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Georgescu SR, Tocut SM, Matei C, Ene CD, Nicolae I, Tampa M. A Panel of Potential Serum Markers Related to Angiogenesis, Antioxidant Defense and Hypoxia for Differentiating Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas from Actinic Keratoses. J Pers Med 2024; 14:103. [PMID: 38248804 PMCID: PMC10820834 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) arising from the malignant proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes is the second most common skin cancer. Actinic keratosis (AK), which is considered cSCC in situ, may progress into invasive tumors. Currently, there are no serum markers that can differentiate cSCC from AK. The aim of our study was to assess angiogenesis and oxidative stress in patients with cSCC and patients with AK and find reliable serum markers useful in the diagnosis of cSCC. We have determined the serum levels of a group of proangiogenic factors (MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2), the total antioxidative status/capacity (TAS/TAC), ImAnOx, a marker of oxidative stress, and HIF-1 alpha, an indicator of hypoxia. We have identified higher serum levels of MMP-2. MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2 and HIF-1 alpha and lower levels of ImAnOx in cSCC patients compared to AK patients and controls. There were no statistically significant differences between AK patients and controls. We have found positive correlations between proangiogenic markers and HIF-1 alpha and negative correlations between proangiogenic markers and ImAnOx. Our results suggest that MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, FGF2, ImAnOx and HIF-1 may be promising markers for differentiating AK from cSCC, and there is a link between angiogenesis, oxidative stress and hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Roxana Georgescu
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sandra Milena Tocut
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel;
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Wolfson Medical Center”, 61 Halochamim Street, 58100 Holon, Israel
| | - Clara Matei
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Corina Daniela Ene
- Department of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ Nephrology Hospital, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
- Departments of Nephrology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mircea Tampa
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (S.R.G.); (M.T.)
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Victor Babes’ Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
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2
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Cretu B, Zamfir A, Bucurica S, Scheau AE, Savulescu Fiedler I, Caruntu C, Caruntu A, Scheau C. Role of Cannabinoids in Oral Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:969. [PMID: 38256042 PMCID: PMC10815457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Cretu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Alexandra Zamfir
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Sandica Bucurica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University Central Emergency Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Elena Scheau
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ilinca Savulescu Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
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3
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D’Arino A, Caputo S, Eibenschutz L, Piemonte P, Buccini P, Frascione P, Bellei B. Skin Cancer Microenvironment: What We Can Learn from Skin Aging? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14043. [PMID: 37762344 PMCID: PMC10531546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a natural intrinsic process associated with the loss of fibrous tissue, a slower cell turnover, and a reduction in immune system competence. In the skin, the continuous exposition of environmental factors superimposes extrinsic damage, mainly due to ultraviolet radiation causing photoaging. Although not usually considered a pathogenic event, photoaging affects cutaneous biology, increasing the risk of skin carcinogenesis. At the cellular level, aging is typified by the rise of senescence cells a condition characterized by reduced or absent capacity to proliferate and aberrant hyper-secretory activity. Senescence has a double-edged sword in cancer biology given that senescence prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of damaged cells and favors their clearance by paracrine secretion. Nevertheless, the cumulative insults and the poor clearance of injured cells in the elderly increase cancer incidence. However, there are not conclusive data proving that aged skin represents a permissive milieu for tumor onset. On the other hand, tumor cells are capable of activating resident fibroblasts onto a pro-tumorigenic phenotype resembling those of senescent fibroblasts suggesting that aged fibroblasts might facilitate cancer progression. This review discusses changes that occur during aging that can prime neoplasm or increase the aggressiveness of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D’Arino
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Caputo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Eibenschutz
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Piemonte
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Buccini
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Frascione
- Oncologic and Preventative Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS, 00141 Rome, Italy
