Interconnection of Estrogen/Testosterone Metabolism and Mevalonate Pathway in Breast and Prostate Cancers

Evaluating the impact of pre-diagnostic use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on mortality outcomes in older men with hormone-related cancers: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare 2007-2015

BACKGROUND

The link between the pre-diagnostic use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy and their impact on hormone-related cancers, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and male breast cancer survival remains a topic of controversy. Further, there is a knowledge gap concerning the joint effects of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on hormone-related cancer survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the independent and joint effects of pre-diagnostic use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older men diagnosed with hormone-related cancers, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and male breast cancer.

METHODS

In 41,707 men (≥65 years) of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare 2007-2015, we identified 31,097 prostate cancer, 10,315 colorectal cancer, and 295 male breast cancer cases. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and testosterone replacement therapy was ascertained and categorized into four groups (Neither users, statins alone, testosterone replacement therapy alone, and Dual users). Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards and competing-risks (Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard) models were conducted.

RESULTS

No significant associations were found in Cox-proportional hazard models for hormone-related cancers. However, in the Fine-Gray competing risk models among high-grade hormone-related cancers, statins alone had an 11% reduced risk of hormone-related cancer-specific death (hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.81-0.99; p 0.0451). In the prostate cancer cohort with both statistical models, the use of testosterone replacement therapy alone had a 24% lower risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.59-0.97; p 0.0325) and a 57% lower risk of prostate cancer-specific death (hazard ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-0.75; p 0.0029). Similar inverse associations were found among aggressive prostate cancer cases with testosterone replacement therapy alone and statins alone. No significant associations were found in the colorectal cancer and male breast cancer sub-groups.

CONCLUSION

Pre-diagnostic use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy showed a survival benefit with reduced mortality in high-grade hormone-related cancer patients (only statins) and aggressive prostate cancer patients in both statistical models. Findings of testosterone replacement therapy use in aggressive prostate cancer settings could facilitate clinical trials. Further studies with extended follow-up periods are needed to substantiate these findings.

Effect of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on incident cardiovascular disease among male hormone-related cancer survivors

Purpose

Statins and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) have been previously linked with prostate, colorectal and male breast cancer (hereinafter we will refer as hormone related cancers [HRCa]), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a poor understanding about the combined association of statins and TTh with incident CVD among HRCa survivors and a matched cancer-free cohort.

Methods

We identified 44,330 men of whom 22,165 were previously diagnosed with HRCa, and 22,165 were age-and index-matched cancer-free in SEER-Medicare 2007-2015. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and TTh prior to CVD development was ascertained for this analysis in the two matched cohorts. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent and combined associations of statins and TTh with CVD.

Results

We found that use of statins (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46-0.55) and TTh (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-0.97) were each independently inversely associated with incident CVD in the overall sample. TTh plus statins was also inversely associated with CVD. Associations were similar in the matched cancer-free cohort. Among HRCa survivors, only statins and combination of TTh plus statins (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.98) were inversely associated with CVD, but the independent use of TTh was not associated with CVD.

Conclusion

In general, pre-diagnostic use of statins and TTh, prior to CVD development, independently or in combination, were inversely associated with CVD in the overall, cancer-free population, and among HRCa survivors (mainly combination). Independent effects and combination of statins and TTh remained to be confirmed with specific CVD outcomes among HRCa survivors.

Reconsidering "low-dose"-Impacts of oral estrogen exposure during preimplantation embryo development

Perturbations of estrogen signaling during developmental stages of high plasticity may lead to adverse effects later in life. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are compounds that interfere with the endocrine system by particularly mimicking the action of endogenous estrogens as functional agonists or antagonists. EDCs compose synthetic and naturally occurring compounds discharged into the environment, which may be taken up via skin contact, inhalation, orally due to contaminated food or water, or via the placenta during in utero development. Although estrogens are efficiently metabolized by the liver, the role of circulating glucuro- and/or sulpho-conjugated estrogen metabolites in the body has not been fully addressed to date. Particularly, the role of intracellular cleavage to free functional estrogens could explain the hitherto unknown mode of action of adverse effects of EDC at very low concentrations currently considered safe. We summarize and discuss findings on estrogenic EDC with a focus on early embryonic development to highlight the need for reconsidering low dose effects of EDC.

