Pediatric Cancer Communication on Twitter: Natural Language Processing and Qualitative Content Analysis

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter (recently rebranded as "X") was the most widely used social media platform with over 2 million cancer-related tweets. The increasing use of social media among patients and family members, providers, and organizations has allowed for novel methods of studying cancer communication.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine pediatric cancer-related tweets to capture the experiences of patients and survivors of cancer, their caregivers, medical providers, and other stakeholders. We assessed the public sentiment and content of tweets related to pediatric cancer over a time period representative of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

All English-language tweets related to pediatric cancer posted from December 11, 2019, to May 7, 2022, globally, were obtained using the Twitter application programming interface. Sentiment analyses were computed based on Bing, AFINN, and NRC lexicons. We conducted a supplemental nonlexicon-based sentiment analysis with ChatGPT (version 3.0) to validate our findings with a random subset of 150 tweets. We conducted a qualitative content analysis to manually code the content of a random subset of 800 tweets.

RESULTS

A total of 161,135 unique tweets related to pediatric cancer were identified. Sentiment analyses showed that there were more positive words than negative words. Via the Bing lexicon, the most common positive words were support, love, amazing, heaven, and happy, and the most common negative words were grief, risk, hard, abuse, and miss. Via the NRC lexicon, most tweets were categorized under sentiment types of positive, trust, and joy. Overall positive sentiment was consistent across lexicons and confirmed with supplemental ChatGPT (version 3.0) analysis. Percent agreement between raters for qualitative coding was 91%, and the top 10 codes were awareness, personal experiences, research, caregiver experiences, patient experiences, policy and the law, treatment, end of life, pharmaceuticals and drugs, and survivorship. Qualitative content analysis showed that Twitter users commonly used the social media platform to promote public awareness of pediatric cancer and to share personal experiences with pediatric cancer from the perspective of patients or survivors and their caregivers. Twitter was frequently used for health knowledge dissemination of research findings and federal policies that support treatment and affordable medical care.

CONCLUSIONS

Twitter may serve as an effective means for researchers to examine pediatric cancer communication and public sentiment around the globe. Despite the public mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, overall sentiments of pediatric cancer-related tweets were positive. Content of pediatric cancer tweets focused on health and treatment information, social support, and raising awareness of pediatric cancer.

Causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and cancers: A drug target Mendelian randomization study

Accumulating evidences have indicated that lipid-lowering drugs have effect for the treatment of cancers. However, causal associations between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers are still unclear. In our study, we utilized single nucleotide polymorphisms of proprotein convertase subtilis kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-assisted enzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors and performed a drug target Mendelian randomization to explore the causal association between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers. Five regression methods were carried out, including inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode and weighted mode methods, of which IVW method was considered as the main analysis. Our outcome dataset contained the risk of breast cancer (BC), colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric cancer (GC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (PC), and skin cancer (SC). Our results demonstrated that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a decreased effect of GC [IVW: OR = 0.482, 95% CI: 0.264-0.879, P = .017]. Besides, genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC [IVW: OR = 1.421, 95% CI: 1.056-1.911, P = .020], PC [IVW: OR = 1.617, 95% CI: 1.234-2.120, P = .0005] and SC [IVW: OR = 1.266, 95% CI: 1.022-1.569, P = .031]. For GC [IVW: OR = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.382-0.820, P = .0029] and HCC [IVW: OR = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.085-0.686, P = .0077], HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk. Our method suggested that PCSK9 inhibitors were significant associated with a protective effect of GC. Genetic inhibitions of HMGCR were significant correlated with an increased effect of BC, PC and SC. Meanwhile, HMGCR inhibitors had a protective risk of GC and HCC. Subsequent studies still needed to assess potential effects between lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of cancers with clinical trials.

Human papillomavirus infection: Epidemiology, biology, host interactions, cancer development, prevention, and therapeutics

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is caused by the HPV, a DNA virus that infects epithelial cells in various mucous membranes and skin surfaces. HPV can be categorised into high-risk and low-risk types based on their association with the development of certain cancers. High-risk HPV types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to be oncogenic and are strongly associated with the development of cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. These types of HPV can persist in the body for an extended period and, in some cases, lead to the formation of precancerous lesions that may progress to cancer if left untreated. Low-risk HPV types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, are not typically associated with cancer but can cause benign conditions like genital warts. Genital warts are characterised by the growth of small, cauliflower-like bumps on the genital and anal areas. Although not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and psychological distress. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be transmitted through non-penetrative sexual activities that involve skin-to-skin contact. In addition to sexual transmission, vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth is possible but relatively rare. Prevention of HPV infection includes vaccination and safe sexual practices. HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Cervarix, are highly effective in preventing infection with the most common high-risk HPV types. These vaccines are typically administered to adolescents and young adults before they become sexually active. Safe sexual practices, such as consistent and correct condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners, can also reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Diagnosis of HPV infection can be challenging because the infection is often asymptomatic, especially in men. In women, HPV testing can be done through cervical screening programs, which involve the collection of cervical cells for analysis. Abnormal results may lead to further diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy or biopsy, to detect precancerous or cancerous changes. Overall, HPV infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with significant implications for public health. Vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions are key strategies to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases and their associated complications. Education and awareness about HPV and its prevention are crucial in promoting optimal sexual health. This study aimed to carry out a literature review considering several aspects involving HPV infection: Global distribution, prevalence, biology, host interactions, cancer development, prevention, therapeutics, coinfection with other viruses, coinfection with bacteria, association with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and association with anal cancer.

