Modulators affecting the immune dialogue between human immune and colon cancer cells

LincRNA PRNCR1 activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to drive the deterioration of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating miR-411-3p/ZEB1 axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an intractable malignant disease with high incidence rate annually. LincRNA PRNCR1 has been confirmed as a tumor supporter, while its functions in HCC remain unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of LincRNA PRNCR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. The qRT-PCR was applied to the quantification of non-coding RNAs. Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were applied to reflect the change in the phenotype of HCC cells. Moreover, the databases including Targetscan and Starbase and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to investigate the interaction of the genes. The western blot was applied to detect the abundance of proteins and the activity of the related pathways. Elevated LincRNA PRNCR1 was dramatically upregulated in HCC pathological samples and cell lines. MiR-411-3p served as a target of LincRNA PRNCR1, and decreased miR-411-3p was found in the clinical samples and cell lines. LincRNA PRNCR1 downregulation could induce the expression of miR-411-3p, and LincRNA PRNCR1 silence could impede the malignant behaviors via increasing the abundance of miR-411-3p. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was confirmed as a target of miR-411-3p, which remarkably upregulated in HCC cells, and ZEB1 upregulation could significantly rescue the effect of miR-411-3p on malignant behaviors of HCC cells. Moreover, LincRNA PRNCR1 was confirmed to involve the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via regulating miR-411-3p/ZEB1 axis. This study suggested that LincRNA PRNCR1 could drive the malignant progression of HCC via regulating miR-411-3p/ZEB1 axis.

Bibliometric analysis of research on digestive system tumors and depression

Background

Malignant tumors of the digestive system pose a serious threat to human health due to their highly malignant nature. Depression, as the most common psychiatric symptom of digestive system tumors, has attracted much attention regarding its potential relationship with these tumors. A thorough investigation into the connection between digestive system tumors and depression is extremely important for strengthening patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Methods

From 2014 to 2023, we conducted a literature search using specific keywords in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and performed visual analysis of the selected literature using Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer software. In this study, we analyzed countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords.

Results

A total of 384 research articles on the relationship between digestive system tumors and depression were identified. The number of publications showed a gradual increase over time. In terms of disciplinary distribution, Oncology, Health Care Sciences Services, and Medicine General Internal ranked top in terms of publication volume. In terms of geographical distribution, China and the United States were the countries contributing the most publications. Additionally, Maastricht University contributed the most publications. Regarding authors, Beekman, Aartjan T.F. and Dekker, Joost had the highest number of publications, while Zigmond, A.S. had the most citations. It is worth mentioning that Supportive Care in Cancer was the journal with the most publications in this field. In terms of keyword analysis, research mainly focused on mechanisms and treatment strategies related to the relationship between digestive system tumors and depression.

Conclusion

The relationship between digestive system tumors and depression has become a new research hotspot in recent years, offering new directions for future research. This research reveals novel perspectives on comprehending the connection between the two, which can guide future research and practice.

Correlation of serum VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, and activin A levels with frailty

BACKGROUND

Secretory factors linked to lymphogenesis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), angiopoietin like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), and activin A (ACV-A), have been recognized as potential markers of chronic inflammatory status and age-related diseases. Furthermore, these factors may also be linked to frailty. The primary objective of this study was to examine the serum VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, and ACV-A levels in young individuals, healthy older individuals, and older individuals with pre-frailty and frailty, and to determine their association with pro-inflammatory factor levels.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study, enrolling a total of 210 older individuals and 20 young healthy volunteers. Participants were divided into four groups based on the Freid frailty phenotype: healthy young group, older patients without frailty group, pre-frail older group, and frail older group. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from all four groups. ELISA was used to measure the serum levels of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, ACV-A, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while RT-qPCR was used to measure the transcription level of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4 and ACV-A in PBMCs.

