Overexpression of TRIM44 mediates the NF-κB pathway to promote the progression of ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most commonly seen cancer in the US, and patients with OC are commonly diagnosed in the advanced stage. Research into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of OC is becoming increasingly urgent. In our study, we worked to discover the role of TRIM44 in OC development.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored whether the overexpression of TRIM44 mediates the NF-kB pathway to promote the progression of OC.

METHODS

A TRIM44 overexpression model was constructed in SKOV3 cells, and the proliferation ability of the cells was detected using the CCK-8 assay. The migration healing ability of cells was detected using cell scratch assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected using Transwell nesting. TUNEL was applied to detect apoptosis, and ELISA and western blot were used to detect the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway proteins. The pathological changes of the tumor tissues were observed using HE staining in a mouse ovarian cancer xenograft model. Immunofluorescence double staining, RT-PCR, and western blot were used to determine the expression of relevant factors in tumour tissues.

RESULTS

TRIM44 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of SKOV3 cells in vitro and inhibited apoptosis while enhancing the growth of tumours in vivo. TRIM44 regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

TRIM44 overexpression can regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway to promote the progression of OC, and TRIM44 may be a potential therapeutic target for OC.

Mechanism of cryptotanshinone to improve endocrine and metabolic functions in the endometrium of PCOS rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cryptotanshinone is the main bioactive component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, with various mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and hepatoprotection. Salvia miltiorrhiza is used clinically by gynecologists in China.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a significant impact on women's quality of life, leading to infertility and reproductive disorders. Hence, this study aims to assess the pharmacological activity of cryptotanshinone in the treatment of PCOS and investigate its therapeutic mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) combined with insulin is used to simulate a PCOS-like rat model and attempt to discover the abnormal changes that occur and the means by which the pathway acts in this model.

RESULTS

The transcriptome sequencing method is used to identify 292 differential genes that undergo significant changes, of which 219 were upregulated and 73 were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways reveals that differential expressed genes are significantly enriched in 23 typical pathways. Estrogen signaling pathways are screened in the cryptotanshinone and model groups, and significant differential changes in Fos, ALOX12, and AQP8 are found. This suggests that these signaling pathways and molecules may be the main signaling targets for regulating the differences in endometrial tissue.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that cryptotanshinone has targets for regulating the proliferation of endometrial tissue via estrogen signaling pathways in PCOS-like rats, providing an experimental basis for the clinical application of cryptotanshinone in the treatment of PCOS.

Exploring the causal role of multiple metabolites on ovarian cancer: a two sample Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms and risk factors underlying ovarian cancer (OC) remain under investigation, making the identification of new prognostic biomarkers and improved predictive factors critically important. Recently, circulating metabolites have shown potential in predicting survival outcomes and may be associated with the pathogenesis of OC. However, research into their genetic determinants is limited, and there are some inadequacies in understanding the distinct subtypes of OC. In this context, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study aiming to provide evidence for the relationship between genetically determined metabolites (GDMs) and the risk of OC and its subtypes.

METHODS

In this study, we consolidated genetic statistical data of GDMs with OC and its subtypes through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary approach, with MR-Egger and weighted median methods employed for cross-validation to determine whether a causal relationship exists between the metabolites and OC risk. Moreover, a range of sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the robustness of the results. MR-Egger intercept, and Cochran's Q statistical analysis were used to evaluate possible heterogeneity and pleiotropy. False discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied to validate the findings. We also conducted a reverse MR analysis to validate whether the observed blood metabolite levels were influenced by OC risk. Additionally, metabolic pathway analysis was carried out using the MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software.

RESULTS

In MR analysis, we discovered 18 suggestive causal associations involving 14 known metabolites, 8 metabolites as potential risk factors, and 6 as potential cancer risk reducers. In addition, three significant pathways, "caffeine metabolism," "arginine biosynthesis," and "citrate cycle (TCA cycle)" were associated with the development of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC). The pathways "caffeine metabolism" and "alpha-linolenic acid metabolism" were associated with the onset of endometrioid ovarian cancer (OCED).

CONCLUSIONS

Our MR analysis revealed both protective and risk-associated metabolites, providing insights into the potential causal relationships between GDMs and the metabolic pathways related to OC and its subtypes. The metabolites that drive OC could be potential candidates for biomarkers.

[Advances in mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in inhibiting angiogenesis in ovarian cancer]

Ovarian cancer is one of the three major cancers in gynecology. Ovarian cancer has insidious symptoms in its early stages and mostly has progressed to advanced stages when detected. Surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy is currently the main treatment, but the 5-year survival rate is still less than 45%. Angiogenesis is a key step in the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer. The inhibition of ovarian cancer angiogenesis has become a new hotspot in anti-tumor targeted therapy, which has many advantages such as less drug resistance, high specificity, few side effects, and broad anti-tumor spectrum. Modern research has confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can inhibit tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, up-regulating the expression of anti-angiogenic factors, inhibiting the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, reducing the density of tumor microvessels, and regulating related signaling pathways, with unique advantages in the treatment of ovarian cancer. This paper presented a review of the role of TCM in inhibiting ovarian cancer angiogenesis in order to provide references for the optimization of clinical ovarian cancer treatment strategies.