ZIP transporters-regulated Zn2+ homeostasis: A novel determinant of human diseases

As an essential trace element for organisms, zinc participates in various physiological processes, such as RNA transcription, DNA replication, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. The destruction of zinc homeostasis is associated with various diseases. Zinc homeostasis is controlled by the cooperative action of zinc transporter proteins that are responsible for the influx and efflux of zinc. Zinc transporter proteins are mainly categorized into two families: Zrt/Irt-like protein (SLC39A/ZIP) family and zinc transporter (SLC30A/ZNT) family. ZIP transporters contain 14 members, namely ZIP1-14, which can be further divided into four subfamilies. Currently, ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis is one of the research hotspots. Cumulative evidence suggests that ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis may cause physiological dysfunction and contribute to the onset and progression of diverse diseases, such as cancers, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we initially discuss the structure and distribution of ZIP transporters. Furthermore, we comprehensively review the latest research progress of ZIP transporters-regulated zinc homeostasis in diseases, providing a new perspective into new therapeutic targets for treating related diseases.

Monitoring Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Cancer via a Smart T-Shirt: Prospective, Single-Cohort, Mixed Methods Feasibility Study (OncoSmartShirt Study)

Background

Wearables that measure vital parameters can be potential tools for monitoring patients at home during cancer treatment. One type of wearable is a smart T-shirt with embedded sensors. Initially, smart T-shirts were designed to aid athletes in their performance analyses. Recently however, researchers have been investigating the use of smart T-shirts as supportive tools in health care. In general, the knowledge on the use of wearables for symptom monitoring during cancer treatment is limited, and consensus and awareness about compliance or adherence are lacking.

objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to and experiences with using a smart T-shirt for the home monitoring of biometric sensor data among adolescent and young adult patients undergoing cancer treatment during a 2-week period.

Methods

This study was a prospective, single-cohort, mixed methods feasibility study. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 to 39 years and those who were receiving treatment at Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Denmark. Consenting patients were asked to wear the Chronolife smart T-shirt for a period of 2 weeks. The smart T-shirt had multiple sensors and electrodes, which engendered the following six measurements: electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, thoracic respiration, abdominal respiration, thoracic impedance, physical activity (steps), and skin temperature. The primary end point was adherence, which was defined as a wear time of >8 hours per day. The patient experience was investigated via individual, semistructured telephone interviews and a paper questionnaire.

Results

A total of 10 patients were included. The number of days with wear times of >8 hours during the study period (14 d) varied from 0 to 6 (mean 2 d). Further, 3 patients had a mean wear time of >8 hours during each of their days with data registration. The number of days with any data registration ranged from 0 to 10 (mean 6.4 d). The thematic analysis of interviews pointed to the following three main themes: (1) the smart T-shirt is cool but does not fit patients with cancer, (2) the technology limits the use of the smart T-shirt, and (3) the monitoring of data increases the feeling of safety. Results from the questionnaire showed that the patients generally had confidence in the device.

Conclusions

Although the primary end point was not reached, the patients' experiences with using the smart T-shirt resulted in the knowledge that patients acknowledged the need for new technologies that improve supportive cancer care. The patients were positive when asked to wear the smart T-shirt. However, technical and practical challenges in using the device resulted in low adherence. Although wearables might have potential for home monitoring, the present technology is immature for clinical use.

Predictive and Prognostic Relevance of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells: Tailoring Personalized Treatments against Different Cancer Types

TIICs are critical components of the TME and are used to estimate prognostic and treatment responses in many malignancies. TIICs in the tumor microenvironment are assessed and quantified by categorizing immune cells into three subtypes: CD66b+ tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In addition, many cancers have tumor-infiltrating M1 and M2 macrophages, neutrophils (Neu), CD4+ T cells (T-helper), CD8+ T cells (T-cytotoxic), eosinophils, and mast cells. A variety of clinical treatments have linked tumor immune cell infiltration (ICI) to immunotherapy receptivity and prognosis. To improve the therapeutic effectiveness of immune-modulating drugs in a wider cancer patient population, immune cells and their interactions in the TME must be better understood. This study examines the clinicopathological effects of TIICs in overcoming tumor-mediated immunosuppression to boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer prognosis. We successfully analyzed the predictive and prognostic usefulness of TIICs alongside TMB and ICI scores to identify cancer's varied immune landscapes. Traditionally, immune cell infiltration was quantified using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE, and other platforms that use integrated immune gene sets from previously published studies. We have also thoroughly examined traditional limitations and newly created unsupervised clustering and deconvolution techniques (SpatialVizScore and ProTICS). These methods predict patient outcomes and treatment responses better. These models may also identify individuals who may benefit more from adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment. Overall, we think that the significant contribution of TIICs in cancer will greatly benefit postoperative follow-up, therapy, interventions, and informed choices on customized cancer medicines.

Clinical and Genetic Correlation in Neurocristopathies: Bridging a Precision Medicine Gap

Neurocristopathies (NCPs) encompass a spectrum of disorders arising from issues during the formation and migration of neural crest cells (NCCs). NCCs undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upon key developmental gene deregulation, fetuses and neonates are prone to exhibit diverse manifestations depending on the affected area. These conditions are generally rare and often have a genetic basis, with many following Mendelian inheritance patterns, thus making them perfect candidates for precision medicine. Examples include cranial NCPs, like Goldenhar syndrome and Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome; cardiac-vagal NCPs, such as DiGeorge syndrome; truncal NCPs, like congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome; and enteric NCPs, such as Hirschsprung disease. Additionally, NCCs' migratory and differentiating nature makes their derivatives prone to tumors, with various cancer types categorized based on their NCC origin. Representative examples include schwannomas and pheochromocytomas. This review summarizes current knowledge of diseases arising from defects in NCCs' specification and highlights the potential of precision medicine to remedy a clinical phenotype by targeting the genotype, particularly important given that those affected are primarily infants and young children.

Predictors of mortality in hospitalized African American COVID-19 patients with cancer

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest differently depending on patients' background and pre-existing conditions. It remains unclear how African Americans with cancer have been affected in comparison to those without. In this study, we aim to identify demographic, clinical, and laboratory markers associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with cancer.

Methods

We reviewed all COVID-19 hospitalized patients' records from Dec. 2019 to Oct. 2021 at Howard University Hospital. Patients having a history of, or active, cancer were reviewed. Clinical, treatment, lab test values, and pathological data were extracted. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted on the entire cohort as well as on cases and controls separately, using SPSS software.