RESULTS

In comparison to healthy young individuals and older participants without frailty, older participants with frailty exhibited lower renal function, higher serum levels and transcription levels of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, ACV-A, and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CRP, IL-1β, and TNF-α). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum levels of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, and ACV-A were positively correlated with the frailty index, independent of age, eGFR, and comorbidities. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that serum levels of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, and ACV-A have great accuracy in predicting frailty.

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum levels of VEGF-C, ANGPTL4, and ACV-A are associated with frailty status.

Novel PBMC LncRNA signatures as diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer

The expression of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and its clinical relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains largely uncharacterized. To address these gaps, we investigated the expression profiles of lncRNAs in PBMC from CRC and healthy controls (HC) by RNA sequencing. The expression level of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative PCR in PBMC samples from CRC patients and HC. A total of 447 DElncRNAs were identified, with 178 elevated lncRNAs and 269 decreased lncRNAs in PBMC from CRC patients as compared with that from HC. RT-PCR results supported a significant elevation of NEAT1:11, lnc-PDZD8-1:5 and LINC00910:16 in 98 CRC patients and 82 HC. The clinical implication of NEAT1:11, lnc-PDZD8-1:5 and LINC00910:16 as CRC diagnostic biomarker were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, showing sensitivity 74.5% and specificity 84.5% for joint detection the three lncRNAs. Notably, NEAT1:11 was closely related with the size and extent of primary tumor, with higher relative expression of NEAT1:11 in higher T stage (P = 0.0047). Moreover, NEAT1:11 was related with grade (P = 0.012). Collectively, PBMC from patients with CRC show significantly variable expression profiles of lncRNAs, and detection of these differential expression lncRNAs may provide useful information for basic and clinical research.

Regenerating gene 4 promotes chemoresistance of colorectal cancer by affecting lipid droplet synthesis and assembly

BACKGROUND

Regenerating gene 4 (REG4) has been proved to be carcinogenic in some cancers, but its manifestation and possible carcinogenic mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not yet been elucidated. Our previous study found that the drug resistance of CRC cells may be closely linked to their fat metabolism.

AIM

To explore the role of REG4 in CRC and its association with lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis and bioinformatics and pathological analyses of REG4 expression in CRC. The effects of REG4 on the phenotypes and related protein expression were also investigated in CRC cells. We detected the impacts of REG4 on the chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in CRC cells. Finally, we analyzed how REG4 regulated the transcription and proteasomal degradation of lipogenic enzymes in CRC cells.

RESULTS

Compared to normal mucosa, REG4 mRNA expression was high in CRC (P < 0.05) but protein expression was low. An inverse correlation existed between lymph node and distant metastases, tumor-node-metastasis staging or short overall survival and REG4 mRNA overexpression (P < 0.05), but vice versa for REG4 protein expression. REG4-related genes included: Chemokine activity; taste receptors; protein-DNA and DNA packing complexes; nucleosomes and chromatin; generation of second messenger molecules; programmed cell death signals; epigenetic regulation and DNA methylation; transcription repression and activation by DNA binding; insulin signaling pathway; sugar metabolism and transfer; and neurotransmitter receptors (P < 0.05). REG4 exposure or overexpression promoted proliferation, antiapoptosis, migration, and invasion of DLD-1 cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner by activating the epidermal growth factor receptor-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt-nuclear factor-κB pathway. REG4 was involved in chemoresistance not through de novo lipogenesis, but lipid droplet assembly. REG4 inhibited the transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) by disassociating the complex formation of anti-acetyl (AC)-acetyl-histone 3-AC-histone 4-inhibitor of growth protein-5-si histone deacetylase;-sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 in their promoters and induced proteasomal degradation of ACC1 or ACLY.

CONCLUSION

REG4 may be involved in chemoresistance through lipid droplet assembly. REG4 reduces expression of de novo lipid synthesis key enzymes by inhibiting transcription and promoting ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation.

