Dysregulation of Redox Status in Urinary Bladder Cancer Patients

Dual role of PRDX1 in redox-regulation and tumorigenesis: Past and future

Tumour cells often display an active metabolic profile, leading to the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. As a member of the peroxidase family, peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) functions generally in protecting against cell damage caused by H2O2. Additionally, PRDX1 plays a role as a molecular chaperone in various malignant tumours, exhibiting either tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressing effects. Currently, PRDX1-targeting drugs have demonstrated in vitro anticancer effects, indicating the potential of PRDX1 as a molecular target. Here we discussed the diverse functions of PRDX1 in tumour biology and provided a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of targeting PRDX1 signalling across various types of cancer.

Anticancer effects of cell-free culture supernatant of Escherichia coli in bladder cancer cell line: New insight into the regulation of inflammation

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common malignancy in worldwide, with substantial mortality and morbidity if not treated effectively. According to various research, inflammatory circumstances majorly impact the microenvironment of bladder cancer, and the chronic presence of cytokines and chemokines promotes tumor progression. In this investigation, we explored the impact of cell-free culture supernatant ofEscherichia colistrain 536 on inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in bladder cancer model microarray data (GSE162251). Then we examined in silico outcomes on human bladder cancer cell line 5637 to verify and extrapolate findings. This investigation revealed for the first time that this compound has potent suppressor effects on interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) gene expression as well as increased NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), as an anti-oxidant agent, gene expression in 4, 8, and 24 h. Moreover, we confirmed that c-MYC, a member of the MYC proto-oncogene family, gene expression reduced in 5637 cells in 4 h and then followed up its expression in 8 and 24 h. In addition, our investigation demonstrated that the supernatant raised the BCL2-Associated X Protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 (BAX/BCL2) ratio, and subsequent flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the supernatant induction apoptosis and necrosis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that this compound is a potential candidate for the suppression of bladder cancer progression.

Antioxidative stress protein SRXN1 can be used as a radiotherapy prognostic marker for prostate cancer

PURPOSE

To explore the mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance and search for prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

METHODS

The GSE192817 and TCGA PRAD datasets were selected and downloaded from the GEO and UCSC Xena databases. Differential expression and functional annotation analyses were applied to 52 tumour cell samples from GSE192817. Then, the ssGSEA or GSVA algorithms were applied to quantitatively score the biological functional activity of samples in the GSE192817 and TCGA PRAD datasets, combined with specific gene sets collected from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Subsequently, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the differences in ssGSEA or GSVA scores among cell types or PRAD patients. Moreover, radiotherapy resistance-associated gene screening was performed on DU145 and PC3 cells (prostate cancer cells), and survival analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy of these genes for predicting the prognosis of PRAD patients.

RESULTS

A total of 114 genes that were differentially expressed in more than two different cancer cell types and associated with either sham surgery or radiotherapy treatment (X-ray or photon irradiation) were detected in cancer cells from GSE192817. Comparison of DNA damage-related ssGSEA scores between sham surgery and radiotherapy treatment in prostate cancer cells (DU145 and PC3) showed that photon irradiation was potentially more effective than X-ray treatment. In the TCGA PRAD dataset, patients treated with radiotherapy had much higher "GOBP_CELLULAR_RESPONSE_TO_DNA_DAMAGE_STIMULUS", "GOBP_G2_DNA_DAMAGE_CHECKPOINT" and "GOBP_INTRA_S_DNA_DAMAGE_CHECKPOINT" GSVA scores, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test p values were 0.0005, 0.0062 and 0.0800, respectively. Furthermore, SRXN1 was upregulated in DU145 cells (resistant to X-ray irradiation compared to PC3 cells) after radiotherapy treatment, and low SRXN1 expression in patients was beneficial to radiotherapy outcomes. The log-rank test p value for PFS was 0.0072.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy can damage DNA and induce oxidative stress to kill tumour cells. In this study, we found that SRXN1, as an antioxidative stress gene, plays an important role in radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment, and this gene is also a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients treated with radiotherapy.

