Systemic chemotherapy interferes in homocysteine metabolism in breast cancer patients

Common Variants in One-Carbon Metabolism Genes (MTHFR, MTR, MTHFD1) and Depression in Gynecologic Cancers

We investigated the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (gene MTHFR 677C>T, rs1801133), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR 2756A>G, rs1805087), and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 (gene MTHFD1 1958G>A, rs2236225)-well-studied functional variants involved in one-carbon metabolism-and gynecologic cancer risk, and the interaction between these polymorphisms and depression. A total of 200 gynecologic cancer cases and 240 healthy controls were recruited to participate in this study. Three single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) (rs1801133, rs1805087, rs2236225) were genotyped using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Depression was assessed in all patients using the Hamilton Depression Scale. Depression was statistically significantly more frequent in women with gynecologic cancers (69.5% vs. 34.2% in controls, p < 0.001). MTHFD1 rs2236225 was associated with an increased risk of gynecologic cancers (in dominant OR = 1.53, p = 0.033, and in log-additive models OR = 1.37, p = 0.024). Moreover, an association was found between depression risk and MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in the controls but not in women with gynecologic cancers (in codominant model CC vs. TT: OR = 3.39, 95%: 1.49-7.74, p = 0.011). Cancers of the female reproductive system are associated with the occurrence of depression, and ovarian cancer may be associated with the rs2236225 variant of the MTHFD1 gene. In addition, in healthy aging women in the Polish population, the rs1801133 variant of the MTHFR gene is associated with depression.

Association of serum homocysteine and folic acid levels with coagulation functions of cancer patients with venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common coagulative dysfunctional complication of cancer patients. The present study aimed to determine the association and diagnostic values of serum homocysteine (Hcy) and folic acid levels with VTE in cancer patients. We enrolled 700 cancer patients and 100 healthy subjects in our study. All cancer patients, with or without VTE, underwent measurement of serum Hcy and folic acid levels and coagulative markers including D-Dimer, factor VIII, fibrinogen and tissue plasminogen activator. The diagnostic values of Hcy and folic acid were assessed by receiver operative characteristic (ROC) analysis. Correlations between Hcy and folic acid and coagulative factors were determined. Among the 700 patients with malignant tumors recruited in our study, a total of 89 patients had VTE combined within three months, and 611 patients did not have VTE. Cancer patients with VTE had significantly higher levels of Hcy and significantly lower levels of folic acid in serum. Both Hcy and folic acid in serum demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing VTE in cancer patients and showed strong correlations to coagulative markers. Hcy and folic acid, which have strong correlations to coagulative markers, are potential novel serum markers for stratifying VTE risk in cancer patients.

Elevation of Plasma Homocysteine and Minor Hallucinations in Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Minor hallucinations (MHs) are the most common psychotic phenomena in Parkinson's disease (PD), and it has important clinical and prognostic implications in PD. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has been reported to predict the outcome of PD; whether or not Hcy is associated with MH is not known. We aim to investigate the Hcy level and related factors in patients with PD and MH.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and included 99 patients with PD, 34 with MH, and 65 without any hallucinations. The clinical and demographic data of the patients with and without hallucinations were compared. Hcy-related clinical factors were also analyzed.

Results

The plasma Hcy level was higher in MH patients than in patients without hallucinations, and the result was more pronounced in male patients than in female patients. Differences were also observed when the groups were divided on the basis of levodopa equivalent daily dose and disease duration. The high Hcy concentration was correlated with some symptoms in patients with MH, including motor dysfunction and nonmotor symptoms, such as symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, angiocarpy, sleep/fatigue, and poor visuospatial/executive function.

Conclusions

Results indicated a higher plasma Hcy concentration in MH patients than in their counterparts and revealed that Hcy is associated with certain motor and nonmotor symptoms in patients with MH. Hcy may be a marker of MH and have important therapeutic implications in PD.

Homocysteine metabolism as the target for predictive medical approach, disease prevention, prognosis, and treatments tailored to the person

Homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism is crucial for regulating methionine availability, protein homeostasis, and DNA-methylation presenting, therefore, key pathways in post-genomic and epigenetic regulation mechanisms. Consequently, impaired Hcy metabolism leading to elevated concentrations of Hcy in the blood plasma (hyperhomocysteinemia) is linked to the overproduction of free radicals, induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairments, systemic inflammation and increased risks of eye disorders, coronary artery diseases, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, thrombotic events, cancer development and progression, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disorders, pregnancy complications, delayed healing processes, and poor COVID-19 outcomes, among others. This review focuses on the homocysteine metabolism impairments relevant for various pathological conditions. Innovative strategies in the framework of 3P medicine consider Hcy metabolic pathways as the specific target for in vitro diagnostics, predictive medical approaches, cost-effective preventive measures, and optimized treatments tailored to the individualized patient profiles in primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

Low serum lycopene, and adequate α-tocopherol levels in patients with psoriasis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease. It affects skin and joints, characterized by abnormal hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. The worldwide prevalence of psoriasis ranges from 2% to 4%. Environmental factors as smoking, alcohol consumption obesity can also work as triggers. During the inflammatory process, there is an exacerbated formation of free radicals and antioxidants are required to maintain redox balance.

