The Roles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Precision oncolytic viral therapy in colorectal cancer: Genetic targeting and immune modulation for personalized treatment (Review)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading health issue and treatments to eradicate it, such as conventional chemotherapy, are non‑selective and come with a number of complications. The present review focuses on the relatively new area of precision oncolytic viral therapy (OVT), with genetic targeting and immune modifications that offer a new future for CRC treatment. In the present review, an overview of the selection factors that are considered optimal for an oncolytic virus, mechanisms of oncolysis and immunomodulation applied to the OVT, as well as new strategies to improve the efficacy of this method are described. Additionally, cause‑and‑effect relationships are examined for OVT efficacy, mediated by the tumor microenvironment, and directions for genetic manipulation of viral specificity are explored. The possibility of synergy between OVT and immune checkpoint inhibitors and other treatment approaches are demonstrated. Incorporating the details of the present review, biomarker‑guided combination therapies in precision OVT for individualized CRC care, significant issues and future trends in this required area of medicine are highlighted. Increasingly, OVT is leaving the experimental stage and may become routine practice; it provides a new perspective on overcoming CRC and highlights the importance of further research and clinical work.

Exosome-based nanomedicines for digestive system tumors therapy

Digestive system tumors constitute a major subset of malignancies, consistently ranking among the leading causes of mortality globally. Despite limitations inherent in current therapeutic modalities, recent advancements in targeted therapy and drug delivery systems have led to significant improvements in the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for digestive system tumors. In this context, exosomes - naturally occurring nanoscale vesicles - have emerged as promising drug delivery candidates due to their intrinsic molecular transport capabilities, superior biocompatibility, and targeted recognition of tumor cells. The integration of exosomes into cancer therapeutics represents a novel and potentially transformative approach for treating digestive system tumors, which may drive further progress in this field. This review comprehensively examines the sources, loading mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy of exosomes in the context of digestive system tumor treatment. Furthermore, it discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with exosomes, offering insights into their future role within the therapeutic armamentarium against digestive tumors.

Exploring the Role of Cellular Interactions in the Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as one of the tumors with globally high incidence and mortality rates. In recent years, researchers have extensively explored the role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) in CRC, highlighting the crucial influence of immune cell populations in driving tumor progression and shaping therapeutic outcomes. The TME encompasses an array of cellular and noncellular constituents, spanning tumor cells, immune cells, myeloid cells, and tumor-associated fibroblasts, among others. However, the cellular composition within the TME is highly dynamic, evolving throughout different stages of tumor progression. These shifts in cell subpopulation proportions lead to a gradual transition in the immune response, shifting from an early antitumor growth to a late-stage environment that supports tumor survival. Therefore, it is crucial to further investigate and understand the complex interactions among the various cell populations within the TME. In this review, we explore the key cellular components of varying origins, subpopulations with shared origins, and noncellular elements within the CRC TME, examining their interconnections and critical considerations for developing personalized and precise immunotherapy strategies.

Cell-based immunotherapy in oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer (EC) is among the most common illnesses globally, and its prognosis is unfavourable. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary therapy options for EC. Despite the occasional efficacy of these traditional treatment modalities, individuals with EC remain at a significant risk for local recurrence and metastasis. Consequently, innovative and efficacious medicines are required. In recent decades, clinical practice has effectively implemented cell therapy, which includes both stem cell and non-stem cell-based approaches, as an innovative tumour treatment, offering renewed hope to patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This paper examines the theoretical framework and contemporary advancements in cell treatment for individuals with EC. We further described current clinical studies and summarised essential data related to survival and safety assessments.

