Nanopharmacology in translational hematology and oncology

Association between the expression of specific microRNAs and prostate cancer progression- a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This systematic review and metanalysis aimed to summarize the evidence supporting the significance of particular MiRNAs in PrCa progression and to thoroughly examine the body of prior research.

Methods

In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, this review was conducted using a specifically design data extraction protocol and searching several online databases for relevant articles. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023428460).

Results

8 studies were ultimately included in this review. MiRNAs significantly reduced PrCa proliferation, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.21-0.39) and a risk ratio (RR) of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.61), though moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 57%). For two studies investigating MiRNAs as biomarkers for predicting metastasis, the pooled OR was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.47-0.76) and the RR was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.62-0.84), both demonstrating significant predictive value with low heterogeneity (I² = 0%).

Conclusion

The results emphasize the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for predicting PrCa metastasis and demonstrate that miRNAs have a discernible effect on PrCa proliferation. However, to improve our comprehension of MiRNA's function in this condition, additional studies are required to address the limitations and investigate how MiRNA acts in many areas of PrCa.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023428460.

Computational Frontiers in Aptamer-Based Nanomedicine for Precision Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

In the rapidly evolving landscape of nanomedicine, aptamers have emerged as powerful molecular tools, demonstrating immense potential in targeted therapeutics, diagnostics, and drug delivery systems. This paper explores the computational features of aptamers in nanomedicine, highlighting their advantages over antibodies, including selectivity, low immunogenicity, and a simple production process. A comprehensive overview of the aptamer development process, specifically the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) process, sheds light on the intricate methodologies behind aptamer selection. The historical evolution of aptamers and their diverse applications in nanomedicine are discussed, emphasizing their pivotal role in targeted drug delivery, precision medicine and therapeutics. Furthermore, we explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and nanotechnology in aptameric development, illustrating how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the selection and optimization of aptamers for tailored biomedical applications. This paper also discusses challenges in computational methods for advancing aptamers, including reliable prediction models, extensive data analysis, and multiomics data incorporation. It also addresses ethical concerns and restrictions related to AI and IoT use in aptamer research. The paper examines progress in computer simulations for nanomedicine. By elucidating the importance of aptamers, understanding their superiority over antibodies, and exploring the historical context and challenges, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners aiming to harness the full potential of aptamers in the rapidly evolving field of nanomedicine.

The role of miR-155 in urologic malignancies

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression across multiple levels. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell cycle control. In recent years, miRNAs have emerged as pivotal regulatory molecules in the development and progression of tumors. Among these, miR-155 has garnered significant attention due to its high expression in various diseases, particularly urologic malignancies. Since an extensive corpus of studies having focused on the roles of miR-155 in various urologic malignancies, it is essential to summarize the current evidence on this topic through a comprehensive review. Altered miR-155 expression is related to various physiological and pathological processes, including immune response, inflammation, tumor development and treatment resistance. Notably, alterations in miR-155 expression have been observed in urologic malignancies as well. The up-regulation of miR-155 expression is commonly observed in urologic malignancies, contributing to their progression by targeting specific proteins and signaling pathways. This article provides a comprehensive review of the significant role played by miR-155 in the development of urologic malignancies. Furthermore, the potential of miR-155 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in urologic malignancies is also discussed.

Epigenetic methylation changes: implication as biomarkers in oral and maxillofacial area cancers

Background/Aim

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent cancer of the head and neck area in the oral cavity. Epigenetic alterations in oral and maxillofacial area cancers are urgently needed to be investigated, as the observed changes might have crucial diagnostic value for personalized medicine.

Methods

Our study aimed to identify the most frequently hypermethylated tumor suppressor gene promoters in OSCC, followed by correlation analysis with the patients' survival. We evaluated the methylation status of the promoters in a panel of 22 tumor suppressor genes in Romanian (n=9) and Bulgarian (n=12) patient groups suffering from oral and maxillofacial area cancers. The extracted DNA was further digested through EpiTect Methyl II PCR Array System containing methylation-sensitive and methylation-dependent restriction enzymes, followed by specific amplification of the products obtained by qPCR and data analysis using the online platform provided by the producer.

Results

Different methylation patterns were observed in the tumor suppressor genes' promoters. Among them, the methylation profile of Cccnd2, Chd1, Cdh13, Cdkn1c, Neurog1, Gstp1, and Runx3 genes further correlated with overall survival rates.

