Chronic stress-induced immune dysregulation in breast cancer: Implications of psychosocial factors

Integrated meta-analyses of genome-wide effects of PM2.5 in human cells identifies widespread dysregulation of genes and pathways associated with cancer progression and patient survival

Epidemiological studies have consistently shown a positive association between exposure to ambient PM2.5, a major component of air pollution, and various types of cancer. Previous biological research has primarily focused on the association between PM2.5 and lung cancer, with limited investigation into other cancer types. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis on multiple PM2.5-treated normal human cell lines to identify potential molecular targets and pathways of PM2.5. Our analysis revealed 310 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that exhibited significant dysregulation upon exposure to PM2.5. These dysregulated genes covered a diverse range of functional categories, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and immune-related genes, which collectively contribute to PM2.5-induced carcinogenesis. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed the up-regulation of pathways associated with HIF-1, VEGF, and MAPK signalling, all of which have been implicated in various cancers. Induction in the levels of HIF pathway genes (HIF1⍺, HIF2⍺, VEGFA, BNIP3, EPO and PGK1) upon PM2.5 treatment was also confirmed by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network unveiled hub genes, such as NQO1 and PDGFRB, that are known to be dysregulated and significantly correlated with overall survival in lung and breast cancer patients, suggesting their potential clinical significance. This study provides a deep insight into how PM2.5-mediated dysregulation of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes across various human tissues may play an important role in PM2.5-induced carcinogenesis. Further exploration of these dysregulated molecular targets may enhance our understanding of the biological effects of PM2.5 and facilitate the development of preventive strategies and targeted therapies for PM2.5-associated cancers.

circLIFR-007 reduces liver metastasis via promoting hnRNPA1 nuclear export and YAP phosphorylation in breast cancer

Cancer metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with breast cancer (BC). The liver is a common site of breast cancer metastasis, and the 5-year survival rate of patients with breast cancer liver metastases (BCLMs) is only about 8.5 %. CircRNAs are involved in a variety of cancer-related pathological behaviors, and their unique structure and resistance to RNA degradation enable them to serve as ideal diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, it is important to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of circRNAs in cancer metastasis. CircLIFR-007 was identified as a critical circular RNA in BC metastasis by circRNAs microarray and qRT-PCR experiment. Cell function assays were performed to explore the effect of circLIFR-007 in breast cancer cells. Experiments in vivo validated the function of circLIFR-007. Several molecular assays were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. We found that circLIFR-007 acted as a negative controller in breast cancer liver metastasis. CircLIFR-007 upregulates the phosphorylation level of YAP by exporting hnRNPA1 to promote the combination between hnRNPA1 and YAP in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of circLIFR-007 suppressed the expression of liver metastasis-related proteins, SREBF1 and SNAI1, which were regulated by transcription factor YAP. Functionally, circLIFR-007 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro.

Role of CRH in colitis and colitis-associated cancer: a combinative result of central and peripheral effects?

Corticotropin-releasing factor family peptides (CRF peptides) comprise corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN1), UCN2 and UCN3. CRH is first isolated in the brain and later with UCNs found in many peripheral cells/tissues including the colon. CRH and UCNs function via the two types of receptors, CRF1 and CRF2, with CRH mainly acting on CRF1, UCN1 on both CRF1 &CRF2 and UCN2-3 on CRF2. Compiling evidence shows that CRH participates in inflammation and cancers via both indirect central effects related to stress response and direct peripheral influence. CRH, as a stress-response mediator, plays a significant central role in promoting the development of colitis involving colon motility, immunity and gut flora, while a few anti-colitis results of central CRH are also reported. Moreover, CRH is found to directly influence the motility and immune/inflammatory cells in the colon. Likewise, CRH is believed to be greatly related to tumorigenesis of many kinds of cancers including colon cancer via the central action during chronic stress while the peripheral effects on colitis-associated-colon cancer (CAC) are also proved. We and others observe that CRH/CRF1 plays a significant peripheral role in the development of colitis and CAC in that CRF1 deficiency dramatically suppresses the colon inflammation and CAC. However, up to date, there still exist not many relevant experimental data on this topic, and there seems to be no absolute clearcut between the central and direct peripheral effects of CRH in colitis and colon cancer. Taken together, CRH, as a critical factor in stress and immunity, may participate in colitis and CAC as a centrally active molecule; meanwhile, CRH has direct peripheral effects regulating the development of colitis and CAC, both of which will be summarized in this review.

