
| | - Yingyu Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China; (F.K.); (Y.P.)
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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13
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Lall SP, Alsafwani ZW, Batra SK, Seshacharyulu P. ASPORIN: A root of the matter in tumors and their host environment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189029. [PMID: 38008263 PMCID: PMC10872503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189029] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Asporin (ASPN) has been identified as one of the members of the class I small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) family in the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is involved in classic ensigns of cancers such as self-dependent growth, resistance to growth inhibitors, restricting apoptosis, cancer metastasis, and bone-related disorders. ASPN is different from other members of SLRPs, such as decorin (DCN) and biglycan (BGN), in a way that it contains a distinctive length of aspartate (D) residues in the amino (N) -terminal region. These D-repeats residues possess germline polymorphisms and are identified to be linked with cancer progression and osteoarthritis (OA). The polyaspartate stretch in the N-terminal region of the protein and its resemblance to DCN are the reasons it is called asporin. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and updated the dual role of ASPN in various malignancies, its structure in mice and humans, variants, mutations, cancer-associated signalings and functions, the relationship between ASPN and cancer-epithelial, stromal fibroblast crosstalk, immune cells and immunosuppression in cancer and other diseases. In cancer and other bone-related diseases, ASPN is identified to be regulating various signaling pathways such as TGFβ, Wnt/β-catenin, notch, hedgehog, EGFR, HER2, and CD44-mediated Rac1. These pathways promote cancer cell invasion, proliferation, and migration by mediating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Finally, we discussed mouse models mimicking ASPN in vivo function in cancers and the probability of therapeutic targeting of ASPN in cancer cells, fibrosis, and other bone-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit P Lall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Zahraa W Alsafwani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
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14
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Piseddu I, Weidinger C, Mayerle J. Fine tuning calcium dynamics by inhibition of Store-operated Calcium Entry as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Cell Calcium 2023; 116:102802. [PMID: 37757535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis, leading to pancreatic dysfunction, reduced quality of life and an elevated pancreatic cancer risk. Current therapeutic options for CP are restricted to symptomatic treatment. Using ex vivo and in vivo preclinical disease models, Szabó et al. now explored for the first time the involvement of Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in the progression of CP and propose that a selective pharmacological inhibition of the SOCE signaling component Orai1 might serve as specific treatment option for CP[1,2].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Piseddu
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany; Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Carl Weidinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Mayerle
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
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15
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Alavi M, Mejia-Bautista A, Tang M, Bandovic J, Rosenberg AZ, Bialkowska AB. Krüppel-like Factor 5 Plays an Important Role in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Pancreatitis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5427. [PMID: 38001687 PMCID: PMC10670257 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225427] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis results in the formation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and poses a risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Our previous study demonstrated that Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is necessary for forming acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) in acute pancreatitis. Here, we investigated the role of KLF5 in response to chronic injury in the pancreas. Human tissues originating from chronic pancreatitis patients showed increased levels of epithelial KLF5. An inducible genetic model combining the deletion of Klf5 and the activation of KrasG12D mutant expression in pancreatic acinar cells together with chemically induced chronic pancreatitis was used. The chronic injury resulted in increased levels of KLF5 in both control and KrasG12D mutant mice. Furthermore, it led to numerous ADM and PanIN lesions and extensive fibrosis in the KRAS mutant mice. In contrast, pancreata with Klf5 loss (with or without KrasG12D) failed to develop ADM, PanIN, or significant fibrosis. Furthermore, the deletion of Klf5 reduced the expression level of cytokines and fibrotic components such as Il1b, Il6, Tnf, Tgfb1, Timp1, and Mmp9. Notably, using ChIP-PCR, we showed that KLF5 binds directly to the promoters of Il1b, Il6, and Tgfb1 genes. In summary, the inactivation of Klf5 inhibits ADM and PanIN formation and the development of pancreatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alavi
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA (M.T.)
| | - Ana Mejia-Bautista
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA (M.T.)
| | - Meiyi Tang
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA (M.T.)
| | - Jela Bandovic
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Avi Z. Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21217, USA;
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA (M.T.)
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16
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Bin Wang, Yuan C, Qie Y, Dang S. Long non-coding RNAs and pancreatic cancer: A multifaceted view. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115601. [PMID: 37774671 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant disease with a 5-year survival rate of only 10%. Families with PC are at greater risk, as are type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, and other factors. Insufficient early detection methods make this cancer have a poor prognosis. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying PC development remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to PC pathology,which may control gene expression by recruiting histone modification complexes to chromatin and interacting with proteins and RNAs. In recent studies, abnormal regulation of lncRNAs has been implicated in PC proliferation, metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance suggesting potential clinical implications. The paper reviews the progress of lncRNA research in PC about diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, cancer metastasis, tumor microenvironment regulation, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, lncRNAs may serve as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for PC diagnosis and prognosis. This will help improve PC patients' survival rate from a lncRNA perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Chang Yuan
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Yinyin Qie
- General Surgery Department, Yixing People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Shengchun Dang
- General Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China; Siyang Hospital, Suqian, Jiangsu 223700, China.
