Serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 is a valuable prognostic marker in colorectal carcinoma

Biomarkers Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hemophilic Arthropathy

Hemophilia, which is a rare disease, results from congenital deficiencies of coagulation factors VIII and IX, respectively, leading to spontaneous bleeding into joints, resulting in hemophilic arthropathy (HA). HA involves complex processes, including synovial proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Despite ongoing research, factors contributing to HA progression, especially in adults with severe HA experiencing joint pain, remain unclear. Blood markers, particularly collagen-related ones, have been explored to assess joint health in hemophilia. For example, markers like CTX-I and CTX-II reflect bone and cartilage turnover, respectively. Studies indicate elevated levels of certain markers post-bleeding episodes, suggesting joint health changes. However, longitudinal studies on collagen turnover and basement membrane or endothelial cell markers in relation to joint outcomes, particularly during painful episodes, are scarce. Given the role of the CX3CL1/CX3XR1 axis in arthritis, other studies investigate its involvement in HA. The importance of different inflammatory and bone damage biomarkers should be assessed, alongside articular cartilage and synovial membrane morphology, aiming to enhance understanding of hemophilic arthropathy progression.

Ectopic Tumor VCAM-1 Expression in Cancer Metastasis and Therapy Resistance

Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1; CD106) is a membrane protein that contributes critical physiologic functional roles in cellular immune response, including leukocyte extravasation in inflamed and infected tissues. Expressed as a cell membrane protein, VCAM-1 can also be cleaved from the cell surface into a soluble form (sVCAM-1). The integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) was identified as the first major ligand for VCAM-1. Ongoing studies suggest that, in addition to mediating physiologic immune functions, VCAM-1/VLA-4 signaling plays an increasingly vital role in the metastatic progression of various tumors. Additionally, elevated concentrations of sVCAM-1 have been found in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer, suggesting the tumor microenvironment (TME) as the source of sVCAM-1. Furthermore, over-expression of VLA-4 was linked to tumor progression in various malignancies when VCAM-1 was also up-regulated. This review explores the functional role of VCAM-1 expression in cancer metastasis and therapy resistance, and the potential for the disruption of VCAM-1/VLA-4 signaling as a novel immunotherapeutic approach in cancer, including osteosarcoma, which disproportionately affects the pediatric, adolescent and young adult population, as an unmet medical need.

Assessment of CMKLR1 level in colorectal cancer and its correlation with angiogenic markers

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common malignant neoplasm in men and third in women. It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related death, killing annually >700,000 patients in the world. The global burden of CRC is expected to increase by 60% to >2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths by 2030. The pathogenesis of cancer mainly depends on angiogenesis. This process plays a key role in the growth and infiltration of tumors which is essential for distant metastases. A large number of biochemical pathways is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis. As a subject of our study, we chose chemerin/chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) pathway which is responsible for the angiogenic processes in malignant neoplasms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the CMKLR1 level and the concentrations of the two markers of angiogenesis, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, in tumor and margin tissues of CRC in relation to histological grade and TNM classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used 47 samples of tumor and margin tissues derived from CRC patients. To determine the concentration of CMKLR1, MMP-9, and VCAM-1, we used the commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

We found a significantly higher concentration of CMKLR1 and MMP-9 in tumor tissue compared to margin. There was no difference in VCAM-1 concentration between tumor and margin. The margin concentration of CMKLR1 was significantly correlated with that of both MMP-9 and VCAM-1. The margin concentration of VCAM-1 was correlated with that of MMP-9. Additionally, we observed that the tumor levels of CMKLR1 and MMP-9 were positively correlated with the tumor size (T parameter).

CONCLUSION

CMKLR1 activity may be associated with the angiogenic process in CRC via MMP-9 activity. Further research, involving a larger sample, may verify whether chemerin/CMKLR1 axis could be considered as a suitable target in novel molecular therapies.

Effect of exercise on colorectal cancer prevention and treatment

In recent years, because of improved cancer screening, detection and treatment modalities, a rapid increase in the population of colorectal and other cancer survivors has been observed. The increasing population has justified the requirement of preventive strategies such as lifestyle modifications with regard to obesity, physical activity, diet and smoking. Physical activity may prevent approximately 15% of the colon cancers. Furthermore, several observational studies have demonstrated the efficacy and dose-dependent and anti-cancer effects of exercise on decreasing the mortality and risk of recurrence before and after the colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. However, the required exercise dose, type and intensity are yet unclear. The results of randomised prospective studies are expected to determine the optimal amount, type and intensity of exercise and formulate the most appropriate exercise plan and guidelines, according to the requirements and comorbidities of the patients. In addition, recent studies have focused on the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying the effect of physical activity on disease outcomes and recurrence rates. This review aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity and the biological basis of these effects in preventing the risk and recurrence of CRC and decreasing the hazards of cancer and cancer treatment.