Perturbation of miR-146b and relevant inflammatory elements in esophageal carcinoma patients supports an immune downregulatory mechanism

BACKGROUND

Esophageal Cancer is known as one of the deadliest cancers worldwide with the squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) being the predominant subtype. There is a growing body of evidence linking the dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) pathway of immune cells to the progression of several tumors. In a previous study, we investigated molecular alterations pertaining to miR-146a and some components of NF-kB signaling pathway and proposed a possible immune downregulatory mechanism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ESCC patients. Here, we further scrutinized other components of this pathway by evaluating PBMC levels of miR-146b, TLR4, IL10, and TNFA.

METHODS

Gene expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR assays. To prevent the vulnerability of results to the expression instability of reference genes, nine additional transcripts were quantified, and stable reference genes for normalizing qPCR data were identified using the NormFinder and the geNorm algorithms. The efficiency-corrected normalized relative quantity values were used to compare gene expressions among study groups.

RESULTS

The PBMC expression of miR-146b and TNFA was downregulated in ESCC patients as compared to healthy subjects. While the level of TLR4 was not different among the study groups, the PBMC level of IL10 was upregulated in ESCC patients. Logistic regression analyses coupled with the ROC curve and cross-validation analysis suggested that PBMC expression may serve as potential candidate biomarker for discriminating ESCC patients from healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

The present findings, in line with our previous report, propose a particular gene expression pattern in PBMCs of ESCC patients, providing evidence in support of an immune downregulatory mechanism.

Paeoniflorin attenuates the allergic contact dermatitis response via inhibiting the IFN-γ production and the NF-κB/IκBα signaling pathway in T lymphocytes

Paeoniflorin (PF) has been demonstrated to have an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, its clinical application is hampered by the lacking of comprehensive mechanical explanation. This research aimed to study the effect of PF on the proliferation, apoptosis and cytokines secretion as well as the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways of T lymphocytes activation in vitro and in vivo. We found that PF depressed human T lymphocytes activation via inhibition ofinterferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production and NF-κB/IκBα and p38 MAPK signaling pathway in vitro, also PF could attenuate such ACD responses by inhibiting the production of IFN-γ and NF-κB/IκBα pathway in T lymphocytes of ACD mouse model, suggesting that PF might be useful for the treatment of T cell-mediated allergic inflammatory disorders such as ACD. This would make PF a promising T cell-targeted drug candidate for further study because of its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Inhibition of Ca2+ -activated chloride channel ANO1 suppresses ovarian cancer through inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling

Most common ovarian cancers are epithelial carcinoma in which the etiology for carcinogenesis remains elusive. ANO1/TMEM16A, a member of Ca²⁺ -activated Cl^- channels (CaCCs), has been demonstrated to promote epithelium-originated cancers and whether it plays a role in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer is unknown. In our study we found that ANO1 proteins were overexpressed in human epithelial ovarian cancer cells and tissue samples. ANO1 protein upregulation was correlated with the clinical FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) staging and poor grade in ovarian cancer tissues. Interestingly, the upregulation of ANO1 gene expression was also detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from preoperative patients with ovarian tumors, and the down-regulation of ANO1 in the PBMCs from postoperative patients. Silencing of ANO1 inhibited proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, ANO1 knockdown attenuated phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt, and inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling by specific inhibitor LY294002 resulted in suppression of ovarian cancer cells growth promoted by ANO1 expression. Furthermore, intratumoral injection of ANO1 siRNA suppressed subcutaneous xenograft tumor growth in nude mice implanted with ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ANO1 overexpression is involved in the pathogenesis of human epithelial ovarian cancer. Inhibition of ANO1 upregulation or inactivating PI3K/Akt signaling may have therapeutic potential for epithelial ovarian cancer, and the detection of ANO1 expression level in PBMCs from patients may also serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancers.