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17
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Bogut A, Stojanovic B, Jovanovic M, Dimitrijevic Stojanovic M, Gajovic N, Stojanovic BS, Balovic G, Jovanovic M, Lazovic A, Mirovic M, Jurisevic M, Jovanovic I, Mladenovic V. Galectin-1 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Bridging Tumor Biology, Immune Evasion, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15500. [PMID: 37958483 PMCID: PMC10650903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115500] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a complex interplay of molecular pathways contributing to its aggressive nature. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the galectin family, has emerged as a pivotal player in the PDAC microenvironment, influencing various aspects from tumor growth and angiogenesis to immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of Galectin-1 in PDAC. We delve into its contributions to tumor stroma remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. The challenges associated with targeting Gal-1 are discussed, given its pleiotropic functions and complexities in different cellular conditions. Additionally, the promising prospects of Gal-1 inhibition, including the utilization of nanotechnology and theranostics, are highlighted. By integrating recent findings and shedding light on the intricacies of Gal-1's involvement in PDAC, this review aims to provide insights that could guide future research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bogut
- City Medical Emergency Department, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Bojan Stojanovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Marina Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
| | | | - Nevena Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Bojana S. Stojanovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Goran Balovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Milan Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Lazovic
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Milos Mirovic
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Kotor, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro;
| | - Milena Jurisevic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Violeta Mladenovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
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18
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Zheng M, Li H, Gao Y, Brigstock DR, Gao R. Vitamin D 3 analogue calcipotriol inhibits the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor- β1 on pancreatic stellate cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176000. [PMID: 37604222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176000] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the inhibitory effect of vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol (Cal) on the fibrosis of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) induced by TGF-β1 and the rationality of Cal use in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP). MATERIAL AND METHODS Double-labeling immunofluorescence was used for the identification of VDR+PSCs in the pancreas of healthy controls (HC) and ACP patients. Van Gieson staining for examination of collagen fibers. RT-qPCR and Western Blot for determining the mRNAs and proteins of VDR, TGF-β1 and COL1A1 in the pancreas of ACP or in vitro PSCs. ELISA or LC-MS/MS for detection of serum TGF-β1 and COL1A1 or 25(OH)D3. The PSC line (RP-2 cell) was used for the determination of proteomic alterations in Cal plus TGF-β1 versus TGF-β1 and to examine the effect of VDR gene knockdown. RESULTS Enhanced expression of VDR was detected in RP-2 cells stimulated with alcohol (ALC) plus Cal versus Cal alone and in PSCs in the pancreas of ACP versus HC. The increased VDR+PSCs were positively correlated with the levels of COL1A1 mRNAs or areas of collagen deposition in the pancreas of ACP. TGF-β1 was overexpressed in the pancreas of ACP and ALC-treated RP-2 cells while 25(OH)D3 level in serum was significantly decreased in ACP versus HC. Through a VDR-dependent mechanism, Cal antagonized 16 profibrotic proteins in TGF-β1-induced RP-2 cells that included 7 extracellular matrix components, 2 cytoskeletal proteins, 2 fibrosis-associated factors (RUNX1 and TRAF2), TIMP-1, CCN1, integrin α11, an adhesion scaffold protein (TGFB1i1) and an enzyme mediating TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis (ENPP1). CONCLUSION This study suggests that Cal administration may be a potential antifibrotic strategy via inhibiting TGF-β1-mediated PSC action during the development of ACP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - David R Brigstock
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Runping Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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19
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Han C, Wang LJ, Dong ZQ, Wang PY, Lv YW, Wang D, Hu LH. Nintedanib Alleviates Chronic Pancreatitis by Inhibiting the Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells via the JAK/STAT3 and ERK1/2 Pathways. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:3644-3659. [PMID: 37526905 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nintedanib (Ninte) has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, and whether it can ameliorate chronic pancreatitis (CP) is unknown. AIMS This study was conducted to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Ninte on pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The caerulein-induced CP model of murine was applied, and Ninte was orally administered. Pathological changes in pancreas were evaluated using hematoxylin & eosin, Sirius Red, Masson's trichrome, and anti-Ki-67 staining. For in vitro studies, the effects of Ninte on cell viability, apoptosis, and migration of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were determined by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and wound healing assays, respectively. The potential molecular mechanisms of the effects of Ninte on PSCs were analyzed by RNA-Seq and verified at the gene expression and protein activity levels by qRT-PCR and Western Blot. RESULTS Ninte significantly alleviated the weight loss in mice with caerulein-induced CP and simultaneously attenuated the pancreatic damage, as evidenced by reduced acinar atrophy, collagen deposition, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and inhibited cell proliferation/regeneration. Besides, Ninte markedly suppressed the transcription of fibrogenic and proinflammatory genes in pancreatic tissues. Further in vitro studies showed that Ninte significantly inhibited the transcription and protein expression of genes corresponding to fibrogenesis and proliferation in PSCs. The results of RNA-Seq analysis and subsequent verification assays indicated that Ninte inhibited the activation and proliferation of PSCs via the JAK/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that Ninte may be a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapeutic agent for CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Hospital of 91876 Troops of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qinhuangdao, 066299, Hebei, China
| | - Li-Juan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200434, China
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yan-Wei Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Liang-Hao Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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20
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Zhang H, Cao K, Xiang J, Zhang M, Zhu M, Xi Q. Hypoxia induces immunosuppression, metastasis and drug resistance in pancreatic cancers. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216345. [PMID: 37558084 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the digestive system and is known as the "king of cancers". It is extremely difficult to diagnose at an early stage, the disease progresses rapidly, and the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor, so the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is very poor. Numerous studies have suggested that hypoxia is closely related to the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Inadequate blood supply and desmoplasia in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer can result in its extreme hypoxia. This hypoxic microenvironment can further contribute to angiogenesis and desmoplasia. Hypoxia is mediated by the complex hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway and plays an important role in the formation of a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment and the metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Further work on the hypoxic microenvironment will help clarify the specific mechanisms of the role of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer and provide a basis for the realization of hypoxia-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Kailei Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingrong Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mengxin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qinhua Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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21
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Dwivedi NV, Datta S, El-Kersh K, Sadikot RT, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Jain M. GPCRs and fibroblast heterogeneity in fibroblast-associated diseases. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23101. [PMID: 37486603 PMCID: PMC10916681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301091] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse class of signaling receptors. GPCRs regulate many functions in the human body and have earned the title of "most targeted receptors". About one-third of the commercially available drugs for various diseases target the GPCRs. Fibroblasts lay the architectural skeleton of the body, and play a key role in supporting the growth, maintenance, and repair of almost all tissues by responding to the cellular cues via diverse and intricate GPCR signaling pathways. This review discusses the dynamic architecture of the GPCRs and their intertwined signaling in pathological conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, and cancer as opposed to the GPCR signaling of fibroblasts in physiological conditions. Understanding the dynamics of GPCR signaling in fibroblasts with disease progression can help in the recognition of the complex interplay of different GPCR subtypes in fibroblast-mediated diseases. This review highlights the importance of designing and adaptation of next-generation strategies such as GPCR-omics, focused target identification, polypharmacology, and effective personalized medicine approaches to achieve better therapeutic outcomes for fibrosis and fibrosis associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi V Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Souvik Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Karim El-Kersh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ruxana T Sadikot