Dose-response Effects of Aerobic Exercise Among Colon Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Phase II Trial

BACKGROUND

Observational studies suggest that higher volumes of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of disease recurrence among survivors of colon cancer. However, the feasibility and safety of prescribing higher volumes of physical activity to survivors of colon cancer are unknown. Furthermore, the pathways through which exercise may reduce disease recurrence are unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Survivors of stage I to III colon cancer were randomized to usual-care control, 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise (low-dose), or 300 minutes per week of aerobic exercise (high-dose). Changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1 prognostic biomarkers were examined.

RESULTS

From January 2015 to February 2016, 39 patients were enrolled (n = 13 usual-care control; n = 14 low-dose; n = 12 high-dose), and 38 participants completed the study (97% follow-up). Over 6 months, the low-dose group completed 142 minutes per week (92.8% adherence), and the high-dose group completed 247 minutes per week (89.0% adherence) of exercise. Compared with the control group, changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were -134.9 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, -238.1 to -31.6 ng/mL) in the low-dose group and -114.8 ng/mL (95% confidence interval, -222.5 to -7.1 ng/mL) in the high-dose group (linear Ptrend = .023; nonlinear Ptrend = .044). No changes were observed for soluable vascular adhesion molecule-1 (linear Ptrend = .791; nonlinear Ptrend = .604). Non-serious adverse events occurred at similar rates among randomized groups. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Higher volumes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, up to 300 minutes per week, are feasible, safe, and elicit favorable changes in prognostic biomarkers among patients recently treated for stage I to III colon cancer. These data can be used to guide clinical recommendations for patients, and inform future trials.

The effect of ALA-PDT under normoxia and cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia on adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) secretion by colorectal cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The most fundamental problem in cancer biology research is to understand the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to oncological therapies. Literature reports emphasize the important role of adhesion molecules: intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in cancer progression and resistance to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) could become the component of a personalized approach to colorectal cancer, therefore we examined the effects of ALA (δ-aminolevulinic) acid PDT in normoxia and under cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced hypoxia on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 secretion by colorectal cancer cells.

METHODS

Human colorectal cancer cells of different malignant potential SW480 and SW620 were used in the experiment. Cell lines were treated ALA, in order to achieve conditions comparable to in vivo hypoxia, CoCl₂ was added, then cells were irradiated both in normoxia and in hypoxia-like conditions. Cell viability was assessed using the LDH and MTT assays and apoptosis. ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations were determined with the Bio - Plex ProTM Assay and System.

RESULTS

The experiment revealed that ALA PDT under normoxia and CoCl₂-induced hypoxia had no significant effect on ICAM-1 and VCAM-1-dependent adhesion of colorectal cancer cells. The secretion of ICAM-1 by SW480 ell line was more pronounced compared to ICAM-1 secretion by SW620 cells.

CONCLUSION

Determination of tumor marker levels and especially adhesion molecules involved in metastatic spread is necessary. Our experiment reveals, that ALA PDT in normoxia and CoCl₂-induced hypoxia has no effect on adhesion molecules secretion by colon cancer cells in vitro.

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecular-1 is a potential biological indicator of hemophilic arthropathy

Hemophilic arthropathy is the most common chronic complication in patients with hemophilia. The pathogenesis of hemophilic arthropathy involves the inflammatory processes associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Determining the severity and/or progression of joint damage is crucial when evaluating the effect of treatment modalities. Identifying reliable biomarkers in the peripheral blood of patients with hemophilic arthropathy may be beneficial in clinical practice. Circulating soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), E-selectin, and P-selectin levels are elevated in patients with RA. Our study investigated whether these soluble adhesion molecules can be used as biological indicators in the course of joint damage in patients with hemophilia A.Patients with hemophilia A (mild, moderate, and severe) were enrolled. The plasma levels of sVCAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin in patients with hemophilia A and control were measured using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Joint damages were evaluated using Pettersson scores.No statistically significant differences were observed in E-selectin and P-selectin levels between patients and controls. The sVCAM-1 level was significantly higher in patients with hemophilia A than in controls. The differences remained significant in patients with severe hemophilia A but not in patients with mild or moderate hemophilia A. The degree of hemophilic arthropathy was evaluated using Pettersson scores, and a score higher than 5 indicated marked arthropathy. Patients with more than 1 joint with marked arthropathy showed significantly higher sVCAM-1 levels.sVCAM-1 levels in patients with hemophilia A are associated with the severity of hemophilic arthropathy.