Potato freeze-thaw solution enhances immune function and antitumor activity in vivo

Although potato extract, derived from various methods, exhibits anticancer, antiviral and anti-parasite activities in vitro and in vivo, the bioactivity of potato solution remains unclear using the freeze-thaw extraction method granted by the State Intellectual Property Office of China. In the present study, a potato freeze-thaw solution (PFTS) was fed to mice with ascites tumor that were pre-treated with cyclophosphamide. The numbers of peripheral white blood cells (WBCs), macrophage phagocytosis, lymphocyte transformation and survival of mice were measured. While mice injected with cyclophosphamide exhibited decreased counts of peripheral WBCs, treatment of the cyclophosphamide-injected mice with PFTS for 10 days significantly increased the number of peripheral WBCs and reversed WBC counts to the normal level, a comparable effect to that of Ganoderma lucidum. In addition, treatment with PFTS for 20 days significantly enhanced peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis and lymphocyte transformation. Lastly, PFTS was noticed to prolong the survival of tumor-bearing mice when compared with that of control mice. Collectively, these data suggested that PFTS, at least in part, enhances immune function and possesses antitumor activity.

DAPK loss in colon cancer tumor buds: implications for migration capacity of disseminating tumor cells

Defining new therapeutic strategies to overcome therapy resistance due to tumor heterogeneity in colon cancer is challenging. One option is to explore the molecular profile of aggressive disseminating tumor cells. The cytoskeleton-associated Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) is involved in the cross talk between tumor and immune cells at the invasion front of colorectal cancer. Here dedifferentiated tumor cells histologically defined as tumor budding are associated with a high risk of metastasis and poor prognosis. Analyzing samples from 144 colorectal cancer patients we investigated immunhistochemical DAPK expression in different tumor regions such as center, invasion front, and buds. Functional consequences for tumor aggressiveness were studied in a panel of colon tumor cell lines using different migration, wound healing, and invasion assays. DAPK levels were experimentally modified by siRNA transfection and overexpression as well as inhibitor treatments. We found that DAPK expression was reduced towards the invasion front and was nearly absent in tumor buds. Applying the ECIS system with HCT116 and HCT116 stable lentiviral DAPK knock down cells (HCTshDAPK) we identified an important role for DAPK in decreasing the migratory capacity whereas proliferation was not affected. Furthermore, the migration pattern differed with HCTshDAPK cells showing a cluster-like migration of tumor cell groups. DAPK inhibitor treatment revealed that the migration rate was independent of DAPK's catalytic activity. Modulation of DAPK expression level in SW480 and DLD1 colorectal cancer cells significantly influenced wound closure rate. DAPK seems to be a major player that influences the migratory capability of disseminating tumor cells and possibly affects the dynamic interface between pro- and anti-survival factors at the invasion front of colorectal cancer. This interesting and new finding requires further evaluation.

Capsaicin Modulates the Immune Cross Talk Between Human Mononuclears and Cells from Two Colon Carcinoma Lines

BACKGROUND

Capsaicin, the pungent alkaloid of the chili peppers, has gained a worldwide reputation. In addition to its culinary assets, capsaicin possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even carcinopreventive properties. Considering the linkage between chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis, the aim of the study was to evaluate the role of capsaicin in the immune interplay between human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and HT-29 or RKO cells from human colon carcinoma lines.

METHODS

PBMCs were incubated for 24 hours with either HT-29 or RKO cells and concentrations of capsaicin ranging between 10 and 200 µM. Subsequently, the generation of the following cytokines was examined: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-1ra, and IL-10.

RESULTS

Capsaicin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of colon cancer cells proliferation but had no effect on PBMC viability. 200 µM of capsaicin suppressed the production of all cytokines tested. At lower concentrations, the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-1ra was inhibited concentration-dependently, whereas that of IL-6 was stimulated.

CONCLUSIONS

Capsaicin causes a concentration-dependent alteration of the immune balance between PBMC and colon carcinoma cells expressed as an inhibited generation of inflammatory cytokines. These findings indicate the existence of an additional immunomodulatory mechanism by which this alkaloid may prevent tumor development.

Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health

Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular for women's health, particularly for older women. The specific botanicals women take vary as a function of age. Younger women will use botanicals for urinary tract infections, especially Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), where there is evidence for efficacy. Botanical dietary supplements for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are less commonly used, and rigorous clinical trials have not been done. Some examples include Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Angelica sinensis (dong quai), Viburnum opulus/prunifolium (cramp bark and black haw), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). Pregnant women have also used ginger for relief from nausea. Natural galactagogues for lactating women include Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Silybum marianum (milk thistle); however, rigorous safety and efficacy studies are lacking. Older women suffering menopausal symptoms are increasingly likely to use botanicals, especially since the Women's Health Initiative showed an increased risk for breast cancer associated with traditional hormone therapy. Serotonergic mechanisms similar to antidepressants have been proposed for Actaea/Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) and Valeriana officinalis (valerian). Plant extracts with estrogenic activities for menopausal symptom relief include Glycine max (soy), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Humulus lupulus (hops), Glycyrrhiza species (licorice), Rheum rhaponticum (rhubarb), Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Epimedium species (herba Epimedii, horny goat weed), and Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Some of the estrogenic botanicals have also been shown to have protective effects against osteoporosis. Several of these botanicals could have additional breast cancer preventive effects linked to hormonal, chemical, inflammatory, and/or epigenetic pathways. Finally, although botanicals are perceived as natural safe remedies, it is important for women and their healthcare providers to realize that they have not been rigorously tested for potential toxic effects and/or drug/botanical interactions. Understanding the mechanism of action of these supplements used for women's health will ultimately lead to standardized botanical products with higher efficacy, safety, and chemopreventive properties.

Inhibition of SW620 human colon cancer cells by upregulating miRNA-145

AIM: To investigate the targeted inhibition of proliferation and migration of SW620 human colon cancer cells by upregulating miRNA-145 (miR-145).

METHODS: Forty-five samples of colon cancer tissues and 45 normal control samples were obtained from the biological database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University. We performed quantitative analysis of miR-145 and N-ras expression in tissues; reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of miR-145 expression in SW620 colon cancer cells and normal colonic epithelial cells; construction of miR-145 lentiviral vector and determination of miR-145 expression in SW620 cells transduced with miR-145 vector; analysis of the effect of miR-145 overexpression on SW620 cell proliferation; analysis of the effect of miR-145 overexpression on SW620 cell migration using a wound healing assay; and analysis of the effect of miR-145 on N-ras expression using Western blotting.

RESULTS: miR-145 expression was significantly downregulated in colon cancer tissues, with its expression in normal colonic tissues being 4-5-fold higher (two sample t test, P < 0.05), whereas N-ras expression showed the opposite trend. miR-145 expression in SW620 cells was downregulated, which was significantly lower compared to that in colonic epithelial cells (two sample t test, P < 0.05). miR-145 vector and control were successfully packaged; expression of miR-145 in SW620 cells transduced with miR-145 was 8.2-fold of that in control cells (two sample t test, P < 0.05). The proliferation of miR-145-transduced SW620 cells was significantly decreased compared to control cells (two sample t test, P < 0.05). At 48 h in the wound healing experiment, the migration indexes and controls were (97.27% ± 9.25%) and (70.22% ± 6.53%), respectively (two sample t test, P < 0.05). N-ras expression in miR-145-tranduced SW620 cells was significantly lower than others (one-way analysis of variance, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: miR-145 is important in inhibiting colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. This is a good foundation for development of colon cancer therapy by targeting tumor suppressor miR-145.

The effect of low or high molecular weight oat beta-glucans on the inflammatory and oxidative stress status in the colon of rats with LPS-induced enteritis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of low and high molecular weight beta-glucans on the chosen immunological parameters, markers of antioxidative potential in rats' colon tissue, the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in rats' faeces.

METHODS

The experiment was carried out on 72 8-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats: control (n = 36) and experimental (n = 36). In half of the animals from each group enteritis was induced by LPS (10 mg kg(-1)). Rats from the experimental group were divided into two groups receiving high (GI) or low (GII) molecular weight beta-glucans for 6 consecutive weeks.