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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22
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Chang M, Chen W, Xia R, Peng Y, Niu P, Fan H. Pancreatic Stellate Cells and the Targeted Therapeutic Strategies in Chronic Pancreatitis. Molecules 2023; 28:5586. [PMID: 37513458 PMCID: PMC10383437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a disease characterized by inflammatory recurrence that accompanies the development of pancreatic fibrosis. As the mystery of CP pathogenesis is gradually revealed, accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and the appearance of a myofibroblast-like phenotype are the key gatekeepers in the development of CP. Targeting PSCs to prevent their activation and conversion to a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as well as increasing antioxidant capacity to counteract ongoing oxidative stress, are effective strategies for preventing or treating CP. Therefore, we reviewed the crosstalk between CP and pancreatic fibrosis, summarized the activation mechanisms of PSCs, and investigated potential CP therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs, including, but not limited to, anti-fibrosis therapy, antioxidant therapy, and gene therapy. Meanwhile, the above therapeutic strategies are selected in order to update the available phytopharmaceuticals as novel complementary or alternative approaches for the prevention and treatment of CP to clarify their potential mechanisms of action and their relevant molecular targets, aiming to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic treatment direction for CP and to bring new hope to CP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Chang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruting Xia
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yangyue Peng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pandi Niu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hui Fan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Key Unit of Modulating Liver to Treat Hyperlipemia SATCM (State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou 510006, China
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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23
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Sakr S, Rashad WA. Lambda-cyhalothrin-induced pancreatic toxicity in adult albino rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11562. [PMID: 37463968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is one of the most frequently utilized pyrethroids. This study aimed to explore the toxic effects of subacute exposure to LCT on the pancreas and the hepatic glucose metabolism in adult male albino rats. 20 rats were equally grouped into; Control group and LCT group. The latter received LCT (61.2 mg/kg b.wt.), orally on a daily basis for 28 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum glucose and insulin levels. Pancreases were harvested and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); reduced glutathione (GSH); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interleukin-6 (IL-6); nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2); heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were assessed. Also, liver samples were analyzed for the activity of glucose metabolism enzymes, glycogen content, and pyruvate and lactate concentrations. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were undertaken as well. Results revealed hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels, in association with reduced CAT, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in LCT group. Liver analyses demonstrated a clear disturbance in the hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism, diminished glycogen content, decreased pyruvate, and increased lactate concentrations. Besides, pancreatic islets displayed degenerative changes and β-cells loss. Immunohistochemistry revealed diminished area percentage (%) of insulin and Nrf2 and increased TNF-α immunoreaction. In conclusion, subacute exposure to LCT induces pancreatic toxicity, mostly via oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, and dysregulates hepatic glucose metabolism in albino rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sakr
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Walaa A Rashad
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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24
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Lin YC, Hou YC, Wang HC, Shan YS. New insights into the role of adipocytes in pancreatic cancer progression: paving the way towards novel therapeutic targets. Theranostics 2023; 13:3925-3942. [PMID: 37554282 PMCID: PMC10405844 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies across the world, which is due to delayed diagnosis and resistance to current therapies. The interactions between pancreatic tumor cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME) allow cancer cells to escape from anti-cancer therapies, leading to difficulties in treating PC. With endocrine function and lipid storage capacity, adipose tissue can maintain energy homeostasis. Direct or indirect interaction between adipocytes and PC cells leads to adipocyte dysfunction characterized by morphological change, fat loss, abnormal adipokine secretion, and fibroblast-like transformation. Various adipokines released from dysfunctional adipocytes have been reported to promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of PC cells via different mechanisms. Additional lipid outflow from adipocytes can be taken into the TME and thus alter the metabolism in PC cells and surrounding stromal cells. Besides, the trans-differentiation potential enables adipocytes to turn into various cell types, which may give rise to an inflammatory response as well as extracellular matrix reorganization to modulate tumor burden. Understanding the molecular basis behind the protumor functions of adipocytes in PC may offer new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chun Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chin Hou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chen Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Medical Imaging Center, Innovation Headquarter, National Cheng Kung University; Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
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25
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Wang Z, He R, Dong S, Zhou W. Pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer: as potential targets for future therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1185093. [PMID: 37409257 PMCID: PMC10318188 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1185093] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a strongly malignant gastrointestinal carcinoma characterized by late detection, high mortality rates, poor patient prognosis and lack of effective treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic strategies for this disease. Pancreatic stellate cells, which constitute a significant component of the mesenchymal cellular layer within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in modulating this environment through their interactions with pancreatic cancer cells. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which pancreatic stellate cells inhibit antitumor immune responses and promote cancer progression. We also discuss preclinical studies focusing on these cells, with the goal of providing some theoretical references for the development of new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ru He
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wence Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University Medical College, Lanzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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26
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Fang X, Lan H, Jin K, Qian J. Pancreatic cancer and exosomes: role in progression, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1149551. [PMID: 37287924 PMCID: PMC10242099 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1149551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most dangerous diseases that threaten human life, and investigating the details affecting its progression or regression is particularly important. Exosomes are one of the derivatives produced from different cells, including tumor cells and other cells such as Tregs, M2 macrophages, and MDSCs, and can help tumor growth. These exosomes perform their actions by affecting the cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components and immune cells that are responsible for killing tumor cells. It has also been shown that pancreatic cancer cell (PCC)-derived exosomes at different stages carry molecules. Checking the presence of these molecules in the blood and other body fluids can help us in the early stage diagnosis and monitoring of PC. However, immune system cell-derived exosomes (IEXs) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes can contribute to PC treatment. Immune cells produce exosomes as part of the mechanisms involved in the immune surveillance and tumor cell-killing phenomenon. Exosomes can be modified in such a way that their antitumor properties are enhanced. One of these methods is drug loading in exosomes, which can significantly increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. In general, exosomes form a complex intercellular communication network that plays a role in developing, progressing, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinchang People’s Hospital, Affiliated Xinchang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xinchang, Zhejiang, China
