Relationship between Serum Level of Lymphatic Vessel Endothelial Hyaluronan Receptor-1 and Prognosis in Patients with Lung Cancer

Hyaluronic acid as a tumor progression agent and a potential chemotherapeutic biomolecule against cancer: A review on its dual role

Hyaluronic acid is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix of vertebrate tissue that provides mechanical support to cells and acts as a mediator in regulation of necessary biochemical process essential for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. The variation in quantity of hyaluronic acid content in tissues is often associated with different pathological conditions. It is associated with tumor aggression and progression as it plays crucial role in regulating different aspects of tumorigenesis and several defined hallmarks of cancer. It assists in tumor progression by undergoing extracellular remodeling to establish tumor microenvironment which restricts the delivery of cytotoxic drugs to neoplastic cells due to increase in interstitial pressure. Hyaluronic acid catabolic and anabolic genes and low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid play significant role in the establishing tumor microenvironment by assisting in cell proliferation, metastasis and invasion. On the other hand, it is also used as an effective drug-delivery platform in cancer therapies as its biocompatibility and biodegradability lower the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs and increase drug retention. High-molecular weight hyaluronic acid-bioconjugates specifically bind with hyaladherins, facilitating targeted drug delivery and also exert anti-inflammatory properties. This review also highlights the market and patent trends in the development of effective chemotherapeutic hyaluronic acid formulations and the current scenario regarding clinical trials.

Serum soluble LYVE1 is a promising non-invasive biomarker of renal fibrosis: a population-based retrospective cross-sectional study

Diagnosis of renal fibrosis can only be verified by kidney biopsy, but biomarkers for non-invasive evaluation remain unsatisfactory. Patients with fibrosis often have abnormalities of the lymphatic vascular system and associated immune function. We describe here a lymphatic marker as a candidate biomarker for fibrosis. After assessing and grading the fibrosis scores, testing serum soluble lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor1 (sLYVE1) level, and collecting clinical information, the association between sLYVE1 and renal fibrosis was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen variables. Diagnosis models with or without sLYVE1 were built, and nomograms were plotted. Calibration curve, C-index, and DCA were performed to assess the models. A total of 298 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 199 were included in the training cohort and 99 patients in the validation cohort. Serum sLYVE1 levels markedly elevated with increasing fibrosis grade (p<0.05). ROC analysis of sLYVE1 showed an AUC of 0.791 and 0.846 with optimal cut-off value of 405.25 ng/mL and 498.55 ng/mL for the prediction of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis (MSF) and severe renal fibrosis (SF), respectively. The diagnostic nomogram model without sLYVE1 (model 1) included traditional clinical determinants (C-index: 0.658 for MSF; 0.603 for SF). A combination of model 1 and sLYVE1 (model 2) improved predictive performance (C-index: 0.847 for MSF; 0.856 for SF). Calibration curve and DCA demonstrated a better consistency accuracy and clinical benefit of model 2 than model 1. Serum sLYVE1 may be identified as a potential biomarker of renal fibrosis. Models incorporating sLYVE1 may be beneficial for a more accurate non-invasive diagnosis of renal fibrosis.

Hyaluronic Acid Interacting Molecules Mediated Crosstalk between Cancer Cells and Microenvironment from Primary Tumour to Distant Metastasis

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a prominent component of the extracellular matrix, and its interactions with HA-interacting molecules (HAIMs) play a critical role in cancer development and disease progression. This review explores the multifaceted role of HAIMs in the context of cancer, focusing on their influence on disease progression by dissecting relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms in tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. Cancer progression can be profoundly affected by the interactions between HA and HAIMs. They modulate critical processes such as cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and proliferation. The TME serves as a dynamic platform in which HAIMs contribute to the formation of a unique niche. The resulting changes in HA composition profoundly influence the biophysical properties of the TME. These modifications in the TME, in conjunction with HAIMs, impact angiogenesis, immune cell recruitment, and immune evasion. Therefore, understanding the intricate interplay between HAIMs and HA within the cancer context is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting these interactions offers promising avenues for cancer treatment, as they hold the potential to disrupt critical aspects of disease progression and the TME. Further research in this field is imperative for advancing our knowledge and the treatment of cancer.