Research progress on the mechanism of glycolysis in ovarian cancer

Glycolysis is the preferred energy metabolism pathway in cancer cells even when the oxygen content is sufficient. Through glycolysis, cancer cells convert glucose into pyruvic acid and then lactate to rapidly produce energy and promote cancer progression. Changes in glycolysis activity play a crucial role in the biosynthesis and energy requirements of cancer cells needed to maintain growth and metastasis. This review focuses on ovarian cancer and the significance of key rate-limiting enzymes (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate kinase, related signaling pathways (PI3K-AKT, Wnt, MAPK, AMPK), transcription regulators (HIF-1a), and non-coding RNA in the glycolytic pathway. Understanding the relationship between glycolysis and these different mechanisms may provide new opportunities for the future treatment of ovarian cancer.

Icariin as a potential anticancer agent: a review of its biological effects on various cancers

Numerous chemical compounds used in cancer treatment have been isolated from natural herbs to address the ever-increasing cancer incidence worldwide. Therein is icariin, which has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and aphrodisiac properties. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and detailed review of studies on icariin in cancer treatment. Given this, this study reviews and examines the relevant literature on the chemopreventive and therapeutic potentials of icariin in cancer treatment and describes its mechanism of action. The review shows that icariin has the property of inhibiting cancer progression and reversing drug resistance. Therefore, icariin may be a valuable potential agent for the prevention and treatment of various cancers due to its natural origin, safety, and low cost compared to conventional anticancer drugs, while further research on this natural agent is needed.

The role of vaginal microecology in the cervical cancer

AIM

To explore the role of vaginal microecology in cervical cancer, so as to increase the understanding of cervical cancer and lay a foundation for future large-sample clinical trials.

METHODS

We reviewed and summarized the literature comprehensively, and discussed the relationship between vaginal microecology and HPV infection, CIN progression and cervical cancer, as well as the potential molecular mechanism and the prospects of probiotics and prebiotics in future cancer treatments.

RESULTS

With the popularization of high-throughput sequencing technology and the development of bioinformatics analysis technology, many evidences show that the increase in the diversity of the bacterial community in the vaginal microecological environment and the decrease in the number of Lactobacilli are associated with the continuous infection of HPV and the further development of CIN, cervical cancer-related.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal microecological imbalance has an important impact on the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. However, the pathogenesis is not completely clear, and more high-level basic research and longitudinal clinical studies are needed to verify.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Dysmenorrhea Caused by Endometriosis: A Review of Utilization and Mechanism

Endometriosis (EM) is a common and benign estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder among women of reproductive age, and secondary dysmenorrhea is one of the more severe symptoms. However, the mechanism behind the development of dysmenorrhea is poorly understood, and there is a lack of effective methods for diagnosing and treating EM dysmenorrhea. In this regard, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has recently come into widespread use due to its limited adverse reactions and high efficiency. This review updates the progress of CAM in the treatment of EM dysmenorrhea and seeks to identify the therapeutic efficacy as well as the mechanisms behind these effects based on the available clinical and experimental studies. According to the literature, CAM therapy for EM dysmenorrhea, including herbs (herbal prescriptions, extracts, and patents), acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine enema (CHM enema), is effective for relieving dysmenorrhea with fewer unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In addition, we discuss and analyze the existing gaps in the literature. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.

microRNA-1271-5p/TIAM1 suppresses the progression of ovarian cancer through inactivating Notch signaling pathway

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) has been regarded as the most malignant gynecological neoplasm and often confers grave outcomes owing to the frequent metastasis and high recurrence. A previous study has demonstrated that miR-1271-5p is implicated in OC progression, however, the possible mechanism of it remains unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to explore how miR-1271-5p regulates the progression of OC.

Methods

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were employed to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs or genes as well as their corresponding prognostic values. miR-1271-5p expression in OC cells was examined by qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and transwell tests were conducted to evaluate the proliferation, migration and invasion potentials. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase activity analysis were utilized to predict and verify the target gene of miR-1271-5p. Western blot assay was carried out to measure protein expression.

Results

miR-1271-5p was significantly decreased in OC and its down-regulation was associated with the grave outcome of OC patients. Upregulation of miR-1271-5p inhibited cell viability, but miR-1271-5p knockdown promoted the proliferation of OC cells. TIAM1 was a direct target gene of miR-1271-5p and expressed in OC tissues at higher level. High expression of TIAM1 induced the poorer prognosis of patients with OC. Further functional analyses showed that the suppressive role of miR-1271-5p on OC cell malignant behaviors was overturned by the upregulation of TIAM1. The protein levels of Cyclin D1, HES1, NOTCH and NUMB were remarkably changed due to the abnormal expression of miR-1271-5p and TIAM1.

Conclusion

To sum up, miR-1271-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of OC cells by directly repressing TIAM1 to inactivate the Notch signaling pathway, which provides an alternative therapeutic candidate for the advancement of OC treatment.

Chinese Obstetrics & Gynecology journal club: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether a journal club model could improve comprehension and written and spoken medical English in a population of Chinese medical professionals.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The study population consisted of 52 medical professionals who were residents or postgraduate master or PhD students in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China.