Conclusions

Our data emphasize that epigenetic alterations are responsible for the clinical heterogeneity of oral and maxillofacial area cancers and significantly impact on patient survival. Additional investigation on a larger patient cohort should validate these potential biomarkers.

Beyond Formulation: Contributions of Nanotechnology for Translation of Anticancer Natural Products into New Drugs

Nature is the largest pharmacy in the world. Doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX) are two examples of natural-product-derived drugs employed as first-line treatment of various cancer types due to their broad mechanisms of action. These drugs are marketed as conventional and nanotechnology-based formulations, which is quite curious since the research and development (R&D) course of nanoformulations are even more expensive and prone to failure than the conventional ones. Nonetheless, nanosystems are cost-effective and represent both novel and safer dosage forms with fewer side effects due to modification of pharmacokinetic properties and tissue targeting. In addition, nanotechnology-based drugs can contribute to dose modulation, reversion of multidrug resistance, and protection from degradation and early clearance; can influence the mechanism of action; and can enable drug administration by alternative routes and co-encapsulation of multiple active agents for combined chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the contribution of nanotechnology as an enabling technology taking the clinical use of DOX and PTX as examples. We also present other nanoformulations approved for clinical practice containing different anticancer natural-product-derived drugs.

MicroRNA Dysregulation in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer biology is complex, and needs to be deciphered. The latest evidence reveals the significant role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), as key regulatory factors in cancer. Therefore, the identification of altered miRNA patterns involved in prostate cancer will allow them to be used for development of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Patients and Methods: We performed a miRNAs transcriptomic analysis, using microarray (10 matched pairs tumor tissue versus normal adjacent tissue, selected based on inclusion criteria), followed by overlapping with TCGA data. A total of 292 miRNAs were differentially expressed, with 125 upregulated and 167 downregulated in TCGA patients’ cohort with PRAD (prostate adenocarcinoma), respectively for the microarray experiments; 16 upregulated and 44 downregulated miRNAs were found in our cohort. To confirm our results obtained for tumor tissue, we performed validation with qRT-PCR at the tissue and plasma level of two selected transcripts, and finally, we focused on the identification of altered miRNAs involved in key biological processes. Results: A common signature identified a panel of 12 upregulated and 1 downregulated miRNA, targeting and interconnected in a network with the TP53, AGO2, BIRC5 gene and EGFR as a core element. Among this signature, the overexpressed transcripts (miR-20b-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-183-5p) and the downregulated miR-542-5p were validated by qRT-PCR in an additional patients’ cohort of 34 matched tumor and normal adjacent paired samples. Further, we performed the validation of the expression level for miR-20b-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-183-5p plasma, on the same patients’ cohort versus a healthy control group, confirming the overexpression of these transcripts in the PRAD group, demonstrating the liquid biopsy as a potential investigational tool in prostate cancer. Conclusion: In this pilot study, we provide evidence on miRNA dysregulation and its association with key functional components of the PRAD landscape, where an important role is acted by miR-20b-5p, miR-542-5p, or the oncogenic cluster miR-183-96-182.

Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells and extracellular vesicles for cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) hold great perspective for the therapy of a host of diseases due to regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties by differentiation into diverse cell populations, homing to damaged tissue regions, paracrine effects, and release of extracellular vesicles.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes the isolation, characterization, and potential use of MSCs and ADSCs for benign and malignant diseases. The MSCs may be administered as whole cells or in form of their secretome that is held responsible for most of their beneficial effects. A special constituent of the paracrine components are the extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry a biologically potent cargo of proteins, cytokines, and RNA.

EXPERT OPINION

The applications of MSCs and ADSCs are amply documented and have been investigated in preclinical models and many unregulated and a few controlled trials. Larger numbers of MSCs and ADSCs can be obtained for allogeneic transfer but imply difficulties including perseverance of the cells in vivo and possible differentiation into harmful cell types. MSC-derived cell-free preparations are easier to handle and manufacture for various applications. Especially, with the help of bioreactors, EVs can be obtained in excessive numbers and preloaded or charged with proteins, cytokines, and regulatory RNA specimen to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Ovarian endometriosis, a precursor of ovarian cancer: Histological aspects, gene expression and microRNA alterations (Review)