RESULTS

LPS evoked enteritis in all the treated animals, manifested by changes in the levels of IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha, as well as in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) in the colon tissue. Dietary supplementation with beta-glucans following LPS treatment partially reversed this effect. The changes in SCFA concentration were noted, indicating an improvement of the fermentation process in the colon. This effect coincided with an increased number of LAB, pointing at the prebiotic properties of beta-glucans. The positive influence of beta-glucans was also manifested by the improved values of antioxidative potential markers (TAS, SOD, GR and GPx activity, TBARS concentration), noted especially in rats with LPS-induced enteritis. This influence was more pronounced in the case of low molecular weight oat beta-glucan (GII).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed a positive effect of beta-glucans, especially the low molecular weight form, on the colon tissue of healthy rats, as well as animals with LPS-induced enteritis.

Vitamin B6 Modifies the Immune Cross-Talk between Mononuclear and Colon Carcinoma Cells

The role of vitamin B6 as a key component in a number of biological events has been well established. Based on the relationship between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis on the one hand, and the interaction between immune and cancer cells expressed by modulated cytokine production on the other hand, the aim of the present work was to examine the possibility that vitamin B6 affects cancer development by an interference in the cross-talk between human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and those from two colon carcinoma cell lines. Both non-stimulated PBMC and mononuclear cells induced for cytokine production by HT-29 and RKO cells from human colon carcinoma lines were incubated without and with 4, 20 and 100 μg/ml of pyridoxal hydrochloride (vitamin B6) and secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-1ra was examined. Vit B6 caused a dose-dependent decrease in production of all cytokines examined, except for that of IL-1ra. The results indicate that vitamin B6 exerts an immunomodulatory effect on human PBMC. The finding that production of inflammatory cytokines is more pronounced when PBMC are in contact with malignant cells and markedly inhibited by the vitamin suggests an additional way by which vitamin B6 may exert its carcinopreventive effect.

IL17 Functions through the Novel REG3β-JAK2-STAT3 Inflammatory Pathway to Promote the Transition from Chronic Pancreatitis to Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) offers an optimal model for discovering "druggable" molecular pathways that participate in inflammation-associated cancer development. Chronic pancreatitis, a common prolonged inflammatory disease, behaves as a well-known premalignant condition that contributes to PDAC development. Although the mechanisms underlying the pancreatitis-to-cancer transition remain to be fully elucidated, emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that the actions of proinflammatory mediators on cells harboring Kras mutations promote neoplastic transformation. Recent elegant studies demonstrated that the IL17 pathway mediates this phenomenon and can be targeted with antibodies, but the downstream mechanisms by which IL17 functions during this transition are currently unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that IL17 induces the expression of REG3β, a well-known mediator of pancreatitis, during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and in early pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions. Furthermore, we found that REG3β promotes cell growth and decreases sensitivity to cell death through activation of the gp130-JAK2-STAT3-dependent pathway. Genetic inactivation of REG3β in the context of oncogenic Kras-driven PDAC resulted in reduced PanIN formation, an effect that could be rescued by administration of exogenous REG3β. Taken together, our findings provide mechanistic insight into the pathways underlying inflammation-associated pancreatic cancer, revealing a dual and contextual pathophysiologic role for REG3β during pancreatitis and PDAC initiation.

Advances and perspectives of colorectal cancer stem cell vaccine

Colorectal cancer is essentially an environmental and genetic disease featured by uncontrolled cell growth and the capability to invade other parts of the body by forming metastases, which inconvertibly cause great damage to tissues and organs. It has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in the developed countries such as United States, and approximately 1.2 million new cases are yearly diagnosed worldwide, with the death rate of more than 600,000 annually and incidence rates are increasing in most developing countries. Apart from the generally accepted theory that pathogenesis of colorectal cancer consists of genetic mutation of a certain target cell and diversifications in tumor microenvironment, the colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs) theory makes a different explanation, stating that among millions of colon cancer cells there is a specific and scanty cellular population which possess the capability of self-renewal, differentiation and strong oncogenicity, and is tightly responsible for drug resistance and tumor metastasis. Based on these characteristics, CCSCs are becoming a novel target cells both in the clinical and the basic studies, especially the study of CCSCs vaccines due to induced efficient immune response against CCSCs. This review provides an overview of CCSCs and preparation technics and targeting factors related to CCSCs vaccines in detail.