Biotechnological advances in 3D modeling of cancer initiation. Examples from pancreatic cancer research and beyond

In recent years, biofabrication technologies have garnered significant attention within the scientific community for their potential to create advancedin vitrocancer models. While these technologies have been predominantly applied to model advanced stages of cancer, there exists a pressing need to develop pertinent, reproducible, and sensitive 3D models that mimic cancer initiation lesions within their native tissue microenvironment. Such models hold profound relevance for comprehending the intricacies of cancer initiation, to devise novel strategies for early intervention, and/or to conduct sophisticated toxicology assessments of putative carcinogens. Here, we will explain the pivotal factors that must be faithfully recapitulated when constructing these models, with a specific focus on early pancreatic cancer lesions. By synthesizing the current state of research in this field, we will provide insights into recent advances and breakthroughs. Additionally, we will delineate the key technological and biological challenges that necessitate resolution in future endeavors, thereby paving the way for more accurate and insightfulin vitrocancer initiation models.

Current Understanding of Marginal Grafts in Liver Transplantation

End-stage liver disease (ESLD), stemming from a spectrum of chronic liver pathologies including chronic liver failure, acute cirrhosis decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma, imposes a significant global healthcare burden. Liver transplantation (LT) remains the only treatment for ESLD. However, the escalating mortality on transplant waitlists has prompted the utilization of marginal liver grafts in LT procedures. These grafts primarily encompass elderly livers, steatotic livers, livers from donation after circulatory death, split livers and those infected with the hepatitis virus. While the expansion of the donor pool offers promise, it also introduces concomitant risks. These encompass graft failure, biliary and cardiovascular complications, the recurrence of liver disease and reduced patient and graft survival. Consequently, various established strategies, ranging from improved donor-recipient matching to surgical interventions, have emerged to mitigate these risks. This article undertakes a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape, evaluating the viability of diverse marginal liver grafts. Additionally, it synthesizes approaches aimed at enhancing the quality of such marginal liver grafts. The overarching objective is to augment the donor pool and ameliorate the risk factors associated with the shortage of liver grafts.

The Potential Role of Intestinal Stem Cells and Microbiota for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a global health concern with high incidence and mortality rates. Conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy have limitations in improving patient survival rates. Recent research highlights the role of gut microbiota and intestinal stem cells in maintaining intestinal health and their potential therapeutic applications in colorectal cancer treatment. The interaction between gut microbiota and stem cells influences epithelial self-renewal and overall intestinal homeostasis. Novel therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, regenerative medicine using stem cells, and modulation of gut microbiota, are being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Accordingly, this chapter provides an overview of the potential therapeutic applications of gut microbiota and intestinal stem cells in treating colorectal cancer.

Revisiting ameloblastin; addressing the EMT-ECM axis above and beyond oral biology

Ameloblastin (AMBN) is best characterized for its role in dental enamel formation, regulating cell differentiation and mineralization, and cell matrix adhesion. However, AMBN has also been detected in mesenchymal stem cells in addition to bone, blood, and adipose tissue. Using immunofluorescence in a pilot scheme, we identified that AMBN is expressed in different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. AMBN mRNA and protein detection in several tissues along the length of the GI tract suggests a role for AMBN in the structure and tissue integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Intracellular AMBN expression in subsets of cells indicates a potential alternative role in signaling processes. Of note, our previous functional AMBN promoter analyses had shown that it contains epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulatory elements. ΑΜΒΝ is herein presented as a paradigm shift of the possible associations and the spatiotemporal regulation of the ECM regulating the EMT and vice versa, using the example of AMBN expression beyond oral biology.

The role of MSCs and CAR-MSCs in cellular immunotherapy

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are widely used by T cells (CAR-T cells), natural killer cells dendritic cells and macrophages, and they are of great importance in cellular immunotherapy. However, the use of CAR-related products faces several challenges, including the poor persistence of cells carrying CARs, cell dysfunction or exhaustion, relapse of disease, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, cytokine release syndrome, low efficacy against solid tumors and immunosuppression by the tumor microenvironment. Another important cell therapy regimen involves mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Recent studies have shown that MSCs can improve the anticancer functions of CAR-related products. CAR-MSCs can overcome the flaws of cellular immunotherapy. Thus, MSCs can be used as a biological vehicle for CARs. In this review, we first discuss the characteristics and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs. Then, the role of MSCs as a source of exosomes, including the characteristics of MSC-derived exosomes and their immunomodulatory functions, is discussed. The role of MSCs in CAR-related products, CAR-related product-derived exosomes and the effect of MSCs on CAR-related products are reviewed. Finally, the use of MSCs as CAR vehicles is discussed. Video Abstract.