AIM

Assess antioxidant profiles.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between August/2012 and March/2014. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and biochemical measurements, dietary intake, serum lycopene and α-tocopherol, psoriasis severity according to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index were obtained. Comparisons between serum lycopene and α-tocopherol distributions according to variables were conducted using a one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors associated with serum antioxidants.

RESULTS

81 participants (56% female, 62% non-white), 34% without psoriatic lesions, 51% diagnosed with mild psoriasis, and 15% with moderate psoriasis. Median (IQR) age of 54 (41, 62) years, 10 (4, 11) years of education, 17% smokers, 46% overweight and 25% obesity. In total, 72% did not reach the daily recommendation of fruit and vegetable intake. Serum lycopene and α-tocopherol were 0.2 (0.1-0.3) µmol/L and 22.5 (18.5-25.6) µmol/L, respectively. Only 14% presented adequate concentration of lycopene, but adequate α-tocopherol level was observed among 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients reported a diet low in vegetables and fruits and rich in ultra-processed foods and fatty acids. Adequate circulating α-tocopherol but low serum lycopene, was observed among patients. A linear trend was observed for lycopene according to the severity of psoriasis.

Development and validation of a risk assessment nomogram for venous thromboembolism associated with hospitalized postoperative Chinese breast cancer patients

AIM

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an individualized nomogram to predict venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients.

DESIGN

A single-central retrospective and non-interventional trial.

METHODS

For model development, we used data from 4,755 breast cancer patients between 1 November 2016-30 June 2018 (3,310 patients in the development group and 1,445 in the validation group). Overall, 216 patients developed VTE (150 in development group and 66 in validation group). The model was validated by receiver operating characteristic curves and the calibration plot. The clinical utility of the model was determined through decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

The individualized nomogram consisted of six clinical factors: age, body mass index, number of cardiovascular comorbidities, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgical treatment, hospital length of stay and two pre-operative biomarkers of Homocysteine and D-dimer. The model at the 3.9% optimal cut-off had the area under the curve of 0.854 (95% CI, 0.824-0.884) and 0.805 (95% CI, 0.740-0.870) in the development and validation groups. A p = 0.570 of the calibration test showed that the model was well-calibrated. The net benefit of the model was better between threshold probabilities of 5%-30% in decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram of VTE risk assessment, is applicable to hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients. However, multi-central prospective studies are needed to improve and validate the model. Effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients are needed to demonstrate in interventional trials.

IMPACT

This nomogram can be used in clinical to inform practice of physicians and nurses to predict the VTE probability and maybe direct personalized decision making for thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized postoperative breast cancer patients.

Role of homocysteine in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease

Homocysteine is an essential intermediate product of biochemical reactions that is present in various tissues of the human body. Homocysteine may be associated with the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. Plasma homocysteine levels in patients with Parkinson's disease are elevated compared to those of healthy individuals. High homocysteine drives PD development and progression while aggregating the clinical symptoms of PD patients. The relationship between PD and homocysteine involves multiple pathways, including nerve cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. This is crucial for explaining how high homocysteine drives the PD procession. Elevated homocysteine level during PD development and progression offers a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Folate Nutritional Status among Psoriasis Patients not Exposed to Antifolate Drug

Background:

Folic acid fortification program has been established to prevent tube defects. However, concern has been raised among patients using anti-folate drug, i.e. psoriatic patients, a common, chronic, autoimmune inflammatory skin disease associated with obesity and smoking.

Objective:

To investigate dietary and circulating folate, vitamin B12 (B12) and homocysteine (hcy) in psoriatic subjects exposed to the national mandatory folic acid fortification program.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, plasma folate, B12, hcy and psoriasis severity using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Median, interquartile ranges (IQRs) and linear regression models were conducted to investigate factors associated with plasma folate, B12 and hcy.

Results:

82 (73%) mild psoriasis, 18 (16%) moderate and 12 (11%) severe psoriasis. 58% female, 61% non-white, 31% former smokers, and 20% current smokers. Median (IQRs) were 51 (40, 60) years. Only 32% reached the Estimated Average Requirement of folate intake. Folate and B12 deficiencies were observed in 9% and 6% of the blood sample respectively, but hyperhomocysteinaemia in 21%. Severity of psoriasis was negatively correlated with folate and B12 concentrations. In a multiple linear regression model, folate intake contributed positively to 14% of serum folate, and negative predictors were psoriasis severity, smoking habits and saturated fatty acid explaining 29% of circulating folate.

Conclusion:

Only one third reached dietary intake of folate, but deficiencies of folate and B12 were low. Psoriasis severity was negatively correlated with circulating folate and B12. Stopping smoking and a folate rich diet may be important targets for managing psoriasis.

