The evaluation of oxidative stress parameters in breast and colon cancer

Oxidative Stress-Mediated RUNX3 Mislocalization Occurs Via Jun Activation Domain-Binding Protein 1 and Histone Modification

Runt domain transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) suppresses many different cancer types and is disabled by mutations, epigenetic repression, or cytoplasmic mislocalization. In this study, we investigated whether oxidative stress is associated with RUNX3 accumulation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in terms of histone modification. Oxidative stress elevated histone deacetylase (HDAC) level and lowered that of histone acetyltransferase. In addition, oxidative stress decreased the expression of mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), a histone methyltransferase, but increased the expression of euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9a), which is also a histone methyltransferase. Moreover, oxidative stress-induced RUNX3 phosphorylation, Src activation, and Jun activation domain-binding protein 1 (JAB1) expression were inhibited by knockdown of HDAC and G9a, restoring the nuclear localization of RUNX3 under oxidative stress. Cytoplasmic RUNX3 localization was followed by oxidative stress-induced histone modification, activated Src along with RUNX3 phosphorylation, and induction of JAB1, resulting in RUNX3 inactivation.

A Preliminary Evaluation of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPPs) as a Potential Approach to Evaluating Prognosis in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients and Its Implication in Tumour Angiogenesis: A 7-Year Single-Centre Study

Breast cancer (BrC) is a highly prevalent tumour among women. The high incidence and mortality rate of BrC prompts researchers to search for new markers that will provide information on the possible impact of the therapy on the risk of cancer-related events. This study aimed to investigate whether the level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) may have a potential impact on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in BrC patients with early-stage cancer. Additionally, we tried to assess the relationship between AOPPs and angiogenic parameters. In this study, the pre- and post-treatment AOPP levels were examined in the serum of 70 newly diagnosed BrC women. The receiver operating characteristic curve identified pre- and post-treatment AOPPs to be above 9.37 μM and 10.39 μM, respectively, as the best cut-off values to predict the risk of cancer relapse. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that pre- and post-treatment AOPPs above 9.37 μM and 10.39 μM were associated with significantly poorer OS. The uni- and multivariate Cox regression analysis highlighted that lower levels of pre- and post-treatment AOPPs were associated with a longer duration without relapse or cancer-related death. A positive correlation between concentrations of pre-treatment AOPPs and vascular endothelial growth factor A, and negative correlations with levels of soluble forms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 1 and 2, were found. In conclusion, AOPPs appear to have an important role in predicting cancer-related events and may potentially serve as a simple prognostic marker in clinical practice.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats

Herbal medicine is one of the most common fields explored for combating colon cancers, and Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (PAS) have been utilized widely as medicinal agents because of their increased essential oil (trans-anethole) contents. In this essence, our study investigates the toxic effect and chemoprotective potentials of PAS against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. The toxicity trial for PAS conducted by clustering fifteen rats into three groups (five rats each): A, normal control had 10% Tween 20; B, ingested with 2 g/kg PAS; and C, supplemented with 4 g/kg PAS. The in vivo cancer trial was performed by using 30 rats (Sprague-Dawley) that were randomly adapted in five steel cages (six rats each): group A, normal controls received two subcutaneous injections of normal saline 0.09% and ingested orally 10% Tween 20; groups B-E, rats received two injections of 15 mg/kg of azoxymethane (AOM) subcutaneously in 2 weeks and treated orally with 10% Tween 20 (group B) or intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (35 mg/kg) (group C), or orally given 200 mg/kg PAS (group D) and 400 mg/kg PAS (group E) for 8 weeks. After the scarification of rats, the colon tissues were dissected for gross and histopathological evaluations. The acute toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats even after 14 days of ingesting 4 g/kg of PAS. The chemoprotective experiment revealed significant inhibitory potentials (65.93%) of PAS (400 mg/kg) against aberrant crypto foci incidence that could be correlated with its positive modulation of the immunohistochemically proteins represented by a significant up-regulation of the Bax protein and a decrease of the Bcl-2 protein expressions in colon tissues. Furthermore, PAS-treated rats had notably lower oxidative stress in colon tissues evidenced by decreased MDA levels and increased antiradical defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). The outcomes suggest 400 mg/kg PAS as a viable additive for the development of potential pharmaceuticals against colorectal cancer.