Ovarian endometriosis is a frequent chronic gynecological disease with an uncertain evolution regarding its progression or association with ovarian malignant lesions. The present review summarized the histological aspects, gene expression and microRNA (miRNA/miR) alterations associated with ovarian endometriosis and cancer and their possible interaction. The endometriosis-ovarian cancer interaction has been proposed by certain researchers as a single entity. Histological results indicated that endometriosis has been in different circumstances coexisting with ovarian cancer, with reference to endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma. Endometriosis with moderate and severe atypia can influence cell proliferation and architecture, resulting in a possible malignant transformation. Gene expression analysis indicated that the pathologies of both endometriosis and ovarian cancer are characterized by genetic instability from a molecular point of view, as several important genetic mutations, including ARID1A, PI3KCA, PTEN, BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and KRAS genes, were identified. miRNA alterations have been implicated in the regulation of gene expression. Common dysregulated miRNAs, such as miR-331, miR-335, miR-891, miR-548, miR-124, miR-148, miR-215, miR-192, miR-337, miR-153, miR-155, miR-144, miR-221 and miR-3688 were extensively investigated in understanding endometriosis and ovarian cancer evolution. From a combined viewpoint including histological aspects, gene expression and miRNA alterations, it is reasonable to speculate that endometriosis is associated with ovarian cancer. Ovarian endometriosis lesions may present a risk for ovarian malignant lesions, which supports a model of endometriosis as a malignant precursor. However, the endometriosis-ovarian cancer association is not widely accepted in the literature and additional studies are required to validate this association.

Angiogenesis in Regenerative Dentistry: Are We Far Enough for Therapy?

Angiogenesis is a broad spread term of high interest in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering including the dental field. In the last two decades, researchers worldwide struggled to find the best ways to accelerate healing, stimulate soft, and hard tissue remodeling. Stem cells, growth factors, pathways, signals, receptors, genetics are just a few words that describe this area in medicine. Dental implants, bone and soft tissue regeneration using autologous grafts, or xenografts, allografts, their integration and acceptance rely on their material properties. However, the host response, through its vascularization, plays a significant role. The present paper aims to analyze and organize the latest information about the available dental stem cells, the types of growth factors with pro-angiogenic effect and the possible therapeutic effect of enhanced angiogenesis in regenerative dentistry.

Identification of Core Genes Involved in the Progression of Cervical Cancer Using an Integrative mRNA Analysis

In spite of being a preventable disease, cervical cancer (CC) remains at high incidence, and it has a significant mortality rate. Although hijacking of the host cellular pathway is fundamental for developing a better understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) pathogenesis, a major obstacle is identifying the central molecular targets involved in HPV-driven CC. The aim of this study is to investigate transcriptomic patterns of HPV-infected and normal tissues to identify novel prognostic markers. Analyses of functional enrichment and interaction networks reveal that altered genes are mainly involved in cell cycle, DNA damage, and regulated cell-to-cell signaling. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data has suggested that patients with unfavorable prognostics are more likely to have DNA repair defects attributed, in most cases, to the presence of HPV. However, further studies are needed to fully unravel the molecular mechanisms of such genes involved in CC.

Adipocyte-Based Cell Therapy in Oncology: The Role of Cancer-Associated Adipocytes and Their Reinterpretation as Delivery Platforms

Cancer-associated adipocytes have functional roles in tumor development through secreted adipocyte-derived factors and exosomes and also through metabolic symbiosis, where the malignant cells take up the lactate, fatty acids and glutamine produced by the neighboring adipocytes. Recent research has demonstrated the value of adipocytes as cell-based delivery platforms for drugs (or prodrugs), nucleic acids or loaded nanoparticles for cancer therapy. This strategy takes advantage of the biocompatibility of the delivery system, its ability to locate the tumor site and also the predisposition of cancer cells to come in functional contact with the adipocytes from the tumor microenvironment for metabolic sustenance. Also, their exosomal content can be used in the context of cancer stem cell reprogramming or as a delivery vehicle for different cargos, like non-coding nucleic acids. Moreover, the process of adipocytes isolation, processing and charging is quite straightforward, with minimal economical expenses. The present review comprehensively presents the role of adipocytes in cancer (in the context of obese and non-obese individuals), the main methods for isolation and characterization and also the current therapeutic applications of these cells as delivery platforms in the oncology sector.