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27
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Jolly G, Duka T, Shivapurkar N, Chen W, Bansal S, Cheema A, Smith JP. Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist Induces Pancreatic Stellate Cell Plasticity Rendering the Tumor Microenvironment Less Oncogenic. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2811. [PMID: 37345148 PMCID: PMC10216345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
CCK receptors are expressed on pancreatic cancer epithelial cells, and blockade with receptor antagonists decreases tumor growth. Activated pancreatic stellate cells or myofibroblasts have also been described to express CCK receptors, but the contribution of this novel pathway in fibrosis of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment has not been studied. We examined the effects of the nonselective CCK receptor antagonist proglumide on the activation, proliferation, collagen deposition, differential expression of genes, and migration in both murine and human PSCs. CCK receptor expression was examined using western blot analysis. Collagen production using activated PSCs was analyzed by mass spectroscopy and western blot. Migration of activated PSCs was prevented in vitro by proglumide and the CCK-B receptor antagonist, L365,260, but not by the CCK-A receptor antagonist L365,718. Proglumide effectively decreased the expression of extracellular matrix-associated genes and collagen-associated proteins in both mouse and human PSCs. Components of fibrosis, including hydroxyproline and proline levels, were significantly reduced in PSC treated with proglumide compared to controls. CCK peptide stimulated mouse and human PSC proliferation, and this effect was blocked by proglumide. These investigations demonstrate that targeting the CCK-B receptor signaling pathway with proglumide may alter the plasticity of PSC, rendering them more quiescent and leading to a decrease in fibrosis in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurbani Jolly
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Sunil Bansal
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Amrita Cheema
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Oncology, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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28
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Al-Noshokaty TM, Mansour A, Abdelhamid R, Abdellatif N, Alaaeldien A, Reda T, Abdelmaksoud NM, Doghish AS, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS. Role of long non-coding RNAs in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and treatment resistance- A review. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 245:154438. [PMID: 37043965 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest cancers associated with poor prognosis. The lack of reliable means of early cancer detection contributes to this disease's dismal prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are protein-free RNAs produced by genome transcription; they play critical roles in gene expression regulation, epigenetic modification, cell proliferation, differentiation, and reproduction. Recent research has shown that lncRNAs play important regulatory roles in PC behaviors, in addition to their recently found functions. Several in-depth investigations have shown that lncRNAs are strongly linked to PC development and progression. Here, we discuss how lncRNAs, which are often overlooked, play many roles as regulators in the molecular mechanism underlying PC. This review also discusses the involved LncRNAs in PC pathogenesis and treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Abdallah Mansour
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Rehab Abdelhamid
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Nourhan Abdellatif
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ayat Alaaeldien
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Tasnim Reda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Nourhan M Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo 11231, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr, Cairo, Egypt
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29
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Soret B, Hense J, Lüdtke S, Thale I, Schwab A, Düfer M. Pancreatic K Ca3.1 channels in health and disease. Biol Chem 2023; 404:339-353. [PMID: 36571487 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0232] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels play an important role for regulation of the exocrine and the endocrine pancreas. This review focuses on the Ca2+-regulated K+ channel KCa3.1, encoded by the KCNN4 gene, which is present in both parts of the pancreas. In the islets of Langerhans, KCa3.1 channels are involved in the regulation of membrane potential oscillations characterizing nutrient-stimulated islet activity. Channel upregulation is induced by gluco- or lipotoxic conditions and might contribute to micro-inflammation and impaired insulin release in type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as to diabetes-associated renal and vascular complications. In the exocrine pancreas KCa3.1 channels are expressed in acinar and ductal cells. They are thought to play a role for anion secretion during digestion but their physiological role has not been fully elucidated yet. Pancreatic carcinoma, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is associated with drastic overexpression of KCa3.1. For pharmacological targeting of KCa3.1 channels, we are discussing the possible benefits KCa3.1 channel inhibitors might provide in the context of diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer, respectively. We are also giving a perspective for the use of a fluorescently labeled derivative of the KCa3.1 blocker senicapoc as a tool to monitor channel distribution in pancreatic tissue. In summary, modulating KCa3.1 channel activity is a useful strategy for exo-and endocrine pancreatic disease but further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Soret
- University of Münster, Institute of Physiology II, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jurek Hense
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Simon Lüdtke
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Insa Thale
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- University of Münster, Institute of Physiology II, Robert-Koch-Straße 27b, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martina Düfer
- University of Münster, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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30
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Ruze R, Song J, Yin X, Chen Y, Xu R, Wang C, Zhao Y. Mechanisms of obesity- and diabetes mellitus-related pancreatic carcinogenesis: a comprehensive and systematic review. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:139. [PMID: 36964133 PMCID: PMC10039087 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on obesity- and diabetes mellitus (DM)-related carcinogenesis has expanded exponentially since these two diseases were recognized as important risk factors for cancers. The growing interest in this area is prominently actuated by the increasing obesity and DM prevalence, which is partially responsible for the slight but constant increase in pancreatic cancer (PC) occurrence. PC is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by its insidious symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and devastating prognosis. The intricate process of obesity and DM promoting pancreatic carcinogenesis involves their local impact on the pancreas and concurrent whole-body systemic changes that are suitable for cancer initiation. The main mechanisms involved in this process include the excessive accumulation of various nutrients and metabolites promoting carcinogenesis directly while also aggravating mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolic disorders by affecting multiple pathways. Detrimental alterations in gastrointestinal and sex hormone levels and microbiome dysfunction further compromise immunometabolic regulation and contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) for carcinogenesis, which can be exacerbated by several crucial pathophysiological processes and TME components, such as autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and exosome secretion. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the immunometabolic mechanisms of obesity- and DM-related pancreatic carcinogenesis and dissects how metabolic disorders impair anticancer immunity and influence pathophysiological processes to favor cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rexiati Ruze
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlu Song
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Xinpeng Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Ruiyuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 9 Dongdan Santiao, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100023, Beijing, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang WQ, Liu XY, Zhang Q, Mao T, Li XY. Immune cells and immune cell-targeted therapy in chronic pancreatitis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151103. [PMID: 36969002 PMCID: PMC10034053 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies have attempted to understand the immune cells and mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) by constructing a model of CP. Based on these studies, the innate immune response is a key factor in disease pathogenesis and inflammation severity. Novel mechanisms of crosstalk between immune and non-immune pancreatic cells, such as pancreatic stellate cells (PSC), have also been explored. Immune cells, immune responses, and signaling pathways in CP are important factors in the development and progression of pancreatitis. Based on these mechanisms, targeted therapy may provide a feasible scheme to stop or reverse the progression of the disease in the future and provide a new direction for the treatment of CP. This review summarizes the recent advances in research on immune mechanisms in CP and the new advances in treatment based on these mechanisms.