Characteristics of amino acid metabolism in colorectal cancer

In recent years, metabolomics research has become a hot spot in the screening and treatment of cancer. It is a popular technique for the quantitative characterization of small molecular compounds in biological cells, tissues, organs or organisms. Further study of the tumor revealed that amino acid changes may occur early in the tumor. The rapid growth and metabolism required for survival result in tumors exhibiting an increased demand for amino acids. An abundant supply of amino acids is important for cancer to maintain its proliferative driving force. Changes in amino acid metabolism can be used to screen malignant tumors and improve therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, it is particularly important to study the characteristics of amino acid metabolism in colorectal cancer. This article reviews several specific amino acid metabolism characteristics in colorectal cancer.

Could Oxidative Stress Play a Role in the Development and Clinical Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?

Increased oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated as a relevant risk factor for cancer progression. Furthermore, patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have been characterized by an increased OS status. Therefore, assessing OS status could potentially be considered a useful tool in DTC clinical management. This measurement could be particularly valuable in personalizing treatment protocols and determining new potential medical targets to improve commonly used therapies. A literature review was conducted to gather new information on DTC clinical management, with a particular focus on evaluating the clinical utility of OS. These meta-analyses concentrate on novel approaches that employ the measurement of oxidative-antioxidant status, which could represent the most promising area for implementing clinical management.

Omics-Based Investigations of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is characterized by an extensive genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. In-depth investigations into the molecular bases of BC phenotypes, carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis are necessary for accurate diagnoses, prognoses, and therapy assessments in predictive, precision, and personalized oncology. This review discusses both classic as well as several novel omics fields that are involved or should be used in modern BC investigations, which may be integrated as a holistic term, onco-breastomics. Rapid and recent advances in molecular profiling strategies and analytical techniques based on high-throughput sequencing and mass spectrometry (MS) development have generated large-scale multi-omics datasets, mainly emerging from the three "big omics", based on the central dogma of molecular biology: genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Metabolomics-based approaches also reflect the dynamic response of BC cells to genetic modifications. Interactomics promotes a holistic view in BC research by constructing and characterizing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks that provide a novel hypothesis for the pathophysiological processes involved in BC progression and subtyping. The emergence of new omics- and epiomics-based multidimensional approaches provide opportunities to gain insights into BC heterogeneity and its underlying mechanisms. The three main epiomics fields (epigenomics, epitranscriptomics, and epiproteomics) are focused on the epigenetic DNA changes, RNAs modifications, and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) affecting protein functions for an in-depth understanding of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Novel omics fields, such as epichaperomics or epimetabolomics, could investigate the modifications in the interactome induced by stressors and provide PPI changes, as well as in metabolites, as drivers of BC-causing phenotypes. Over the last years, several proteomics-derived omics, such as matrisomics, exosomics, secretomics, kinomics, phosphoproteomics, or immunomics, provided valuable data for a deep understanding of dysregulated pathways in BC cells and their tumor microenvironment (TME) or tumor immune microenvironment (TIMW). Most of these omics datasets are still assessed individually using distinct approches and do not generate the desired and expected global-integrative knowledge with applications in clinical diagnostics. However, several hyphenated omics approaches, such as proteo-genomics, proteo-transcriptomics, and phosphoproteomics-exosomics are useful for the identification of putative BC biomarkers and therapeutic targets. To develop non-invasive diagnostic tests and to discover new biomarkers for BC, classic and novel omics-based strategies allow for significant advances in blood/plasma-based omics. Salivaomics, urinomics, and milkomics appear as integrative omics that may develop a high potential for early and non-invasive diagnoses in BC. Thus, the analysis of the tumor circulome is considered a novel frontier in liquid biopsy. Omics-based investigations have applications in BC modeling, as well as accurate BC classification and subtype characterization. The future in omics-based investigations of BC may be also focused on multi-omics single-cell analyses.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer: An Overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The pathogenesis of CRC is a complex multistep process. Among other factors, inflammation and oxidative stress (OS) have been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of CRC. Although OS plays a vital part in the life of all organisms, its long-term effects on the human body may be involved in the development of different chronic diseases, including cancer diseases. Chronic OS can lead to the oxidation of biomolecules (nucleic acids, lipids and proteins) or the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, resulting in the activation of several transcription factors or the dysregulation of gene and protein expression followed by tumor initiation or cancer cell survival. In addition, it is well known that chronic intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are associated with an increased risk of cancer, and a link between OS and IBD initiation and progression has been reported. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress as a causative agent of inflammation in colorectal cancer.