Multifaceted roles of lymphatic and blood endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A comprehensive review

The tumor microenvironment is a complex network of cells, extracellular matrix, and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. Lymphatic and blood vessels are major routes for solid tumor metastasis and essential parts of tumor drainage conduits. However, recent studies have shown that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and blood endothelial cells (BECs) also play multifaceted roles in the tumor microenvironment beyond their structural functions, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This comprehensive review summarizes the diverse roles played by LECs and BECs in HCC, including their involvement in angiogenesis, immune modulation, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis. By providing a detailed account of the complex interplay between LECs, BECs, and tumor cells, this review aims to shed light on future research directions regarding the immune regulatory function of LECs and potential therapeutic targets for HCC.

Effect of Semaglutide and Empagliflozin on Pulmonary Structure and Proteomics in Obese Mice

Objective

This study utilized proteomics to investigate changes in protein expression associated with lung health in obese mice exposed to semaglutide and empagliflozin through a high-fat diet.

Methods

Twenty-eight male C57BL/6JC mice were randomly assigned to two groups: a control diet group (n = 7) and a high-fat diet group (n = 21). The HFD group was further divided into three groups: HFD group (n = 7), Sema group (n = 7), and Empa group (n = 7). Post-treatment, mice underwent assessments including glucose tolerance, lipids, oxidative stress markers, body weight, lung weight, and structure. Proteomics identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in lung tissue, and bioinformatics analyzed the biological processes and functions of these proteins.

Results

Semaglutide and empagliflozin significantly attenuated obesity-induced hyperglycemia, abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress response, and can decrease alveolar wall thickness, enlarge alveolar lumen, and reduce collagen content in lung tissue. Both medications also attenuated lung elastic fibre cracking and disintegration. In the HFD/NCD group, there were 66 DEPs, comprising 30 proteins that were increased and 36 that were decreased. Twenty-three DEPs overlapped between Sema/HFD and Empa/HFD, with 11 up-regulated and 12 down-regulated simultaneously. After analysing DEPs in different groups, four proteins - LYVE1, BRAF, RGCC, and CHMP5 - were all downregulated in the HFD group and upregulated by semaglutide and empagliflozin treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that obesity induced by a high-fat diet causes a reduction in the expression of LYVE1, BRAF, RGCC, and CHMP5 proteins, potentially affecting lung function and structure in mice. Significantly, the administration of semaglutide and empagliflozin elevates the levels of these proteins, potentially offering therapeutic benefits against lung injury caused by obesity. Merging semaglutide with empagliflozin may exert a more pronounced impact.

A novel portable immuno-device for the recognition of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 biomarker using GQD-AgNPrs conductive ink stabilized on the surface of cellulose

Lymphatic vessel endothelium expresses various lymphatic marker molecules. LYVE-1, the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan (HA) receptor, a 322-residue protein belonging to the integral membrane glycoproteins which is found on lymph vessel wall and is completely absent from blood vessels. LYVE-1 is very effective in the passage of lymphocytes and tumor cells into the lymphatics. As regards cancer metastasis, in vitro studies indicate LYVE-1 to be involved in tumor cell adhesion. Researches show that, in neoplastic tissue, LYVE-1 is limited to the lymphovascular and could well be proper for studies of tumor lymphangiogenesis. So, the monitoring of LYVE-1 level in human biofluids has provided a valuable approach for research into tumor lymphangiogenesis. For the first time, an innovative paper-based electrochemical immune-platform was developed for recognition of LYVE-1. For this purpose, graphene quantum dots decorated silver nanoparticles nano-ink was synthesized and designed directly by writing pen-on paper technology on the surface of photographic paper. This nano-ink has a great surface area for biomarker immobilization. The prepared paper-based biosensor was so small and cheap and also has high stability and sensitivity. For the first time, biotinylated antibody of biomarker (LYVE-1) was immobilized on the surface of working electrode and utilized for the monitoring of specific antigen by simple immune-assay strategy. The designed biosensor showed two separated linear ranges in the range of 20-320 pg ml-1 and 0.625-10 pg ml-1, with the acceptable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.312 pg ml-1. Additionally, engineered immunosensor revealed excellent selectivity that promises its use in complex biological samples and assistance for biomarker-related disease screening in clinical studies.