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Wang T, Wang Q, Pan G, Jia G, Li X, Wang C, Zhang L, Zuo C. ASIC1a involves the acid-mediated activation of pancreatic stellate cells associated with autophagy induction. Physiol Res 2023; 72:49-57. [PMID: 36545882 PMCID: PMC10069816 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer affects the physiological function of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which in turn promotes cancer progression. Acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) is responsible for acidosis-related physiopathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of acid exposure on the activation and autophagy of PSCs, and the role of ASIC1a in these events. The results showed that acidic medium upregulated the expression of ASIC1a, induced PSCs activation and autophagy, which can be suppressed by inhibiting ASIC1a using PcTx1 or ASIC1a knockdown, suggesting that ASIC1a involves these two processes. In addition, the acid-induced activation of PSCs was impaired after the application of autophagy inhibitor alone or in combination with ASIC1a siRNA, meaning a connection between autophagy and activation. Collectively, our study provides evidence for the involvement of ASIC1a in the acid-caused PSCs activation, which may be associated with autophagy induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China. , Department of Marine Biomedicine and Polar Medicine, Naval Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Almanzar VMD, Shah K, LaComb JF, Mojumdar A, Patel HR, Cheung J, Tang M, Ju J, Bialkowska AB. 5-FU-miR-15a Inhibits Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells by Reducing YAP1 and BCL-2 Levels In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3954. [PMID: 36835366 PMCID: PMC9961454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis, processes heightened by activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Recent publications have demonstrated that miR-15a, which targets YAP1 and BCL-2, is significantly downregulated in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared to healthy controls. We have utilized a miRNA modification strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of miR-15a by replacing uracil with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We demonstrated increased levels of YAP1 and BCL-2 (both targets of miR-15a) in pancreatic tissues obtained from Ptf1aCreERTM and Ptf1aCreERTM;LSL-KrasG12D mice after chronic pancreatitis induction as compared to controls. In vitro studies showed that delivery of 5-FU-miR-15a significantly decreased viability, proliferation, and migration of PSCs over six days compared to 5-FU, TGFβ1, control miR, and miR-15a. In addition, treatment of PSCs with 5-FU-miR-15a in the context of TGFβ1 treatment exerted a more substantial effect than TGFβ1 alone or when combined with other miRs. Conditioned medium obtained from PSC cells treated with 5-FU-miR-15a significantly inhibits the invasion of pancreatic cancer cells compared to controls. Importantly, we demonstrated that treatment with 5-FU-miR-15a reduced the levels of YAP1 and BCL-2 observed in PSCs. Our results strongly suggest that ectopic delivery of miR mimetics is a promising therapeutic approach for pancreatic fibrosis and that 5-FU-miR-15a shows specific promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M. Diaz Almanzar
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Kunal Shah
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Joseph F. LaComb
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Aisharja Mojumdar
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Hetvi R. Patel
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jacky Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Meiyi Tang
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jingfang Ju
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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Velasco RM, García AG, Sánchez PJ, Sellart IM, Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo VJ. Tumour microenvironment and heterotypic interactions in pancreatic cancer. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:179-192. [PMID: 35102531 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a disease with a survival rate of 9%; this is due to its chemoresistance and the large tumour stroma that occupies most of the tumour mass. It is composed of a large number of cells of the immune system, such as Treg cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid suppressor cells (MDCs) and tumour-associated neutrophiles (TANs) that generate an immunosuppressive environment by the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) provide a protective coverage that would difficult the access of chemotherapy to the tumour. According to this, new therapies that could remodel this heterogeneous tumour microenvironment, such as adoptive T cell therapies (ACT), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and CD40 agonists, should be developed for targeting PDA. This review organizes the different cell populations found in the tumour stroma involved in tumour progression in addition to the different therapies that are being studied to counteract the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Muñoz Velasco
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana García García
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Jiménez Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Montanuy Sellart
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain
| | - Víctor Javier Sánchez-Arévalo Lobo
- Molecular Oncology Group, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Biosanitary Research Institute, Francisco de Vitoria University, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, UFV, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre, Pathology Department, Av. Córdoba, s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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Lin H, Ye Z, Xu R, Li XE, Sun B. The transcription factor JUN is a major regulator of quiescent pancreatic stellate cell maintenance. Gene X 2023; 851:147000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Spanehl L, Revskij D, Bannert K, Ehlers L, Jaster R. YAP activates pancreatic stellate cells and enhances pancreatic fibrosis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:583-589. [PMID: 35753954 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) foster the progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis (CP) by producing a dense fibrotic stroma. However, the incomplete knowledge of PSCs biology hampers the exploration of antifibrotic therapies. Here, we explored the role of the Hippo pathway in the context of PSCs activation and experimental CP. METHODS CP model was created in rats with the tail vein injection of dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC). The expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in CP tissue was assessed. Primary and immortalized rats PSCs were treated with the YAP-inhibitor verteporfin. Furthermore, YAP siRNA was employed. Subsequently, DNA synthesis, cell survival, levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein, presence of lipid droplets and PSCs gene expression were evaluated. Upstream regulators of YAP signaling were studied by reporter gene assays. RESULTS In DBTC-induced CP, pronounced expression of YAP in areas of tubular structures and periductal fibrosis was observed. Verteporfin diminished DNA replication in PSCs in a dose-dependent fashion. Knockdown of YAP reduced cell proliferation. Primary cultures of PSCs were characterized by a decrease of lipid droplets and increased synthesis of α-SMA protein. Both processes were not affected by verteporfin. At the non-cytotoxic concentration of 100 nmol/L, verteporfin significantly reduced mRNA levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgf-β1) and Ccn family member 1 (Ccn1). YAP signaling was activated by TGF-β1, but repressed by interferon-γ. CONCLUSIONS Activated YAP enhanced PSCs proliferation. The antifibrotic potential of Hippo pathway inhibitors warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennard Spanehl
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Denis Revskij
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Karen Bannert
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Luise Ehlers
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert Jaster
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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Luong T, Golivi Y, Nagaraju GP, El-Rayes BF. Fibroblast heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Perspectives in immunotherapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 68:107-115. [PMID: 36096869 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the key component in pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME), originate from many sources and are naturally heterogeneous in phenotype and function. Numerous studies have identified their crucial role in promoting tumorigenesis through many routes including fostering cancer proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Conversely, research also indicates that subsets of CAFs express anti-tumor activity. These dual effects reflect the complexity of CAF heterogeneity and their interactions with other cells and factors in pancreatic TME. A critical component in this environment is infiltrated immune cells and immune mediators, which can communicate with CAFs. The crosstalk occurs via the production of various cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators and shapes the immunological state in TME. Comprehensive studies of the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor immune environment, particularly internal mechanisms interlinking CAFs and immune effectors, may provide new approaches for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatments. In this review, we explore the characteristics of CAFs, describe the interplay among CAFs, infiltrated immune cells, other mediators, and provide an overview of recent CAF-target therapies, their limitations, and potential research directions in CAF in the context of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tha Luong
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35201, USA
| | - Yuvasri Golivi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35201, USA
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35201, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35201, USA.