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Caruntu C, Ilie MA, Neagu M. Looking into the Skin in Health and Disease: From Microscopy Imaging Techniques to Molecular Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13737. [PMID: 37762038 PMCID: PMC10531494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is a complex organ that includes a wide variety of tissue types with different embryological origins [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Rahimi F, Ahmadkhani N, Goodarzi A, Noori F, Hassanzadeh S, Saghati S, Khanmohammadi M, Goodarzi A. Gelatin-based hydrogel functionalized with taurine moieties for in vivo skin tissue regeneration. Biodes Manuf 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s42242-022-00227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
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6
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Dobre EG, Surcel M, Constantin C, Ilie MA, Caruntu A, Caruntu C, Neagu M. Skin Cancer Pathobiology at a Glance: A Focus on Imaging Techniques and Their Potential for Improved Diagnosis and Surveillance in Clinical Cohorts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021079. [PMID: 36674595 PMCID: PMC9866322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis is essential for completely eradicating skin cancer and maximizing patients' clinical benefits. Emerging optical imaging modalities such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near-infrared (NIR) bioimaging, positron emission tomography (PET), and their combinations provide non-invasive imaging data that may help in the early detection of cutaneous tumors and surgical planning. Hence, they seem appropriate for observing dynamic processes such as blood flow, immune cell activation, and tumor energy metabolism, which may be relevant for disease evolution. This review discusses the latest technological and methodological advances in imaging techniques that may be applied for skin cancer detection and monitoring. In the first instance, we will describe the principle and prospective clinical applications of the most commonly used imaging techniques, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of their implementation in the clinical setting. We will also highlight how imaging techniques may complement the molecular and histological approaches in sharpening the non-invasive skin characterization, laying the ground for more personalized approaches in skin cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Surcel
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91-95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Colentina University Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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7
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Dinca AL, Diaconu A, Birla RD, Coculescu BI, Dinca VG, Manole G, Marica C, Tudorache IS, Panaitescu E, Constantinoiu SM, Coculescu EC. Systemic inflammation factors as survival prognosis markers in ovarian neoplasm and the relationship with cancer-associated inflammatory mediators-a review. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231178769. [PMID: 37246293 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231178769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
At the level of the genital system, ovarian neoplasm is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. In the specialized literature, the coexistence of an inflammatory process is admitted from the early stages of the evolution of this pathology. Starting from the importance of this process, both in determinism and in the evolution of carcinogenesis and summarizing the field of knowledge, for this study we considered two objectives: the first was the presentation of the pathogenic mechanism, through which chronic +ovarian inflammation is involved in the process of carcinogenesis, and the second is the justification of the clinical utility of the three parameters, accepted as biomarkers of systemic inflammation: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio in the assessment of prognosis. The study highlights the acceptance of these hematological parameters, with practical utility, as prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer, based on the intrinsic link with cancer-associated inflammatory mediators. Based on the data from the specialized literature, the conclusion is that in ovarian cancer, the inflammatory process induced by the presence of the tumor, induces changes in the types of circulating leukocytes, with immediate effects on the markers of systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriana Diaconu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Daniela Birla
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Ioan Coculescu
- Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Gheorghe Manole
- Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences
- Faculty of General Nursing, Bioterra University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Marica
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Eugenia Panaitescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Elena Claudia Coculescu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Saitburkhanov R, Kubanov AA, Plakhova XI, Kondrakhina IN. Molecular markers of recurrence of basal cell skin cancer. Vestnik dermatologii i venerologii 2022. [DOI: 10.25208/vdv1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer worldwide, with rates increasing by almost 10% annually. It representing a growing public health problem with negative psychosocial and economic consequences.
Analysis of gene expression and proteomic profiling of tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment strongly suggests that certain molecules involved in the pathogenetic pathways of skin cancer may represent novel prognostic biomarkers in basal cell skin cancer.
The PubMed, MedLine, Web of Science and RSCI databases were used to search for the necessary literature.