The role of oxidative stress, tumor and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer patients: A one-year follow-up study

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are known to play an important role in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study analyzed tumor, inflammatory and OS markers in CRC patients and in a control group. In addition, the evolution of these markers was evaluated after one-year of follow-up treatment. This was a longitudinal and prospective, observational study in 80 CRC patients who were candidates for tumor resection surgery and/or chemo-radiotherapy treatment and a healthy control group (n = 60). Subsequently, catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and GSSG/GSH ratio in serum and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and F2-IsoProstanes (F2-IsoPs) in urine at 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment was analyzed. Tumor markers (CEA and CA 19.9), as well as inflammatory markers-leukocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) index, platelets, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL6)- were also analyzed. As expected, levels of CEA and CA 19.9 and markers of inflammation, except CRP, were significantly higher in CRC compared to the control group. Regarding OS markers, a decrease in CAT and GSH and an increase in GSSG, GSSG/GSH ratio, 8-oxodG and F2-IsoPs were found in CRC patients compared to healthy controls at baseline. After treatment, an improvement of their inflammation profile was accompanied by a progressive recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities and the decline of oxidative byproducts both in serum and urine. Based on the results obtained, we propose the assay of urinary 8-oxodG and F2-IsoPs, as well as serum CAT, GSH, GSSG as a marker for the evaluation of OS and the clinical follow-up of CRC patients.

Association between oxidative stress, mitochondrial function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gastrointestinal cancers

BACKGROUND

The incidence and mortality rate of gastrointestinal cancers are high worldwide. Increasing studies have illustrated that the occurrence, progression, metastasis and prognosis of cancers are intimately linked to the immune system. Mitochondria, as the main source of cellular energy, play an important role in maintaining the physiological function of immune cells. However, the relationship between mitochondrial function of immune cells and tumorigenesis has not yet been systematically investigated.

METHODS

A total of 150 cases, including 60 healthy donors and 90 primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments (30 with gastric cancer, 30 with liver cancer and 30 with colorectal cancer) were involved in our study. The oxidant/antioxidant and cytokine levels in plasma, the ROS level, mitochondrial function and apoptosis ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant in plasma was discovered in the primary gastrointestinal cancer patients. The levels of cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS in PBMCs of primary gastrointestinal cancers were significantly increased compared with that in healthy donors. Meanwhile, the ATP content, the mtDNA copy number and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in PBMCs of patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers were lower than those in control group. The decreased MMP also occurred in immune cells of gastrointestinal cancers, including T cell, B cell, NK cell and monocyte. Furthermore, the PBMCs apoptosis ratio of primary gastrointestinal cancer patients was significantly higher than that of control group. Importantly, an increase of IL-2 and IL-6 and a decrease of IgG in plasma were found in the patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers. These changes of mitochondrial function in immune cells were consistent among primary gastrointestinal cancers without anti-tumor treatments, such as liver cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that the imbalance of oxidation/antioxidation in primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments results in excessive ROS. The oxidative stress was associated to the mitochondrial dysfunction, the apoptosis of immune cells and eventually the abnormal immune function in primary gastrointestinal cancers. The application of immune cell mitochondrial dysfunction into clinical evaluation is anticipated.

Delivery of Drugs into Cancer Cells Using Antibody-Drug Conjugates Based on Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis and the Enhanced Permeability and Retention Effect