A novel cuproptosis pattern and tumor immune microenvironment characterization in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Background

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system worldwide, which has a significant recurrence rate despite multiple treatment options available. As a unique and novel copper-dependent programmed cell death mechanism, the comprehensive impact of cuproptosis on the tumor immune microenvironment, clinicopathological characteristics and the prognosis of patients remains largely unclear.

Methods

A total of 568 UCB samples were thoroughly examined for cuproptosis patterns using data downloaded from TCGA and GEO, based on 10 cuproptosis-related genes reported previously. Then, the univariate COX regression analysis was performed on the genes that differed across the various patterns. To measure individual cuproptosis pattern, a cuproptosis score system was constructed using a principal component analysis algorithm. To validate the scoring system, immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor tissues with different pathological grades, and experiments in vitro were conducted about the differentially expressed genes related to prognosis. Finally, the capacity of scoring system to predict the response to immunotherapy was verified by using data from IMvigor 210 cohort.

Results

Four unique cuproptosis clusters and two gene clusters were finally found by the investigation. The clinical features and prognosis of patients, as well as the mRNA transcriptome, pathway enrichment, and immune cell infiltration in TME, varied dramatically between various cuproptosis clusters and gene clusters. To identify individual cuproptosis patterns in UCB patients, we also established a cuproptosis scoring system. After validation with multiple methods, it was indicated that the score system could predict the prognosis of UCB patients and was significantly connected to clinical features such TNM category, tumor grade, molecular type and ultimate survival status. The clinical outcomes of UCB patients were predicted effectively according to the tumor mutation burden in conjunction with the scoring system. Furthermore, we found that the cuproptosis score had a significant correlation with the response to immunotherapy and the sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

This study revealed the potential impact of cuproptosis on the UCB tumor immune microenvironment and clinical pathological characteristics. The cuproptosis score system could effectively predict the prognosis of patients and the response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Protective effect of selenomethionine on kidney injury induced by ochratoxin A in rabbits

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of selenomethionine (SeMet) on ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits. In total, sixty Ira rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups (the control group, OTA group, 0. 2 mg/kg SeMet + OTA group, 0. 4 mg/kg SeMet + OTA group, and 0. 6 mg/kg SeMet + OTA group). The rabbits were fed diets supplemented with different doses of SeMet for 21 days and given 0. 2 mg/kg OTA starting on day 15 for a week. The results showed that the SeMet supplementation could improve the changes in blood physiological indices and renal function decline caused by OTA poisoning, and alleviate pathological kidney injury in the rabbits. SeMet also increased the activities of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the contents of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the damaged kidneys of the rabbits. In addition, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream gene heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) was also inhibited after OTA poisoning, while SeMet activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and the downstream gene HO-1. In conclusion, SeMet protected against kidney injury caused by OTA in rabbits, and the mechanism may be the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Identify Potential Urine Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer Prognosis Using NGS Data Analysis and Experimental Validation

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most often reported malignancies globally, with a high recurrence rate and associated morbidity and mortality, especially in advanced BC. There has been a surge in the number of molecular targets revealed for BC prognosis and treatment. However, there is still a great need to discover novel biomarkers. Consequently, the current study investigated biomarkers that might indicate the progression of bladder cancer. In this study, bioinformatics analysis was done on a single GEO dataset, and TCGA-BLCA information was connected with differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The levels of mRNA and protein expression were validated using qRT-PCR. According to our findings, CRYAB, ECM1, ALDOB, AOC, GPX3, IGFBP7, AQP2, LASS2, TMEM176A, GALNT1, and LASS2 were highly enriched in cell division, identical protein binding, and developmental process in bladder cancer patients. In addition, among the highly differentiated genes, ECM1, GALNT1, LASS2, and GPX3 showed significant molecular alterations in BC, which are crucial for marker identification. Moreover, the mRNA, CNVs, and protein levels of ECM1, GALNT1, LASS2, and GPX3 were significantly increased in BC patients. Our predictions and analysis studies stated that these four genes act as urine biomarkers and played a crucial role in disease prognosis and the therapeutic process of bladder cancer. Our outcomes showed that these four novel urine biomarkers have the potential to provide innovative diagnostics, early predictions, and disease targets, ultimately improving the BC patient's prognosis.