A blood and bronchoalveolar lavage protein signature of rapid FEV1 decline in smoking-associated COPD

Accelerated progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased risks of hospitalization and death. Prognostic insights into mechanisms and markers of progression could facilitate development of disease-modifying therapies. Although individual biomarkers exhibit some predictive value, performance is modest and their univariate nature limits network-level insights. To overcome these limitations and gain insights into early pathways associated with rapid progression, we measured 1305 peripheral blood and 48 bronchoalveolar lavage proteins in individuals with COPD [n = 45, mean initial forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 75.6 ± 17.4% predicted]. We applied a data-driven analysis pipeline, which enabled identification of protein signatures that predicted individuals at-risk for accelerated lung function decline (FEV1 decline ≥ 70 mL/year) ~ 6 years later, with high accuracy. Progression signatures suggested that early dysregulation in elements of the complement cascade is associated with accelerated decline. Our results propose potential biomarkers and early aberrant signaling mechanisms driving rapid progression in COPD.

Serum Mass Spectrometry Proteomics and Protein Set Identification in Response to FOLFOX-4 in Drug-Resistant Ovarian Carcinoma

Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal gynecological malignancy. Drug resistance rapidly occurs, and different therapeutic approaches are needed. So far, no biomarkers have been discovered to predict early response to therapies in the case of multi-treated ovarian cancer patients. The aim of our investigation was to identify a protein panel and the molecular pathways involved in chemotherapy response through a combination of studying proteomics and network enrichment analysis by considering a subset of samples from a clinical setting. Differential mass spectrometry studies were performed on 14 serum samples from patients with heavily pretreated platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who received the FOLFOX-4 regimen as a salvage therapy. The serum was analyzed at baseline time (T0) before FOLFOX-4 treatment, and before the second cycle of treatment (T1), with the aim of understanding if it was possible, after a first treatment cycle, to detect significant proteome changes that could be associated with patients responses to therapy. A total of 291 shared expressed proteins was identified and 12 proteins were finally selected between patients who attained partial response or no-response to chemotherapy when both response to therapy and time dependence (T0, T1) were considered in the statistical analysis. The protein panel included APOL1, GSN, GFI1, LCATL, MNA, LYVE1, ROR1, SHBG, SOD3, TEC, VPS18, and ZNF573. Using a bioinformatics network enrichment approach and metanalysis study, relationships between serum and cellular proteins were identified. An analysis of protein networks was conducted and identified at least three biological processes with functional and therapeutic significance in ovarian cancer, including lipoproteins metabolic process, structural component modulation in relation to cellular apoptosis and autophagy, and cellular oxidative stress response. Five proteins were almost independent from the network (LYVE1, ROR1, TEC, GFI1, and ZNF573). All proteins were associated with response to drug-resistant ovarian cancer resistant and were mechanistically connected to the pathways associated with cancer arrest. These results can be the basis for extending a biomarker discovery process to a clinical trial, as an early predictive tool of chemo-response to FOLFOX-4 of heavily treated ovarian cancer patients and for supporting the oncologist to continue or to interrupt the therapy.

Role and mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene in the transformation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease into lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This experiment is explores the genes that play a key role, their expression changes and the biological processes in the transformation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). Meanwhile, identify the effects of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the conversion of COPD into LAC.

METHODS

1. Differential expression genes of COPD and LAC were screened and analyzed by high-throughput microarray data between the two diseases and their respective control groups. 2. The screened genes were used for routine bioinformatics analysis such as functional analysis, expression verification, protein interaction analysis and functional enrichment. 3. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish an in vitro COPD model. 4. MTT assay was used to detect the influence of B(a)P in effect on A549 cell proliferation. CCK-8, Transwell invasion test and scratch test were used to detect the cell proliferation, invasion and migration ability, while qPCR and Western Blot tests were used to observe the cell proliferation, apoptosis and changes in related indicators such as EMT. 5. Experimental method of separately adding agonists (tBHQ) and inhibitors (DIC) of NQO1 was used to confirm the effect of NQO1 on A549 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. 6. To further clarify whether BaP exerted effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion through NQO1, we knocked down NQO1 gene and then infecting cells with BaP.

