Folate, genomic stability and colon cancer: The use of single cell gel electrophoresis in assessing the impact of folate in vitro, in vivo and in human biomonitoring

Serendipity in Neuro-Oncology: The Evolution of Chemotherapeutic Agents

The development of novel therapeutics in neuro-oncology faces significant challenges, often marked by high costs and low success rates. Despite advances in molecular biology and genomics, targeted therapies have had limited impact on improving patient outcomes in brain tumors, particularly gliomas, due to the complex, multigenic nature of these malignancies. While significant efforts have been made to design drugs that target specific signaling pathways and genetic mutations, the clinical success of these rational approaches remains sparse. This review critically examines the landscape of neuro-oncology drug discovery, highlighting instances where serendipity has led to significant breakthroughs, such as the unexpected efficacy of repurposed drugs and off-target effects that proved beneficial. By exploring historical and contemporary cases, we underscore the role of chance in the discovery of impactful therapies, arguing that embracing serendipity alongside rational drug design may enhance future success in neuro-oncology drug development.

Recent Advances on the Role of B Vitamins in Cancer Prevention and Progression

Water-soluble B vitamins, mainly obtained through dietary intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products, act as co-factors in various biochemical processes, including DNA synthesis, repair, methylation, and energy metabolism. These vitamins include B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate), and B12 (Cobalamin). Recent studies have shown that besides their fundamental physiological roles, B vitamins influence oncogenic metabolic pathways, including glycolysis (Warburg effect), mitochondrial function, and nucleotide biosynthesis. Although deficiencies in these vitamins are associated with several complications, emerging evidence suggests that excessive intake of specific B vitamins may also contribute to cancer progression and interfere with therapy due to impaired metabolic and genetic functions. This review discusses the tumor-suppressive and tumor-progressive roles of B vitamins in cancer. It also explores the recent evidence on a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between B vitamin metabolism and cancer progression and underscores the need for further research to determine the optimal balance of B vitamin intake for cancer prevention and therapy.

Molecular methods in cancer diagnostics: a short review

BACKGROUND

One of the ailments with the greatest fatality rates in the 21st century is cancer. Globally, molecular methods are widely employed to treat cancer-related disorders, and the body of research on this subject is growing yearly. A thorough and critical summary of the data supporting molecular methods for illnesses linked to cancer is required.

OBJECTIVE

In order to guide clinical practice and future research, it is important to examine and summarize the systematic reviews (SRs) that evaluate the efficacy and safety of molecular methods for disorders associated to cancer.

METHODS

We developed a comprehensive search strategy to find relevant articles from electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science (WoS), or Scopus. We looked through the literature and determined which diagnostic methods in cancer genetics were particularly reliable. We used phrases like 'cancer genetics', genetic susceptibility, Hereditary cancer, cancer risk assessment, 'cancer diagnostic tools', cancer screening', biomarkers, and molecular diagnostics, reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the efficacy and safety of molecular therapies for cancer-related disorders. Research that only consider treatment modalities that don't necessitate genetic or molecular diagnostics fall under the exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The results of this comprehensive review clearly demonstrate the transformative impact of molecular methods in the realm of cancer genetics.This review underscores how these technologies have empowered researchers and clinicians to identify and understand key genetic alterations that drive malignancy, ranging from point mutations to structural variations. Such insights are instrumental in pinpointing critical oncogenic drivers and potential therapeutic targets, thus opening the door for methods in precision medicine that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

LIMITATION

The search does not specify a timeframe for publication inclusion, it may have missed recent advancements or changes in the field's landscape of molecular methods for cancer. As a result, it may not have included the most recent developments in the field.

CONCLUSION

After conducting an in-depth study on the molecular methods in cancer genetics, it is evident that these cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized the field of oncology, providing researchers and clinicians with powerful tools to unravel the complexities of cancer at the genetic level. The integration of molecular methods techniques has not only enhanced our understanding of cancer etiology, progression, and treatment response but has also opened new avenues for personalized medicine and targeted therapies, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Health of Offspring Porcine by Promoting the Proliferation and Differentiation of Intestinal Stem Cells

Maternal folic acid intake has important effects on offspring growth and development. The mechanism involved in the renewal of intestinal epithelial cells remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during gestation and lactation on the structural and functional development of the small intestine in piglet offspring. Twenty-four Duroc sows were assigned to a control group (CON) and a folic-acid-supplemented group (CON + FA, supplemented with 15 mg/kg of folic acid). The results showed that maternal folic acid supplementation throughout gestation and lactation significantly increased the body weight, serum folate level, and intestinal folate metabolism in piglets. It also improved the villus length, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and transcript levels of nutrient transporters (GLUT4, SNAT2, FABP2, and SLC7A5) in piglets' duodenum and jejunum. In addition, maternal folic acid supplementation increased Ki67-positive cells and the expression of proliferation-related marker genes (C-Myc, CyclinD1, and PCNA) in piglets' intestinal stem cells. It also boosted the expression of genes associated with mature secreted cells (ChrA, Muc2, Lyz, Vil1), indicating enhanced proliferation and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. These findings demonstrate that maternal folic acid supplementation enhances growth performance and gut health in piglet offspring by promoting epithelial cell renewal equilibrium.