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Li BQ, Liu XY, Mao T, Zheng TH, Zhang P, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Li XY. The research progress of anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1050274. [PMID: 36505827 PMCID: PMC9730810 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1050274] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the pancreas, caused by multiple factors and accompanied by irreversible impairment of pancreatic internal and external secretory functions. Pathologically, atrophy of the pancreatic acini, tissue fibrosis or calcification, focal edema, inflammation, and necrosis are observed. Clinical manifestations include recurrent or persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, emaciation, and diabetes. In addition, CP is prone to develop into pancreatic cancer(PC) due to persistent inflammation and fibrosis. The disease course is prolonged and the clinical prognosis is poor. Currently, clinical treatment of CP is still based on symptomatic treatment and there is a lack of effective etiological treatment. Encouragingly, experiments have shown that a variety of active substances have great potential in the etiological treatment of chronic pancreatitis. In this paper, we will review the pathogenesis of CP, as well as the research progress on anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapies, which will provide new ideas for the development of subsequent clinical studies and formulation of effective treatment programs, and help prevent CP from developing into pancreatic cancer and reduce the prevalence of PC as much as possible.
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Wu Y, Zhang C, Guo M, Hu W, Qiu Y, Li M, Xu D, Wu P, Sun J, Shi R, Zhang Z, Jiang K. Targeting pancreatic stellate cells in chronic pancreatitis: Focus on therapeutic drugs and natural compounds. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1042651. [PMID: 36339568 PMCID: PMC9627273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1042651] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a precancerous illness linked to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), although the evolutionary mechanism is uncertain. CP is distinguished by severe fibrosis caused by the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). The current clinical therapeutic protocol for CP lacks specific therapeutic medicines for the prevention and suppression of inflammation and fibrosis aggravating in CP. More research on specifically targeting PSCs would help facilitate the development of novel therapies for pancreatic fibrosis. Notably, using natural compounds from medicinal plants as new antifibrotic agents has become a focus of recent research and is widely employed as an alternative and complementary approach. Our goal was to shed light on the role of PSCs in the development of CP and provide a focused update on the new potential therapeutic strategies against PSCs in CP models. Future studies can refer to these possible strategies for drug design, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and other issues to obtain better clinical outcomes for treating CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weikang Hu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yangling Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengran Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zili Zhang, ; Kuirong Jiang,
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zili Zhang, ; Kuirong Jiang,
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40
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: tumor microenvironment and problems in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00886-1. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Aberrant transcription factors in the cancers of the pancreas. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:28-45. [PMID: 36058426 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.011] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential for proper activation of gene set during the process of organogenesis, differentiation, lineage specificity. Reactivation or dysregulation of TFs regulatory networks could lead to deformation of organs, diseases including various malignancies. Currently, understanding the mechanism of oncogenesis became necessity for the development of targeted therapeutic strategy for different cancer types. It is evident that many TFs go awry in cancers of the pancreas such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs). These mutated or dysregulated TFs abnormally controls various signaling pathways in PDAC and PanNENs including RTK, PI3K-PTEN-AKT-mTOR, JNK, TGF-β/SMAD, WNT/β-catenin, SHH, NOTCH and VEGF which in turn regulate different hallmarks of cancer. Aberrant regulation of such pathways have been linked to the initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance in pancreatic cancer. As of today, a number of TFs has been identified as crucial regulators of pancreatic cancer and a handful of them shown to have potential as therapeutic targets in pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on the role and therapeutic usefulness of TFs in PDAC and PanNENs.
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Kweon B, Kim DU, Oh JY, Oh H, Kim YC, Mun YJ, Bae GS, Park SJ. Arecae pericarpium water extract alleviates chronic pancreatitis by deactivating pancreatic stellate cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:941955. [PMID: 36105227 PMCID: PMC9465814 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.941955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas with irreversible morphological changes. Arecae pericarpium (ARP), known to improve gastrointestinal disorders, has not yet been reported to inhibit fibrosis in CP. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of ARP on cerulein-induced CP. Cerulein (50 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to mice every hour, six times a day, four times a week for a total of 3 weeks to induce CP. To ascertain the prophylactic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before the onset of CP. To determine the therapeutic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (200 mg/kg) or saline was administered for a total of 1 week or 2 weeks, starting 2 weeks or 1 week after the onset of CP. The pancreas was collected immediately for histological analysis. Additionally, to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of ARP in alleviating pancreatic fibrosis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated. ARP treatment considerably improved glandular atrophy and inflammation and repressed collagen deposition in the pancreas. Furthermore, ARP water extract inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin 1 (FN1) in pancreatic tissue and PSCs. ARP also suppressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling by inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation. Our study suggests that ARP exhibits anti-fibrotic effects in cerulein-induced CP by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bitna Kweon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Kim
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Jin-Young Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Hyuncheol Oh
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Youn-Chul Kim
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Yeun-Ja Mun
- Department of Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Gi-Sang Bae
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Gi-Sang Bae, ; Sung-Joo Park,
| | - Sung-Joo Park
- Hanbang Cardio-Renal Syndrome Research Center, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- Department of Herbology, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Gi-Sang Bae, ; Sung-Joo Park,
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Quatannens D, Verhoeven Y, Van Dam P, Lardon F, Prenen H, Roeyen G, Peeters M, Smits ELJ, Van Audenaerde J. Targeting hedgehog signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108107. [PMID: 34999181 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a leading cause of cancer related death. The urgent need for effective therapies is highlighted by the lack of adequate targeting. In PDAC, hedgehog (Hh) signaling is known to be aberrantly activated, which prompted the pathway as a possible target for effective treatment for PDAC patients. Unfortunately, specific targeting of upstream molecules within the Hh signaling pathway failed to bring clinical benefit. This led to the ongoing debate on Hh targeting as a therapeutic treatment for PDAC patients. Additionally, concurrent non-canonical activation routes also result in translocation of Gli transcription factors into the nucleus. Therefore, different downstream targets of the Hh signaling pathway were identified and evaluated in preclinical and clinical research. In this review we summarize the variety of Hh signaling antagonists in different preclinical models of PDAC. Furthermore, we discuss published and ongoing clinical trials that evaluated Hh antagonists and point out the current hurdles and future perspectives in the light of redesigning Hh-targeting therapies for the treatment of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Quatannens
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Yannick Verhoeven
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Peter Van Dam
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Hans Prenen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Geert Roeyen
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Hepatobiliary Transplantation and Endocrine Surgery, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Evelien L J Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jonas Van Audenaerde
