Circulating inflammatory biomarkers, adipokines and breast cancer risk-a case-control study nested within the EPIC cohort

The 100 top-cited articles in menopausal syndrome: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Significant scientific research has been conducted concerning menopausal syndrome(MPS), yet few bibliometric analyses have been performed. Our aim was to recognise the 100 most highly cited published articles on MPS and to analytically evaluate their key features.

METHODS

To identify the 100 most frequently cited articles, a search was conducted on Web of Science using the term 'menopausal syndrome'. Articles that matched the predetermined criteria were scrutinised to obtain the following data: citation ranking, year of publication, publishing journal, journal impact factor, country of origin, academic institution, authors, study type, and keywords.

RESULTS

The publication period is from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2022. The maximum number of citations was 406 and in 2012. The median citations per year was 39.70. Most of the articles focused on treatment and complications. These articles were published in 36 different journals, with the Journal of MENOPAUSE having published the greatest number (14%). Forty-eight articles (48%) were from the United States, with the University of Pittsburgh being the leading institute (9%). Joann E. Manson was the most frequent first author (n = 6). Observational studies were the most frequently conducted research type (n = 53), followed by experimental studies (n = 33). Keyword analysis identified classic research topics, including genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone mineral density (BMD), and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) loci.

CONCLUSION

Using bibliometrics, we conducted an analysis to identify the inadequacies, traditional focal points, and potential prospects in the study of MPS across current scientific areas. Treatment and complications are at the core of MPS research, whereas prediction and biomarkers have less literature of high quality. There is a necessity for innovative analytical metrics to measure the real effect of these papers with a high level of citation on clinical application.

Exploring the cross-cancer effect of circulating proteins and discovering potential intervention targets for 13 site-specific cancers

BACKGROUND

The proteome is an important reservoir of potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This study aimed to examine the causal associations between plasma proteins and cancer risk and to identify proteins with cross-cancer effects.

METHODS

Genetic instruments for 3991 plasma proteins were extracted from a large-scale proteomic study. Summary-level data of 13 site-specific cancers were derived from publicly available datasets. Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses were used to investigate the causal effect of circulating proteins on cancers. Protein-protein interactions and druggability assessment were conducted to prioritize potential therapeutic targets. Finally, systematical Mendelian randomization analysis between healthy lifestyle factors and cancer-related proteins was conducted to identify which proteins could act as interventional targets by lifestyle changes.

RESULTS

Genetically determined circulating levels of 58 proteins were statistically significantly associated with 7 site-specific cancers. A total of 39 proteins were prioritized by colocalization, of them, 11 proteins (ADPGK, CD86, CLSTN3, CSF2RA, CXCL10, GZMM, IL6R, NCR3, SIGLEC5, SIGLEC14, and TAPBP) were observed to have cross-cancer effects. Notably, 5 of these identified proteins (CD86, CSF2RA, CXCL10, IL6R, and TAPBP) have been targeted for drug development in cancer therapy; 8 proteins (ADPGK, CD86, CXCL10, GZMM, IL6R, SIGLEC5, SIGLEC14, TAPBP) could be modulated by healthy lifestyles.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified 39 circulating protein biomarkers with convincing causal evidence for 7 site-specific cancers, with 11 proteins demonstrating cross-cancer effects, and prioritized the proteins as potential intervention targets by either drugs or lifestyle changes, which provided new insights into the etiology, prevention, and treatment of cancers.

Adiposity and cancer: meta-analysis, mechanisms, and future perspectives

Obesity is a recognised risk factor for many cancers and with rising global prevalence, has become a leading cause of cancer. Here we summarise the current evidence from both population-based epidemiologic investigations and experimental studies on the role of obesity in cancer development. This review presents a new meta-analysis using data from 40 million individuals and reports positive associations with 19 cancer types. Utilising major new data from East Asia, the meta-analysis also shows that the strength of obesity and cancer associations varies regionally, with stronger relative risks for several cancers in East Asia. This review also presents current evidence on the mechanisms linking obesity and cancer and identifies promising future research directions. These include the use of new imaging data to circumvent the methodological issues involved with body mass index and the use of omics technologies to resolve biologic mechanisms with greater precision and clarity.

CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and the risk of breast cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between chronic inflammation and cancer risk. However, the causal association between chronic inflammation and breast cancer (BC) risk remains unclear. Here, we performed a Mendelian randomization study to investigate the etiological role of chronic inflammation in BC risk. We acquired data regarding C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1a, IL-1b, and IL-6 expression and BC related to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from two larger consortia (the genome-wide association studies and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium). Next, we conducted the two-sample Mendelian randomization study to investigate the relationship of the abovementioned inflammatory factors with the incidence of BC. We found that genetically predicted CRP, IL-6, and IL-1a levels did not increase BC incidence (odds ratio (OR)CRP 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-1.12, P = 0.2059, ORIL-6 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16, P = 0.3297 and ORIL-1a 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.03, P = 0.2167). However, in subgroup analysis, genetically predicted IL-1b levels increased ER + BC incidence (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.27, P = 0.0088). Our study suggested that genetically predicted IL-1b levels were found to increase ER + BC susceptibility. However, due to the support of only one SNP, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests cannot be performed, which deserves further research.

Lipocalin-2 promotes adipose-macrophage interactions to shape peripheral and central inflammatory responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

OBJECTIVE

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT) plays a major role in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common immune-mediated and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. However, the contribution of adipose tissue to the etiology and progression of MS is still obscure. This study aimed at deciphering the responses of AT in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the best characterized animal model of MS.

