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Soto-Heras S, Reinacher L, Wang B, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Park CJ, Hess RA, Ko CJ. Cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in the dog: unresolved questions and challenges in translating insights from human studies†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:269-291. [PMID: 38738783 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae075] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, and testicular cancer show a strong correlation in both dogs and humans. Yet, long-standing medical debates persist about whether the location of undescended testes directly causes testicular cancer in humans or if both conditions stem from a common origin. Although testicular cancer is a prevalent disease in dogs, even less is known about its cause and correlation with testicular descent in this species. This review investigates the relation between these two disorders in dogs, drawing insights from human studies, and examines key biomarkers identified thus far. In addition, it explores potential causal links, including the impact of temperature on maturing testicular cells and a potential shared genetic origin. Notably, this literature review reveals significant differences between men and dogs in reproductive development, histological and molecular features of testicular tumors, and the prevalence of specific tumor types, such as Sertoli cell tumors in cryptorchid dogs and germ cell tumors in humans. These disparities caution against using dogs as models for human testicular cancer research and underscore the limitations when drawing comparisons between species. The paper concludes by suggesting specific research initiatives to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Lindsey Reinacher
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Bensen Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Ji Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - CheMyong Jay Ko
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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2
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Landero-Huerta DA, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Taja-Chayeb L, García-Andrade F, Aréchaga-Ocampo E, Yokoyama-Rebollar E, Díaz-Chávez J, Herrera LA, Chávez-Saldaña MD. Analysis of the CAG tract length in the Androgen Receptor gene in Mexican patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:843-849. [PMID: 33838085 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cryptorchidism is the most common genitourinary birth defect in live newborn males and is considered as an important risk factor for testicular germ cell tumors and infertility. The Androgen Receptor gene is important in this pathology due to its participation, mainly, in the inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent. We determine the length of the CAG tract in the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene in Mexican patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism. METHODS One hundred and 15 males were included; of these, 62 had nonsyndromic cryptorchidism and 53 were healthy volunteers. DNA was extracted from a peripheral blood samples, subsequently, the CAG tract in exon 1 of AR gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. RESULTS Mexican patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism presented 25.03 ± 2.58 repeats of CAG tract in the AR gene compared to 22.72 ± 3.17 repeats of CAG tract in Mexican healthy individuals (p≤0.0001; t value of 4.3). Furthermore, the deletion of codon 57 that corresponds to the deletion of a leucine residue at position 57 (Del L57) in the AR gene was found for the first time in a nonsyndromic cryptorchidism patient. This molecular alteration has been related previously to testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT). CONCLUSIONS The CAG tract in the AR gene is longer in patients with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism than in healthy individuals, supporting the association between this polymorphism of the AR gene and nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in the Mexican population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Landero-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Lucía Taja-Chayeb
- Laboratorio de Epigenética, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fabiola García-Andrade
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Elena Aréchaga-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Emiy Yokoyama-Rebollar
- Departmento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.,Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México
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3
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Das MK, Kleppa L, Haugen TB. Functions of genes related to testicular germ cell tumour development. Andrology 2019; 7:527-535. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. K. Das
- Faculty of Health Sciences; OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University; Oslo Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
| | - L. Kleppa
- Faculty of Health Sciences; OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University; Oslo Norway
| | - T. B. Haugen
- Faculty of Health Sciences; OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University; Oslo Norway
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4