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Yao W, Luo D, Lv Z, Yang Y, Wang L, Ma B, Xue D, Hao C, Zhang Y. The Rabep1-Mediated Endocytosis and Activation of Trypsinogen to Promote Pancreatic Stellate Cell Activation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081063. [PMID: 36008957 PMCID: PMC9406084 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis is still unclear. Trypsinogen activation is an active factor in acute pancreatitis that has not been studied in the occurrence of chronic pancreatitis. Methods: Immunofluorescence was used to detect the location and expression of trypsinogen in chronic pancreatitis and normal tissues. Microarray and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) were used to screen core genes and pathways in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to verify trypsinogen expression in PSCs after silencing Rabep1. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to validate trypsinogen activation and PSC activation after intervening in the endocytosis pathway. Results: Endocytosed trypsinogen was found in PSCs in CP clinical samples. Bioinformatic analysis showed that Rabep1 is a core gene that regulates trypsinogen endocytosis through the endocytosis pathway, verified by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analyses confirmed the activation of trypsinogen and PSCs through the endocytosis pathway in PSCs. Conclusion: This study discovered a new mechanism by which trypsinogen affects the activation of PSCs and the occurrence and development of CP. Through communication between pancreatic acinar cells and PSCs, trypsinogen can be endocytosed by PSCs and activated by the Rabep1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Yao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Dankun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Zhenyi Lv
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Liyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Biao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Dongbo Xue
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chenjun Hao
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; (W.Y.); (D.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Y.); (L.W.); (B.M.); (D.X.)
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (Y.Z.)
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Zhu X, Liu D, Li G, Zhi M, Sun J, Qi L, Li J, Pandol SJ, Li L. Exosomal miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p from TGF-β1-treated pancreatic stellate cells target BCL2 mRNA to increase β-cell apoptosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 551:111653. [PMID: 35513284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111653] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with chronic pancreatitis (CP) normally develop a fibrotic pancreas with reduced β-cell mass. Limited studies have focused on the development and pathogenesis of CP-related diabetes. MiRNAs packaged as exosomes are the key regulators of β-cell dysfunction. This study aimed to define the effect of exosomal miRNA from activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) on β-cells. METHODS Exosomes in the supernatants of mouse PSCs lines were extracted via ultracentrifugation and then identified. The role of exosomes secreted by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated PSCs in β-cell function was assessed. MiRNAs were prepared from exosomes extracted from TGF-β1-treated and untreated PSCs (T-Exo or C-Exo), and the miRNA expression profiles were compared by microarray. Then, miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p were overexpressed or inhibited in MIN6 cells and islets to determine their molecular and functional effects. RESULTS Exosomes were the predominant extracellular vesicles secreted by PSCs into the culture medium. The MIN6 cells incubated with T-Exo had less insulin secretion and lower viability than the MIN6 cells incubated with PBS or C-Exo. MiR-140-3p and miR-143-3p were notably upregulated in T-Exo. Enhancing the expression of miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p in β-cells decreased the cell count and viability and increased the cleaved caspase-3 levels. Mechanistically, T-Exo mediated the intercellular transfer of miR-140-3p and miR-143-3p by targeting the B-cell lymphoma 2 gene in recipient β-cells to induce cell death. CONCLUSIONS Exosomal miRNA transfer as a communication mode between PSCs and β-cells, which may be explored for its therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyun Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dechen Liu
- Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Department of Clinical Science and Research, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhi
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ji Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liang Qi
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingbo Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Stephen J Pandol
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Chen W, Chen Q, Parker RA, Zhou Y, Lustigova E, Wu BU. Risk Prediction of Pancreatic Cancer in Patients With Abnormal Morphologic Findings Related to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Machine Learning Approach. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 1:1014-1026. [PMID: 36467394 PMCID: PMC9718544 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A significant factor contributing to poor survival in pancreatic cancer is the often late stage at diagnosis. We sought to develop and validate a risk prediction model to facilitate the distinction between chronic pancreatitis-related vs potential early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-associated changes on pancreatic imaging. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, patients aged 18-84 years whose abdominal computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging reports indicated duct dilatation, atrophy, calcification, cyst, or pseudocyst between January 2008 and November 2019 were identified. The outcome of interest is PDAC in 3 years. More than 100 potential predictors were extracted. Random survival forests approach was used to develop and validate risk models. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the effect of the covariates on the risk of PDAC. RESULTS The cohort consisted of 46,041 (mean age 66.4 years). The 3-year incidence rate was 4.0 (95% confidence interval CI 3.6-4.4)/1000 person-years of follow-up. The final models containing age, weight change, duct dilatation, and either alkaline phosphatase or total bilirubin had good discrimination and calibration (c-indices 0.81). Patients with pancreas duct dilatation and at least another morphological feature in the absence of calcification had the highest risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 14.15, 95% CI 8.7-22.6), followed by patients with calcification and duct dilatation (aHR = 7.28, 95% CI 4.09-12.96), and patients with duct dilation only (aHR = 6.22, 95% CI 3.86-10.03), compared with patients with calcifications alone as the reference group. CONCLUSION The study characterized the risk of pancreatic cancer among patients with 5 abnormal morphologic findings based on radiology reports and demonstrated the ability of prediction algorithms to provide improved risk stratification of pancreatic cancer in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansu Chen
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, California
| | - Qiaoling Chen
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, California
| | - Rex A. Parker
- Department of Radiology, Los Angeles Medical Center, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yichen Zhou
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, California
| | - Eva Lustigova
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Research and Evaluation, Pasadena, California
| | - Bechien U. Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Center for Pancreatic Care, Los Angeles Medical Center, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Los Angeles, California
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Zheng M, Gao R. Vitamin D: A Potential Star for Treating Chronic Pancreatitis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:902639. [PMID: 35734414 PMCID: PMC9207250 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.902639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrotic disease of the pancreas. The incidence of CP is increasing worldwide but the effective therapies are lacking. Hence, it is necessary to identify economical and effective agents for the treatment of CP patients. Vitamin D (VD) and its analogues have been confirmed as pleiotropic regulators of cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and autophagy. Clinical studies show that VD deficiency is prevalent in CP patients. However, the correlation between VD level and the risk of CP remains controversial. VD and its analogues have been demonstrated to inhibit pancreatic fibrosis by suppressing the activation of pancreatic stellate cells and the production of extracellular matrix. Limited clinical trials have shown that the supplement of VD can improve VD deficiency in patients with CP, suggesting a potential therapeutic value of VD in CP. However, the mechanisms by which VD and its analogues inhibit pancreatic fibrosis have not been fully elucidated. We are reviewing the current literature concerning the risk factors for developing CP, prevalence of VD deficiency in CP, mechanisms of VD action in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis during the development of CP and potential therapeutic applications of VD and its analogues in the treatment of CP.