RESULTS AND METHODS

We observed a significant AT loss in EAE mice at the onset of disease, with a significant infiltration of M1-like macrophages and fibrosis in the AT, resembling a cachectic phenotype. Through an integrative and multilayered approach, we identified lipocalin2 (LCN2) as the key molecule released by dysfunctional adipocytes through redox-dependent mechanism. Adipose-derived LCN2 shapes the pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype, and the genetic deficiency of LCN2 specifically in AT reduced weight loss as well as inflammatory macrophage infiltration in spinal cord in EAE mice. Mature adipocytes downregulating LCN2 reduced lipolytic response to inflammatory stimuli (e.g. TNFα) through an ATGL-mediated mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall data highlighted a role LCN2 in exacerbating inflammatory phenotype in EAE model, suggesting a pathogenic role of dysfunctional AT in MS.

Brief research report pesticide occupational exposure leads to significant inflammatory changes in normal mammary breast tissue

Studies have documented the high occurrence of several tumors, including female breast cancer, in populations occupationally exposed to pesticides worldwide. It is believed that in addition to direct DNA damage, other molecular alterations that indicate genomic instability are associated, such as epigenetic modifications and the production of inflammation mediators. The present study characterized the profile of inflammatory changes in the breast tissue of women without cancer occupationally exposed to pesticides. In samples of normal breast tissue collected during biopsy and evaluated as negative for cancer by a pathologist, oxidative stress levels were assessed as inflammatory markers through measurements of lipoperoxides and total antioxidant capacity of the sample (TRAP) by high-sensitivity chemiluminescence, as well as levels of nitric oxide (NOx) metabolites. The levels of inflammation-modulating transcription factors PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) and NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) were also quantified, in addition to the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 12 (IL-12). The levels of lipoperoxides, TRAP, and NOx were significantly lower in the exposed group. On the other hand, PPAR-γ levels were increased in the breast tissue of exposed women, with no variation in NF-κB. There was also a rise of TNF-α in exposed women samples without significant variations in IL-12 levels. These findings suggest an inflammatory signature of the breast tissue associated with pesticide exposure, which may trigger mechanisms related to mutations and breast carcinogenesis.

Assessment of the Role of Leptin and Adiponectinas Biomarkers in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Data on the possible connection between circulating adipokines and PanNENs are limited. This novel study aimed to assess the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin and their ratio in patients with PanNENs and to evaluate the possible relationship between them and PanNEN's grade or stage, including the presence of metastases. The study group consisted of PanNENs (n = 83), and healthy controls (n = 39). Leptin and adiponectin measurement by an ELISA assay was undertaken in the entire cohort. The serum concentration of adiponectin was significantly higher in the control group compared to the study group (p < 0.001). The concentration of leptin and adiponectin was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.01). Anincreased leptin-adiponectin ratio was observed in well-differentiated PanNENs (G1) vs. moderatelydifferentiated PanNENs (G2) (p < 0.05). An increased leptin-adiponectin ratio was found in PanNENs with Ki-67 < 3% vs. Ki-67 ≥ 3% (p < 0.05). PanNENs with distal disease presented lower leptin levels (p < 0.001) and a decreased leptin-adiponectin ratio (p < 0.01) compared with the localized disease group. Leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin-adiponectin ratio may serve as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for PanNENs. Leptin levels and the leptin-adiponectin ratio may play an important role as predictors of malignancy and metastasis in PanNENs.

Are dietary and serum advanced glycation end-products related to inflammation and oxidation biomarkers in breast cancer patients: a follow-up study

PURPOSE

This study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between dietary and serum advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) with serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

A sample of BC patients was followed for 12 months (March 2020-January 2022). Three-day food consumption record and serum samples were taken before surgery (T1), before chemotherapy (T2), at the 6^th month of chemotherapy (T3), and at the 12^th month of chemotherapy (T4). Dietary AGE intake was represented by carboxymethyl lysine (dCML). Serum levels of CML, inflammation, and oxidation biomarkers were determined with biochemical blood tests. The results were compared according to human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) status.

RESULTS

Thirty-two women with BC and 32 age and body mass index-matched healthy women participated. No significant correlation was found between dCML and serum CML, inflammatory or oxidative stress biomarkers at T1, T2, and T4. A weak positive correlation was demonstrated between dCML and serum malondialdehyde levels (rho=0.355, p=0.046) at T3. The serum CML, inflammation, and oxidation biomarker levels of the HER2- group were significantly higher than those of the HER2+ group at T1.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there is limited correlation between dCML and serum inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in BC patients. Inflammation and oxidative biomarker levels appear to decline with treatment although dietary and serum AGE levels show not a corresponding significant decline. The HER2- subtype appears to be associated with higher dietary and serum AGEs and higher inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Recent Advances in the Knowledge of the Mechanisms of Leptin Physiology and Actions in Neurological and Metabolic Pathologies

Excess body weight is frequently associated with low-grade inflammation. Evidence indicates a relationship between obesity and cancer, as well as with other diseases, such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which inflammation and the actions of various adipokines play a role in the pathological mechanisms involved in these disorders. Leptin is mainly produced by adipose tissue in proportion to fat stores, but it is also synthesized in other organs, where leptin receptors are expressed. This hormone performs numerous actions in the brain, mainly related to the control of energy homeostasis. It is also involved in neurogenesis and neuroprotection, and central leptin resistance is related to some neurological disorders, e.g., Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. In peripheral tissues, leptin is implicated in the regulation of metabolism, as well as of bone density and muscle mass. All these actions can be affected by changes in leptin levels and the mechanisms associated with resistance to this hormone. This review will present recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of leptin action and their underlying roles in pathological situations, which may be of interest for revealing new approaches for the treatment of diseases where the actions of this adipokine might be compromised.