Cholesterol and Its Derivatives: Multifaceted Players in Breast Cancer Progression

Cholesterol is an essential lipid primarily synthesized in the liver through the mevalonate pathway. Besides being a precursor of steroid hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D, it is an essential structural component of cell membranes, is enriched in membrane lipid rafts, and plays a key role in intracellular signal transduction. The lipid homeostasis is finely regulated end appears to be impaired in several types of tumors, including breast cancer. In this review, we will analyse the multifaceted roles of cholesterol and its derivatives in breast cancer progression. As an example of the bivalent role of cholesterol in the cell membrane of cancer cells, on the one hand, it reduces membrane fluidity, which has been associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype in terms of cell motility and migration, leading to metastasis formation. On the other hand, it makes the membrane less permeable to small water-soluble molecules that would otherwise freely cross, resulting in a loss of chemotherapeutics permeability. Regarding cholesterol derivatives, a lower vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while steroid hormones, coupled with the overexpression of their receptors, play a crucial role in breast cancer progression. Despite the role of cholesterol and derivatives molecules in breast cancer development is still controversial, the use of cholesterol targeting drugs like statins and zoledronic acid appears as a challenging promising tool for breast cancer treatment.

Joint association of statins and testosterone replacement therapy with cardiovascular disease among older men with prostate cancer: SEER-Medicare 2007-2015

BACKGROUND

Use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) have been independently linked with prostate cancer (PCa) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, there is a research gap about the joint association of statins and TTh with CVD among PCa survivors and a matched cancer-free cohort.

METHODS

In SEER-Medicare 2007-2015 (N = 35,990 men), we identified 17,995 PCa survivors, and 17,995 age- and index-matched cancer-free men. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and TTh was ascertained for this analysis and examined in two matched cohorts. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent and joint associations of statins and TTh with CVD.

RESULTS

We found that independently statins (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.44-0.53) and TTh (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.0.61-0.90) were each inversely associated with CVD in the overall sample. TTh plus statins was inversely associated with CVD (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.70, P_interaction = 0.03). Similar associations were observed among the matched cancer-free cohort. Among PCa survivors, only statins (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56-0.68) and combination of TTh plus statins (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.90) were inversely associated with CVD, but not the independent use of TTh.

CONCLUSION

Pre-diagnostic use of statins and TTh, independent or in combination, were inversely associated with CVD in the overall and cancer-free populations, but among PCa survivors it was mainly use of statins, not TTh. Greater reduced effects on CVD were observed with statins or in combination with statins, but not with TTh. Future studies need to confirm these associations among older men with aggressive PCa.

Randomised double-blind phase 3 clinical study testing impact of atorvastatin on prostate cancer progression after initiation of androgen deprivation therapy: study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Blood cholesterol is likely a risk factor for prostate cancer prognosis and use of statins is associated with lowered risk of prostate cancer recurrence and progression. Furthermore, use of statins has been associated with prolonged time before development of castration resistance (CR) during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. However, the efficacy of statins on delaying castration-resistance has not been tested in a randomised placebo-controlled setting.This study aims to test statins' efficacy compared to placebo in delaying development of CR during ADT treatment for primary metastatic or recurrent prostate cancer. Secondary aim is to explore effect of statin intervention on prostate cancer mortality and lipid metabolism during ADT.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this randomised placebo-controlled trial, a total of 400 men with de novo metastatic prostate cancer or recurrent disease after primary treatment and starting ADT will be recruited and randomised 1:1 to use daily 80 mg of atorvastatin or placebo. All researchers, study nurses and patients will be blinded throughout the trial. Patients are followed until disease recurrence or death. Primary outcome is time to formation of CR after initiation of ADT. Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and trigyserides) are analysed to test whether changes in serum cholesterol parameters during ADT predict length of treatment response. Furthermore, the trial will compare quality of life, cardiovascular morbidity, changes in blood glucose and circulating cell-free DNA, and urine lipidome during trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the Regional ethics committees of the Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Science centre, Tampere, Finland (R18065M) and Tarto University Hospital, Tarto, Estonia (319/T-6). All participants read and sign informed consent form before study entry. After publication of results for the primary endpoints, anonymised summary metadata and statistical code will be made openly available. The data will not include any information that could make it possible to identify a given participant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT04026230, Eudra-CT: 2016-004774-17, protocol code: ESTO2, protocol date 10 September 2020 and version 6.