RESULTS

1. We screened genes of COPD and LAC using datasets from GSE151052, GSE118370, and GSE140797. After screening, the genes upregulated in COPD and downregulated in LAC were RTKN2, SLC6A4, and HBB, the gene downregulated in COPD and upregulated in LAC was NQO1, the genes downregulated in both COPD and LAC were FPR1, LYVE1 and PKHD1L1. 2. The main signaling pathways in which the target genes were enriched are cell cycle, EMT, PI3K/AKT, and apoptosis. In the data included GEPIA, PKHD1L1, FPR1, LYVE1, RTKN2, HBB, and SLC6A4 were significantly downregulated and NQO1 was upregulated in LAC relative to controls. In addition, there were 46 interaction proteins in the target genes, and the functions they enriched included hydrogen peroxide catabolism, etc. 3. When A549 cell was stimulated with 100 ng/mL LPS+ 10% CSE, the COX-2 expression indicated that COPD model in vitro was successfully established. 4. The optimal dose and action time were screened which were 1 μM and 24 h. Compared to the control group, COPD and BaP group increased cell proliferation and invasion capabilities. On the basis of COPD, adding BaP could further increase the proliferation and migration capabilities. Interestingly, the levels of NQO1 decreased in COPD models, while increased by BaP. 5. tBHQ can increase the proliferation and migration capacity of A549 cells, which is inhibited by the addition of DIC. 6. The enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells by BaP were attenuated after knockdown of NQO1.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that PKHD1L1, FPR1, LYVE1, RTKN2, HBB, SLC6A4 and NQO1 may play an important role in the conversion of COPD to LAC. High NQO1 expression may increase the proliferation and migration ability of A549 cells, and BaP may promote the EMT state by increasing the expression of NQO1, thereby making the COPD model in vitro expose the tumor characteristics.

Effects of plant-based medicinal food on postoperative recurrence and lung metastasis of gastric cancer regulated by Wnt/β-catenin-EMT signaling pathway and VEGF-C/D-VEGFR-3 cascade in a mouse model

Background

The plant-based medicinal food (PBMF) is a functional compound extracted from 6 medicinal and edible plants: Coix seed, L. edodes, A. officinalis L., H. cordata, Dandelion, and G. frondosa. Our previous studies have confirmed that the PBMF possesses anti-tumor properties in a subcutaneous xenograft model of nude mice. This study aims to further investigate the effects and potential molecular mechanisms of the PBMF on the recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Postoperative recurrence and metastasis model of GC was successfully established in inbred 615 mice inoculated with mouse forestomach carcinoma (MFC) cells. After tumorectomy, 63 GC mice were randomly divided into five groups and respectively subject to different treatments for 15 days as below: model control group, 5-Fu group, and three doses of PBMF (43.22, 86.44, 172.88 g/kg PBMF in diet respectively). The inhibition rate (IR) of recurrence tumor weights and organ coefficients were calculated. Meanwhile, histopathological changes were examined and the metastasis IR in lungs and lymph node tissues was computed. The mRNA expressions related to the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lymphangiogenesis were detected by RT-qPCR in recurrence tumors and/or lung tissues. Protein expressions of β-catenin, p-β-catenin (Ser33/37/Thr41), GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), E-cadherin, and Vimentin in recurrence tumors were determined by Western Blot. LYVE-1, VEGF-C/D, and VEGFR-3 levels in recurrence tumors and/or lung tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

The mRNA, as well as protein expression of GSK-3β were up-regulated and the mRNA expression of β-catenin was down-regulated after PBMF treatment. Meanwhile, the ratio of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37/Thr41) to β-catenin protein was increased significantly and the p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein level was decreased. And PMBF could effectively decrease the mRNA and protein levels of Vimentin while increasing those of E-cadherin. Furthermore, PBMF markedly reduced lymphatic vessel density (LVD) (labeled by LYVE-1) in recurrence tumor tissues, and mRNA levels of VEGF-C/D, VEGFR-2/3 of recurrence tumors were all significantly lower in the high-dose group.