Role of tumor-associated macrophages in common digestive system malignant tumors

Many digestive system malignant tumors are characterized by high incidence and mortality rate. Increasing evidence has revealed that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is involved in cancer initiation and tumor progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a predominant constituent of the TME, and participate in the regulation of various biological behaviors and influence the prognosis of digestive system cancer. TAMs can be mainly classified into the antitumor M1 phenotype and protumor M2 phenotype. The latter especially are crucial drivers of tumor invasion, growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapy. TAMs are of importance in the occurrence, development, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of common digestive system malignant tumors. In this review, we summarize the role of TAMs in common digestive system malignant tumors, including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancers. How TAMs promote the development of tumors, and how they act as potential therapeutic targets and their clinical applications are also described.

Targeting myeloid villains in the treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastrointestinal cancer

Despite the clinical outcomes being extremely limited, blocking immune inhibitory checkpoint pathways has been in the spotlight as a promising strategy for treating gastrointestinal cancer. However, a distinct strategy for the successful treatment is obviously needed in the clinical settings. Myeloid cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells, are the majority of cellular components in the human immune system, but have received relatively less attention for the practical implementation than T cells and NK cells in cancer therapy because of concentration of the interest in development of the immune checkpoint blocking antibody inhibitors (ICIs). Abnormality of myeloid cells must impact on the entire host, including immune responses, stromagenesis, and cancer cells, leading to refractory cancer. This implies that elimination and reprogramming of the tumor-supportive myeloid villains may be a breakthrough to efficiently induce potent anti-tumor immunity in cancer patients. In this review, we provide an overview of current situation of the IC-blocking therapy of gastrointestinal cancer, including gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Also, we highlight the possible oncoimmunological components involved in the mechanisms underlying the resistance to the ICI therapy, particularly focusing on myeloid cells, including unique subsets expressing IC molecules. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants may facilitate its practical implementation of targeting myeloid villains, and improve the clinical outcomes in the ICI therapy of gastrointestinal cancer.

Assessment of the Potential of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai. in Treating Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats Based on Metabolomics and Network Analysis

Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases worldwide, threatening human health and seriously affecting quality of life. Reports have shown that the Chinese herbal medicine Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai (SGN) can treat GU. However, its pharmacological effects deserve further validation; in addition, its mechanism of action is unclear. An acute gastric ulcer (AGU) rat model induced by alcohol was used to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of SGN by analysis of the histopathological changes in stomach tissue and related cytokine levels; the potential mechanisms of action of SGN were investigated via serum metabolomics and network pharmacology. Differential metabolites of rat serum were identified by metabolomics and the metabolic pathways of the identified metabolites were enriched via MetaboAnalyst. Furthermore, the critical ingredients and candidate targets of SGN anti-AGU were elucidated. A compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was established using Cytoscape version 3.8.2 based on integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Finally, molecular docking was applied to verify the acquired key targets. The results showed that SGN exerted a certain gastroprotective effect via multiple pathways and targets. The effects of SGN were mainly caused by the key active ingredients isofraxidin, rosmarinic, and caffeic acid, which regulate hub targets, such as PTGS2, MAPK1, and KDR, which maintain the homeostasis of related metabolites. Signal pathways involved energy metabolism as well as immune and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the multi-omics techniques were proven to be promising tools in illuminating the mechanism of action of SGN in protecting against diseases. This integrated strategy provides a basis for further research and clinical application of SGN.