The role of testosterone replacement therapy and statin use, and their combination, in prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Previous studies have reported conflicting results in the associations of testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) and statins use with prostate cancer (PCa). However, the combination of these treatments with PCa stage and grade at diagnosis and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and by race/ethnicity remains unclear.

METHODS

We identified non-Hispanic White (NHW, N = 58,576), non-Hispanic Black (NHB, n = 9,703) and Hispanic (n = 4,898) men diagnosed with PCa in SEER-Medicare data 2007-2011. Pre-diagnostic prescription of TTh and statins was ascertained for this analysis. Multivariable-adjusted logistic and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association of TTh and statins use with PCa stage and grade and PCSM.

RESULTS

22.5% used statins alone, 1.2% used TTh alone, and 0.8% used both. TTh and statins were independently, inversely associated with PCa advanced stage and high grade. TTh plus statins was associated with 44% lower odds of advanced stage PCa (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.91). As expected, similar inverse associations were present in NHWs as the overall cohort is mostly comprised NHW men. In Hispanic men, statin use with or without TTh was inversely associated with aggressive PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-diagnostic use of TTh or statins, independent or in combination, was inversely associated with aggressive PCa, including in NHW and Hispanics men, but was not with PCSM. The findings for use of statins with aggressive PCa are consistent with cohort studies. Future prospective studies are needed to explore the independent inverse association of TTh and the combined inverse association of TTh plus statins on fatal PCa.

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Rosuvastatin-Treated Men with Mixed Dyslipidemia and Early-Onset Androgenic Alopecia

Men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia are characterized by hormonal profiles similar to those observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The purpose of this research was to investigate levels of cardiometabolic risk factors in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)-treated men with early-onset androgenic alopecia. We studied two matched rosuvastatin-treated groups of men with mixed dyslipidemia: subjects with early-onset androgenic alopecia (group A) and subjects with normal hair growth (group B). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, and levels of sex hormones, uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, fibrinogen, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured before entering the study and six months later. Both groups differed in insulin sensitivity and levels of calculated bioavailable testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, uric acid, hsCRP, fibrinogen, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Though observed in both study groups, treatment-induced reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, hsCRP, and fibrinogen were more pronounced in group B than group A. Moreover, only in group A did rosuvastatin deteriorate insulin sensitivity, and only in group B did the drug affect uric acid, homocysteine, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The impact of rosuvastatin on cardiometabolic risk factors correlated with insulin sensitivity, calculated bioavailable testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate. The obtained results suggest that men with early-onset androgenic alopecia may benefit to a lesser degree from rosuvastatin treatment than their peers.

Independent and Joint Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Statins use on the Risk of Prostate Cancer Among White, Black, and Hispanic Men