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Tasca AL, Fletcher A. State of the art of the environmental behaviour and removal techniques of the endocrine disruptor 3,4-dichloroaniline. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2018; 53:260-270. [PMID: 29173038 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2017.1394701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in wastewater discharges from agricultural and industrial sources, [1] fresh- and estuarine-waters, as well as soils, has been reported in the literature. [2] Studies of adverse changes in wildlife, linked to environmental exposure to these substances, and the suggestion that humans could also be at similar risk of adverse health effects, [3-5] have raised concern for urgent action to understand and reduce such risks. 3,4-Dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) has been recognized as an EDC, with regards to endocrine disruption data for both wildlife populations and human health. [5] 3,4-DCA is present in the environment as a product of the biodegradation of phenylurea and phenylcarbamate pesticides [6,7] ; furthermore, it can be introduced from industrial and municipal wastewater that is insufficiently purified, or via accidental spills. [8-10] Increasing concentrations of 3,4-DCA in soil and water are the result of its high persistence and accumulation, as well as its low biodegradability. [11,12] Hence, remediation techniques require in-depth study, especially when considering the low removal achieved by traditional activated sludge treatments, and the generation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes as a consequence of the chlorine oxidation methods frequently used in drinking water plants. [13] Fe0/H2O2 systems, photodegradation using doped TiO2, and the use of dielectric barrier discharge reactors, seem to be the most promising techniques for the removal of 3,4-DCA from water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Luca Tasca
- a Department of Chemical and Process Engineering , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
| | - Ashleigh Fletcher
- a Department of Chemical and Process Engineering , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , UK
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5
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Jiang W, Zhang J, Zhou Q, Liu S, Ni M, Zhu P, Wu Q, Li W, Zhang M, Xia X. Predictive value of GGN and CAG repeat polymorphisms of androgen receptors in testicular cancer: a meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:13754-64. [PMID: 26885616 PMCID: PMC4924676 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of testicular cancer (TC) is markedly increased in subjects with androgen insensitivity, and previous studies have proposed that GGN and CAG repeats in androgen receptors (AR) could be related to the risk of TC. To evaluate the association between the length of GGN and CAG repeats in AR and TC, a meta-analysis involving 3255 TC cases and 2804 controls was performed. The results suggested that long GGN repeats are associated with an increased risk of TC compared with those < 23 [odds ratio (OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.41]; similarly, a subgroup analysis revealed that this association occurred in studies with case sizes > 200, and in the mid-latitude, and seminoma subgroups. The subgroup analysis based on populations, high-latitude, and seminomas/non-seminomas suggested that AR CAG repeat polymorphisms with > 25 and < 21 + > 25 repeats might confer a protective effect to the patients with TC (in the high-latitude subgroup analysis, for > 25 vs. 21–25: OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.41–0.70). In contrast, an increased risk of TC was observed for AR CAG repeat polymorphisms with > 25 and < 21 + > 25 repeats in the mid-latitude subgroup (for > 25 vs. 21–25: OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.09–2.50). In addition, no associations between the remaining subgroups and male infertility were observed. In short, this meta-analysis suggested that AR GGN and CAG repeat polymorphisms may be involved in the etiology of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Jiang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Shuaimei Liu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Mengxia Ni
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Peiran Zhu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyue Wu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Mingchao Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Xia
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
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Facchini G, Rossetti S, Cavaliere C, D'Aniello C, Di Franco R, Iovane G, Grimaldi G, Piscitelli R, Muto P, Botti G, Perdonà S, Veneziani BM, Berretta M, Montanari M. Exploring the molecular aspects associated with testicular germ cell tumors: a review. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1365-1379. [PMID: 29416701 PMCID: PMC5787445 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. They constitute a distinct entity because of their embryonic origin and their unique biological behavior. Recent preclinical data regarding biological signaling machinery as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with molecular patterns of tumors have contribute to explain the pathogenesis and the differentiation of TGCTs and to understand the mechanisms responsible for the development of resistance to treatment. In this review, we discuss the main genetic and epigenetic events associated with TGCTs development in order to better define their role in the pathogenesis of these tumors and in cisplatin-acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Facchini
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Cavaliere
- Medical Oncology Unit, ASL NA 3 SUD, Ospedali Riuniti Area Nolana, Nola, Italy
| | - Carmine D'Aniello