Results

Out of 512 COVID-19 infected patients, 49 had cancer, either active or history of cancer (cases) and 463 COVID-19 were cancer-free (controls), allowing for comparison. African American race was predominant in both cases and controls, 83.7% and 66.7% respectively. Cancer patients were older than non-cancer patients (mean age: 70.6 vs. 56.3 years) and had an increased length of hospital stay (mean 13.9 vs. 9.4 days). Mortality is significantly higher among cancer patients (n=10, 20.4%, P=0.03) compared to non-cancer COVID-19 patients (n=41, 8.9%). Among cancer patients, breast cancer was more prevalent in females and prostate cancer in males (54% and 52%, respectively). A comparison of patients with active vs. previous cancer showed no significant difference in the clinical outcome, death vs. discharge (P=0.34). A higher reduction in albumin level in cancer cases, from the time of admission to day 5, was significantly associated with death during the hospital stay compared to those discharged (n=24, 49.0%, P<0.001). In controls, lymphopenia (n=436, 94.2%, P=0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (n=59, 12.7%, P=0.008) and albumin (n=40, 8.6%, P=0.02) have shown an association with increased mortality.

Conclusions

Albumin level has an inverse relationship with clinical outcomes among all COVID-19 infected cancer patients. Reduction in albumin level during the hospital stay, particularly in COVID-19 cancer patients should be considered as a predictor of mortality. Further research with a large cohort size is needed to verify and identify other predictors of outcomes in COVID-19 patients with cancer.

ORAI Ca2+ Channels in Cancers and Therapeutic Interventions

The ORAI proteins serve as crucial pore-forming subunits of calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, pivotal in regulating downstream calcium-related signaling pathways. Dysregulated calcium homeostasis arising from mutations and post-translational modifications in ORAI can lead to immune disorders, myopathy, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancers. Small molecules targeting ORAI present an approach for calcium signaling modulation. Moreover, emerging techniques like optogenetics and optochemistry aim to offer more precise regulation of ORAI. This review focuses on the role of ORAI in cancers, providing a concise overview of their significance in the initiation and progression of cancers. Additionally, it highlights state-of-the-art techniques for ORAI channel modulation, including advanced optical tools, potent pharmacological inhibitors, and antibodies. These novel strategies offer promising avenues for the functional regulation of ORAI in research and may inspire innovative approaches to cancer therapy targeting ORAI.

Tumor Suppressor MicroRNAs in Clinical and Preclinical Trials for Neurological Disorders

Cancers and neurological disorders are two major types of diseases in humans. We developed the concept called the "Aberrant Cell Cycle Disease (ACCD)" due to the accumulating evidence that shows that two different diseases share the common mechanism of aberrant cell cycle re-entry. The aberrant cell cycle re-entry is manifested as kinase/oncoprotein activation and tumor suppressor (TS) inactivation, which are associated with both tumor growth in cancers and neuronal death in neurological disorders. Therefore, some cancer therapies (e.g., kinase/oncogene inhibition and TS elevation) can be leveraged for neurological treatments. MicroRNA (miR/miRNA) provides a new style of drug-target binding. For example, a single tumor suppressor miRNA (TS-miR/miRNA) can bind to and decrease tens of target kinases/oncogenes, producing much more robust efficacy to block cell cycle re-entry than inhibiting a single kinase/oncogene. In this review, we summarize the miRNAs that are altered in both cancers and neurological disorders, with an emphasis on miRNA drugs that have entered into clinical trials for neurological treatment.

The causal relationship between psoriasis and cancers: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Background

Although observational studies suggest a correlation between psoriasis (PS) and cancers, it is still unknown whether this association can replace causal relationships due to the limitations of observational studies. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causal relationship between PS and cancers.

Methods

PS genetic summary data were obtained from two genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We employed MR Base for individuals retrieving tumors from distinct locations. Inverse-variance weighted analysis was the principal method used for MR, supplemented by weighted median, MR Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. To investigate the possible link between psoriasis and cancers, we performed two independent two-sample MR studies and a meta-analysis based on two independent MR analyses.

Results

Two independent MR analyses both found no significant causal relationship between PS and overall cancers (OR=1.0000, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.9999-1.0001, P=0.984; OR=1.0000, 95% CI:0.9999-1.0001, P=0.761), and no significant causal relationship with 17 site-specific cancers. In the meta-analysis conducted by two two-sample MR analyses, there was no significant causal relationship between PS and overall cancers (OR=1.0000, 95% CI: 0.9999-1.0001, P=1.00, I 2 = 0.0%), and there was no significant causal relationship with 17 site-specific cancers.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support a genetic link between PS and cancers. More population-based and experimental investigations will be required better to understand the complicated relationship between PS and cancers.

Cancer cachexia reduces the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Cachexia, a multifactorial syndrome, is frequently noticed in cancer patients. A recent study has shown inconsistent findings about the relationship between cachexia and the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). To analyze this disparity, we did a meta-analysis.

METHODS

From the beginning of each database to July 2023, literature describing the association between cachexia and prognosis of ICI-treated patients with solid malignancies was systematically searched in three online databases. Estimates were pooled, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated.

RESULTS

We analyzed a total of 12 articles, which included data from 1407 patients. The combined results of our analysis showed that cancer patients with cachexia had significantly worse overall survival (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.59-2.22, p < 0.001), progression-free survival (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.59-2.12, p < 0.001), and time to treatment failure (HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.32-3.50, p = 0.002). These findings were consistent in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Additionally, while not statistically significant, we observed a trend towards a lower objective response rate in cancer patients with cachexia compared to those without cachexia (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.32-1.09, p = 0.093).

CONCLUSION

Poor survival in cachexia patients suggests a negative relationship between cachexia and ICI efficacy. In clinical practice, the existence of cachexia should be estimated to choose individuals who may benefit from ICIs.