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Caruntu C, Tsatsakis AM, Tampa M, Georgescu SR, Gonzalez S. Editorial: Recent advances in keratinocyte carcinomas: From molecular mechanisms to clinical perspectives. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1078020. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1078020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Caruntu A, Scheau C, Codrici E, Popescu ID, Calenic B, Caruntu C, Tanase C. The Assessment of Serum Cytokines in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: An Observational Prospective Controlled Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185398. [PMID: 36143043 PMCID: PMC9503270 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interweb of cells and mediators balancing carcinogenesis, inflammation, and the immune response. However, cytokines are not only secreted within the TME but also released by a variety of other cells that do not comprise the TME; therefore, a thorough assessment of humoral changes in OSCC should include the measurement of serum cytokines. Methods: We assessed the role of various serum cytokines in the evolution of OSCC, before and after treatment, versus a control group. We measured the serum concentrations of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Results: Significantly higher values (p < 0.01) were noted for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α in the OSCC group before treatment (n = 13) compared with the control group (n = 14), and the increased concentrations persisted after treatment (n = 11). Furthermore, the variations in the values of MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α are correlated both before and after treatment (p < 0.01). In the pretherapeutic group, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations also correlate with IL-1β and IL-10 serum levels (p < 0.01), while in the posttherapeutic group, IL-4 varies with MIP-1α and TNF-α (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In OSCC patients, serum cytokine levels are significantly higher compared with control, but they are not significantly altered by treatment, therefore implying that they are also influenced by systemic factors. The interactions between all involved cytokines and the various pathways they regulate warrant further studies to clarify their definitive roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Titu Maiorescu" University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Codrici
- Biochemistry-Proteomic Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionela Daniela Popescu
- Biochemistry-Proteomic Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Calenic
- Centre for Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 258 Fundeni Road, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Prof. N.C. Paulescu National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Tanase
- Biochemistry-Proteomic Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, "Titu Maiorescu" University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
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Dantas D, Pereira AG, Fujimori ASS, Ribeiro APD, de Almeida Silva CCV, Monte MG, Corrêa CR, Fernandes AA, Bazan SGZ, Azevedo PS, Minicucci MF, de Paiva SAR, Zornoff LAM, Polegato BF. Doxycycline Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Improving Myocardial Energy Metabolism in Rats. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:254. [PMID: 36005418 PMCID: PMC9410319 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9080254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Evaluate the influence of doxycycline, an anti-inflammatory and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, on the attenuation of chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Methods: We allocated male Wistar rats into four groups: control (C), doxorubicin (D), doxycycline (inhibitor of MMP, IM), and Dox + doxycycline (DIM). Groups IM and DIM received doxycycline (5 mg/kg, IP) once a week for 4 weeks. In addition, 48 h after every doxycycline injection, groups D and DIM received Dox (5 mg/kg, IP). We performed echocardiogram and evaluated TIMP-4 and collagen I protein expression, MMP-2 activity, and oxidative stress and myocardial metabolism. Results: Doxorubicin promotes left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) dilatation and decreases in LV fractional shortening, which was improved by doxycycline. Moreover, doxycycline attenuated the LV cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen type I expression. Doxorubicin increased phosphofructokinase and decreased beta-hydroxyacyl Co-A dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, and ATP synthase activity, which was partially attenuated by doxycycline. Lastly, doxycycline improved antioxidant enzyme activity in the DIM group. Conclusion: Doxorubicin increases oxidative stress and promotes changes in myocardial energy metabolism, accompanied by structural and functional changes. Doxycycline attenuated the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, at least in part, through changes in myocardial energy metabolism.