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.R.N. dei COLLI "Ospedali Monaldi-Cotugno-CTO", Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Di Franco
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Gelsomina Iovane
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,S.S.D Oncologia Clinica Sperimentale Uro-Andrologica, Dipartimento Corp-S Assistenziale dei Percorsi Oncologici Uro-Genitale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grimaldi
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Piscitelli
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Paolo Muto
- Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy.,Scientific Management, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Division of Urology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Veneziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Berretta
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Micaela Montanari
- Progetto ONCONET2.0, Linea Progettuale 14 per l'Implementazione della Prevenzione e Diagnosi Precoce del Tumore alla Prostata e Testicolo, Regione Campania, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.,Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
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7
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Anwer F, Chaurasia S, Khan AA. Hormonally active agents in the environment: a state-of-the-art review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:415-433. [PMID: 27487487 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
After the Second World War, infatuation with modern products has exponentially widened the spectrum of chemicals used. Some of them are capable of hijacking the endocrine system by blocking or imitating a hormone and are referred to as hormonally active chemicals or endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals that the body was not designed for evolutionarily and they are present in every matrix of the environment. We are living in a chemical world where the exposures are ubiquitous and take place in combinations that can interact with the endocrine system and some other metabolic activities in unexpected ways. The complexity of interaction of these compounds can be understood by the fact that they interfere with gene expression at extremely low levels, consequently harming an individual life form, its offspring or population. As the endocrine system plays a critical role in many biological or physiological functions, by interfering body's endocrine system, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have various adverse effects on human health, starting from birth defects to developmental disorders, deadly deseases like cancer and even immunological disorders. Most of these compounds have not been tested yet for safety and their effects cannot be assessed by the available techniques. The establishment of proper exposure measurement techniques and integrating correlation is yet to be achieved to completely understand the impacts at various levels of the endocrine axis.
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8
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Chiang HL, Liu CJ, Hu YW, Chen SC, Hu LY, Shen CC, Yeh CM, Chen TJ, Gau SSF. Risk of cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 2015; 166:418-23.e1. [PMID: 25453246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether individuals with autism have an increased risk for cancer relative to the general population. STUDY DESIGN We enrolled patients with autistic disorder from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database in years 1997-2011. A total of 8438 patients diagnosed with autism were retrieved from the Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patients database. The diagnosis of cancers was also based on the certificate of catastrophic illness, which requires histological confirmation. The risk of cancer among the autism cohort was determined with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR). RESULTS During the observation period, cancer occurred in 20 individuals with autism, which was significantly higher than a total number of expected cancers with a SIR estimate of 1.94 (95% CI 1.18-2.99). The number of cancer in males was greater than the expected number with a SIR of 1.95 (1.11-3.16), but no excess risk was found for females with a SIR of 1.91 (0.52-4.88). Cancer developed more than expected in individuals age 15-19 years with the SIR of 3.58 (1.44-7.38), but did not differ in other age range groups. The number of cancers of genitourinary system was significantly in excess of the expected number (SIR 4.15; 95% CI 1.13-10.65), and increased risk was found in ovarian cancer with SIR of 9.21 (1.12-33.29). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that patients with autistic disorder have an increased risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Ling Chiang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jen Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Hu
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - San-Chi Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Hu
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Che Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chiayi Branch, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Mei Yeh
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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9