Immune cell interplay in colorectal cancer prognosis

The immune response to colorectal cancer has proven to be a reliable measure of patient outcome in several studies. However, the complexity of the immune response in this disease is not well understood, particularly the interactions between tumour-associated cells and cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. This review will discuss the relationship between cancer associated fibroblasts and macrophages, as well as between macrophages and T cells, and demonstrate how each population may support or prevent tumour growth in a different immune environment.

Anti-G-CSF treatment induces protective tumor immunity in mouse colon cancer by promoting protective NK cell, macrophage and T cell responses

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine that is highly expressed in human and mouse colorectal cancers (CRC). We previously reported that G-CSF stimulated human CRC cell growth and migration, therefore in this study we sought to examine the therapeutic potential of anti-G-CSF treatment for CRC. G-CSF is known to mobilize neutrophils, however its impact on other immune cells has not been well examined. Here, we investigated the effects of therapeutic anti-G-CSF treatment on CRC growth and anti-tumor immune responses. C57BL/6 mice treated with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) to induce neoplasms were administered anti-G-CSF or isotype control antibodies three times a week for three weeks. Animals treated with anti-G-CSF antibodies had a marked decrease in neoplasm number and size compared to the isotype control group. Colon neutrophil and macrophage frequency were unchanged, but the number of macrophages producing IL-10 were decreased while IL-12 producing macrophages were increased. NK cells were substantially increased in colons of anti-G-CSF treated mice, along with IFNγ producing CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. These studies are the first to indicate a crucial role for G-CSF inhibition in promoting protective anti-tumor immunity, and suggest that anti-G-CSF treatment is a potential therapeutic approach for CRC.

Association between expression of inflammatory factors and gastric and duodenal mucosa injury induced by radiotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-22 (IL-22) and radiation induced gastric and duodenal injury in pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODS: Twenty healthy adults and 30 pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected from these subjects before, in the middle of and after radiotherapy. Real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-22, respectively.

RESULTS: Expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-22 mRNAs was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the normal control group (t = 4.404, P = 0.000; t = 2.250, P = 0.030; t = 2.178, P = 0.038). At the protein level, the expression of IL-6 was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 3.766, P = 0.001). The expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs showed a descending trend along with the accumulation of radiation dose. The expression level of IL-6 mRNA had a significant difference between before and after radiotherapy (t = 2.800, P = 0.007). The expression level of IL-22 was slightly higher in the experimental group than in the control group, though the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of mucosal injury was 40% (12 cases) in the study. The expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNAs in patients without mucosal injury group showed a gradually declining trend. The expression of IL-6 in patients differed between after and before radiotherapy (t = 2.439, P = 0.021). The expression of IL-6 in patients with mucosal injury was maintained at a relatively high level after radiotherapy. The mRNA expression of IL-22 in patients without mucosal injury decreased in the middle of radiotherapy. The expression of inflammatory factors in patients with mucosa injury was significantly lower than that in patients without mucosa injury (P > 0.05). Similarly, although protein expression of IL-6 in patients without mucosa injury seemed lower than that in patients with mucosa injury groups, and the expression of IL-22 seemed higher than that in the injury group, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: IL-6, TNF-α and IL-22 are associated with the pathogenesis of radiation induced gastric and duodenal injury in patients with pancreatic cancer. These inflammatory factors may be used as predictors of radiation induced gastric and duodenal injury in pancreatic cancer patients.

Quantum dot-based multiplexed imaging in malignant ascites: a new model for malignant ascites classification

Purpose

The aims of this study are to establish a new method for simultaneously detecting the interactions between cancer cells and immunocytes in malignant ascites (MA) and to propose a new model for MA classification.