The associations of testosterone therapy (TTh) and statins use with prostate cancer remain conflicted. However, the joint effects of TTh and statins use on the incidence of prostate cancer, stage and grade at diagnosis, and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) have not been studied.We identified White (N = 74,181), Black (N = 9,157), and Hispanic (N = 3,313) men diagnosed with prostate cancer in SEER-Medicare 2007-2016. Prediagnostic prescription of TTh and statins was ascertained for this analysis. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of TTh and statins with prostate cancer, including statistical interactions between TTh and statins.We found that TTh (OR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68-0.81) and statins (OR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.0.75-0.88) were inversely associated with incident prostate cancer. Similar inverse associations were observed with high-grade and advanced prostate cancer in relation to TTh and statins use. TTh plus statins was inversely associated with incident prostate cancer (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.48-0.60), high-grade (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.37-0.49), and advanced prostate cancer (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.55). Similar associations were present in White and Black men, but among Hispanics statins were associated with PCSM.Prediagnostic use of TTh or statins, independent or combined, was inversely associated with incident and aggressive prostate cancer overall and in NHW and NHB men. Findings for statins and aggressive prostate cancer are consistent with previous studies. Future studies need to confirm the independent inverse association of TTh and the joint inverse association of TTh plus statins on risk of prostate cancer in understudied populations. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: The study investigates a potential interaction between TTh and statin and its effect on incident and aggressive prostate cancer in men of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. These results suggest that among NHW and non-Hispanic Black men TTh plus statins reduced the odds of incident prostate cancer, high-grade and advance stage prostate cancer.

Role of Cholesterol and Lipid Rafts in Cancer Signaling: A Promising Therapeutic Opportunity?

Cholesterol is a lipid molecule that plays an essential role in a number of biological processes, both physiological and pathological. It is an essential structural constituent of cell membranes, and it is fundamental for biosynthesis, integrity, and functions of biological membranes, including membrane trafficking and signaling. Moreover, cholesterol is the major lipid component of lipid rafts, a sort of lipid-based structures that regulate the assembly and functioning of numerous cell signaling pathways, including those related to cancer, such as tumor cell growth, adhesion, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Considering the importance of cholesterol metabolism, its homeostasis is strictly regulated at every stage: import, synthesis, export, metabolism, and storage. The alterations of this homeostatic balance are known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, but mounting evidence also connects these behaviors to increased cancer risks. Although there is conflicting evidence on the role of cholesterol in cancer development, most of the studies consistently suggest that a dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis could lead to cancer development. This review aims to discuss the current understanding of cholesterol homeostasis in normal and cancerous cells, summarizing key findings from recent preclinical and clinical studies that have investigated the role of major players in cholesterol regulation and the organization of lipid rafts, which could represent promising therapeutic targets.

microRNAs targeting cellular cholesterol: implications for combating anticancer drug resistance

Over sixty percent of all mammalian protein-coding genes are estimated to be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), and unsurprisingly miRNA dysregulation has been linked with cancer. Aberrant miRNA expression in cancer cells has been linked with tumourigenesis and drug resistance. In the past decade, increasing number of studies have demonstrated that cholesterol accumulation fuels tumour growth and contributes to drug resistance, therefore, miRNAs controlling cholesterol metabolism and homeostasis are obvious hypothetical targets for investigating their role in cholesterol-mediated drug resistance in cancer. In this review, we have collated published evidences to consolidate this hypothesis and have scrutinized it by utilizing computational tools to explore the role of miRNAs in cholesterol-mediated drug resistance in breast cancer cells. We found that hsa-miR-128 and hsa-miR-223 regulate genes mediating lipid signalling and cholesterol metabolism, cancer drug resistance and breast cancer genes. The analysis demonstrates that targeting these miRNAs in cancer cells presents an opportunity for developing new strategies to combat anticancer drug resistance.

ERα, A Key Target for Cancer Therapy: A Review

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is closely associated with both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent tumors, and it is also essential for the development of these cancers. The functions of ERα are bi-faceted; it can contribute to cancer progression as well as cancer inhibition. Therefore, understanding ERα is vital for the treatment of those cancers that are closely associated with its expression. Here, we will elaborate on ERα based on its structure, localization, activation, modification, and mutation. Also, we will look at co-activators of ERα, elucidate the signaling pathway activated by ERα, and identify cancers related to its activation. A comprehensive understanding of ERα could help us to find new ways to treat cancers.