Innumerable people worldwide die of cancer every year, although pharmaceutical therapy has actualized many benefits in human health. For background, anti-cancer drug development is difficult due to the multifactorial pathogenesis and complicated pathology of cancers. Cancer cells excrete hydrophobic low-molecular anti-cancer drugs by overexpressed efflux transporters such as multiple drug resistance 1 (MDR1) at the apical membrane. Mutation-driven drug resistance is also developed in cancer. Moreover, the poor distribution of drug to cancer cells is a serious problem, because patients suffer from off-target side effects. Thus, highly selective and effective drug delivery into solid cancer cells across the membrane should be established. It is known that substances (10-100 nm in diameter) such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (approximately 14.2 nm in diameter) or nanoparticles spontaneously gather in solid tumor stroma or parenchyma through the capillary endothelial fenestration, ranging from 200-2000 nm, in neovasculatures due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Furthermore, cancer antigens, such as HER2, Nectin-4, or TROP2, highly selectively expressed on the surface of cancer cells act as a receptor for receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) using mAbs against such antigens. Thus, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are promising anti-cancer pharmaceutical agents that fulfill accurate distribution due to the EPR effect and due to antibody-antigen binding and membrane permeability owing to RME. In this review, I introduce the implementation and possibility of highly selective anti-cancer drug delivery into solid cancer cells based on the EPR effect and RME using anti-cancer antigens ADCs with payloads through suitable linkers.

A Lower Serum Antioxidant Capacity as a Distinctive Feature for Women with HER2+ Breast Cancer: A Preliminary Study

The overexpression of HER2 in breast cancer (BC) can contribute to redox imbalance, which is related to damage and structural modification in many biomolecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has investigated the infrared spectrum wavenumbers obtained by ATR-FTIR and their relationship with the levels of redox status markers such as reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and protein carbonyl among women with HER2+ BC, HER2- BC, and benign breast disease (BBD). The study was conducted with 25 women, 17 of whom were diagnosed with BC (6 HER2+ and 11 HER2-) and 8 with BBD. Our results indicate HER2+ BC cases could be distinguished from HER2- BC and BBD cases by their serum's antioxidant capacity [HER2+ BC vs. HER2- BC (AUC = 0.818; specificity = 81.82%; sensitivity = 66.67%); HER2+ BC vs. BBD (AUC = 0.875; specificity = 75%; sensitivity = 83.33%)]. The changes in biochemical terms that occur in serum as a result of the scarcity of antioxidants are related to a peculiar fingerprint in the infrared spectrum obtained by ATR-FTIR. In the serum of women with BBD, the SOD enzyme level is the highest, and this characteristic allowed us to distinguish them from HER2- BC. Finally, data regarding the serological antioxidant capacity of FRAP and the infrared spectrum by ATR-FTIR will allow us to assess biochemical changes that occur before clinical signs, indicating whether changes in therapy or interventions are necessary.

Relationship between red blood cell aggregation and dextran molecular mass

The aim of this study was to investigate the aggregation of red blood cells (RBCs) suspended in dextran solution at various levels of molecular mass. Dextran solutions at molecular mass 40, 70, 100 and 500 kDa at concentration from 2 to 5 g/dL were used to suspend the RBCs. The radius and velocity of sedimenting RBC aggregates were investigated using image analysis. The radius and sedimentation velocity of aggregates increased initially, then decreased after achieving maxima. The maximal velocity of RBC aggregates showed a bell-shaped dependence on dextran molecular mass and concentration, whereas maximal radius showed monotonic increase with both factors. Difference between aggregate and solution density was estimated using aggregate radius and sedimentation velocity and dextran solution viscosity, and was consistent across most molecular mass and concentration levels. This allowed to calculate the porosity of aggregates and to show that it monotonically decreased with the increase in the solution density, caused by the increase in the dextran concentration. The results provide insight into the RBC aggregation process in solutions of proteins of different size, reflecting various pathological conditions. The currently reported data can be potentially applied to specific pathophysiological conditions giving an interpretation that is not yet fully discussed in the literature.

Assessment of Tissue Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Parameters, and Zinc and Copper Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, and among the many factors which are involved in the onset, progression, and invasion of the disease, oxidative stress plays a significant role. The concentration and activity of enzymatic antioxidants are proportional to the concentration of trace elements, and the concentration of trace elements is often deficient in malignancies. Therefore, in the present study, we studied the tissue levels of oxidative stress, antioxidant status, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in breast cancer patients. Tissue samples were collected from 40 patients with breast cancer and 40 tumor margin tissue as a control group. All subjects gave their informed consent. The tissue samples were measured for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidants capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), Zn, and Cu. Data of all biochemical parameters of two groups were statistically analyzed by SPSS software, t test, and GraphPad Prism. Concentrations of MDA, TOS, and OSI in tumor tissue were significantly higher than tumor margin tissue, but the level of TAC and CAT, SOD, and GPX activities was significantly reduced in tumor tissue (p<0.05). It was found that the concentrations of Zn and Cu in breast cancer patients were higher than tumor margin tissue. Patients with breast cancer have a rise in oxidative stress indicators and a decrease in antioxidant stress markers. Since oxidative stress is a significant contributor to the development and progression of breast cancer, more research might lead to a more effective method of breast cancer treatment. Considering the dual role of oxidative stress in cancer, which can both cause survival and adaptation, and the death of cancer cells, and with more information, it can be used to manage the treatment and destruction of cancer cells.