Possible role of nutrition in the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer: A focus on human studies

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at substantially high risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). IBD-associated CRC accounts for roughly 10% to 15% of the annual mortality in patients with IBD. IBD-related CRC also affects younger patients compared with sporadic CRC, with a 5-y survival rate of 50%. Regardless of medical therapies, the persistent inflammatory state characterizing IBD raises the risk for precancerous changes and CRC, with additional input from several elements, including genetic and environmental risk factors, IBD-associated comorbidities, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbiota modifications. It is well known that nutritional habits and dietary bioactive compounds can influence IBD-associated inflammation, microbiome abundance and composition, oxidative stress balance, and gut permeability. Additionally, in recent years, results from broad epidemiologic and experimental studies have associated certain foods or nutritional patterns with the risk for colorectal neoplasia. The present study aimed to review the possible role of nutrition in preventing IBD-related CRC, focusing specifically on human studies. It emerges that nutritional interventions based on healthy, nutrient-dense dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of fiber, vegetables, fruit, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a low amount of animal proteins, processed foods, and alcohol, combined with probiotic supplementation have the potential of reducing IBD-activity and preventing the risk of IBD-related CRC through different mechanisms, suggesting that targeted nutritional interventions may represent a novel promising approach for the prevention and management of IBD-associated CRC.

Dietary habits, nutrition and esophageal cancer: A case-control study on Kazakhs in Xinjiang

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between dietary habits and esophageal epithelial cell carcinoma (ESCC) and provide a potential direction for exploring how different dietary habits and nutrient intake might affect ESCC development.

METHODS

198 ESCC cases and 200 controls on Kazakhs were recruited in Xinjiang from 2010 to 2019 for a group-matched case-control study. The case group were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The control population were recruited from two parts: hospital-based control and population-based control. The diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination. The food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the dietary nutrients intake. Folic acid, vitamin B12, and DNA-methyltransferase 1(DNMT1) levels were measured in serum samples obtained from cases and controls.

RESULTS

The cholesterol intake of ESCC group was significantly higher than that of the control group while the intakes of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin A, B6, C and E were significantly lower than the control group. Factors including lacking fresh vegetables and fruits, low educational level, low income, alcohol drinking, eating solid and dry food and smoked meat, dieting irregularly, salty taste preference, low serum folic acid level and high serum DNMT1 level were associated with increased risk of ESCC in Kazakhs.

CONCLUSION

Dietary habits and nutrient intake were associated with increased risk of ESCC in Kazakhs that may provide a potential direction for further studies.

Folic Acid Treatment Directly Influences the Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation along with the Associated Cellular Maintenance Processes of HT-29 and SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines

Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, generally used as a nutritional supplement and an adjunctive medication in cancer therapy. FA is involved in genetic and epigenetic regulation; therefore, it has a dual modulatory role in established neoplasms. We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term (72 h) FA supplementation on colorectal cancer; hence, HT-29 and SW480 cells were exposed to different FA concentrations (0, 100, 10,000 ng/mL). HT-29 cell proliferation and viability levels elevated after 100 ng/mL but decreased for 10,000 ng/mL FA. Additionally, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement of genomic stability was detected in HT-29 cells with micronucleus scoring and comet assay. Conversely, the FA treatment did not alter these parameters in SW480 samples. RRBS results highlighted that DNA methylation changes were bidirectional in both cells, mainly affecting carcinogenesis-related pathways. Based on the microarray analysis, promoter methylation status was in accordance with FA-induced expression alterations of 27 genes. Our study demonstrates that the FA effect was highly dependent on the cell type, which can be attributed to the distinct molecular background and the different expression of proliferation- and DNA-repair-associated genes (YWHAZ, HES1, STAT3, CCL2). Moreover, new aspects of FA-regulated DNA methylation and consecutive gene expression were revealed.