Microbiome-Microbial Metabolome-Cancer Cell Interactions in Breast Cancer-Familiar, but Unexplored

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women worldwide. Dysbiosis, an aberrant composition of the microbiome, characterizes breast cancer. In this review we discuss the changes to the metabolism of breast cancer cells, as well as the composition of the breast and gut microbiome in breast cancer. The role of the breast microbiome in breast cancer is unresolved, nevertheless it seems that the gut microbiome does have a role in the pathology of the disease. The gut microbiome secretes bioactive metabolites (reactivated estrogens, short chain fatty acids, amino acid metabolites, or secondary bile acids) that modulate breast cancer. We highlight the bacterial species or taxonomical units that generate these metabolites, we show their mode of action, and discuss how the metabolites affect mitochondrial metabolism and other molecular events in breast cancer. These metabolites resemble human hormones, as they are produced in a “gland” (in this case, the microbiome) and they are subsequently transferred to distant sites of action through the circulation. These metabolites appear to be important constituents of the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss how bacterial dysbiosis interferes with breast cancer treatment through interfering with chemotherapeutic drug metabolism and availability.

The insulin/IGF signaling cascade modulates SUMOylation to regulate aging and proteostasis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Although aging-regulating pathways were discovered a few decades ago, it is not entirely clear how their activities are orchestrated, to govern lifespan and proteostasis at the organismal level. Here, we utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to examine whether the alteration of aging, by reducing the activity of the Insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) cascade, affects protein SUMOylation. We found that IIS activity promotes the SUMOylation of the germline protein, CAR-1, thereby shortening lifespan and impairing proteostasis. In contrast, the expression of mutated CAR-1, that cannot be SUMOylated at residue 185, extends lifespan and enhances proteostasis. A mechanistic analysis indicated that CAR-1 mediates its aging-altering functions, at least partially, through the notch-like receptor glp-1. Our findings unveil a novel regulatory axis in which SUMOylation is utilized to integrate the aging-controlling functions of the IIS and of the germline and provide new insights into the roles of SUMOylation in the regulation of organismal aging.

Aging may seem inescapable, but there are many factors, from diet to genetic mutations, that can affect this process. In fact, scientists have started to uncover the mechanisms that control and influence this slow decline. For example, in the small worm Caenorhabditis elegans, removing the germs cells – which give rise to eggs – extends the lifespan. Similarly, interfering with the activity of the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway leads to a longer life for the animals. However, it is unclear whether these two mechanisms work together, or if they operate in parallel.

To explore this, Moll, Roitenberg et al. first looked at how the IIS pathway regulates a type of protein modification known as SUMOylation in C. elegans. Reducing the activity of the IIS pathway slowed down aging in the worms. It also decreased the levels of SUMOylation of certain proteins, including CAR-1, which is found in the structures that produce germ cells. Further experiments showed that stopping the SUMOylation of CAR-1 extended the lifespan of the animals. In fact, replacing the protein with a mutated version of CAR-1 that cannot accept the SUMO element makes the worms live longer and resist a toxic protein that causes Alzheimer’s disease in humans. These results therefore show that, in C. elegans, the IIS pathway and a mechanism that involves CAR-1 in germ cells work together to determine the pace of aging. Further studies are now needed to dissect how the IIS pathway influences SUMOylation, and whether the findings hold true in mammals.

Inflammation and NF-κB Signaling in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent form of cancer that is usually slow-developing and benign. Due to its high prevalence, it is, however, still the second most common cause of death by cancer in men in the West. The higher prevalence of prostate cancer in the West might be due to elevated inflammation from metabolic syndrome or associated comorbidities. NF-κB activation and many other signals associated with inflammation are known to contribute to prostate cancer malignancy. Inflammatory signals have also been associated with the development of castration resistance and resistance against other androgen depletion strategies, which is a major therapeutic challenge. Here, we review the role of inflammation and its link with androgen signaling in prostate cancer. We further describe the role of NF-κB in prostate cancer cell survival and proliferation, major NF-κB signaling pathways in prostate cancer, and the crosstalk between NF-κB and androgen receptor signaling. Several NF-κB-induced risk factors in prostate cancer and their potential for therapeutic targeting in the clinic are described. A better understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms that control the development of prostate cancer and resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy will eventually lead to novel treatment options for patients.