Cysteine Regulates Oxidative Stress and Glutathione-Related Antioxidative Capacity before and after Colorectal Tumor Resection

Cysteine might scavenge free radicals and is a limiting substrate for the cellular synthesis of glutathione (GSH). We investigated the association of cysteine with oxidative stress and GSH-related antioxidant capacity in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Plasma samples were drawn from 66 patients 1 day before (pre-resection) and 4 weeks after resection (post-resection). Tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected. We measured levels of plasma and tissue cysteine, homocysteine, oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, MDA; advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP), GSH, and antioxidant enzyme activities. After tumor resection, patients had significantly higher levels of plasma cysteine, homocysteine, MDA, AOPP, and GSH-related antioxidant enzyme activities when compared with pre-resection. Levels of cysteine, homocysteine, AOPP and all antioxidant capacity indicators in tumor tissue were significantly higher than those levels in the adjacent normal tissue. Plasma cysteine levels measured at pre-resection were positively associated with MDA levels in the tumor and in the adjacent normal tissues. Cysteine levels in tumor and adjacent normal tissues were significantly associated with tissue levels of homocysteine, almost as indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities. Cysteine in the circulation was likely utilized to mediate GSH-related antioxidant capacity and further cope with increased oxidative stress in tumor and adjacent normal tissues.

Serum Concentrations of Ischaemia-Modified Albumin in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The identification of novel circulating biomarkers of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may improve diagnosis and management. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA), an emerging biomarker of ischaemia and oxidative stress, in ACS. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to March 2022, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. In 18 studies (1654 ACS patients and 1023 healthy controls), IMA concentrations were significantly higher in ACS (standard mean difference, SMD = 2.38, 95% CI 1.88 to 2.88; p < 0.001; low certainty of evidence). The effect size was not associated with pre-defined study or patient characteristics, barring the country where the study was conducted. There were no significant differences in effect size between acute myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina (UA), and between ST-elevation (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI). However, the effect size was progressively larger in UA (SMD = 1.63), NSTEMI (SMD = 1.91), and STEMI (3.26). Our meta-analysis suggests that IMA might be useful to diagnose ACS. Further studies are warranted to compare the diagnostic performance of IMA vs. established markers, e.g., troponin, and to determine its potential utility in discriminating between UA, NSTEMI, and STEMI (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021324603).

Investigation of Molecular Mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction in Colon Cancer via Network Pharmacology and In Vivo Studies

Objective

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) is widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal and other digestive diseases. This study is based on network pharmacology to explore the molecular mechanism of BXD in the treatment of colon cancer.

Methods

The bioactive components and potential targets of BXD were obtained from public database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the potential targets of BXD for colon cancer was constructed based on the STRING database, cytoscape software, gene ontology (GO), and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the PPI network. Finally, we established a xenograft nude mouse model to verify the effect of BXD in colon cancer treatment.

Results

We have acquired a total of 55 bioactive components and 136 cross-targets of BXD. The results of enrichment analysis suggested that the oxidate stress and diet were the key factors of colon cancer occurrence, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway plays an essential role in the treatment of colon cancer with BXD. Animal experiments revealed that BXD could suppress tumor growth and induce tumor cell apoptosis in the xenograft nude mouse model with HCT116 cells.

Conclusion

This study uncovered that BXD inhibits the malignant progression of colon cancer that may be related to multiple compounds (berberine, quercetin, baicalein, etc.), multiple targets (Bcl2, Bax, IL6, TNFα, CASP3, etc.), and multiple pathways (human cytomegalovirus infection, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, etc.).