Methods

A quantum dot (QD)-based multiplexed imaging technique was developed for simultaneous in situ imaging of cancer cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. This method was first validated in gastric cancer tissues, and then was applied to MA samples from 20 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal and gynecological origins. The staining features of MA and the interactions between cancer cells and immunocytes in the ascites were further analyzed and correlated with clinical features.

Results

The QD-based multiplexed imaging technique was able to simultaneously show gastric cancer cells, infiltrating macrophages, and lymphocytes in tumor tissue, and the technique revealed the distinctive features of the cancer tumor microenvironment. When this multiplexed imaging protocol was applied to MA cytology, different features of the interactions and quantitative relations between cancer cells and immunocytes were observed. On the basis of these features, MA could be classified into immunocyte-dominant type, immunocyte-reactive type, cancer cell-dominant type, and cell deletion type; the four categories were statistically different in terms of the ratio of cancer cells to immunocytes (P<0.001). Moreover, in the MA, the ratio of cancer cells to immunocytes was higher for patients with gynecological and gastric cancers than for those with colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

The newly developed QD-based multiplexed imaging technique was able to better reveal the interactions between cancer cells and immunocytes. This advancement allows for better MA classification and, thereby, allows for treatment decisions to be more individualized.

Gene therapy for malignant glioma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and devastating primary brain tumor in adults. Despite current treatment modalities, such as surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, only modest improvements in median survival have been achieved. Frequent recurrence and invasiveness of GBM are likely due to the resistance of glioma stem cells to conventional treatments; therefore, novel alternative treatment strategies are desperately needed. Recent advancements in molecular biology and gene technology have provided attractive novel treatment possibilities for patients with GBM. Gene therapy is defined as a technology that aims to modify the genetic complement of cells to obtain therapeutic benefit. To date, gene therapy for the treatment of GBM has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in pre-clinical studies and promising safety profiles in clinical studies. However, while this approach is obviously promising, concerns still exist regarding issues associated with transduction efficiency, viral delivery, the pathologic response of the brain, and treatment efficacy. Tumor development and progression involve alterations in a wide spectrum of genes, therefore a variety of gene therapy approaches for GBM have been proposed. Improved viral vectors are being evaluated, and the potential use of gene therapy alone or in synergy with other treatments against GBM are being studied. In this review, we will discuss the most commonly studied gene therapy approaches for the treatment of GBM in preclinical and clinical studies including: prodrug/suicide gene therapy; oncolytic gene therapy; cytokine mediated gene therapy; and tumor suppressor gene therapy. In addition, we review the principles and mechanisms of current gene therapy strategies as well as advantages and disadvantages of each.

Gene therapy for malignant glioma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and devastating primary brain tumor in adults. Despite current treatment modalities, such as surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, only modest improvements in median survival have been achieved. Frequent recurrence and invasiveness of GBM are likely due to the resistance of glioma stem cells to conventional treatments; therefore, novel alternative treatment strategies are desperately needed. Recent advancements in molecular biology and gene technology have provided attractive novel treatment possibilities for patients with GBM. Gene therapy is defined as a technology that aims to modify the genetic complement of cells to obtain therapeutic benefit. To date, gene therapy for the treatment of GBM has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in pre-clinical studies and promising safety profiles in clinical studies. However, while this approach is obviously promising, concerns still exist regarding issues associated with transduction efficiency, viral delivery, the pathologic response of the brain, and treatment efficacy. Tumor development and progression involve alterations in a wide spectrum of genes, therefore a variety of gene therapy approaches for GBM have been proposed. Improved viral vectors are being evaluated, and the potential use of gene therapy alone or in synergy with other treatments against GBM are being studied. In this review, we will discuss the most commonly studied gene therapy approaches for the treatment of GBM in preclinical and clinical studies including: prodrug/suicide gene therapy; oncolytic gene therapy; cytokine mediated gene therapy; and tumor suppressor gene therapy. In addition, we review the principles and mechanisms of current gene therapy strategies as well as advantages and disadvantages of each.