Plasma and Tissue Specific miRNA Expression Pattern and Functional Analysis Associated to Colorectal Cancer Patients

An increasing number of studies suggest the implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in colorectal (CRC) carcinogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, the basic mechanism is not yet clear. We determined plasma miRNA expression levels using Agilent microarray technology followed by overlapping with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) tissue data and a qRT-PCR validation step and analysis of the altered miRNA signatures to emphasize new mechanistic insights. For TGCA dataset, we identified 156 altered miRNAs (79 downregulated and 77 upregulated) in colorectal tissue samples versus normal tissue. The microarray experiment is based on 16 control samples, 38 CRC plasma samples from colorectal cancer patients who have not undergone chemotherapy, and 17 chemo-treated samples. In the case of the analysis of CRC cancer versus healthy control we identified 359 altered miRNAs (214 downregulated and 60 upregulated), considering as the cutoff value a fold-change of ±1.5 and p < 0.01. An additional microarray analysis was performed on plasma from untreated colorectal cancer (n = 38) and chemotherapy-treated colorectal cancer patients (n = 17), which revealed 15 downregulated miRNAs and 53 upregulated miRNAs, demonstrating that the plasma miRNA pattern is affected by chemotherapy and emphasizing important regulators of drug resistance mechanisms. For the validation of the microarray data, we selected a panel of 4 miRNAs from the common miRNA signatures for colon and rectal cancer (miR-642b-3p, miR-195-5p and miR-4741). At the tissue level, the expression levels were in agreement with those observed in colorectal plasma. miR-1228-3p, the top upregulated miRNA in CRC, was chosen to be validated on tissue and plasma samples, as it was demonstrated to be downregulated at tissue level in our patient cohort. This was confirmed by TCGA data and was one example of ta ranscript that has a different expression level between tumor tissue and plasma. Developing more efficient investigation methods will help explain the mechanisms responsible for miRNAs released in biofluids, which is the most upregulated transcript in colorectal plasma samples and which can function as a prediction tool within the oncological field.

A Comprehensive Picture of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Contents. Molecular Transfer to Cancer Cells

Critical processes such as growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells are sustained via bidirectional cell-to-cell communication in tissue complex environments. Such communication involves the secretion of soluble factors by stromal cells and/or cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Both stromal and cancer cells have been shown to export bilayer nanoparticles: encapsulated regulatory molecules that contribute to cell-to-cell communication. These nanoparticles are known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) being classified into exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. EVs carry a vast repertoire of molecules such as oncoproteins and oncopeptides, DNA fragments from parental to target cells, RNA species (mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNA), and lipids, initiating phenotypic changes in TME. According to their specific cargo, EVs have crucial roles in several early and late processes associated with tumor development and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that EVs are being investigated for their implication in early cancer detection, monitoring cancer progression and chemotherapeutic response, and more relevant, the development of novel targeted therapeutics. In this study, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the biophysical properties and physiological functions of EVs, their implications in TME, and highlight the applicability of EVs for the development of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.

Hypoxia: Overview on Hypoxia-Mediated Mechanisms with a Focus on the Role of HIF Genes

Hypoxia represents a frequent player in a number of malignancies, contributing to the development of the neoplastic disease. This review will discuss the means by which hypoxia powers the mechanisms behind cancer progression, with a majority of examples from lung cancer, the leading malignancy in terms of incidence and mortality rates (the frequent reference toward lung cancer is also for simplification purposes and follow up of the global mechanism in the context of a disease). The effects induced by low oxygen levels are orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which regulate the expression of numerous genes involved in cancer progression. Hypoxia induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis through a complex machinery, by mediating various pathways such as TGF-β, PI3k/Akt, Wnt, and Jagged/Notch. Concomitantly, hypoxic environment has a vast implication in angiogenesis by stimulating vessel growth through the HIF-1α/VEGF axis. Low levels of oxygen can also promote the process through several other secondary factors, including ANGPT2, FGF, and HGF. Metabolic adaptations caused by hypoxia include the Warburg effect-a metabolic switch to glycolysis-and GLUT1 overexpression. The switch is achieved by directly increasing the expression of numerous glycolytic enzymes that are isoforms of those found in non-malignant cells.