Reactive Oxygen Species Bridge the Gap between Chronic Inflammation and Tumor Development

According to numerous animal studies, adverse environmental stimuli, including physical, chemical, and biological factors, can cause low-grade chronic inflammation and subsequent tumor development. Human epidemiological evidence has confirmed the close relationship between chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms driving the development of persistent inflammation toward tumorigenesis remain unclear. In this study, we assess the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated mechanisms in modulating inflammation-induced tumorigenesis. Recent reports have emphasized the cross-talk between oxidative stress and inflammation in many pathological processes. Exposure to carcinogenic environmental hazards may lead to oxidative damage, which further stimulates the infiltration of various types of inflammatory cells. In turn, increased cytokine and chemokine release from inflammatory cells promotes ROS production in chronic lesions, even in the absence of hazardous stimuli. Moreover, ROS not only cause DNA damage but also participate in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis by modulating several transcription factors and signaling pathways. We summarize how changes in the redox state can trigger the development of chronic inflammatory lesions into tumors. Generally, cancer cells require an appropriate inflammatory microenvironment to support their growth, spread, and metastasis, and ROS may provide the necessary catalyst for inflammation-driven cancer. In conclusion, ROS bridge the gap between chronic inflammation and tumor development; therefore, targeting ROS and inflammation represents a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Probing the biological toxicity of pyrene to the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the toxicity pathways of oxidative damage: A systematic study at the animal and molecular levels

Pyrene (Pyr), a widely used tetracyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, enters soil in large quantities and causes environmental pollution due to its production and mining. In order to systematically study the biotoxicity of pyrene to model organisms Eisenia fetida in soil, experiments were carried out from four dimensions: animal, tissue, cell and molecule. Experimental results proved that the mortality rate increased with increasing concentration and time of exposure to pyrene, while the mean body weight and spawning rate decreased. Meanwhile, when the pyrene concentration reached 900 mg/kg, the seminal vesicle and longitudinal muscle of the earthworm showed obvious atrophy. Experimental results at the cellular level showed that pyrene induced cell membrane damage and Ca²⁺ influx triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and a surge in ROS levels. Oxidative stress causes damage to proteins and lipids and DNA inside cells. When the mortality rate was 91.67 %, the Olive Tail Movement (OTM) of the comet experiment reached 15. The results of molecular level tests showed that pyrene inhibited the activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) mainly by changing the microenvironment and secondary structure of amino acid Tyr 108. The weakened function of direct antioxidant enzymes may be the root cause of the excessive increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. The systematic approach used in this study enriches the network of toxic pathways in toxicological studies, and basic data on the biological toxicity of pyrene can provide support for future soil contamination detection.

Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 alleviates alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in mice via an anti-oxidative mechanism

The protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 (LP-HFY09) on alcohol-induced gastric ulcers was investigated. Gastric morphology observation and pathological tissue sections showed that LP-HFY09 effectively relieved gastric tissue injury. The biochemical indicator detection showed that LP-HFY09 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and somatostatin (SS) levels, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Moreover, LP-HFY09 inhibited the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and elevated the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) examination revealed that LP-HFY09 enhanced the mRNA expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downstream genes, including copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), catalase (CAT), and GSH-Px. This study indicated that LP-HFY09 alleviated alcohol-induced gastric ulcers by increasing gastric mucosa defense factor, and inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: LP-HFY09 has the potential to be investigated as a treatment for gastric injury induced by alcohol.