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Agostini A, Orlacchio A, Carbone C, Guerriero I. Understanding Tricky Cellular and Molecular Interactions in Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment: New Food for Thought. Front Immunol 2022; 13:876291. [PMID: 35711414 PMCID: PMC9193393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.876291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents 90% of all pancreatic cancer cases and shows a high mortality rate among all solid tumors. PDAC is often associated with poor prognosis, due to the late diagnosis that leads to metastasis development, and limited efficacy of available treatments. The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a reliable source of novel targets for therapy, and even if many of the biological interactions among stromal, immune, and cancer cells that populate the TME have been studied, much more needs to be clarified. The great limitation in the efficacy of current standard chemoterapy is due to both the dense fibrotic inaccessible TME barrier surrounding cancer cells and the immunological evolution from a tumor-suppressor to an immunosuppressive environment. Nevertheless, combinatorial therapies may prove more effective at overcoming resistance mechanisms and achieving tumor cell killing. To achieve this result, a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms driving tumor progression and immune escape is required in order to design rationale-based therapeutic strategies. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge about cellular interactions in the TME, with much attention on immunosuppressive functioning and a specific focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Guerriero
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
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Liu S, Suhail Y, Novin A, Perpetua L, Kshitiz. Metastatic Transition of Pancreatic Ductal Cell Adenocarcinoma Is Accompanied by the Emergence of Pro-Invasive Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2197. [PMID: 35565326 PMCID: PMC9104173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are now appreciated as key regulators of cancer metastasis, particularly in cancers with high stromal content, e.g., pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma (PDAC). However, it is not yet well understood if fibroblasts are always primed to be cooperative in PDAC transition to metastasis, if they undergo transformation which ensures their cooperativity, and if such transformations are cancer-driven or intrinsic to fibroblasts. We performed a fibroblast-centric analysis of PDAC cancer, as it transitioned from the primary site to trespass stromal compartment reaching the lymph node using published single-cell RNA sequencing data by Peng et al. We have characterized the change in fibroblast response to cancer from a normal wound healing response in the initial stages to the emergence of subclasses with myofibroblast and inflammatory fibroblasts such as signatures. We have previously posited "Evolved Levels of Invasibility (ELI)", a framework describing the evolution of stromal invasability as a selected phenotype, which explains the large and correlated reduction in stromal invasion by placental trophoblasts and cancer cells in certain mammals. Within PDAC samples, we found large changes in fibroblast subclasses at succeeding stages of PDAC progression, with the emergence of specific subclasses when cancer trespasses stroma to metastasize to proximal lymph nodes (stage IIA to IIB). Surprisingly, we found that the initial metastatic transition is accompanied by downregulation of ELI-predicted pro-resistive genes, and the emergence of a subclass of fibroblasts with ELI-predicted increased invasibility. Interestingly, this trend was also observed in stellate cells. Using a larger cohort of bulk RNAseq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas for PDAC cancers, we confirmed that genes describing this emergent fibroblast subclass are also correlated with lymph node metastasis of cancer cells. Experimental testing of selected genes characterizing pro-resistive and pro-invasive fibroblast clusters confirmed their contribution in regulating stromal invasability as a phenotype. Our data confirm that the complexity of stromal response to cancer is really a function of stage-wise emergence of distinct fibroblast clusters, characterized by distinct gene sets which confer initially a predominantly pro-resistive and then a pro-invasive property to the stroma. Stromal response therefore transitions from being tumor-limiting to a pro-metastatic state, facilitating stromal trespass and the onset of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofei Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.L.); (Y.S.); (A.N.)
- Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Yasir Suhail
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.L.); (Y.S.); (A.N.)
- Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Ashkan Novin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.L.); (Y.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Lorrie Perpetua
- Research Tissue Repository, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Kshitiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.L.); (Y.S.); (A.N.)
- Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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Ciochina M, Balaban DV, Manucu G, Jinga M, Gheorghe C. The Impact of Pancreatic Exocrine Diseases on the β-Cell and Glucose Metabolism-A Review with Currently Available Evidence. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050618. [PMID: 35625546 PMCID: PMC9139037 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic exocrine and endocrine dysfunctions often come together in the course of pancreatic diseases as interdependent manifestations of the same organ. However, the mechanisms underlying the bidirectional connection of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas are not fully understood. In this review, we aimed to synthetize the current knowledge regarding the effects of several exocrine pancreatic pathologies on the homeostasis of β-cells, with a special interest in the predisposition toward diabetes mellitus (DM). We focused on the following pancreatic exocrine diseases: chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, pancreatic resections, and autoimmune pancreatitis. We discuss the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind the impact on β-cell function and evolution into DM, as well as the associated risk factors in progression to DM, and we describe the most relevant and statistically significant findings in the literature. An early and correct diagnosis of DM in the setting of pancreatic exocrine disorders is of paramount importance for anticipating the disease's course and its therapeutical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ciochina
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.V.B.); (M.J.); (C.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniel Vasile Balaban
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.V.B.); (M.J.); (C.G.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - George Manucu
- Gastroenterology Department, Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mariana Jinga
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.V.B.); (M.J.); (C.G.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Cristian Gheorghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (D.V.B.); (M.J.); (C.G.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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