Conclusions

PBMF had a significant inhibitory effect on recurrence and lung metastasis of GC. The potential mechanism may involve reversing EMT by inhabiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Lymphatic metastasis was also inhibited by PBMF via down-regulating the activation of the VEGF-C/D-VEGFR-2/3 signaling cascade.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03703-0.

Evaluation of the relationship of lymphangiogenesis markers with disease pathogenesis in patients with Behçet's uveitis

OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to evaluate the relationship between Behçet's uveitis and lymphangiogenesis by determining levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C, its receptors sVEGFR-2, sVEGFR-3 and lymphangiogenesis markers podoplanin (PDPN) and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1(LYVE-1), and C-type lectin domain family 1 member B (CLEC2).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

55 patients with BD uveitis and 31 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

sVEGFR-2, sVEGFR-3, VEGF-C/sVEGFR-2 ratio, PDPN and LYVE-1 levels were higher in the patient group. A positive correlation was found between LYVE-1 and hsCRP levels. PDPN had a strong predictive value for progression with a cut-off value of 2 pg/mL, with 69% sensitivity and 68% specificity (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LYVE-1 and PDPN can be good representatives of the ongoing inflammatory processes in BD uveitis and point out that the disease can be related to lymphangiogenesis.

Molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis via the lymphatic versus the blood vessels

Cancer metastasis is the process by which primary cancer cells invade through the lymphatic or blood vessels to distant sites. The molecular mechanisms by which cancer cells spread either through the lymphatic versus blood vessels or both are not well established. Two major developments have helped us to understand the process more clearly. First, the development of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) concept which is well established in melanoma and breast cancer. The SLN is the first lymph node in the draining nodal basin to receive cancer cells. Patients with a negative SLN biopsy show a significantly lower incidence of distant metastasis, suggesting that the SLN may be the major gateway for cancer metastasis in these cancer types. Second, the discovery and characterization of several biomarkers including VEGF-C, LYVE-1, Podoplanin and Prox-1 have opened new vistas in the understanding of the induction of lymphangiogenesis by cancer cells. Cancer cells must complete multiple steps to invade the lymphatic system, some of which may be enabled by the evolution of new traits during cancer progression. Thus, cancer cells may spread initially through the main gateway of the SLN, from which evolving cancer clones can invade the blood vessels to distant sites. Cancer cells may also enter the blood vessels directly, bypassing the SLN to establish distant metastases. Future studies need to pinpoint the molecules that are used by cancer cells at different stages of metastasis via different routes so that specific therapies can be targeted against these molecules, with the goal of stopping or preventing cancer metastasis.

The prognostic influence of lymphatic endothelium-specific hyaluronan receptor 1 in cancer: A systematic review

Lymphangiogenesis is a key process in cancer development and metastasis. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) is a widely used marker for lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC), which also mediates immune and cancer cell migration. Recently, LYVE‐1–positive tumor cells were shown to acquire LEC‐like phenotype and exploit this receptor for lymphatic dissemination. Furthermore, selective targeting of LYVE‐1 impaired the growth of cancer‐related vasculature and reduced metastasis in vivo, signifying its role in therapeutic and prognostic applications. Although numerous studies have investigated the role of LYVE‐1 in cancer, a unifying detailed review of its prognostic utility is lacking to date. Thus, we compiled and critically appraised evidence from clinical studies comprising a total of 2352 patients diagnosed with different types of cancer and using a variety of experimental approaches. Collectively, most studies revealed a significant association between LYVE‐1 overexpression and dismal outcome of at least one survival estimate. Furthermore, the importance of vasculature location, intra‐ or peritumoral, and the influence of various lymphangiogenesis‐related parameters, such as lymphatic vessel density and invasion, were discussed. However, the specificity of LYVE‐1 staining is challenged by its expression in non‐LEC cells, implying the need for double labelling to better estimate its prognostic significance. In conclusion, this is to our knowledge the first comprehensive systematic review on the prognostic value of LYVE‐1 in cancer. More well‐designed studies across different populations and the development of standardized protocols would be paramount for the consistency of LYVE‐1 findings and for its potential transferability to clinical practice in future.