Towards frailty biomarkers: Candidates from genes and pathways regulated in aging and age-related diseases

OBJECTIVE

Use of the frailty index to measure an accumulation of deficits has been proven a valuable method for identifying elderly people at risk for increased vulnerability, disease, injury, and mortality. However, complementary molecular frailty biomarkers or ideally biomarker panels have not yet been identified. We conducted a systematic search to identify biomarker candidates for a frailty biomarker panel.

METHODS

Gene expression databases were searched (http://genomics.senescence.info/genes including GenAge, AnAge, LongevityMap, CellAge, DrugAge, Digital Aging Atlas) to identify genes regulated in aging, longevity, and age-related diseases with a focus on secreted factors or molecules detectable in body fluids as potential frailty biomarkers. Factors broadly expressed, related to several "hallmark of aging" pathways as well as used or predicted as biomarkers in other disease settings, particularly age-related pathologies, were identified. This set of biomarkers was further expanded according to the expertise and experience of the authors. In the next step, biomarkers were assigned to six "hallmark of aging" pathways, namely (1) inflammation, (2) mitochondria and apoptosis, (3) calcium homeostasis, (4) fibrosis, (5) NMJ (neuromuscular junction) and neurons, (6) cytoskeleton and hormones, or (7) other principles and an extensive literature search was performed for each candidate to explore their potential and priority as frailty biomarkers.

RESULTS

A total of 44 markers were evaluated in the seven categories listed above, and 19 were awarded a high priority score, 22 identified as medium priority and three were low priority. In each category high and medium priority markers were identified.

CONCLUSION

Biomarker panels for frailty would be of high value and better than single markers. Based on our search we would propose a core panel of frailty biomarkers consisting of (1) CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10), IL-6 (interleukin 6), CX3CL1 (C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1), (2) GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), FNDC5 (fibronectin type III domain containing 5), vimentin (VIM), (3) regucalcin (RGN/SMP30), calreticulin, (4) PLAU (plasminogen activator, urokinase), AGT (angiotensinogen), (5) BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), progranulin (PGRN), (6) α-klotho (KL), FGF23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), FGF21, leptin (LEP), (7) miRNA (micro Ribonucleic acid) panel (to be further defined), AHCY (adenosylhomocysteinase) and KRT18 (keratin 18). An expanded panel would also include (1) pentraxin (PTX3), sVCAM/ICAM (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1/Intercellular adhesion molecule 1), defensin α, (2) APP (amyloid beta precursor protein), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), (3) S100B (S100 calcium binding protein B), (4) TGFβ (transforming growth factor beta), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), TGM2 (transglutaminase 2), (5) sRAGE (soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end products), HMGB1 (high mobility group box 1), C3/C1Q (complement factor 3/1Q), ST2 (Interleukin 1 receptor like 1), agrin (AGRN), (6) IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), resistin (RETN), adiponectin (ADIPOQ), ghrelin (GHRL), growth hormone (GH), (7) microparticle panel (to be further defined), GpnmB (glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B) and lactoferrin (LTF). We believe that these predicted panels need to be experimentally explored in animal models and frail cohorts in order to ascertain their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential.

Supplementation with selenium can influence nausea, fatigue, physical, renal, and liver function of children and adolescents with cancer

The drugs used in chemotherapy treatments have little specificity, attack tumor cells, and also injure proliferative tissues. Knowledge of the functions of micronutrients has greatly increased, especially of Selenium (Se) that presents immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. The present study evaluated the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas (LL) and solid tumors (ST) while receiving Selenium (Se) supplementation. This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study that evaluated the quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire), renal and liver functions of patients supplemented with Se. There was no statistically significant alteration in LL patients. However, the fatigue and nausea scores after 30 days did decrease in this group as well as in the ST group. After 1 year supplementation with Selenium, a more noticeable decrease in the scores concerning fatigue and nausea could be observed in the ST group, when compared with the beginning of the study. The LL patients also presented a decrease in the fatigue scores and physical functions. The kidney function as well as liver function has improved after Selenium supplementation when compared with the placebo intake in LL and ST patients, more remarkably in the LL group. Supplementation with Selenium promotes the reduction of chemotherapy side effects in cancer patients, especially by improving the conditions of patients with fatigue, nausea, and impaired physical function. Renal and liver functions have also improved.

Survinin expression in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer worldwide and the first among women. If early diagnosed and treated, this disease has a good prognosis. However, it is believed that 90 % of all patients who have had cancer died due to metastatic disease, which highlights the need for a marker which allows the detection of latent cancer cells spread from the primary tumor. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of survinin in peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer at diagnosis and during chemotherapy aiming correlation with minimal residual disease, clinical and pathological findings. The study included 40 patients with breast cancer and 12 healthy donors as a comparison group. Survinin expression was verified by real-time PCR. For diagnosis, survinin expression cutoff point was 1.05; considering this cutoff point, we obtained a test sensitivity of 85.3 %, specificity of 75.0 %, positive predictive value of 90.6 %, negative predictive value of 64.3 %, and accuracy of 82.6 %. There was statistical significance between groups (patients × control group), presenting to patients a significantly higher value than the control group (p < 0.001). Patients that presented at the diagnosis a survinin gene expression ≥ 1.05 are 17 times more likely to develop metastatic disease.