Histamine H3 Receptor Promotes Cell Survival via Regulating PKA/CREB/CDKN1A Signal Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Mast cells and the gut-liver Axis: Implications for liver disease progression and therapy

The role of mast cells, traditionally recognized for their involvement in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, has garnered significant attention in liver diseases. Studies have indicated a notable increase in mast cell counts following hepatic injury, underscoring their potential contribution to liver disorder pathogenesis. Predominantly situated in connective tissue that envelops the hepatic veins, bile ducts, and arteries, mast cells are central to both initiating and perpetuating liver disorders. Additionally, they are crucial for maintaining gastrointestinal barrier function. The gut-liver axis emphasizes the complex, two-way communication between the gut microbiome and the liver. Past research has implicated gut microbiota and their metabolites in the progression of hepatic disorders. This review sheds light on how mast cells are activated in various liver conditions such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis, hepatic fibrogenesis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It also briefly explores the connection between the gut microbiome and mast cell activation in these hepatic conditions.

Therapeutic potential of LINS01 histamine H3 receptor antagonists as antineoplastic agents for triple negative breast cancer

The aims of this work were to evaluate the expression of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) samples and to investigate the antitumoral efficacy and safety of the LINS01 series of H3R antagonists, through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. Antitumor activity of LINS01009, LINS01010, LINS01022, LINS01023 was assayed in vitro in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells (0.01-100 μM), and in vivo in 4T1 tumors orthotopically established in BALB/c mice (1 or 20 mg/kg). Additionally, H3R expression was assessed in 50 human TNBC samples. We have described a higher H3R mRNA expression in basal-like/TNBC tumors vs. matched normal tissue using TCGA Pan-Cancer Atlas data, and a higher H3R expression in human tumor samples vs. peritumoral tissue evidenced by immunohistochemistry associated with poorer survival. Furthermore, while all the essayed compounds showed antitumoral properties, LINS01022 and LINS01023 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effects by: i) inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing cell migration in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, and ii) inhibiting cell growth in paclitaxel-resistant 4T1 cells (potentiating the paclitaxel antiproliferative effect). Moreover, 20 mg/kg LINS01022 reduced tumor size in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, exhibiting a safe toxicological profile and potential for druggability estimated by ADME calculations. We conclude that the H3R is involved in the regulation of TNBC progression, offering promising therapeutic potential for the novel LINS01 series of H3R antagonists.

Stress-induced β cell early senescence confers protection against type 1 diabetes

During the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D), β cells are exposed to significant stress and, therefore, require adaptive responses to survive. The adaptive mechanisms that can preserve β cell function and survival in the face of autoimmunity remain unclear. Here, we show that the deletion of the unfolded protein response (UPR) genes Atf6α or Ire1α in β cells of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice prior to insulitis generates a p21-driven early senescence phenotype and alters the β cell secretome that significantly enhances the leukemia inhibitory factor-mediated recruitment of M2 macrophages to islets. Consequently, M2 macrophages promote anti-inflammatory responses and immune surveillance that cause the resolution of islet inflammation, the removal of terminally senesced β cells, the reduction of β cell apoptosis, and protection against T1D. We further demonstrate that the p21-mediated early senescence signature is conserved in the residual β cells of T1D patients. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized link between β cell UPR and senescence that, if leveraged, may represent a novel preventive strategy for T1D.

Current and novel approaches in the pharmacological treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumours worldwide. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is up to 91.6% in many countries, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Systemic drugs, including the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and lenvatinib, are first-line drugs used in HCC treatment. Unfortunately, these therapies are ineffective in most cases due to late diagnosis and the development of tumour resistance. Thus, novel pharmacological alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided new approaches targeting cells of the immune system. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death-1 have shown benefits in HCC patients. In addition, drug combinations, including first-line treatment and immunotherapy, as well as drug repurposing, are promising novel therapeutic alternatives. Here, we review the current and novel pharmacological approaches to fight HCC. Preclinical studies, as well as approved and ongoing clinical trials for liver cancer treatment, are discussed. The pharmacological opportunities analysed here should lead to significant improvement in HCC therapy.

Molecular links between allergy and cancer

Epidemiologic studies show both positive and negative associations between allergies and cancer. Allergic diseases may protect against tumorigenesis by promoting the immune surveillance, while carcinogenesis may be promoted through inflammatory responses from allergies. Histamine receptor antagonists are the focus of recent cancer studies because of their promising beneficial effect on tumor development. Also, cytokines, particularly IL-4 or IL-33, IgE as well as allergy-related immune cells such as eosinophils can contribute to tumor growth suppression. Depending on cancer types, cancer therapy may be more beneficial when considering combinatorial immunotherapy. In this review, we give an overview on molecular links between allergies and cancer.