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Grassetti D, Giannandrea F, Paoli D, Masciandaro P, Figura V, Carlini T, Rizzo F, Lombardo F, Lenzi A, Gandini L. Androgen receptor polymorphisms and testicular cancer risk. Andrology 2014; 3:27-33. [PMID: 25180665 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is currently the most common malignant solid tumour in Caucasian males aged 15-39 years. Epidemiological evidence suggests that its onset may be due to an imbalance in the action of steroidal sex hormones and their receptors. A faulty androgen receptor signalling pathway can, in fact, cause various male reproductive disorders. The androgen receptor (AR) gene has two polymorphic segments consisting of CAG and GGC repeats. The length of CAG repeats has been shown to affect the regulation of AR activity. In our study, we used fragment analysis to evaluate the AR gene repeats of 302 TC patients and 322 controls, to establish if there is any association between repeat number and TC. This study of the largest Italian caseload investigated to date highlighted three particularly significant aspects. First, a CAG repeat number of ≥25 may be considered a risk factor for the onset of TC, given its greater frequency in patients in comparison with controls. This difference became significant for the non-seminoma group. Second, men with CAG repeats below 21 or above 24 were found to have a, respectively, 50 and 76% higher risk of TC than those with CAG 21-24, suggesting that these too can be considered a risk factor for TC. Finally, stage II patients were more likely to have a CAG repeat number <21 or >24 than stage I patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassetti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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10
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Looijenga LHJ. An oncofetal and developmental perspective on testicular germ cell cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:59-74. [PMID: 25066859 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of tumors presumably originating from (early fetal) developing germ cells. Most frequent are the testicular germ cell cancers (TGCC). Overall, TGCC is the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20-40 years) and remains an important cause of (treatment related) mortality in these young men. The strong association between the phenotype of TGCC stem cell components and their totipotent ancestor (fetal primordial germ cell or gonocyte) makes these tumors highly relevant from an onco-fetal point of view. This review subsequently discusses the evidence for the early embryonic origin of TGCCs, followed by an overview of the crucial association between TGCC pathogenesis, genetics, environmental exposure and the (fetal) testicular micro-environment (genvironment). This culminates in an evaluation of three genvironmentally modulated hallmarks of TGCC directly related to the oncofetal pathogenesis of TGCC: (1) maintenance of pluripotency, (2) cell cycle control/cisplatin sensitivity and (3) regulation of proliferation/migration/apoptosis by KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Briefly, TGCC exhibit identifiable stem cell components (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and progenitors that show large and consistent similarities to primordial/embryonic germ cells, their presumed totipotent cells of origin. TGCC pathogenesis depends crucially on a complex interaction of genetic and (micro-)environmental, i.e. genvironmental risk factors that have only been partly elucidated despite significant effort. TGCC stem cell components also show a high degree of similarity with embryonic stem/germ cells (ES) in the regulation of pluripotency and cell cycle control, directly related to their exquisite sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (e.g. cisplatin). Of note, (ES specific) micro-RNAs play a pivotal role in the crossover between cell cycle control, pluripotency and chemosensitivity. Moreover, multiple consistent observations reported TGCC to be associated with KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, a pathway crucially implicated in proliferation, migration and survival during embryogenesis including germ cell development. In conclusion, TGCCs are a fascinating model for onco-fetal developmental processes especially with regard to studying cell cycle control, pluripotency maintenance and KIT-KITL signaling. The knowledge presented here contributes to better understanding of the molecular characteristics of TGCC pathogenesis, translating to identification of at risk individuals and enhanced quality of care for TGCC patients (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Boublikova L, Buchler T, Stary J, Abrahamova J, Trka J. Molecular biology of testicular germ cell tumors: Unique features awaiting clinical application. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 89:366-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Lottrup G, Jørgensen A, Nielsen JE, Jørgensen N, Duno M, Vinggaard AM, Skakkebæk NE, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Identification of a novel androgen receptor mutation in a family with multiple components compatible with the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:2223-9. [PMID: 23589523 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Androgen signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) is essential for normal testis development and male reproductive functions. We describe a rare family with 3 males affected by a mild disorder of sex determination compatible with testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), including subfertility, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and testicular cancer, caused by a novel AR mutation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the phenotype of the affected males, characterize functionally the novel AR mutation, and discuss the significance of partial androgen insufficiency in the pathogenesis of TDS. PARTICIPANTS The