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Kandhwal M, Behl T, Singh S, Sharma N, Arora S, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Sachdeva M, Bungau S. Role of matrix metalloproteinase in wound healing. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:4391-4405. [PMID: 35958464 PMCID: PMC9360851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of endopeptidases that play a vital role in the restoration of damaged skin. Through mediating various cellular events such as angiogenesis and vasodilation, MMPs are very crucial for the mechanism of wound healing. These enzymes are endopeptidases that are reliant on zinc which are concealed through the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs have different targets in different phases of wound healing through which they are capable of promoting timely healing in the body. This review discusses all the possible role of MMPs and their inhibitors that are involved during every step of the wound healing process. This review highlights the latest advances in the respective field about the regulation and mediation of MMPs in human skin and how these studies can be applied to other branches of medical sciences as well. Published papers were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed and MDPI from the available peer reviewed journals. Research done in the past suggests that active MMPs are involved in the healing progression of the wounds or they have a positive effect towards healing of wounds. Present studies in the relative field will further enhance the knowledge about enzymes working along with their inhibitors. These studies will help in a way to resolve some of the parameters that are necessary for modulating them either positively or negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimansa Kandhwal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara UniversityPunjab 140401, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara UniversityPunjab 140401, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara UniversityPunjab 140401, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara UniversityPunjab 140401, India
| | - Sandeep Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara UniversityPunjab 140401, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of NizwaNizwa 342001, Oman
- School of Health Science, University of Petroleum and Energy StudiesDehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of NizwaNizwa 342001, Oman
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Fatima College of Health SciencesAl Ain 50, United Arab Emirates
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of OradeaOradea 410028, Romania
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Łasińska I, Zielińska A, Mackiewicz J, Souto EB. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Pathology, Current Clinical Treatment, and Potential Use of Lipid Nanoparticles. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2778. [PMID: 35681758 PMCID: PMC9179516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common type of carcinoma diagnosed worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality rates among Caucasians, in particular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The main risk factors of BCC are well-identified, and there are many chemotherapeutic drugs available for its treatment. The effectiveness of therapeutic options is governed by several factors, including the location of the tumor, its size, and the presence of metastases (although rare for BCC). However, available treatments are based on non-targeted approaches, which encounter a significant risk of systemic toxicity in several organs. Site-specific chemotherapy for BCC has been proposed via the loading of anticancer drugs into nanoparticles. Among various types of nanoparticles, in this review, we focus on potential new regimens for the treatment of BCC using classical anticancer drugs loaded into novel lipid nanoparticles. To meet patient aesthetic expectations and enhance the effectiveness of basal cell carcinoma treatment, new therapeutic topical strategies are discussed, despite a limited number of reports available in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Łasińska
- Department of Medical and Experimental Oncology, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 16/18 Grunwaldzka Street, 60-786 Poznań, Poland;
- Department of Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Energetyków Street 2, 65-417 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Zielińska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 32, 60-479 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Jacek Mackiewicz
- Department of Medical and Experimental Oncology, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 16/18 Grunwaldzka Street, 60-786 Poznań, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostics and Cancer Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 15 Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Eliana B. Souto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Krakowski AC, Hafeez F, Westheim A, Pan EY, Wilson M. Advanced basal cell carcinoma: What dermatologists need to know about diagnosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 86:S1-S13. [PMID: 35577405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer, with approximately 3.6 million cases diagnosed each year. About 2000 deaths annually in the United States are attributed to basal and squamous cell skin cancers. There is a direct link between ultraviolet exposure and the development of BCC, as UV exposure damages DNA and induces mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Aberrations in the hedgehog pathway can also result in BCC, highlighted by the fact that most cases of sporadic BCCs have been found to have mutations in different genes involved in the hedgehog pathway. There are several genetic syndromes that are associated with BCCs, including basal cell nevus syndrome, xeroderma pigmentosum, Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome, Rombo syndrome, and Oley syndrome. Other risk factors include age, male gender, occupational hazards, radiation, and immunosuppression. BCCs are not typically staged but are instead stratified by their risk of recurring or metastasizing. Locally advanced BCCs are those tumors that are not amenable to surgery or radiation therapy.