LncRNAs act as modulators of macrophages within the tumor microenvironment

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been established as pivotal players in various cellular processes, encompassing the regulation of transcription, translation, post-translational modulation of proteins, thereby influencing cellular functions. Notably, lncRNAs exert a regulatory influence on diverse biological processes, particularly in the context of tumor development. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit the M2 phenotype, exerting significant impact on crucial processes such as tumor initiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Elevated infiltration of TAMs into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers. LncRNAs within TAMs play a direct role in regulating cellular processes. Functioning as integral components of tumor-derived exosomes, lncRNAs prompt the M2-like polarization of macrophages. Concurrently, reports indicate that lncRNAs in tumor cells contribute to the expression and release of molecules that modulate TAMs within the TME. These actions of lncRNAs induce the recruitment, infiltration, and M2 polarization of TAMs, thereby providing critical support for tumor development. In this review, we survey recent studies elucidating the impact of lncRNAs on macrophage recruitment, polarization, and function across different types of cancers.

Advances in Ferroptosis-Inducing Agents by Targeted Delivery System in Cancer Therapy

Currently, cancer remains one of the most significant threats to human health. Treatment of most cancers remains challenging, despite the implementation of diverse therapies in clinical practice. In recent years, research on the mechanism of ferroptosis has presented novel perspectives for cancer treatment. Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death process caused by lipid peroxidation of membrane unsaturated fatty acids catalyzed by iron ions. The rapid development of bio-nanotechnology has generated considerable interest in exploiting iron-induced cell death as a new therapeutic target against cancer. This article provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements at the intersection of iron-induced cell death and bionanotechnology. In this respect, the mechanism of iron-induced cell death and its relation to cancer are summarized. Furthermore, the feasibility of a nano-drug delivery system based on iron-induced cell death for cancer treatment is introduced and analyzed. Secondly, strategies for inducing iron-induced cell death using nanodrug delivery technology are discussed, including promoting Fenton reactions, inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4, reducing low glutathione levels, and inhibiting system Xc-. Additionally, the article explores the potential of combined treatment strategies involving iron-induced cell death and bionanotechnology. Finally, the application prospects and challenges of iron-induced nanoagents for cancer treatment are discussed.

The role of circadian clock in regulating cell functions: implications for diseases

The circadian clock system orchestrates daily behavioral and physiological rhythms, facilitating adaptation to environmental and internal oscillations. Disruptions in circadian rhythms have been linked to increased susceptibility to various diseases and can exacerbate existing conditions. This review delves into the intricate regulation of diurnal gene expression and cell function by circadian clocks across diverse tissues. . Specifically, we explore the rhythmicity of gene expressions, behaviors, and functions in both immune and non-immune cells, elucidating the regulatory effects and mechanisms imposed by circadian clocks. A detailed discussion is centered on elucidating the complex functions of circadian clocks in regulating key cellular signaling pathways. We further review the circadian regulation in diverse diseases, with a focus on inflammatory diseases, cancers, and systemic diseases. By highlighting the intimate interplay between circadian clocks and diseases, especially through clock-controlled cell function, this review contributes to the development of novel disease intervention strategies. This enhanced understanding holds significant promise for the design of targeted therapies that can exploit the circadian regulation mechanisms for improved treatment efficacy.

Comparison between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors on the risk of incident cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus: A real-world evidence study

AIMS

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have been demonstrated to be associated with cancer cell mechanisms. However, whether they increase the risk of cancer remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between SGLT-2i use and the incidence of cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. The study population comprised patients with DM, and those who first used SGLT-2is during 2016-2018 were assigned to the study group. Greedy propensity score matching was performed to select patients who first used dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), and these patients were assigned to the control group. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer risk in the study and control groups; this model was adjusted for demographic characteristics, DM severity, comorbidities and concomitant medication use.

RESULTS

After controlling for relevant variables, the SGLT-2i cohort (aHR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.87-0.93) had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer than the DPP-4i cohort, particularly when the SGLT-2i was dapagliflozin (aHR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.87-0.95) or empagliflozin (aHR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.86-0.94). Regarding cancer type, the SGLT-2i cohort's risk of cancer was significantly lower than that of the DPP-4i cohort for leukaemia, oesophageal, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, lung, skin and bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT-2i use was associated with a significantly lower risk of cancer than DPP-4i use.

Insulin Resistance: The Increased Risk of Cancers

Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, is the result of a decreased reaction of insulin signaling to blood glucose levels. This state is observed when muscle cells, adipose tissue, and liver cells, improperly respond to a particular concentration of insulin. Insulin resistance and related increased plasma insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) may cause metabolic impairments, which are pathological states observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Observations of cancer patients confirm that hyperinsulinemia is a major factor influencing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Obesity and diabetes have been reported as risks of the initiation, progression, and metastasis of several cancers. However, both of the aforementioned pathologies may independently and additionally increase the cancer risk. The state of metabolic disorders observed in cancer patients is associated with poor outcomes of cancer treatment. For example, patients suffering from metabolic disorders have higher cancer recurrence rates and their overall survival is reduced. In these associations between insulin resistance and cancer risk, an overview of the various pathogenic mechanisms that play a role in the development of cancer is discussed.

The important regulatory roles of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides in cancer pathogenesis (Review)

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules characterized by their covalently closed structures. There are three types of circRNAs, namely exonic circRNAs, exon‑intron circRNAs and circular intronic RNAs. To date, four distinct mechanisms have been unveiled through which circRNAs exert their functional influence, including serving as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, interacting with RNA binding proteins (RBPs), modulating parental gene transcription and acting as templates for translation. Of note, among these mechanisms, the miRNA/RBP sponge function has been the most investigated one. Recent research has uncovered the presence of various proteins or peptides encoded by circRNA. CircRNAs are translated independent of the 5' cap and 3' polyA tail, which are typical elements for linear RNA translation. Some unique elements, such as internal ribosome entry sites and N‑methyladenosine modifications, facilitate the initiation of translation. These circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides participate in diverse signalling pathways and act as important regulators in carcinogenesis by influencing cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and other key processes. Consequently, circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides have great potential as therapeutic targets for anticancer drugs. The present comprehensive review aimed to systematically summarize the current understanding of circRNA‑encoded proteins or peptides and to unveil their roles in carcinogenesis.