Biology of Perseverative Negative Thinking: The Role of Timing and Folate Intake

Past-oriented rumination and future-oriented worry are two aspects of perseverative negative thinking related to the neuroticism endophenotype and associated with depression and anxiety. Our present aim was to investigate the genomic background of these two aspects of perseverative negative thinking within separate groups of individuals with suboptimal versus optimal folate intake. We conducted a genome-wide association study in the UK Biobank database (n = 72,621) on the "rumination" and "worry" items of the Eysenck Personality Inventory Neuroticism scale in these separate groups. Optimal folate intake was related to lower worry, but unrelated to rumination. In contrast, genetic associations for worry did not implicate specific biological processes, while past-oriented rumination had a more specific genetic background, emphasizing its endophenotypic nature. Furthermore, biological pathways leading to rumination appeared to differ according to folate intake: purinergic signaling and circadian regulator gene ARNTL emerged in the whole sample, blastocyst development, DNA replication, and C-C chemokines in the suboptimal folate group, and prostaglandin response and K+ channel subunit gene KCNH3 in the optimal folate group. Our results point to possible benefits of folate in anxiety disorders, and to the importance of simultaneously taking into account genetic and environmental factors to determine personalized intervention in polygenic and multifactorial disorders.

Folate Intake and Risk of Urothelial Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies

We aimed to investigate the association between folate intake and the risk of urothelial carcinoma (UC). A systematic literature search using Pubmed and EMBASE databases was performed to find prospective cohort studies, population-based case-control study or hospital-based case-control study investigating the association of folate intake and the risk of UC. A total of 19 studies involving 11,175 cases and 656,161 individuals were included. High intake of folate was associated with a decreased risk of UC, with a pooled OR of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.66-0.93, P = 0.006) for the highest category of intake vs. the lowest. The data suggested that folate may contribute to the prevention of urothelial cancer. However, the association was observed only in case-control studies (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.39-0.79, P = 0.001), but not in cohort studies (RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.87-1.09, P = 0.638). Dose-response meta-analysis showed that an increment of folate intake (100 μg/day) corresponded to an 8% deceased risk of invasive UC (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98, P = 0.004). High folate intake might be inversely associated with risk of UC particularly invasive UC, which needs to be confirmed.

The Role of DNA Damage Response in Dysbiosis-Induced Colorectal Cancer

The high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in developed countries indicates a predominant role of the environment as a causative factor. Natural gut microbiota provides multiple benefits to humans. Dysbiosis is characterized by an unbalanced microbiota and causes intestinal damage and inflammation. The latter is a common denominator in many cancers including CRC. Indeed, in an inflammation scenario, cellular growth is promoted and immune cells release Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS), which cause DNA damage. Apart from that, many metabolites from the diet are converted into DNA damaging agents by microbiota and some bacteria deliver DNA damaging toxins in dysbiosis conditions as well. The interactions between diet, microbiota, inflammation, and CRC are not the result of a straightforward relationship, but rather a network of multifactorial interactions that deserve deep consideration, as their consequences are not yet fully elucidated. In this paper, we will review the influence of dysbiosis in the induction of DNA damage and CRC.

Folate Intake and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal malignancies and primary prevention strategies are limited. Epidemiological studies focusing on the association between folate intake and pancreatic cancer risk have reported inconsistent findings.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases. A systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible studies was performed to assess the association between folate intake and risk of pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies involving 5654 cases and 1,009,374 individuals were included. The result showed a significant association of folate intake with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer, with a pooled OR of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69-0.97, P = 0.019) for the highest category of intake vs. the lowest. The data suggested that high intake of folate may contribute to the prevention of pancreatic cancer. However, the association was observed only in case-control studies (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.93, P = 0.006), but not in cohort studies (RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.66-1.09, P = 0.244). Dose-response meta-analysis showed that an increment of folate intake (100 μg/day) was marginally associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, with a pooled OR of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93-1.00, P = 0.053).

CONCLUSION

High folate intake might be inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk, which needs to be confirmed.

Folic acid promotes proliferation and differentiation of porcine pancreatic stem cells into insulin-secreting cells through canonical Wnt and ERK signaling pathway

Porcine pancreatic stem cells (pPSCs) can be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro and thus serve as a major cells source for β-cell regeneration. However, this application is limited by the weak cell proliferation ability and low insulin induction efficiency. In this study, we explored the role of folic acid in the proliferation of pPSCs and the formation of insulin-secreting cells. We found that FA-treated pPSCs cells had a high EDU positive rate, and the proliferation marker molecules PCNA, CyclinD1 and c-Myc were up-regulated, while the expression of folate receptor α (FOLRα) was up-regulated. In further research, interference FOLRα or adding canonical Wnt signaling pathway or ERK signaling pathway inhibitors could significantly inhibit the effect of FA on pPSCs proliferation. Meanwhile, during the differentiation of pPSCs into insulin-secreting cells, we found that the maturation marker genes Insulin, NKX6.1, MafA, and NeuroD1 was upregulated in insulin-secreting cell masses differentiationed from pPSCs after FA treatment, and the functional molecules Insulin and C-peptide were increased, the ability to secrete insulin in response to high glucose was also increased. With the addition of Wnt and ERK signaling pathway inhibitors, the pro-differentiation effect of FA was weakened. In conclusion, FA promotes the proliferation of pPSCs by binding to folate receptor α (FOLRα) and increase the efficiency of directed differentiation of pPSCs into insulin-producing cells by regulating canonical Wnt and ERK signaling pathway. This study lays theoretical foundation for solving the bottleneck in the treatment of diabetes with stem cell transplantation in future.