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Chen L, Huang J, Li X, Huang M, Zeng S, Zheng J, Peng S, Li S. Progress of Nanomaterials in Photodynamic Therapy Against Tumor. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:920162. [PMID: 35711646 PMCID: PMC9194820 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.920162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an advanced therapeutic strategy with light-triggered, minimally invasive, high spatiotemporal selective and low systemic toxicity properties, which has been widely used in the clinical treatment of many solid tumors in recent years. Any strategies that improve the three elements of PDT (light, oxygen, and photosensitizers) can improve the efficacy of PDT. However, traditional PDT is confronted some challenges of poor solubility of photosensitizers and tumor suppressive microenvironment. To overcome the related obstacles of PDT, various strategies have been investigated in terms of improving photosensitizers (PSs) delivery, penetration of excitation light sources, and hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition, compared with a single treatment mode, the synergistic treatment of multiple treatment modalities such as photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can improve the efficacy of PDT. This review summarizes recent advances in nanomaterials, including metal nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels and polymers, to enhance the efficiency of PDT against malignant tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Jiayi Zheng
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Peng
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiying Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shiying Li,
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Kavasi RM, Neagu M, Constantin C, Munteanu A, Surcel M, Tsatsakis A, Tzanakakis GN, Nikitovic D. Matrix Effectors in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte-Derived Carcinomas. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:879500. [PMID: 35572966 PMCID: PMC9100789 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.879500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), referred to as keratinocyte carcinomas, are skin cancer with the highest incidence. BCCs, rarely metastasize; whereas, though generally not characterized by high lethality, approximately 2–4% of primary cSCCs metastasize with patients exhibiting poor prognosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a scaffold that provides structural and biological support to cells in all human tissues. The main components of the ECM, including fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans (PGs), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, are secreted by the cells in a tissue-specific manner, critical for the proper function of each organ. The skin compartmentalization to the epidermis and dermis compartments is based on a basement membrane (BM), a highly specialized network of ECM proteins that separate and unify the two compartments. The stiffness and assembly of BM and tensile forces affect tumor progenitors' invasion at the stratified epithelium's stromal border. Likewise, the mechanical properties of the stroma, e.g., stiffness, are directly correlated to the pathogenesis of the keratinocyte carcinomas. Since the ECM is a pool for various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, its' intense remodeling in the aberrant cancer tissue milieu affects biological functions, such as angiogenesis, adhesion, proliferation, or cell motility by regulating specific signaling pathways. This review discusses the structural and functional modulations of the keratinocyte carcinoma microenvironment. Furthermore, we debate how ECM remodeling affects the pathogenesis of these skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela-Maria Kavasi
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Monica Neagu
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Colentina Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Munteanu
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
- Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Surcel
- Immunology Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Forensic Science Department, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George N. Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- *Correspondence: Dragana Nikitovic
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Tzanakakis G, Nikitovic D. Preface of the Special Issue on the Role of Extracellular Matrix in Development and Cancer Progression. Biomolecules 2022; 12:362. [PMID: 35327554 PMCID: PMC8945115 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Ay A, Alkanli N, Cevik G. Investigation of the relationship between MMP-1 (- 1607 1G/2G), MMP-3 (- 1171 5A/6A) gene variations and development of bladder cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7689-95. [PMID: 34693500 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation is an important risk factor in the development of bladder cancer. It may stimulate growth and metastasis of cancer cells. The inflammatory process includes MMP activities and expression. MMP activation can be stimulated by various inflammatory cells. Pathological processes such as bladder cancer may occur due to imbalance in MMP activities. In our study, we aimed to determine the relationship between MMP-1, MMP-3 gene variations associated with chronic inflammation and the bladder cancer development. METHODS Our study was carried out with 89 bladder cancer patients and 78 healthy controls. PCR-RFLP methods were applied to determine MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene variations genotype distributions. RESULTS 1G/1G homozygous and 1G/2G heterozygous genotypes of MMP-1 gene variation were determined more in patients than controls. The 5A/5A homozygous and 5A/6A heterozygous genotypes of the MMP-3 gene variation were detected more in patients than controls. The significant difference was detected in terms of genotype distributions of MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene variations between these groups (p < 0.05). In addition to, the most common haplotype in the patient group were detected as 1G/2G-5A/6A (20.22%). CONCLUSION In this study, MMP-1 and MMP-3 gene variations were determined as possible genetic risk factors for bladder cancer development in the Thrace population.