Breast cancer: A review of risk factors and diagnosis

Breast cancer remains a complex and prevalent health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted landscape of breast cancer, elucidating the diverse spectrum of risk factors contributing to its occurrence and exploring advancements in diagnostic methodologies. Through an extensive examination of current literature, various risk factors have been identified, encompassing genetic predispositions such as BRCA mutations, hormonal influences, lifestyle factors, and reproductive patterns. Age, family history, and environmental factors further contribute to the intricate tapestry of breast cancer etiology. Moreover, this review delineates the pivotal role of diagnostic tools in the early detection and management of breast cancer. Mammography, the cornerstone of breast cancer screening, is augmented by emerging technologies like magnetic resonance imaging and molecular testing, enabling improved sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing breast malignancies. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in ensuring widespread accessibility to screening programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. In conclusion, this review underscores the importance of understanding diverse risk factors in the development of breast cancer and emphasizes the critical role of evolving diagnostic modalities in enhancing early detection. The synthesis of current knowledge in this review aims to contribute to a deeper comprehension of breast cancer's multifactorial nature and inform future directions in research, screening strategies, and preventive interventions.

Transgenerational Transmission of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) Effects in Human Granulosa Cells: The Role of MicroRNAs

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) might contribute to the increase in female-specific cancers in Western countries. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is considered the "prototypical toxicant" to study EDCs' effects on reproductive health. Epigenetic regulation by small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNA), is crucial for controlling cancer development. The aim of this study was to analyze transcriptional activity and sncRNA expression changes in the KGN cell line after acute (3 h) and chronic (72 h) exposure to 10 nM TCDD in order to determine whether sncRNAs' deregulation may contribute to transmitting TCDD effects to the subsequent cell generations (day 9 and day 14 after chronic exposure). Using Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 4.0 arrays, 109 sncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed (fold change < -2 or >2; p-value < 0.05) between cells exposed or not (control) to TCDD for 3 h and 72 h and on day 9 and day 14 after chronic exposure. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted that following the acute and chronic exposure of KGN cells, sncRNAs linked to cellular development, growth and proliferation were downregulated, and those linked to cancer promotion were upregulated on day 9 and day 14. These results indicated that TCDD-induced sncRNA dysregulation may have transgenerational cancer-promoting effects.

Beyond boundaries: unraveling innovative approaches to combat bone-metastatic cancers

Evidence demonstrated that bones, liver, and lungs are the most common metastasis sites in some human malignancies, especially in prostate and breast cancers. Bone is the third most frequent target for spreading tumor cells among these organs and tissues. Patients with bone-metastatic cancers face a grim prognosis characterized by short median survival time. Current treatments have proven insufficient, as they can only inhibit metastasis or tumor progression within the bone tissues rather than providing a curative solution. Gaining a more profound comprehension of the interplay between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment (BME) is of utmost importance in tackling this issue. This knowledge will pave the way for developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying bone metastasis and discusses the clinical aspects of this pathologic condition. Additionally, it highlights emerging therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by bone-metastatic cancers. By synthesizing current research, this review seeks to shed light on the complexities of bone metastasis and offer insights for future advancements in patient care.

PPARγ, NF-κB and the UPR pathway as new molecular targets in the anti-inflammatory actions of NSAIDs: Novel applications in cancers and central nervous system diseases?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or celecoxib have a well-established and unquestionable role in the human therapeutic arsenal, but still new perspectives are being discovered. This review presents new anti-inflammatory mechanisms of NSAIDs action, other than the classical one, i.e., the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms leading to the prostanoids synthesis blockage. Literature data show that this group of drugs can activate anti-inflammatory peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), inhibit pro-inflammatory nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation or modulate the components of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. These alternative pathways induced by NSAIDs may not only enhance their basic anti-inflammatory mechanism of action but also promote other effects of the drugs such as anti-cancer. It was also proved that neuroinflammation, with the involvement of NF-κB, PPARγ and the components of the UPR pathway has an essential impact on the development of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Thus, it seems possible that these new molecular targets may expand the use of NSAIDs, e.g., in the treatment of cancers and/or CNS disorders.

Detailed role of microRNA-mediated regulation of PI3K/AKT axis in human tumors

The regulation of signal transmission and biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, migration, and angiogenesis are greatly influenced by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Highly conserved endogenous non-protein-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) have the ability to regulate gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation or mRNA degradation. MiRNAs serve key role in PI3K/AKT pathway as upstream or downstream target, and aberrant activation of this pathway contributes to the development of cancers. A growing body of research shows that miRNAs can control the PI3K/AKT pathway to control the biological processes within cells. The expression of genes linked to cancers can be controlled by the miRNA/PI3K/AKT axis, which in turn controls the development of cancer. There is also a strong correlation between the expression of miRNAs linked to the PI3K/AKT pathway and numerous clinical traits. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway-associated miRNAs are potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, therapy, and prognostic evaluation. The role and clinical applications of the PI3K/AKT pathway and miRNA/PI3K/AKT axis in the emergence of cancers are reviewed in this article.

Role of RNA binding proteins of the Drosophila behavior and human splicing (DBHS) family in health and cancer

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial roles in the functions and homoeostasis of various tissues by regulating multiple events of RNA processing including RNA splicing, intracellular RNA transport, and mRNA translation. The Drosophila behavior and human splicing (DBHS) family proteins including PSF/SFPQ, NONO, and PSPC1 are ubiquitously expressed RBPs that contribute to the physiology of several tissues. In mammals, DBHS proteins have been reported to contribute to neurological diseases and play crucial roles in cancers, such as prostate, breast, and liver cancers, by regulating cancer-specific gene expression. Notably, in recent years, multiple small molecules targeting DBHS family proteins have been developed for application as cancer therapeutics. This review provides a recent overview of the functions of DBHS family in physiology and pathophysiology, and discusses the application of DBHS family proteins as promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets for cancers.