The enzyme-modified comet assay: Past, present and future

The enzyme-modified comet assay was developed in order to detect DNA lesions other than those detected by the standard version (single and double strand breaks and alkali-labile sites). Various lesion-specific enzymes, from the DNA repair machinery of bacteria and humans, have been combined with the comet assay, allowing detection of different oxidized and alkylated bases as well as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, mis-incorporated uracil and apurinic/apyrimidinic sites. The enzyme-modified comet assay has been applied in different fields - human biomonitoring, environmental toxicology, and genotoxicity testing (both in vitro and in vivo) - as well as in basic research. Up to now, twelve enzymes have been employed; here we describe the enzymes and give examples of studies in which they have been applied. The bacterial formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (Fpg) and endonuclease III (EndoIII) have been extensively used while others have been used only rarely. Adding further enzymes to the comet assay toolbox could potentially increase the variety of DNA lesions that can be detected. The enzyme-modified comet assay can play a crucial role in the elucidation of the mechanism of action of both direct and indirect genotoxins, thus increasing the value of the assay in the regulatory context.

PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode for sensitive electrochemical detection of folic acid

A novel electrochemical sensor, platinum nanoparticles/graphene nanoplatelets/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/β-cyclodextrin composite (PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD) modified carbon glass electrode (GCE), was fabricated and used for the sensitive detection of folic acid (FA). The PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD nanocomposite was easily prepared with an ultrasound-assisted assembly method, and it was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrochemical behavior of FA at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD/GCE was investigated in detail. Some key experimental parameters such as pH, amount of PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD composite, and scan rate were optimized. A good linear relationship (R² = 0.9942) between peak current of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and FA concentration in the range 0.02-0.50 mmol L^-1 was observed at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD/GCE. The detection limit was 0.48 μmol L^-1 (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). A recovery of 97.55-102.96% was obtained for the determination of FA in FA pills (containing 0.4 mg FA per pill) at PtNPs-GNPs-MWCNTs-β-CD/GCE, indicating that the modified electrode possessed relatively high sensitivity and stability for the determination of FA in real samples.

A Brief Review of Nutraceutical Ingredients in Gastrointestinal Disorders: Evidence and Suggestions

The dietary effect on gut health has long been recognized through the empirical practice of soothing gastric discomfort with certain types of food, and recently the correlation between specific diets with lower incidences of several gastrointestinal diseases has been revealed. Ingredients from those considered beneficial foods have been isolated and studied, and some of them have already been put into the supplement market. In this review, we focus on latest studies of these food-derived ingredients for their proposed preventive and therapeutic roles in gastrointestinal disorders, with the attempt of drawing evidence-based suggestions on consuming these products.

Genetic Variants of HOTAIR Associated With Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility and Mortality

In colorectal carcinogenesis, the unique molecular and genetic changes that occur within cells result in specific CRC phenotypes. The involvement of the long non-coding RNA, HOTAIR, in cancer development, progression, and metastasis is well-established. Various studies have reported on the contribution of HOTAIR to cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, we selected four HOTAIR polymorphisms (rs7958904G>C, rs1899663G>T, rs4759314A>G, and rs920778T>C) to evaluate the association of each variant with CRC prevalence and prognosis. We conducted a case–control study of 850 individuals to identify the genotype frequencies of each polymorphism. The study population included 450 CRC patients and 400 control individuals that were randomly selected following a health screening. Notably, rs7958904 and rs1899663, their hetero genotype, and the dominant model were significantly different when compared to the healthy control group (rs7958904; AOR = 1.392, 95% CI = 1.052–1.843, P = 0.021). To evaluate the effect of HOTAIR polymorphisms on the survival rate, we analyzed patient mortality and relapse occurrence within 3 and 5 years with Cox-regression analysis. The rs7958904 CC polymorphism mortality rate was significantly higher than the GG polymorphism mortality rate (adjusted HR = 2.995, 95% CI = 1.189–7.542, P = 0.021). In addition, the rs920778 CC genotype was significantly different than the TT genotype (adjusted HR = 3.639, 95% CI = 1.435–9.230, P = 0.007). In addition, this study confirmed that genetic variants of HOTAIR alter the mRNA expression level (P < 0.01). We suggest that HOTAIR rs7958904G>C which is associated with CRC prevalence and mortality is a potential biomarker for CRC. The association between HOTAIR gene polymorphisms and CRC prevalence were reported for the first time.