Osteosarcoma growth suppression by riluzole delivery via iron oxide nanocage in nude mice

Osteosarcomas are the most commonly occurring malignant bone cancer in young individuals. The survival rate of patients with metastatic osteosarcoma is low and has been stagnant for over two decades. We previously demonstrated that the glutamate release inhibitor, riluzole inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth. Towards the development of more effective therapy, we investigated the delivery of riluzole in human metastatic osteosarcoma xenografts in mice. We compared the efficacy of riluzole delivery by intraperitoneally injecting either free riluzole or riluzole released via two different shapes of iron oxide nanoparticles (nanocage or nanosphere) of size 15±2.5 nm. We monitored tumor size using Vernier calipers and bioluminescence assay and found a significant reduction in tumor size in the riluzole-treated groups when injected, either in free form or via nanoparticles, compared to the control groups (PBS, nanosphere or nanocage). Importantly, nanocage-delivered riluzole was most effective in reducing tumor size in the xenograft nude mice. While riluzole delivery induced apoptosis in tumor tissues in all three groups of riluzole-treated animals, it was highest in tumors from the nanocage-delivered riluzole group. Therefore, we conclude that riluzole is an effective drug to reduce tumor size in osteosarcoma and the efficacy of riluzole as a apoptotic and tumor-reducing drug is enhanced when delivered via nanocage.

The Role of Nrf2 Activity in Cancer Development and Progression

Nrf2 is a transcription factor that stimulates the expression of genes which have antioxidant response element-like sequences in their promoter. Nrf2 is a cellular protector, and this principle applies to both normal cells and malignant cells. While healthy cells are protected from DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species, malignant cells are defended against chemo- or radiotherapy. Through our literature search, we found that Nrf2 activates several oncogenes unrelated to the antioxidant activity, such as Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-xL), Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), and Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). We also did a brief analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data of lung adenocarcinoma concerning the effects of radiation therapy and found that the therapy-induced Nrf2 activation is not universal. For instance, in the case of recurrent disease and radiotherapy, we observed that, for the majority of Nrf2-targeted genes, there is no change in expression level. This proves that the universal, axiomatic rationale that Nrf2 is activated as a response to chemo- and radiation therapy is wrong, and that each scenario should be carefully evaluated with the help of Nrf2-targeted genes. Moreover, there were nine genes involved in lipid peroxidation, which showed underexpression in the case of new radiation therapy: ADH1A, ALDH3A1, ALDH3A2, ADH1B, GPX2, ADH1C, ALDH6A1, AKR1C3, and NQO1. This may relate to the fact that, while some studies reported the co-activation of Nrf2 and other oncogenic signaling pathways such as Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Notch1, other reported the inverse correlation between Nrf2 and the tumor-promoter Transcription Factor (TF), Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Lastly, Nrf2 establishes its activity through interactions at multiple levels with various microRNAs. MiR-155, miR-144, miR-28, miR-365-1, miR-93, miR-153, miR-27a, miR-142, miR-29-b1, miR-340, and miR-34a, either through direct repression of Nrf2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in a Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-independent manner or by enhancing the Keap1 cellular level, inhibit the Nrf2 activity. Keap1–Nrf2 interaction leads to the repression of miR-181c, which is involved in the Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Nrf2’s role in cancer prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy is still in its infancy, and the future strategic planning of Nrf2-based oncological approaches should also consider the complex interaction between Nrf2 and its various activators and inhibitors.

Molecular Links between Central Obesity and Breast Cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women, in regard to incidence and mortality. In recent years, the negative role of obesity during BC development and progression has been made abundantly clear in several studies. However, the distribution of body fat may be more important to analyze than the overall body weight. In our review of literature, we reported some key findings regarding the role of obesity in BC development, but focused more on central adiposity. Firstly, the adipose microenvironment in obese people bears many similarities with the tumor microenvironment, in respect to associated cellular composition, chronic low-grade inflammation, and high ratio of reactive oxygen species to antioxidants. Secondly, the adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, which in obese people produces a high level of tumor-promoting hormones, such as leptin and estrogen, and a low level of the tumor suppressor hormone, adiponectin. As follows, in BC this leads to the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways: NFκB, JAK, STAT3, AKT. Moreover, overall obesity, but especially central obesity, promotes a systemic and local low grade chronic inflammation that further stimulates the increase of tumor-promoting oxidative stress. Lastly, there is a constant exchange of information between BC cells and adipocytes, mediated especially by extracellular vesicles, and which changes the transcription profile of both cell types to an oncogenic one with the help of regulatory non-coding RNAs.