Identifying diseases associated with Post-COVID syndrome through an integrated network biology approach

A growing body of research shows that COVID-19 is now recognized as a multi-organ disease with a wide range of manifestations that can have long-lasting repercussions, referred to as post-COVID-19 syndrome. It is unknown why the vast majority of COVID-19 patients develop post-COVID-19 syndrome, or why patients with pre-existing disorders are more likely to experience severe COVID-19. This study used an integrated network biology approach to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and other disorders. The approach involved building a PPI network with COVID-19 genes and identifying highly interconnected regions. The molecular information contained within these subnetworks, as well as the pathway annotations, were used to reveal the link between COVID-19 and other disorders. Using Fisher's exact test and disease-specific gene information, significant COVID-19-disease associations were discovered. The study discovered diseases that affect multiple organs and organ systems, thus proving the theory of multiple organ damage caused by COVID-19. Cancers, neurological disorders, hepatic diseases, cardiac disorders, pulmonary diseases, and hypertensive diseases are just a few of the conditions linked to COVID-19. Pathway enrichment analysis of shared proteins revealed the shared molecular mechanism of COVID-19 and these diseases. The findings of the study shed new light on the major COVID-19-associated disease conditions and how their molecular mechanisms interact with COVID-19. The novelty of studying disease associations in the context of COVID-19 provides new insights into the management of rapidly evolving long-COVID and post-COVID syndromes, which have significant global implications.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The programed death-1/programed death ligand-1 axis and its potential as a therapeutic target for virus-associated tumours

As an important and serious condition impacting human health, the diagnosis, and treatment of tumours is clinically vital because tumour cell immune escape sustains tumour development. Programed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumour cell surfaces binds to the programed death-1 (PD-1), inhibits T cell activation, and induces apoptosis, and incapacitates cells. This allows tumour cells to evade recognition and clearance by the immune system, thereby permitting tumour occurrence, and development and poor prognosis outcomes in patients with tumours. Currently, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has become pivotal in tumour treatment. Pathogens, especially viruses, are important factors which induce many tumours. In this article, we examine associations between Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1-related tumours and PD-1/PD-L1 axis.

MET Oncogene Enhances Pro-Migratory Functions by Counteracting NMDAR2B Cleavage

The involvement of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a glutamate-gated ion channel, in promoting the invasive growth of cancer cells is an area of ongoing investigation. Our previous findings revealed a physical interaction between NMDAR and MET, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this NMDAR/MET interaction remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the NMDAR2B subunit undergoes proteolytic processing, resulting in a low-molecular-weight form of 100 kDa. Interestingly, when the NMDAR2B and MET constructs were co-transfected, the full-size high-molecular-weight NMDAR2B form of 160 kDa was predominantly observed. The protection of NMDAR2B from cleavage was dependent on the kinase activity of MET. We provide the following evidence that MET opposes the autophagic lysosomal proteolysis of NMDAR2B: (i) MET decreased the protein levels of lysosomal cathepsins; (ii) treatment with either an inhibitor of autophagosome formation or the fusion of the autophagosome and lysosome elevated the proportion of the NMDAR2B protein's uncleaved form; (iii) a specific mTOR inhibitor hindered the anti-autophagic effect of MET. Finally, we demonstrate that MET coopts NMDAR2B to augment cell migration. This implies that MET harnesses the functionality of NMDAR2B to enhance the ability of cancer cells to migrate.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and AL Amyloidosis

Human body cells are stem cell (SC) derivatives originating from bone marrow. Their special characteristics include their capacity to support the formation and self-repair of the cells. Cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and invade healthy tissues, making stem cell transplants a viable option for cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). When chemotherapy is used at very high doses to eradicate all cancer cells from aggressive tumors, blood-forming cells and leukocytes are either completely or partially destroyed. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is necessary for patients in those circumstances. The patients who undergo autologous transplants receive their own stem cells (SCs). The transplanted stem cells first come into contact with the bone marrow and then undergo engraftment, before differentiating into blood cells. ASCT is one of the most significant and innovative strategies for treating diseases. Here we focus on the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and AL amyloidosis, using ASCT. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the effectiveness and the safety of ASCT as a therapeutic approach for these diseases, based on the currently available evidence.

Natural Product Cordycepin (CD) Inhibition for NRP1/CD304 Expression and Possibly SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility Prevention on Cancers

NRP1/CD304 is a typical membrane-bound co-receptor for the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), semaphorin family members, and viral SARS-CoV-2. Cordycepin (CD) is a natural product or active gradient from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from Cordyceps militaris Link and Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.). However, NRP1 expression regulation via CD in cancers and the potential roles and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are not clear. In this study, online databases were analyzed, Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR were used for NRP1 expression change via CD, molecular docking was used for NRP/CD interaction, and a syncytial formation assay was used for CD inhibition using a pseudovirus SARS-CoV-2 entry. As a result, we revealed that CD inhibits NRP1 expressed in cancer cells and prevents viral syncytial formation in 293T-hACE2 cells, implying the therapeutic potential for both anti-cancer and anti-viruses, including anti-SARS-CoV-2. We further found significant associations between NRP1 expressions and the tumor-immune response in immune lymphocytes, chemokines, receptors, immunostimulators, immune inhibitors, and major histocompatibility complexes in most cancer types, implying NRP1's roles in both anti-cancer and anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry likely via immunotherapy. Importantly, CD also downregulated the expression of NRP1 from lymphocytes in mice and downregulated the expression of A2AR from the lung cancer cell line H1975 when treated with CD, implying the NRP1 mechanism probably through immuno-response pathways. Thus, CD may be a therapeutic component for anti-cancer and anti-viral diseases, including COVID-19, by targeting NRP1 at least.

