Cancer of colon, rectum and anus: the rising burden of disease worldwide from 1990 to 2019

Factors influencing quality of life in patients with a colostomy due to rectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study with multivariate and subgroup analyses

The quality of life (QOL) of patients with rectal cancer who have undergone colostomy surgery is influenced by various demographic, clinical and socioeconomic factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes and guiding clinical interventions. The present study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with QOL in patients with a colostomy following rectal cancer treatment, utilizing multivariate and subgroup analyses to identify key predictors and assess the robustness of the findings. The study was performed as a retrospective cohort study involving 134 patients. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical variables and QOL scores using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire-Core 30. Univariate analyses were performed to explore associations between individual factors and QOL. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were also conducted to identify independent predictors of QOL. In addition, subgroup analyses were carried out based on sex, time since stoma surgery and residence, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of different data processing methods on the results. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations of higher educational levels, certain occupations such as government officials and teachers, and higher per capita family income with higher QOL scores. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that higher education (B=7.89, P=0.001), independent stoma self-care (B=9.45, P<0.001) and higher income (B=6.92, P=0.001) were strong independent predictors of improved QOL. Logistic regression revealed that patients with a university education or higher [odds ratio (OR)=0.38, P=0.045] and those with higher income (OR=0.36, P=0.027) were less likely to report a low QOL. Subgroup analysis highlighted the consistent impact of education and stoma self-care ability across different patient groups, with independent stoma care being the most important factor for both sexes and across all time frames post-surgery. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the QOL findings were robust across various methods of handling missing data, with no significant changes in outcomes. In summary, educational level, income and stoma self-care ability were found to be the key determinants of QOL in patients with a colostomy following rectal cancer treatment. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve self-care abilities and mitigate socioeconomic disparities in this patient population. The results of the study are robust across different analytical approaches, reinforcing the validity of the conclusions.

Targeted cancer therapy potential of quercetin-conjugated with folic acid-modified nanocrystalline cellulose nanoparticles: a study on AGS and A2780 cell lines

This study investigates the effects of quercetin-conjugated nanocrystalline cellulose/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/folic acid nanoparticles (NCC/CTAB/FA NPs) on AGS and A2780 cancer cell lines, focusing on their cytotoxicity and antioxidant capacity. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed an average particle size of 388.70 nm, suitable for cellular uptake and release kinetics. The NCC/CTAB/FA NPs exhibited a rod and spherical morphology and uniform distribution, as confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis and functional group integration, supporting the NPs' ability for drug delivery. The encapsulation efficiency value was 81.17%, demonstrating the effective incorporation of Quercetin. Cytotoxicity assays indicated significant reductions in cell viability for AGS and A2780 cells with IC50 values of 3.2 µg/mL and 16.04 µg/mL, respectively, while HDF cells exhibited higher viability. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis in AGS cells, supported by changes in gene expression related to apoptosis and inflammation. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity assays demonstrated practical free radical scavenging abilities, with IC50 values of 151.65 µg/mL for ABTS and 349.54 µg/mL for DPPH. NCC/CTAB/FA/Quercetin NPs exhibit promising characteristics for targeted cancer therapy and antioxidant applications.

Chronobiology of Cancers in the Liver and Gut

Circadian rhythms dictate the timing of cellular and organismal physiology to maintain homeostasis. Within the liver and gut, circadian rhythms influence lipid and glucose homeostasis, xenobiotic metabolism, and nutrient absorption. Disruption of this orchestrated timing is known to negatively impact human health and contribute to disease progression, including carcinogenesis. Dysfunctional core clock timing has been identified in malignant growths and may be used as a molecular signature of disease progression. Likewise, the circadian clock and its downstream effectors also represent potential for novel therapeutic targets. Here, the role of circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of cancers of the liver and gut will be reviewed, and chronotherapy and chronopharmacology will be explored as potential treatment options.

Expression Analysis of VPS72 and Associated Biological Behaviors in Colon Cancer

Background

VPS72 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and prostate cancer, participating in various cellular processes such as gene transcription, replication, DNA repair, maintenance of genome integrity, and cancer progression. However, its role in colorectal cancer remains unknown.

Methods

Bioinformatic methods were used to analyze gene expression, correlation and patient survival. Western blotting, colony formation assays and animal experiments were used to evaluate the function of VPS72 in colon cancer in vivo and in vitro.

Results

VPS72 was highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and correlated with poor overall survival (P<0.05) and relapse free survival (P<0.01). Furthermore, patients with III/IV clinical stage (P<0.001), N1 nodal metastasis (P<0.001) or N2 nodal metastasis (P<0.05) status had poor overall survival. Further analysis showed that VPS72 is correlated with proliferation and EMT biomarkers. Western blotting, colony formation assays and animal experiments showed that VPS72 overexpression promoted colon cancer proliferation and EMT progress.

Conclusion

Our study found that VPS72 was correlated with poor overall survival in colon cancer patients, and high expressed level of VPS72 promoted colon cancer progression, indicating its role as a potential prognosis biomarker.

Inhibitory Effects of the Polyphenols from the Root of Rhizophora apiculata Blume on Fatty Acid Synthase Activity and Human Colon Cancer Cells

Marine mangrove vegetation has been traditionally employed in folk medicine to address various ailments. Notably, Rhizophora apiculata Blume has exhibited noteworthy properties, demonstrating efficacy against cancer, viruses, and bacteria. The enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS) plays a pivotal role in de novo fatty acid synthesis, making it a promising target for combating colon cancer. Our study focused on evaluating the FAS inhibitory effects of both the crude extract and three isolated compounds from R. apiculata. The n-butanol fraction of R. apiculata extract (BFR) demonstrated a significant inhibition of FAS, with an IC50 value of 93.0 µg/mL. For inhibition via lyoniresinol-3α-O-β-rhamnopyranoside (LR), the corresponding IC50 value was 20.1 µg/mL (35.5 µM). LR competitively inhibited the FAS reaction with acetyl-CoA, noncompetitively with malonyl-CoA, and in a mixed manner with NADPH. Our results also suggest that both BFR and LR reversibly bind to the KR domain of FAS, hindering the reduction of saturated acyl groups in fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, BFR and LR displayed time-dependent inhibition for FAS, with kobs values of 0.0045 min-1 and 0.026 min-1, respectively. LR also exhibited time-dependent inhibition on the KR domain, with a kobs value of 0.019 min-1. In human colon cancer cells, LR demonstrated the ability to reduce viability and inhibit intracellular FAS activity. Notably, the effects of LR on human colon cancer cells could be reversed with the end product of FAS-catalyzed chemical reactions, affirming the specificity of LR on FAS. These findings underscore the potential of BFR and LR as potent FAS inhibitors, presenting novel avenues for the treatment of human colon cancer.