proband, his first cousin, and a nephew underwent a detailed clinical investigation including genetic tests, whereas four female members of the family were tested for the specific AR mutation. RESULTS A novel AR mutation, c.2214T>G;p.Ile738Met, was identified in the affected family members. Functional analysis of the mutation in a gene-reporter assay showed a 50% reduction in AR-induced transcriptional activity. The affected males had elevated LH and T in accordance with decreased AR signaling. The histology and immunohistochemical profile of the testis tissue from the 2 patients with testicular cancer showed features consistent with insufficient testis development and TDS. CONCLUSION The presence of all hallmarks of TDS, including germ cell cancer, in a family with a novel AR mutation causing a partial decrease in AR function is in line with the concept that reduced androgen signaling may contribute to the development of TDS. It also seems consistent with the hypothesis that environmental factors interfering with this pathway can play a role in the pathogenesis of TDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grete Lottrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Section 5064, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
The failure of testicular descent or cryptorchidism is the most common defect in newborn boys. The descent of the testes during development is controlled by insulin-like 3 peptide and steroid hormones produced in testicular Leydig cells, as well as by various genetic and developmental factors. While in some cases the association with genetic abnormalities and environmental causes has been shown, the etiology of cryptorchidism remains uncertain. Cryptorchidism is an established risk factor for infertility and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Experimental animal models suggest a causative role for an abnormal testicular position on the disruption of spermatogenesis however the link between cryptorchidism and TGCT is less clear. The most common type of TGCT in cryptorchid testes is seminoma, believed to be derived from pluripotent prenatal germ cells. Recent studies have shown that seminoma cells and their precursor carcinoma in situ cells express a number of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) markers suggesting that TGCTs might originate from adult stem cells. We review here the data on changes in the SSC somatic cell niche observed in cryptorchid testes of mouse models and in human patients. We propose that the misregulation of growth factors' expression may alter the balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation and shift stem cells toward neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Alexander I. Agoulnik, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199, USA. e-mail:
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Lacson JCA, Carroll JD, Tuazon E, Castelao EJ, Bernstein L, Cortessis VK. Population-based case-control study of recreational drug use and testis cancer risk confirms an association between marijuana use and nonseminoma risk. Cancer 2012; 118:5374-83. [PMID: 22965656 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.27554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) incidence increased steadily in recent decades, but causes remain elusive. Germ cell function may be influenced by cannabinoids, and 2 prior epidemiologic studies reported that the use of marijuana may be associated with nonseminomatous TGCT. Here, the authors evaluate the relation between TGCTs and exposure to marijuana and other recreational drugs using a population-based case-control study. METHODS In total, 163 patients who were diagnosed with TGCT in Los Angeles County from December 1986 to April 1991 were enrolled, and 292 controls were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood. Participants were asked about drug use by a structured, in-person interview. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for history of cryptorchidism; education; religiosity; and reported use of marijuana, cocaine, and amyl nitrite. RESULTS Compared with never use, ever use of marijuana had a 2-fold increased risk (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.02-3.68), whereas ever use of cocaine had a negative association with TGCT (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.91). Stratification on tumor histology revealed a specific association of marijuana use with nonseminoma and mixed histology tumors (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.08-5.42). CONCLUSIONS A specific association was observed between marijuana use and the risk of nonseminoma and mixed tumors. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a negative association between cocaine use and TGCT risk. The current results warrant mechanistic studies of marijuana's effect on the endocannabinoid system and TGCT risk and caution that recreational and therapeutic use of cannabinoids by young men may confer malignant potential to testicular germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles A Lacson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9175, USA