TM9SF1 promotes bladder cancer cell growth and infiltration

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common urological tumor. It has a high recurrence rate, displays tutor heterogeneity, and resists chemotherapy. Furthermore, the long-term survival rate of BC patients has remained unchanged for decades, which seriously affects the quality of patient survival. To improve the survival rate and prognosis of BC patients, it is necessary to explore the molecular mechanisms of BC development and progression and identify targets for treatment and intervention. Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 1 (TM9SF1), also known as MP70 and HMP70, is a member of a family of nine transmembrane superfamily proteins, which was first identified in 1997. TM9SF1 can be expressed in BC, but its biological function and mechanism in BC are not clear.

AIM

To investigate the biological function and mechanism of TM9SF1 in BC.

METHODS

Cells at 60%-80% confluence were transfected with lentiviral vectors for 48-72 h to achieve stable TM9SF1 overexpression or silencing in three BC cell lines (5637, T24, and UM-UC-3). The effect of TM9SF1 on the biological behavior of BC cells was then investigated through CCK8, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Overexpression of TM9SF1 increased the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells by promoting the entry of BC cells into the G2/M phase. Silencing of TM9SF1 inhibited in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells and blocked BC cells in the G1 phase.

CONCLUSION

TM9SF1 may be an oncogene in BC.

Inetetamab combined with pyrotinib and chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer brain metastasis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is an advanced breast disease that is difficult to treat and is associated with a high risk of death. Patient prognosis is usually poor, with reduced quality of life. In this context, we report the case of a patient with HER-2-positive BCBM treated with a macromolecular mAb (inetetamab) combined with a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

CASE SUMMARY

The patient was a 58-year-old woman with a 12-year history of type 2 diabetes. She was compliant with regular insulin treatment and had good blood glucose control. The patient was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma of the right breast (T3N1M0 stage IIIa, HER2-positive type) through aspiration biopsy of the ipsilateral breast due to the discovery of a breast tumor in February 2019. Immunohistochemistry showed ER (-), PR (-), HER-2 (3+), and Ki-67 (55-60%+). Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, i.e., the AC-TH regimen (epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel-paclitaxel, and trastuzumab), was administered for 8 cycles. She underwent modified radical mastectomy of the right breast in November 2019 and received tocilizumab targeted therapy for 1 year. Brain metastasis was found 9 mo after surgery. She underwent brain metastasectomy in August 2020. Immunohistochemistry showed ER (-) and PR. (-), HER-2 (3+), and Ki-67 (10-20%+). In November 2020, the patient experienced headache symptoms. After an examination, tumor recurrence in the original surgical region of the brain was observed, and the patient was treated with inetetamab, pyrotinib, and capecitabine. Whole-brain radiotherapy was recommended. The patient and her family refused radiotherapy for personal reasons. In September 2021, a routine examination revealed that the brain tumor was considerably larger. The original systemic treatment was continued and combined with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for brain metastases, followed by regular hospitalization and routine examinations. The patient's condition is generally stable, and she has a relatively high quality of life. This case report demonstrates that in patients with BCBM and resistance to trastuzumab, inetetamab combined with pyrotinib and chemotherapy can prolong survival.

CONCLUSION

Inetetamab combined with small molecule TKI drugs, chemotherapy and radiation may be an effective regimen for maintaining stable disease in patients with BCBM.

Breast cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors and screening

Breast cancer is a global health concern with a significant impact on the well-being of women. Worldwide, the past several decades have witnessed changes in the incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Additionally, epidemiological data reveal distinct geographic and demographic disparities globally. A range of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are established as being associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This review discusses genetic, hormonal, behavioral, environmental, and breast-related risk factors. Screening plays a critical role in the effective management of breast cancer. Various screening modalities, including mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and physical examination, have different applications, and a combination of these modalities is applied in practice. Current screening recommendations are based on factors including age and risk, with a significant emphasis on minimizing potential harms to achieve an optimal benefits-to-harms ratio. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the epidemiology, risk factors, and screening of breast cancer. Understanding these elements is crucial for improving breast cancer management and reducing its burden on affected individuals and healthcare systems.