A Comprehensive Review on MAPK: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Cancer

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is an important bridge in the switch from extracellular signals to intracellular responses. Alterations of signaling cascades are found in various diseases, including cancer, as a result of genetic and epigenetic changes. Numerous studies focused on both the homeostatic and the pathologic conduct of MAPK signaling; however, there is still much to be deciphered in terms of regulation and action models in both preclinical and clinical research. MAPK has implications in the response to cancer therapy, particularly the activation of the compensatory pathways in response to experimental MAPK inhibition. The present paper discusses new insights into MAPK as a complex cell signaling pathway with roles in the sustenance of cellular normal conduit, response to cancer therapy, and activation of compensatory pathways. Unfortunately, most MAPK inhibitors trigger resistance due to the activation of compensatory feed-back loops in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment components. Therefore, novel combinatorial therapies have to be implemented for cancer management in order to restrict the possibility of alternative pathway activation, as a perspective for developing novel therapies based on integration in translational studies.

Gene Expression Patterns Unveil New Insights in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background and objectives: Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent variety of all malignant endocrine tumors. It represents a heterogeneous malignancy with various clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need to identify powerful biomarkers with clinical relevance. Materials and Methods: Available gene expression data (level 3) for thyroid cancers were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), followed by bioinformatic analyses performed on the data set. Results: Based on gene expression analysis, we were able to identify common and specific gene signatures for the three main types of papillary thyroid carcinoma (classical, follicular variant, and tall-cell). The survival rate was not significantly different among the main subtypes, but we were able to identify a biological adhesion signature with impact in patient prognostic. Conclusions: Taken together, the gene expression signature and particular adhesion signature, along with ITGA10 and MSLN in particular, could be used as a prognostic tool with important clinical relevance.

Role of Key Micronutrients from Nutrigenetic and Nutrigenomic Perspectives in Cancer Prevention

Regarding cancer as a genetic multi-factorial disease, a number of aspects need to be investigated and analyzed in terms of cancer's predisposition, development and prognosis. One of these multi-dimensional factors, which has gained increased attention in the oncological field due to its unelucidated role in risk assessment for cancer, is diet. Moreover, as studies advance, a clearer connection between diet and the molecular alteration of patients is becoming identifiable and quantifiable, thereby replacing the old general view associating specific phenotypical changes with the differential intake of nutrients. Respectively, there are two major fields concentrated on the interrelation between genome and diet: nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. Nutrigenetics studies the effects of nutrition at the gene level, whereas nutrigenomics studies the effect of nutrients on genome and transcriptome patterns. By precisely evaluating the interaction between the genomic profile of patients and their nutrient intake, it is possible to envision a concept of personalized medicine encompassing nutrition and health care. The list of nutrients that could have an inhibitory effect on cancer development is quite extensive, with evidence in the scientific literature. The administration of these nutrients showed significant results in vitro and in vivo regarding cancer inhibition, although more studies regarding administration in effective doses in actual patients need to be done.

Gold nanorods: from anisotropy to opportunity. An evolution update

Gold nanoparticles have drawn attention to nanomedicine for many years due to their physicochemical properties, which include: good stability; biocompatibility; easy surface chemistry and superior magnetic; and last, electronic properties. All of these properties distinguish gold nanoparticles as advantageous carriers to be exploited. The challenge to develop new gold nanostructures has led to anisotropy, a new property to exploit for various medical applications: diagnostic and imaging strategies as well as therapeutic options. Gold nanorods are the most studied anisotropic gold nanoparticles because of the presence of two absorption peaks according to their longitudinal and transversal plasmon resonances. The longitudinal surface plasmonic resonance can provide the absorption in the near-infrared region and this is an important aspect of using gold nanorods for medical purposes.

miR-181a/b therapy in lung cancer: reality or myth?

Despite substantial progress in oncology, lung cancer remains the number one malignancy in terms of both incidence and mortality rates, and there thus remains an urgent need for new therapeutic alternatives. MicroRNA (miRNA) have an important role in cancer initiation and progression due to their capacity to interfere with transcriptional signaling and regulate key cellular processes. miR-181a and miR-181b (miR-181a/b), which are located on chromosomes 1 and 9, are pathologically expressed in the tumor tissue and plasma of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The miR-181a/b regulatory mechanisms are sophisticated and are directly related to different target genes. In recent years, an ever-increasing number of studies have focused on the biological relevance of miR-181a/b in key cellular processes. In this paper, we aim to discuss the challenging experimental data related to miR-181a/b and their potential use for the development of new therapeutic approaches in lung cancer. We will further present the ongoing issues regarding the regulation of their multiple target genes, and their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in this deadly malignancy.