Influence of Plasma-Isolated Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites on Cancer Cell Migration (HT-29 and Caco-2) In Vitro: Results of the ATTACH Study

Cancer mortality is mainly due to metastasis. Therefore, searching for new therapeutic agents suppressing cancer cell migration is crucial. Data from human studies regarding effects of anthocyanins on cancer progression, however, are scarce and it is unclear whether physiological concentrations of anthocyanins and their metabolites reduce cancer cell migration in vivo. In addition, interactions with chemotherapeutics like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are largely unknown. Thus, we combined a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over study with in vitro migration studies of colon cancer cell lines to examine the anti-migratory effects of plasma-isolated anthocyanins and their metabolites (PAM). Healthy volunteers (n = 35) daily consumed 0.33 L of an anthocyanin-rich grape/bilberry juice and an anthocyanin-depleted placebo juice for 28 days. PAM were isolated before and after intervention by solid-phase extraction. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were incubated with PAM in a Boyden chamber. Migration of HT-29 cells was significantly inhibited by PAM from juice but not from placebo. In contrast, Caco-2 migration was not affected. Co-incubation with 5-FU and pooled PAM from volunteers (n = 10), which most effectively inhibited HT-29 migration, further reduced HT-29 migration in comparison to 5-FU alone. Therefore, PAM at physiological concentrations impairs colon cancer cell migration and may support the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Serum Concentrations of Ischaemia-Modified Albumin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke, Intracerebral Haemorrhage, and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

The identification of robust circulating biomarkers of stroke may improve outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of serum concentrations of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) in subjects with or without acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to March 2022. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE, respectively. In 17 studies, IMA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with AIS (standard mean difference, SMD = 2.52, 95% CI 1.92 to 3.12; p < 0.001), ICH (SMD = 3.13, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.25; p = 0.004), and SAH (SMD = 4.50, 95% CI 0.91 to 7.01; p = 0.014) vs. controls (very low certainty of evidence). In AIS, the effect size was associated with the male gender, and was relatively larger in studies conducted in Egypt and India and those using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. IMA concentrations were progressively higher, by direct comparison, in SAH, ICH, and AIS. In sensitivity analysis, the pooled SMDs were not altered when individual studies were sequentially removed. Our meta-analysis suggests that IMA concentrations might be useful to diagnose stroke and discriminate between AIS, ICH, and SAH (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021320535).

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Has a Protective Role against Metabolic and DNA Damage Markers in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation have been related to colorectal cancer (CRC), but the influence of the Mediterranean diet (MD) on these parameters is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between adherence to the MD and markers of OS and DNA damage in CRC patients and to study the influence of adherence to the MD on metabolic and tumor-related factors. This prospective observational study included a total of 80 patients diagnosed with CRC. Adherence to the MD was estimated by the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire. The levels of OS markers (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione system in serum; 8-oxo-7′8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine and F2-isoprotanes in urine) and tumor and metabolic factors were determined. A total of 51.2% of our CRC patients showed a high adherence to the MD. These patients presented decreased levels of 8-oxodG, increased GPX and HDL–cholesterol levels, and a downward trend in the GSSG/GSH ratio with respect to patients with low adherence to the MD. In addition, a high adherence to the MD was associated with a lower histological grade of the tumor and a lower presence of synchronous adenomas. We conclude that a high adherence to the MD has a protective role against metabolic and oxidative DNA damage and improves antioxidant systems in CRC patients.

Diet-derived ergothioneine induces necroptosis in colorectal cancer cells by activating the SIRT3/MLKL pathway

Ergothioneine (Egt) is a dietary amino acid which acts as an antioxidant to protect against aging-related diseases. We investigated the anticancer properties of Egt in colorectal cancer cells (CRC). Egt treatment exerted cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulation of the histone deacetylase SIRT3. Immunoblotting analysis indicated that the cell death occurred via necroptosis through activation of the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. An immunoprecipitation assay unveiled that the interaction between the terminal effector in necroptotic signaling MLKL and SIRT3 increased during the Egt treatment. SIRT3 gene silencing blocked the upregulation of MLKL and abolished the ability of Egt to induce necroptosis. The SIRT3-MLKL interaction may mediate the necroptotic effects of Egt in CRC, suggesting the potential of this dietary amino-thione in the prevention of CRC.