Exploring the role of mast cells in the progression of liver disease

In addition to being associated with allergic diseases, parasites, bacteria, and venoms, a growing body of research indicates that mast cells and their mediators can regulate liver disease progression. When mast cells are activated, they degranulate and release many mediators, such as histamine, tryptase, chymase, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor–α(TNF-α), interleukins cytokines, and other substances that mediate the progression of liver disease. This article reviews the role of mast cells and their secretory mediators in developing hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their essential role in immunotherapy. Targeting MC infiltration may be a novel therapeutic option for improving liver disease progression.

Evaluation of the Differences in the Expression of Biogenic Amine-Related mRNAs and Proteins in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

Biogenic amines, such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, histamine, dopamine, and serotonin are important neurotransmitters that also regulate cell viability. Their detection and analysis are helpful in the diagnosis of many diseases, including cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of the biogenic amine-related genes and proteins in endometrioid endometrial cancer compared to the control group. The material consisted of endometrial tissue samples and whole blood collected from 30 endometrioid endometrial cancer patients and 30 cancer-free patients. The gene expression was determined by the mRNA microarrays and validated by qRT-PCR. Protein levels were determined in the serum by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overexpression of histamine H1–H3 receptors and early growth response 1 and silencing of calmodulin, the histamine H4 receptor, and the dopamine D5 receptor have been reported in endometrioid endometrial cancer. The obtained results indicate disturbances in the signaling activated by histamine and dopamine receptors, which could potentially contribute to the progression of endometrioid endometrial cancer.

A high-throughput screen identifies inhibitors of lung cancer stem cells

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of cancer cells that can drive metastasis. The identification of CSC inhibitors and CSC-related genes is an alluring strategy for suppressing metastasis. Here, we established a simple and repeatable high-throughput CSC inhibitor screening platform that combined tumor sphere formation assays and cell viability assays. Human lung cancer cells were cocultured with 1280 pharmacologically active compounds (FDA-approved). Fifty-four candidate compounds obtained from our screening system completely or partially inhibited tumor sphere formation. A total of 5 of these 54 compounds (prochlorperazine dimaleate, thioridazine hydrochloride, ciproxifan hydrochloride, Ro 25-6981 hydrochloride, and AMN 082) completely inhibited the self-renewal of CSCs without cytotoxicity in vitro via their targets and suppressed lung cancer metastasis in vivo, suggesting that our screening platform is selective and reliable. DRD2, HRH3, and GRIN2B exhibited potent genes promoting CSCs in vitro experiments and clinical datasets. Further validation of the top hit (DRD2) and previously published studies demonstrate that our screening platform is a useful tool for CSC inhibitor and CSC-related gene screening.

Inhibition of CSRP2 Promotes Leukemia Cell Proliferation and Correlates with Relapse in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background

Relapse is a major obstacle in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Refinement of risk stratification may aid the identification of patients who are likely to relapse. Abnormal cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) has been implicated in various cancers, but its function remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of CSRP2 in predicting adult AML recurrence.

Methods

RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of CSRP2 in 193 newly diagnosed adult AML patients and 44 healthy controls. The competitive risk model was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of relapse rate (CIR), Kaplan-Meier to calculate the relapse-free survival rate (RFS), and the Cox regression model to perform multivariate analysis. Viral transfection was used to construct AML cell lines with stable knockdown of CSRP2, CCK8 to detect proliferation and drug resistance, flow cytometry to detect cell cycle and apoptosis, and Western blot to detect key molecules in signaling pathways.

Results

CSRP2 transcript levels were higher in 193 adult AML compared with 44 healthy controls. In 149 patients who achieved complete remission, those with high CSRP2 transcript levels displayed a lower 2-year CIR and higher 2-year RFS, especially when receiving only chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis, a high CSRP2 transcript level was independently associated with a better RFS. Knockdown of CSRP2 promoted proliferation and cell cycle progression, and reduced chemosensitivity. Western blot analysis showed upregulation of p-AKT and p-CREB in CSRP2-knockdown AML cell lines. Inhibition assays suggested these two signaling pathways participated in the CSRP2-mediated proliferation effects in AML cell lines.

Conclusion

In summary, CSRP2 correlates with relapse in adult AML. Down-regulation of CSRP2 could promote the proliferation of AML cell lines by regulating the AKT and CREB signaling pathways. Therefore, CSRP2 may provide prognostic significance and potential therapeutic targets in the management of AML.