Aberrant miRNAs expressed in HER-2 negative breast cancers patient

Background

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous pathology, exhibiting a number of subtypes commonly associated with a poor outcome. Due to their high stability, microRNAs are often regarded as non-invasive cancer biomarkers, having an expression pattern specific for their ‘cell of origin’.

Method

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC: ER-, PR-, Her-2-) and double positive breast cancer (DPBC: ER+, PR+, Her-2) miRNA expression patterns were obtained by analysis of the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data, followed by PCR-array analysis on plasma samples from 20 TNBC patients, 14 DPBC patients and 11 controls.

Results

Three downregulated and nine upregulated miRNAs were obtained from the TNBC analysis. Five overexpressed miRNAs were identified in the DPBC group. Four of the dysregulated miRNAs (miR-10a, miR-125b, miR-210 and miR-489) were common for both groups. The cluster miR-17-92 (miR-17, miR-20a, miR-20b, and miR-93), along with miR-130, miR-22 and miR-29a/c, were found to differentiate between TNBC and DPBC. A panel of five transcripts (miR-10a, miR-125, miR-193b, miR-200b and miR-489) was validated in a new set of plasma samples. The overlapping of TCGA and plasma profiling data revealed miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-210 and miR-29c as common signature. MiR-200b was validated on additional normal and tumor tissue samples. The expression level of this transcript from the TCGA data was correlated with lung and bone metastatic genes.

Conclusion

The miR-200b presents a great potential for the future advancements in the diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic approach of TNBC, along with other coding or non-coding transcripts. However, this needs to be further integrated in a regulatory network that acts in conjunction with other markers that affect the patients’ prognosis or response to therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0920-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Overview upon miR-21 in lung cancer: focus on NSCLC

Considering the high mortality rate encountered in lung cancer, there is a strong need to explore new biomarkers for early diagnosis and also improved therapeutic targets to overcome this issue. The implementation of microRNAs as important regulators in cancer and other pathologies expanded the possibilities of lung cancer management and not only. MiR-21 represents an intensively studied microRNA in many types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its role as an oncogene is underlined in multiple studies reporting the upregulated expression of this sequence in patients diagnosed with this malignancy; moreover, several studies associated this increased expression of miR-21 with a worse outcome within NSCLC patients. The same pattern is supported by the data existent in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The carcinogenic advantage generated by miR-21 in NSCLC resides in the target genes involved in multiple pathways such as cell growth and proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, but also chemo- and radioresistance. Therapeutic modulation of miR-21 by use of antisense sequences entrapped in different delivery systems has shown promising results in impairment of NSCLC. Hereby, we review the mechanisms of action of miR-21 in cancer and the associated changes upon tumor cells together a focused perspective on NSCLC signaling, prognosis and therapy.

Fertility preservation in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients that undergo targeted molecular therapies: an important step forward from the chemotherapy era

In total, 80%-90% of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients are curable with combination chemoradiotherapy. Due to improvements in therapeutic strategies, 50% of all relapsed/refractory patients may undergo complete clinical responses and have long-term survival. Treatment options for HL are effective, but may have a negative impact on post-chemotherapy fertility. Thus, cryopreservation of semen prior to treatment is recommended for male patients. For female patients, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) consult and fertility preservation should be offered as a therapeutical option. In the last years, new targeted molecules have been available for HL treatment. These new drugs showed a high rate of overall responses in the setting of heavily pretreated patients, most of them in relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation, a group previously considered very poor risk. Up to 50% of patients have a complete response and an improved overall survival. Future studies will address the usefulness of novel molecules as a frontline therapy. Considering the high response and survival rates with monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, fertility has become a concerning issue for long-term HL survivors. As progress has been made regarding ART, with the rigorous steps planned for HL patients, more survivors will become parents.

Protein dysregulation in graft versus host disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well-established treatment for many malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders. As a frequent complication in up to 50% of all patients, graft-versus-host disease is still the main cause for morbidity and non-relapse mortality. Diagnosis is usually done clinically, even though confirmation by pathology is often used to support the clinical findings. Effective treatment requires intensified immunosuppression as early as possible. Although several promising biomarkers have been proposed for an early diagnosis, no internationally-recognized consensus has yet been established. Protein-based biomarkers represent an interesting tool since they have been recently reported to be an important regulator of various cells, including immune cells such as T cells. Therefore, we assume that protein dysregulation is important in the pathogenesis of acute graft versus host disease and their detection might be an possibility in the early diagnosis and monitoring. In this review, we aim to summarize the previous reports of protein biomarkers, focusing on the pathogenesis of the disease and possible implications in diagnostic approaches.