Serum sLYVE-1 is not associated with coronary disease but with renal dysfunction: a retrospective study

Recent evidence has indicated that the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE-1) is implicated in chronic inflammation and the lymphatic immune response. The soluble form of LYVE-1 (sLYVE-1) is produced by ectodomain shedding of LYVE-1 under pathological conditions including cancer and chronic inflammation. In this study, 1014 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography from May 2015 to September 2015 were included to investigate whether serum sLYVE-1 is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its concomitant diseases includes chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results showed that there was no significant difference in sLYVE-1 levels between patients with CAD and without. However, a significantly higher level of sLYVE-1 was seen in patients with renal dysfunction compared to those with a normal eGFR. Results were validated in a separate cohort of 259 patients who were divided into four groups based on their kidney function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Simple bivariate correlation analysis revealed that Lg[sLYVE-1] was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = −0.358, p < 0.001) and cystatin C (r = 0.303, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the increase in Lg[sLYVE-1] was an independent determinant of renal dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.633, p = 0.007). Therefore, renal function should be considered when serum sLYVE-1 is used as a biomarker for the detection of pathological conditions such as chronic inflammation and cancer. Further study is required to elucidate the exact role of sLYVE-1 in renal function.

Hyaluronan and LYVE-1 and allograft function in lung transplantation recipients

Hyaluronan (HA) is associated with innate immune response activation and may be a marker of allograft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. This was a prospective, single center study comparing levels of bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum HA and the HA immobilizer LYVE-1 in lung transplant recipients with and without acute cellular rejection (ACR). Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)-free survival was also evaluated based on HA and LYVE-1 levels. 78 recipients were enrolled with a total of 115 diagnostic biopsies and 1.5 years of median follow-up. Serum HA was correlated with BAL HA (r = 0.25, p = 0.01) and with serum LYVE-1 (r = 0.32, p = 0.002). There was significant variation in HA and LYVE-1 over time, regardless of ACR status. Levels of serum HA (median 74.7 vs 82.7, p = 0.69), BAL HA (median 149.4 vs 134.5, p = 0.39), and LYVE-1 (mean 190.2 vs 183.8, p = 0.72) were not associated with ACR. CLAD-free survival was not different in recipients with any episode of elevated serum HA (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 0.3–7.7, p = 0.61) or BAL HA (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.2–3.6, p = 0.93). These results did not differ when stratified by bilateral transplant status. In this small cohort, serum HA, BAL HA, and LYVE-1 levels are not associated with ACR or CLAD-free survival in lung transplant recipients.

Current understanding of lymphatic vessels in the central nervous system

Lymphangiogenesis is associated with some pathological conditions such as inflammation, tissue repair, and tumor growth. Recently, a paradigm shift occurred following the discovery of meningeal lymphatic structures in the human central nervous system (CNS); these structures may be a key drainage route for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the peripheral blood and may also contribute to inflammatory reaction and immune surveillance of the CNS. Lymphatic vessels located along the dural sinuses absorb CSF from the adjacent subarachnoid space and brain interstitial fluid via the glymphatic system, which is composed of aquaporin-4 water channels expressed on perivascular astrocytic end-feet membranes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly visualized these lymphatic vessels in the human dura mater. The conception of some neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, has been changed by this paradigm shift. Meningeal lymphatic vessels could be a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of neurological disorders. However, the involvement of meningeal lymphatic vessels in the pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated and is the subject of future investigations. In this article, to understand the involvement of meningeal lymphatic vessels in neurological disorders, we review the differences between lymphangiogenesis in the CNS and in other tissues during both developmental and adulthood stages, and pathological conditions that may be associated with meningeal lymphatic vessels in the CNS.