Antioxidant and antiradical activities depend on adrenal tumor type

The aim of the study was to assess the total antioxidant/oxidant status in the plasma and urine of patients with adrenal tumors. The study group consisted of 60 patients (31 women and 29 men) with adrenal masses, classified into three subgroups: non-functional incidentaloma, pheochromocytoma and Cushing's/Conn's adenoma. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9). Antioxidant activity (Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI)) and antiradical activity (Radical-Scavenging Activity Assay (DPPH), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)) were measured using colorimetric methods. FRAP level was decreased in plasma and urine incidentaloma (p<0.0001), pheochromocytoma (p<0.0001) and Cushing's/Conn's adenoma (p<0.0001), while DPPH antiradical activity only in plasma of patients with adrenal masses (p<0.0001). Plasma TAC was increased in incidentaloma patients (p=0.0192), whereas in pheochromocytoma group (p=0.0343) was decreased. Plasma and urine TOS (p<0.0001) and OSI (p<0.01) were significantly higher in patients with adrenal tumors. In pheochromocytoma patients, plasma and urine TAC (p=0.001; p=0.002), as well as plasma plasma DPPH (p=0.007) and urine FRAP (p=0.017) correlated positively with normethanephrine. We are the first who showed reduced radical scavenging capacity in the plasma/urine of patients with adrenal masses. Nevertheless, plasma TAC was significantly higher in the incidentaloma group compared to controls. Therefore, plasma and urinary antioxidant and antiradical activities depend on the presence of the tumor. Lower levels of TAC, DPPH and FRAP clearly indicate a reduced ability to scavenge free radicals and thus a lack of effective protection against oxidative stress in patients with adrenal tumors. Both plasma and urine redox biomarkers can be used to assess systemic antioxidant status in adrenal tumor patients.

Ischemia-Modified Albumin: Origins and Clinical Implications

Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins in the body of mammals: about 40% of its pool is located in the intravascular space and the remainder is found in the interstitial space. The content of this multifunctional protein in blood is about 60-65% of total plasma proteins. A decrease in its synthesis or changes of functional activity can destabilize oncotic blood pressure, cause a violation of transporting hormones, fatty acids, metals, and drugs. Albumin properties change under ischemic attacks associated with oxidative stress, production of reactive oxygen species, and acidosis. Under these conditions, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is generated that has a reduced metal-binding capacity, especially for transition metals, such as copper, nickel, and cobalt. The method of determining the cobalt-binding capability of HSA was initially proposed to evaluate IMA level and then licensed as an ACB test for routine clinical analysis for myocardial ischemia. Subsequent studies have shown the viability of the ACB test in diagnosing other diseases associated with the development of oxidative stress. This review examines recent data on IMA generation mechanisms, describes principles, advantages, and limitations of methods for evaluation of IMA levels, and provides detailed analysis of its use in diagnostic and monitoring therapeutic efficacy in different diseases.

Sarcopenia and serum biomarkers of oxidative stress after a 6-month physical activity intervention in women with metastatic breast cancer: results from the ABLE feasibility trial

Purpose

Sarcopenia has been identified as an important prognostic factor for patients with cancer. This study aimed at exploring the potential associations between a 6-month physical activity intervention and muscle characteristics, sarcopenia, oxidative stress and toxicities in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Women newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (N = 49) participated in an unsupervised, personalized, 6-month physical activity intervention with activity tracker. Computerized tomography images at the third lumbar vertebra were analysed at baseline, three months and six months to assess sarcopenia (muscle mass index < 40 cm²/m²) and muscle quality (poor if muscle attenuation < 37.8 Hounsfield Units). Oxidative markers included plasma antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities), prooxidant enzymes (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities) and oxidative stress damage markers (advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA oxidation.

Results

At baseline 53% (mean age 55 years (SD 10.41)) were sarcopenic and 75% had poor muscle quality. Muscle cross sectional area, skeletal muscle radiodensity, lean body mass remained constant over the six months (p = 0.75, p = 0.07 and p = 0.75 respectively), but differed significantly between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients at baseline and 6-months. Sarcopenic patients at baseline were more likely to have an increase of MDA (p = 0.02) at 6 months. Being sarcopenic during at least one moment during the 6-month study was associated with a higher risk of developing severe toxicities (grade > 2) (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study suggests potential benefits of physical activity for maintenance of muscle mass. Sarcopenia can alter many parameters and disturb the pro and antioxidant balance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10549-021-06238-z.