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Kristiansen W, Aschim EL, Andersen JM, Witczak O, Fosså SD, Haugen TB. Variations in testosterone pathway genes and susceptibility to testicular cancer in Norwegian men. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:819-827. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01297.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This overview discusses several important developments in testicular germ cell tumors in the past year. RECENT FINDINGS Genomic studies continue to investigate gene expression as possible markers for disease relapse and chemotherapy resistance. Optimal treatment strategies for early-stage seminomas are evolving toward surveillance versus chemotherapy and away from radiation, and the role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in disseminated nonseminomatous cancers in complete remission is becoming less certain. SUMMARY Treatment and surveillance paradigms continue to be defined and refined for both early and late-stage disease as research in these areas continues and the data from multiple large studies mature.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2012; 19:233-47. [PMID: 22531108 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283542fb3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Brokken LJS, Lundberg-Giwercman Y, Rajpert De-Meyts E, Eberhard J, Ståhl O, Cohn-Cedermark G, Daugaard G, Arver S, Giwercman A. Association of polymorphisms in genes encoding hormone receptors ESR1, ESR2 and LHCGR with the risk and clinical features of testicular germ cell cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 351:279-85. [PMID: 22245602 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) is the most common malignancy in young men. Genetic variants known to be associated with risk of TGCC only partially account for the observed familial risks. We aimed to identify additional polymorphisms associated with risk as well as histological and clinical features of TGCC in 367 patients and 214 controls. Polymorphisms in ESR2 (rs1256063; OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.35-0.79) and LHCGR (rs4597581; OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.89, and rs4953617; OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.21-2.94) associated with risk of TGCC. Polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs9397080; OR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.18-2.91) and LHCGR (rs7371084; OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.26-4.49) associated with risk of seminoma and metastasis, respectively. SNPs in ESR1 (rs9397080) and LHCGR (rs7371084) were predictors of higher LH levels and higher androgen sensitivity index in healthy subjects. The results suggest that polymorphisms in ESR1, ESR2 and LHCGR contribute to the risk of developing TGCC, histological subtype, and risk to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon J S Brokken
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.
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Davis-Dao CA, Siegmund KD, Vandenberg DJ, Skinner EC, Coetzee GA, Thomas DC, Pike MC, Cortessis VK. Heterogenous effect of androgen receptor CAG tract length on testicular germ cell tumor risk: shorter repeats associated with seminoma but not other histologic types. Carcinogenesis 2011; 32:1238-43. [PMID: 21642359 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgr104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing rates of testicular germ cells tumors (TGCTs) overtime suggest that environmental factors are involved in disease etiology, but familial risk and genome-wide association studies implicate genetic factors as well. We investigated whether variation in the functional CAG(n) polymorphism in the androgen receptor (AR) gene is associated with TGCT risk, using data from a population-based family study. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of CAG repeat length and TGCT risk using matched pairs logistic regression. Analyses of 273 TGCT case-mother pairs revealed no association between AR CAG repeat length and overall TGCT risk. However, risk of seminoma was significantly associated with shorter CAG repeat length [CAG 20-21 versus CAG ≤ 19: OR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.43-1.58), CAG 22-23 versus CAG ≤ 19: OR = 0.39 (95% CI: 0.19-0.83) and CAG ≥ 24 versus CAG ≤ 19: OR = 0.42 (95% CI: 0.20-0.86)], with a highly significant trend over these four categories of decreasing CAG repeat length (P(trend) = 0.0030). This is the first report of a statistically significant association between AR CAG repeat length and seminoma risk, suggesting that increased AR transactivation may be involved in development of seminoma and/or progression of carcinoma in situ/intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified to seminoma. This result provides a rationale whereby androgenic environmental compounds could contribute to increases in TGCT incidence, and identifies for the first time a potential biological pathway influencing whether TGCTs achieve seminomatous versus nonseminomatous histology, a clinically and biologically important distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Davis-Dao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Gilbert D, Rapley E, Shipley J. Testicular germ cell tumours: predisposition genes and the male germ cell niche. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:278-88. [PMID: 21412254 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are putatively derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Recently reported genome-wide association studies implicate six gene loci that predispose to TGCT development. Remarkably, the functions of proteins encoded by genes within these regions bridge our understanding between the pathways involved in primordial germ cell physiology, male germ cell development and the molecular pathology of TGCTs. Furthermore, this improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying TGCT development and dissemination has clinical relevance for the management of patients with these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Gilbert
- Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE, East Sussex, UK
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