Lymphatic vessel density as a prognostic indicator in Asian NSCLC patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To determine the association of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) with the prognosis of Asian non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients via a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Eligible studies were selected by searching PubMed and EMBASE from inception to July 25, 2017. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also consulted. The information was independently screened by two authors. When heterogeneity was significant, a random-effects model was used to determine overall pooled risk estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 1075 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. LVD was positively associated with the prognosis of NSCLC in the overall analysis (hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02-1.27, p = 0.000, I² = 73.2%). Subgroup analyses were performed on 5 VEGFR-3 groups (p = 0.709, I² = 0.0%), 3 LYVE-1 groups (p = 0.01, I² = 86.4%), 5 D2-40 groups (p = 0.019, I² = 66.2%), and 2 podoplanin groups (p = 0.094, I² = 64.5%). Sensitivity analysis indicated robust results. There was no publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

LVD is an indicator of poor prognosis in Asian NSCLC patients.

The optimum marker for the detection of lymphatic vessels

Podoplanin, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1, prospero-related homeobox-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 have been demonstrated to have crucial roles in the development of the lymphatic system and lymphangiogenesis process by combining with their corresponding receptors. Thus, the four markers have been widely used in labelling lymphatic vessels for the detection of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion. Numerous authors have aimed to identify the roles of these four markers in the lymphatic system and the mechanisms have been partly clarified at the molecular level. The aim of the present review was to comprehensively clarify the characteristics and latent action modes of the four markers in order to determine which is the best one for the detection of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel invasion.

Exosomal amyloid A and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1 proteins are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Exosomes are thought to play an important role in exchanging information between cells. The proteins and lipids in exosomes play roles in mediating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to identify exosomal candidate proteins that are related to other inflammatory parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The study population consisted of 60 patients with RA: 30 in the clinical remission (CR) group with a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) ≤2.6 and 30 in the non-clinical remission (non-CR) group with a DAS28-ESR >2.6. Preparation of exosomes from patient serum samples was performed with the ExoQuick kit, and protein identification/quantification was performed using tandem mass tag labeling/mass spectrometry and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons between groups were made using Student’s t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Spearman’s correlation coefficients (ρ) were calculated.

Results

We identified six candidate proteins. Exosomal levels of amyloid A (AA) and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1 (LYVE-1) differed between the CR and non-CR groups. Both serum and exosomal AA levels were higher in the non-CR group than in the CR group (p = 0.001). Significant positive correlations were found between exosomal AA and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as between serum AA and CRP (ρ = 0.614, p = 0.001, and ρ = 0.624, p = 0.001, respectively). Although serum levels of LYVE-1 did not differ between the non-CR and CR groups, exosomal levels of LYVE-1 were lower in the non-CR group than in the CR group (p = 0.01). We identified positive correlations between serum/exosomal LYVE-1 and CRP only in the non-CR group (serum ρ = 0.376, p = 0.04; exosome ρ = 0.545, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Exosomal LYVE-1 shows potential for use as an additional marker of disease activity in patients with RA, and exosomes may carry other useful markers for RA.

Pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis

Precondition for tumor lymphatic metastasis is that tumor cells induce formation of original and newborn lymphatic vessels and invade surrounding lymphatic vessels in tumor stroma, while some pathway-related molecules play an important role in mechanisms associated with proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and tumor cells. In lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, the pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, such as Furin-like enzyme, CNTN1, Prox1, LYVE-1, Podoplanin, SOX18, SDF1 and CXCR4, are direct constitutors as a portion of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, and their biological activities rely on this ligand-receptor system. These axis-related signal molecules could gradually produce waterfall-like cascading effects, mediate differentiation and maturation of LECs, remodel original and neonatal lymphatic vessels, as well as ultimately promote tumor cell chemotaxis, migration, invasion and metastasis to lymphoid tracts. This review summarizes the structure and function features of pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, the expression changes of these molecules in different anatomic organs or histopathologic types or development stages of various tumors, the characteristics of transduction, implementation, integration of signal networks, the interactive effects on biological behaviors between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, and their molecular mechanisms and significances in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis.