An update on microRNAs as colorectal cancer biomarkers: where are we and what's next?

miRNAs are abundant classes of small, endogenous non-coding RNAs, which inhibit the expression of target gene via post-transcriptional regulation. In addition to an important functional role miRNAs play in carcinogenesis, emerging evidence has demonstrated their feasibility as robust cancer biomarkers. In particular, the recent discovery of miRNAs in the body fluids provides an attractive opportunity for the development of non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and predictive response to cancer therapy. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and accumulating data provides a compelling case for the potential exploitation of miRNAs as CRC-biomarkers. This review summarizes the current state of literature in the field, focusing on the clinical relevance of miRNAs as potential biomarkers for CRC treatment and discussing the forthcoming challenges to further advance this exciting field of 'academic research' into 'bedside clinical care' of patients suffering from CRC.

Serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) may have diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic roles in patients with lung cancer treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Cellular adhesion molecules might be good markers in some types of malignant tumors and provide useful information in diagnosis and prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in lung cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. One hundred and thirty lung cancer patients were enrolled into this study. Serum VCAM-1 levels were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA method. Age- and sex-matched 34 healthy controls were included in the analysis. Median age was 58 years old, range 35 to 80 years. The majority of the patients had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (83.8 %) and stage IV disease (60.8 %). The patients' baseline serum VCAM-1 levels were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group (p = 0.02). Male patients had higher serum VCAM-1 level compared with female patients (p = 0.04). The stage of disease and tumor histology were not correlated with serum VCAM-1 assay (p > 0.05). Elevated serum VCAM-1 levels were associated with chemotherapy unresponsive patients compared with responsive patients (p = 0.02). The patients with elevated serum VCAM-1 levels had lower survival rates than the ones with lower levels (1-year survival rate 57.6 vs 69.7 %, respectively, p = 0.04). In conclusion, serum VCAM-1 concentrations may have diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic role in lung cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

A randomised phase II study of TSU-68 in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated by transarterial chemoembolisation

BACKGROUND

TSU-68 is an antitumour drug that acts by inhibiting angiogenesis. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of TSU-68 in combination with transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicenter, open-label phase II study, we randomised patients with HCC who had been treated with a single session of TACE to receive either 200mg TSU-68 twice daily or no medication. The primary end-point was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were enrolled. Median PFS was 157.0days (95% confidence interval [CI], 124.0-230.0days) in the TSU-68 group and 122.0days (95% CI, 73.0-170.0days) in the control group. The hazard ratio was 0.699 (95% CI, 0.450-1.088). Fatigue, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), elevated alkaline phosphatase, oedema and anorexia were more frequent in the TSU-68 group than in the control group. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events were AST elevation (46% of patients in the TSU-68 group and 12% of controls) and alanine aminotransferase elevation (26% of patients in the TSU-68 group and 8% of controls). Two deaths, grade 5 hepatic failure and melena were noted in the TSU-68 group.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study shows a trend towards prolonged PFS with TSU-68 treatment after a single session of TACE, but this observation was not statistically significant. The two deaths were related to the study treatment. These results suggest that further examination of the study design is necessary to determine whether TSU-68 has any clinical benefits when combined with TACE.

Pre-diagnostic levels of adiponectin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 are associated with colorectal cancer risk

AIM: To examine the relationships between pre-diagnostic biomarkers and colorectal cancer risk and assess their relevance in predictive models.

METHODS: A nested case-control study was designed to include all first primary incident colorectal cancer cases diagnosed between inclusion in the SUpplémentation en VItamines et Minéraux AntioXydants cohort in 1994 and the end of follow-up in 2007. Cases (n = 50) were matched with two randomly selected controls (n = 100). Conditional logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between pre-diagnostic levels of hs-CRP, adiponectin, leptin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and colorectal cancer risk. Area under the receiver operating curves (AUC) and relative integrated discrimination improvement (RIDI) statistics were used to assess the discriminatory potential of the models.

RESULTS: Plasma adiponectin level was associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk (P for linear trend = 0.03). Quartiles of sVCAM-1 were associated with increased colorectal cancer risk (P for linear trend = 0.02). No association was observed with any of the other biomarkers. Compared to standard models with known risk factors, those including both adiponectin and sVCAM-1 had substantially improved performance for colorectal cancer risk prediction (P for AUC improvement = 0.01, RIDI = 26.5%).

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pre-diagnostic plasma adiponectin and sVCAM-1 levels are associated with decreased and increased colorectal cancer risk, respectively. These relationships must be confirmed in large validation studies.