Epigenetic targeting of autophagy for cancer: DNA and RNA methylation

Autophagy, a crucial cellular mechanism responsible for degradation and recycling of intracellular components, is modulated by an intricate network of molecular signals. Its paradoxical involvement in oncogenesis, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter, has been underscored in recent studies. Central to this regulatory network are the epigenetic modifications of DNA and RNA methylation, notably the presence of N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) in genomic DNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in eukaryotic mRNA. The 6mA modification in genomic DNA adds an extra dimension of epigenetic regulation, potentially impacting the transcriptional dynamics of genes linked to autophagy and, especially, cancer. Conversely, m6A modification, governed by methyltransferases and demethylases, influences mRNA stability, processing, and translation, affecting genes central to autophagic pathways. As we delve deeper into the complexities of autophagy regulation, the importance of these methylation modifications grows more evident. The interplay of 6mA, m6A, and autophagy points to a layered regulatory mechanism, illuminating cellular reactions to a range of conditions. This review delves into the nexus between DNA 6mA and RNA m6A methylation and their influence on autophagy in cancer contexts. By closely examining these epigenetic markers, we underscore their promise as therapeutic avenues, suggesting novel approaches for cancer intervention through autophagy modulation.

Semiconducting Polymers for Cancer Immunotherapy

As a monumental breakthrough in cancer treatment, immunotherapy has attracted tremendous attention in recent years. However, one challenge faced by immunotherapy is the low response rate and the immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Therefore, it is important to explore new therapeutic strategies and platforms for boosting therapeutic benefits and decreasing the side effects of immunotherapy. In recent years, semiconducting polymer (SP), a category of organic materials with π-conjugated aromatic backbone, has been attracting considerable attention because of their outstanding characteristics such as excellent photophysical features, good biosafety, adjustable chemical flexibility, easy fabrication, and high stability. With these distinct advantages, SP is extensively explored for bioimaging and photo- or ultrasound-activated tumor therapy. Here, the recent advancements in SP-based nanomedicines are summarized for enhanced tumor immunotherapy. According to the photophysical properties of SPs, the cancer immunotherapies enabled by SPs with the photothermal, photodynamic, or sonodynamic functions are highlighted in detail, with a particular focus on the construction of combination immunotherapy and activatable nanoplatforms to maximize the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. Herein, new guidance and comprehensive insights are provided for the design of SPs with desired photophysical properties to realize maximized effectiveness of required biomedical applications.

Polymer-Protein Nanovaccine Synthesized via Reactive Self-Assembly with Potential Application in Cancer Immunotherapy: Physicochemical and Biological Characterization In Vitro and In Vivo

Nanovaccines composed of polymeric nanocarriers and protein-based antigens have attracted much attention in recent years because of their enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as viral infections and cancer. While surface-conjugated protein antigens are known to be more immunoactive than encapsulated antigens, current surface conjugation methods often result in low and insufficient protein loading. Herein, reactive self-assembly is used to prepare nanovaccine from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and ovalbumin (OVA)-a model antigen. A rapid thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between PCL with pendant pyridyl disulfide groups and thiolated OVA results in the formation of nanoparticles with narrow size distribution. High OVA loading (≈70-80 wt%) is achieved, and the native secondary structure of OVA is preserved. Compared to free OVA, the nanovaccine is much superior in enhancing antigen uptake by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), promoting BMDC maturation and antigen presentation via the MHC I pathway, persisting at the injection site and draining lymph nodes, activating both Th1 and Th2 T cell immunity, and ultimately, resisting tumor challenge in mice. This is the first demonstration of reactive self-assembly for the construction of a polymer-protein nanovaccine with clear potential in advancing cancer immunotherapy.

CRNDE: A Pivotal Oncogenic Long Non-Coding RNA in Cancers

Colorectal Neoplasia Differentially Expressed (CRNDE), a long non-coding RNA that was initially identified as aberrantly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) has also been observed to exhibit elevated expression in various other human malignancies. Recent research has accumulated substantial evidence implicating CRNDE as an oncogenic player, exerting influence over critical cellular processes linked to cancer progression. Particularly, its regulatory interactions with microRNAs and proteins have been shown to modulate pathways that contribute to carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis. This review will comprehensively outline the roles of CRNDE in colorectal, liver, glioma, lung, cervical, gastric and prostate cancer, elucidating the mechanisms involved in modulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and radio/chemoresistance. Furthermore, the review highlights CRNDE's potential as a multifaceted biomarker, owing to its presence in diverse biological samples and stable properties, thereby underscoring its diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic applications. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights of CRNDE-mediated oncogenesis and identify CRNDE as a promising target for future clinical interventions.

METTL16 in human diseases: What should we do next?

METTL16 is a class-I methyltransferase that is responsible for depositing a vertebrate-conserved S-adenosylmethionine site. Since 2017, there has been a growing body of research focused on METTL16, particularly in the field of structural studies. However, the role of METTL16 in cell biogenesis and human diseases has not been extensively studied, with limited understanding of its function in disease pathology. Recent studies have highlighted the complex and sometimes contradictory role that METTL16 plays in various diseases. In this work, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the current research on METTL16 in human diseases.

Advances in Peptide-Decorated Targeted Drug Delivery: Exploring Therapeutic Potential and Nanocarrier Strategies

Peptides are ideal biologicals for targeted drug delivery and have also been increasingly employed as theranostic tools in treating various diseases, including cancer, with minimal or no side effects. Owing to their receptor-specificity, peptide-mediated drug delivery aids in targeted drug delivery with better pharmacological biodistribution. Nanostructured self-assembled peptides and peptide-drug conjugates demonstrate enhanced stability and performance and captivating biological effects in comparison with conventional peptides. Moreover, they serve as valuable tools for establishing interfaces between drug carriers and biological systems, enabling the traversal of multiple biological barriers encountered by peptide-drug conjugates on their journeys to their intended targets. Peptide-based drugs play a pivotal role in the field of medicine and hold great promise for addressing a wide range of complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the fields of medicine, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and engineering sciences over the past two decades. With the help of nanotechnology, better delivery of peptides to the target site could be achieved by exploiting the small size, increased surface area, and passive targeting ability of the nanocarrier. Furthermore, nanocarriers also ensure safe delivery of the peptide moieties to the target site, protecting them from degradation. Nanobased peptide delivery systems would be of significant importance in the near future for the successful targeted and efficient delivery of peptides. This review focuses on peptide-drug conjugates and nanoparticle-mediated self-assembled peptide delivery systems in cancer therapeutics.