INTERVENTION

After a three-part baseline examination to assess medical English comprehension, participants were randomised to either (1) an intensive journal club treatment arm or (2) a self-study group. At the conclusion of the 8-week intervention participants (n=52) were re-tested with new questions.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the change in score on a multiple choice examination. Secondary outcomes included change in scores on written and oral examinations which were modelled on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

RESULTS

Both groups had improved scores on the multiple choice examination without a statistically significant difference between them (90% power). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in mean improvement in scores for both written (95% CI 1.1 to 5.0; p=0.003) and spoken English (95% CI 0.06 to 3.7; p=0.04) favouring the journal club intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Interacting with colleagues and an English-speaking facilitator in a journal club improved both written and spoken medical English in Chinese medical professionals. Journal clubs may be suitable for use as a self-sustainable teaching model to improve fluency in medical English in foreign medical professionals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01844609.

[Effect of Brucea javanica fruit oil emulsion combined cisplatin on the growth inhibition of transplanted tumor in human ovarian cancer SKOV3 nude mice: an experimental study]

OBJECTIVE

To study the growth inhibition effect of Brucea javanica Fruit Oil Emulsion (BJFOE) on human ovarian caner SKOV3 cells and the transplanted tumor of SKOV3 nude mice.

METHODS

Growth inhibition effects of different concentrations BJFOE alone or its combination with cisplatin on human ovarian cancer cell SKOV3 were measured using MTT method. The orthotopic transplantation tumor model of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell lines was established in nude mice. Totally 32 ovarian cancer nude mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the blank control group (Group A), the BJFOE group (Group B), the BJFOE combined Cisplatin group (Group C), and the Cisplatin control group (Group D), 8 in each group. Mice in Group A were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline (0.2 mL/ 20 g), once per two days. Mice in Group B were intraperitoneally injected with BJFOE (0.2 mL/20 g), once per two days. Mice in Group C were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin (3 mg/kg) 0.2 mL on the first day, and intraperitoneally injected with BJFOE on the second day. Mice in Group D were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin (3 mg/kg) 0.2 mL, once per two days. All mice were injected for six times, and sacrificed 48 h after the last injection. The lesion formation of the abdominal tumor tissue was observed. Tumor specimens were obtained to perform HE staining. Expression levels of MRP-1/CD9 and integrinα-5 were detected using Western blot.

RESULTS

The inhibition of BJFOE was time-dose depend- ently correlated with its inhibition effect of SKOV3 cells. The inhibition effect of BJFOE in combination of cisplatin was significantly superior to that of using any of the two drugs alone. Western blot results showed expression levels of MRP-1/CD9 and integrinα-5 were up-regulated in Group B and Group D with statistical difference (P < 0.05). But they were down-regulated in Group C with statistical difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal injecting BJFOE was feasible and effective for treating ovarian cancer. BJFOE also could inhibit the invasion and migration of tumor cells targeting at MRP-1/CD9 and integrinα-5. But its specific anti-tumor mechanism was not clearly probed.

The complementary and alternative medicine for endometriosis: a review of utilization and mechanism

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the common gynecological conditions causing menstrual and pelvic pain and affects 10%-15% of women of reproductive age. In recent years, the complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatment for EM has become popular due to the few adverse reactions reported. The CAM therapy for EM includes several different treatments such as herbs (herbal prescription, extract, and patent), acupuncture, microwave physiotherapy, and Chinese herb medicine enema (CHM enema). These CAM therapies are effective at relieving dysmenorrhoea, shrinking adnexal masses, and promoting pregnancy, with less unpleasant side effects when compared to hormonal and surgical treatments. In this review, we focus on the status quo of CAM on EM and try to identify therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms based on some clinical and experimental studies. We hope to provide some instructive suggestions for clinical treatment and experimental research in the future.

[The significance and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor on nasal inverted papillomas]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor in nasal inverted papillomas (NIP) and to clarify the function of VEGF in the establishment of NIPs.

METHOD

VEGF and its receptor, fetal liver kinase-1 (flk-1) expression were examined by immunohistochemistry using SP method in sections of NIPs from 11 patients and inferior turbinates from 6 patients with chronic simple rhinitis. An automatic image analyzer was used to detect the staining results. Gray scale, a half-quantitative parameter, was used to describe the expression of VEGF and flk-1.

RESULT

It showed that all the epithelium in NIPs, together with vascular and stroma adjacent to the epithelium, expressed different degree of VEGF. The VEGF expression in epithelium was significantly stronger in NIPs than that in inferior turbinates (P < 0.001). The expressions of both VEGF and flk-1 in vascular endothelium were more intense in NIPs than that in inferior turbinates (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Flk-1 positive expression was observed in epithelium of NIPs but not in inferior turbinates.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that VEGF participate in the growth of NIPs, part of which shows the characteristics of containing plenty of blood vessels and being bloody in operation. The enhanced expression of VEGF may also play a key role in the development of edematous stroma. The expression degree of VEGF in the epithelium may be identified as one of the parameters of judging the propensity of NIPs' malignant transformation.