The new era of nanotechnology, an alternative to change cancer treatment

In the last few years, nanostructures have gained considerable interest for the safe delivery of therapeutic agents. Several therapeutic approaches have been reported, such as molecular diagnosis, disease detection, nanoscale immunotherapy and anticancer drug delivery that could be integrated into clinical use. The current paper aims to highlight the background that supports the use of nanoparticles conjugated with different types of therapeutic agents, applicable in targeted therapy and cancer research, with a special emphasis on hematological malignancies. A particular key point is the functional characterization of nonviral delivery systems, such as gold nanoparticles, liposomes and dendrimers. The paper also presents relevant published data related to microRNA and RNA interference delivery using nanoparticles in cancer therapy.

In vivo assessment of bone marrow toxicity by gold nanoparticle-based bioconjugates in Crl:CD1(ICR) mice

Introduction

The present study aimed at evaluating the biodistribution of Tween^® 20-gold nanoparticle (GNP) conjugates and their potential toxicity on the bone marrow before moving on to Phase I clinical trials.

Materials and methods

Tween^® 20-conjugated GNPs were injected intravenously for 21 days in male Crl:CD1(ICR) mice. Body weight of the mice was evaluated each day. After the sub-chronic Tween^® 20-GNPs administration, blood samples were harvested, and a full blood count was done individually. Total Au quantity from all major organs was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. One femur and the sternum obtained from each animal were used for histological assessment.

Results

Our data showed that the Tween^® 20-GNP conjugates were found in large quantities in the bladder. Au was shown to accumulate in the hematopoietic bone tissue, with significant side effects such as leucopoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. The mice had a higher white blood cell and platelet count as opposed to the control group. This suggested that the previously described leukopenic effects of isoflurane were overridden by the leucopoietic effects of Tween^® 20-GNPs.

Conclusion

It was uncertain whether the mice were reactive to Au as it is a foreign substance to the tissues or whether the side effects observed were a precursor condition of a more severe hematological condition. Au was found to be hepatotoxic, urging the need for further studies in order to achieve better in vivo compliance and exploit the immense potential of GNPs in cancer pharmacology.

The Use of Anthracyclines for Therapy of CNS Tumors

Despite being long lived, anthracyclines remain the “evergreen” drugs in clinical practice of oncology, showing a potent effect in inhibiting cell growth in many types of tumors, including brain neoplasms. Unfortunately, they suffer from a poor penetration into the brain when intravenously administered due to multidrug resistance mechanism, which hampers their delivery across the blood brain barrier.

In this paper, we summarize the current literature on the role of anthracyclines in cancer therapy and highlight recent efforts on 1) development of tumor cell resistance to anthracyclines and 2) the new approaches to brain drug delivery across the blood brain barrier.

Design of FLT3 Inhibitor - Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Releasing drug molecules at the targeted location could increase the clinical outcome of a large number of anti-tumor treatments which require low systemic damage and low side effects. Nano-carriers of drugs show great potential for such task due to their capability of accumulating and releasing their payload specifically, at the tumor site.

RESULTS

FLT3 inhibitor - gold nanoparticle conjugates were fabricated to serve as vehicles for the delivery of anti-tumor drugs. Lestaurtinib, midostaurin, sorafenib, and quizartinib were selected among the FLT3 inhibitor drugs that are currently used in clinics for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. The drugs were loaded onto nanoparticle surface using a conjugation strategy based on hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions with the Pluronic co-polymer used as nanoparticle surface coating. Optical absorption characterization of the particles in solution showed that FLT3 inhibitor-incorporated gold nanoparticles were uniformly distributed and chemically stable regardless of the drug content. Drug loading study revealed a high drug content in the case of midostaurin drug which also showed increased stability. Drug release test in simulated cancer cell conditions demonstrated more than 56 % release of the entrapped drug, a result that correlates well with the superior cytotoxicity of the nano-conjugates comparatively with the free drug.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a pioneering study regarding the efficient loading of gold nanoparticles with selected FLT3 inhibitors. In vitro cytotoxicity assessment shows that FLT3-incorporated gold nanoparticles are promising candidates as vehicles for anti-tumor drugs and demonstrate superior therapeutic effect comparatively with the bare drugs.