Effect of survivin downregulation by simvastatin on the growth and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

Simvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, is been used in the clinic due to its pleiotropic effects, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer. Simvastatin has recently been demonstrated to serve a potential role in the prophylaxis and therapeutics of a number of human cancers. The majority of reports concerning simvastatin treatment in the majority of human cancers have demonstrated that survivin is significantly decreased as a result and has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the use of simvastatin for the treatment of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC). Therefore, this agent is a candidate for further investigation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin on the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of the human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line, SACC-83, as well as survivin expression in the cells. The Cell Counting kit-8 assay results revealed that simvastatin inhibited the proliferation of SACC-83 cells in a dose-dependent (10 to 50 µM) and time-dependent (24 to 48 h) manner when compared with the untreated cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that simvastatin increased the percentage of cells in early and late apoptosis. Invasion assays revealed that simvastatin treatment inhibited the invasiveness of SACC-83 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, simvastatin downregulated survivin expression in SACC-83 cells. In conclusion, simvastatin significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of SACC-83 cells, induced apoptosis, and reduced the expression of survivin, which suggests that simvastatin may be a novel target for SACC therapy.

Gestational oral low-dose estradiol-17β induces altered DNA methylation of CDKN2D and PSAT1 in embryos and adult offspring

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) interfere with the natural hormone balance and may induce epigenetic changes through exposure during sensitive periods of development. In this study, the effects of short-term estradiol-17β (E2) exposure on various tissues of pregnant sows (F₀) and on day 10 blastocysts (F₁) were assessed. Intergenerational effects were investigated in the liver of 1-year old female offspring (F₁). During gestation, sows were orally exposed to two low doses and a high dose of E2 (0.05, 10, and 1000 µg/kg body weight/day). In F₀, perturbed tissue specific mRNA expression of cell cycle regulation and tumour suppressor genes was found at low and high dose exposure, being most pronounced in the endometrium and corpus luteum. The liver showed the most significant DNA hypomethylation in three target genes; CDKN2D, PSAT1, and RASSF1. For CDKN2D and PSAT1, differential methylation in blastocysts was similar as observed in the F₀ liver. Whereas blastocysts showed hypomethylation, the liver of 1-year old offspring showed subtle, but significant hypermethylation. We show that the level of effect of estrogenic EDC, with the periconceptual period as a sensitive time window, is at much lower concentration than currently presumed and propose epigenetics as a sensitive novel risk assessment parameter.

Novel chinmedomics strategy for discovering effective constituents from ShenQiWan acting on ShenYangXu syndrome

Elucidation of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of importance for scientists of modern medicine to understand the value of TCM clinical experience, and it is necessary to have a biological language to scientifically describe the efficacy of TCM. With this background?Chinmedomics has been proposed by our team, which includes integrating serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics technology, defining theory and research methods for expressing the efficacy of TCMs based on the biomarkers discovery of TCM syndrome and elucidating the efficacy of TCM formulae, discovering effective constituents, and finally elucidating the scientific value of TCM. In the present study, the innovative chinmedomics strategy was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ShenQiWan (SQW) acting on ShenYangXu (kidney-yang deficiency syndrome, KYDS). We analyzed the urine metabolic trajectory between the model and control groups, and identified the biomarkers by the multivariate analysis. We found that SQW caused significant restoration of abnormal metabolism of KYDs. Using the method of metabolomics, 17 potential urine biomarkers were analyzed through 4 repeated tests in our serial studies on SQW and KYDS. Under the premise of therapeutic efficacy, a total of 56 peaks were tentatively characterized in vivo by the use of serum pharmacochemistry. Correlation analysis between marker metabolites and in vivo constituents of SQW showed that 28 compositions had a close relationship with urine biomarkers of therapeutic effects, whichmight play a key role in the therapeutic effect of SQW. These compounds were imported into an online database to predict their targets. Twenty-three important potential targets were identified, which were related to the metabolism of steroid hormone, tryptophan utilization, and thyroid hormone. In conclusion, chinmedomics is a useful strategy for discovery of potentially effective constituents from complex TCM formulae.