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Giatagana EM, Berdiaki A, Tsatsakis A, Tzanakakis GN, Nikitovic D. Lumican in Carcinogenesis-Revisited. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091319. [PMID: 34572532 PMCID: PMC8466546 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process with the input and interactions of environmental, genetic, and metabolic factors. During cancer development, a significant remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is evident. Proteoglycans (PGs), such as lumican, are glycosylated proteins that participate in the formation of the ECM and are established biological mediators. Notably, lumican is involved in cellular processes associated with tumorigeneses, such as EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition), cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. Furthermore, lumican is expressed in various cancer tissues and is reported to have a positive or negative correlation with tumor progression. This review focuses on significant advances achieved regardingthe role of lumican in the tumor biology. Here, the effects of lumican on cancer cell growth, invasion, motility, and metastasis are discussed, as well as the repercussions on autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, in light of the available data, novel roles for lumican as a cancer prognosis marker, chemoresistance regulator, and cancer therapy target are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Giatagana
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (G.N.T.)
| | - Aikaterini Berdiaki
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (G.N.T.)
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - George N. Tzanakakis
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (G.N.T.)
| | - Dragana Nikitovic
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (E.-M.G.); (A.B.); (G.N.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-281-039-4557
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Argote Camacho AX, González Ramírez AR, Pérez Alonso AJ, Rejón García JD, Olivares Urbano MA, Torné Poyatos P, Ríos Arrabal S, Núñez MI. Metalloproteinases 1 and 3 as Potential Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169012. [PMID: 34445715 PMCID: PMC8396449 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality globally and was the leading cause of cancer death in women in Spain in 2020. Early diagnosis is one of the most effective methods to lower the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer. The human metalloproteinases (MMP) mainly function as proteolytic enzymes degrading the extracellular matrix and plays important roles in most steps of breast tumorigenesis. This retrospective cohort study shows the immunohistochemical expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in 154 women with breast cancer and 42 women without tumor disease. The samples of breast tissue are assessed using several tissue matrices (TMA). The percentages of staining (≤50%–>50%) and intensity levels of staining (weak, moderate, or intense) are considered. The immunohistochemical expression of the MMP-1-intensity (p = 0.043) and MMP-3 percentage (p = 0.018) and intensity, (p = 0.025) present statistically significant associations with the variable group (control–case); therefore, expression in the tumor tissue samples of these MMPs may be related to the development of breast cancer. The relationships between these MMPs and some clinicopathological factors in breast cancer are also evaluated but no correlation is found. These results suggest the use of MMP-1 and MMP-3 as potential biomarkers of breast cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Torné Poyatos
- Department of Surgery and Its Specialties, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - Sandra Ríos Arrabal
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Correspondence: (S.R.A.); (M.I.N.); Tel.: +34-958-242077 (S.R.A.); +34-958-242077 (M.I.N.)
| | - María Isabel Núñez
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Institute of Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine (IBIMER), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute, ibs.Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.R.A.); (M.I.N.); Tel.: +34-958-242077 (S.R.A.); +34-958-242077 (M.I.N.)
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Gimeno A, Cuffaro D, Nuti E, Ojeda-Montes MJ, Beltrán-Debón R, Mulero M, Rossello A, Pujadas G, Garcia-Vallvé S. Identification of Broad-Spectrum MMP Inhibitors by Virtual Screening. Molecules 2021; 26:4553. [PMID: 34361703 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the family of proteases that are mainly responsible for degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components. In the skin, the overexpression of MMPs as a result of ultraviolet radiation triggers an imbalance in the ECM turnover in a process called photoaging, which ultimately results in skin wrinkling and premature skin ageing. Therefore, the inhibition of different enzymes of the MMP family at a topical level could have positive implications for photoaging. Considering that the MMP catalytic region is mostly conserved across different enzymes of the MMP family, in this study we aimed to design a virtual screening (VS) workflow to identify broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors that can be used to delay the development of photoaging. Our in silico approach was validated in vitro with 20 VS hits from the Specs library that were not only structurally different from one another but also from known MMP inhibitors. In this bioactivity assay, 18 of the 20 compounds inhibit at least one of the assayed MMPs at 100 μM (with 5 of them showing around 50% inhibition in all the tested MMPs at this concentration). Finally, this VS was used to identify natural products that have the potential to act as broad-spectrum MMP inhibitors and be used as a treatment for photoaging.
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