An integrated model of clinical information and gene expression for prediction of survival in ovarian cancer patients

Accumulating evidence shows that clinical factors alone are not adequate for predicting the survival of patients with ovarian cancer (OvCa), and many genes have been found to be associated with OvCa prognosis. The objective of this study was to develop a model that integrates clinical information and a gene signature to predict the survival durations of patients diagnosed with OvCa. We constructed mRNA and microRNA expression profiles and gathered the corresponding clinical data of 552 OvCa patients and 8 normal controls from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using univariate Cox regression followed by a permutation test, elastic net-regulated Cox regression, and ridge regression, we generated a prognosis index consisting of 2 clinical variables, 7 protective mRNAs, 12 risky mRNAs, and 1 protective microRNA. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic of the integrated clinical-and-gene model was 0.756, larger than that of the clinical-alone model (0.686) or the gene-alone model (0.703). OvCa patients in the high-risk group had a significantly shorter overall survival time compared with patients in the low-risk group (hazard ratio = 8.374, 95% confidence interval = 4.444-15.780, P = 4.90 × 10(-11), by the Wald test). The reliability of the gene signature was confirmed by a public external data set from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Our conclusions that we have identified an integrated clinical-and-gene model superior to the traditional clinical-alone model in ascertaining the survival prognosis of patients with OvCa. Our findings may prove valuable for improving the clinical management of OvCa.

HABP2 is a Novel Regulator of Hyaluronan-Mediated Human Lung Cancer Progression

Background

Lung cancer is a devastating disease with limited treatment options. Many lung cancers have changes in their microenvironment including upregulation of the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronan (HA), which we have previously demonstrated can regulate the activity of the extracellular serine protease, hyaluronan binding protein 2 (HABP2). This study examined the functional role of HABP2 on HA-mediated human lung cancer dynamics.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on lung cancer patient samples using anti-HABP2 antibody. Stable control, shRNA, and HABP2 overexpressing human lung adenocarcinoma cells were evaluated using immunoblot analysis, migration, extravasation, and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) activation assays with or without high-molecular weight HA or low-molecular weight HA (LMW-HA). In human lung cancer xenograft models, primary tumor growth rates and lung metastasis were analyzed using consecutive tumor volume measurements and nestin immunoreactivity in nude mouse lungs.

Results

We provide evidence that HABP2 is an important regulator of lung cancer progression. HABP2 expression was increased in several subtypes of patient non-small cell lung cancer samples. Further, HABP2 overexpression increased LMW-HA-induced uPA activation, migration, and extravasation in human lung adenocarcinoma cells. In vivo, overexpression of HABP2 in human lung adenocarcinoma cells increased primary tumor growth rates in nude mice by ~2-fold and lung metastasis by ~10-fold compared to vector control cells (n = 5/condition).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a possible direct effect of HABP2 on uPA activation and lung cancer progression. Our observations suggest that exploration of HABP2 in non-small cell lung carcinoma merits further study both as a diagnostic and therapeutic option.

Methylation of RASSF1A and CDH13 genes in individualized chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the methylation of RASSF1A and CDH13 gene promoter regions as a marker for monitoring chemotherapeutic efficacy with personalized medicine for patients with NSCLC, in the hope of providing a new direction for NSCLC individualized chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

42 NSCLC patients and 40 healthy controls were included. Patient blood samples were collected in the whole process of chemotherapy. Methylation of RASSF1A and CDH13 gene promoter regions was detected by the methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP).

RESULTS

The rate of RASSF1A and CDH13 gene methylation in 42 cases of NSCLC patients was significantly higher than in 40 healthy controls (52.4% to 0.0%, 54.8% to 0.0%, p<0.05). After the chemotherapy, the hyper-methylation of RASSF1A and CDH13 genes in PR group and SD group decreased significantly (p<0.05), and was significantly different from that in PD group (p<0.05), but not as compared with healthy controls (P>0.05). With chemotherapy, RASSF1A and CDH13 promoter region methylation rate in 42 cases of patients showed a declining trend.

CONCLUSIONS

The methylation level of RASSF1A and CDH13 gene promoter region can reflect drug sensitivity of tumors to individualized treatment.