Potential Roles and Future Perspectives of Chitinase 3-like 1 in Macrophage Polarization and the Development of Diseases

Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), a chitinase-like protein family member, is a secreted glycoprotein that mediates macrophage polarization, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Abnormal CHI3L1 expression has been associated with multiple metabolic and neurological disorders, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Aberrant CHI3L1 expression is also reportedly associated with tumor migration and metastasis, as well as contributions to immune escape, playing important roles in tumor progression. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer remain unclear. Understanding the polarization relationship between CHI3L1 and macrophages is crucial for disease progression. Recent research has uncovered the complex mechanisms of CHI3L1 in different diseases, highlighting its close association with macrophage functional polarization. In this article, we review recent findings regarding the various disease types and summarize the relationship between macrophages and CHI3L1. Furthermore, this article also provides a brief overview of the various mechanisms and inhibitors employed to inhibit CHI3L1 and disrupt its interaction with receptors. These endeavors highlight the pivotal roles of CHI3L1 and suggest therapeutic approaches targeting CHI3L1 in the development of metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers.

Pyroptosis: shedding light on the mechanisms and links with cancers

Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death (PCD) discovered after apoptosis and necrosis, is characterized by cell swelling, cytomembrane perforation and lysis, chromatin DNA fragmentation, and the release of intracellular proinflammatory contents, such as Interleukin (IL) 8, IL-1β, ATP, IL-1α, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Our understanding of pyroptosis has increased over time with an increase in research on the subject: gasdermin-mediated lytic PCD usually, but not always, requires cleavage by caspases. Moreover, new evidence suggests that pyroptosis induction in tumor cells results in a strong inflammatory response and significant cancer regression, which has stimulated great interest among scientists for its potential application in clinical cancer therapy. It's worth noting that the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be triggered by pyroptosis. Thus, the intelligent use of pyroptosis, the double-edged sword for tumors, will enable us to understand the genesis and development of cancers and provide potential methods to develop novel anticancer drugs based on pyroptosis. Hence, in this review, we systematically summarize the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and provide the latest available evidence supporting the antitumor properties of pyroptosis, and provide a summary of the various antitumor medicines targeting pyroptosis signaling pathways.

Low geriatric nutritional risk index as a poor prognostic biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in solid cancer

Objective

In this investigation, we focused on the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), a comprehensive metric that takes into account the patient's ideal weight, actual weight, and serum albumin levels to measure malnutrition. Our primary objective was to examine the predictive value of GNRI-defined malnutrition in determining the response to immunotherapy among cancer patients.

Methods

Relevant articles for this study were systematically searched in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar up to July 2023. Our analysis evaluated overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) as clinical outcomes.

Results

This analysis comprised a total of eleven articles encompassing 1,417 patients. The pooled results revealed that cancer patients with low GNRI levels exhibited shorter OS (HR: 2.64, 95% CI: 2.08-3.36, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.46-2.41, p < 0.001), and lower ORR (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.65, p < 0.001) and DCR (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.29-0.61, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed that the above results were stable. Egger's and Begg's tests revealed that there was no publication bias in the above results.

Conclusion

Our results imply that the GNRI is a useful predictor of immunotherapy response in cancer patients.

HuR and Its Interactions with Noncoding RNAs in Gut Epithelium Homeostasis and Diseases

The mammalian intestinal epithelium is a rapidly self-renewing tissue in the body and its homeostasis is tightly controlled by numerous factors at multiple levels. The RNA-binding protein HuR (human antigen R) is intimately involved in many aspects of gut mucosal pathobiology and plays an important role in maintaining integrity of the intestinal epithelium by regulating stability and translation of target mRNAs. Nonetheless, deregulation of HuR expression and altered binding affinity of HuR for target transcripts occur commonly in various gut mucosal disorders. In this review, we highlight the essential role of HuR in the intestinal epithelium homeostasis and discuss recent results that interactions between HuR and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including circular RNAs, long ncRNAs, small vault RNAs, and microRNAs, influence gut mucosal regeneration and regulate barrier function in various pathophysiological conditions. These exciting discoveries advance our knowledge of HuR biological function in the gut mucosa and also create a fundamental basis for developing novel therapies to protect intestinal epithelial integrity in critically ill patients.

LINC00667: A Novel Vital Oncogenic LincRNA

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) have a variety of properties that differ from those of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) encoding proteins. Long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 667 (LINC00667) is a non-coding transcript located on chromosome 18p11.31. Recently, many studies have found that LINC00667 can enhance the progression of various cancers and play a key part in a lot of diseases, such as tumorigenesis. Therefore, LINC00667 can be recognized as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. So, we reviewed the biological functions, relevant mechanisms, as well as clinical significance of LINC00667 in several human cancers in detail.

Current Advances and Future Strategies for BCL-2 Inhibitors: Potent Weapons against Cancers

Targeting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway regulated by B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) antiapoptotic proteins can overcome the evasion of apoptosis in cancer cells. BCL-2 inhibitors have evolved into an important means of treating cancers by inducing tumor cell apoptosis. As the most extensively investigated BCL-2 inhibitor, venetoclax is highly selective for BCL-2 and can effectively inhibit tumor survival. Its emergence and development have significantly influenced the therapeutic landscape of hematological malignancies, especially in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, in which it has been clearly incorporated into the recommended treatment regimens. In addition, the considerable efficacy of venetoclax in combination with other agents has been demonstrated in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas. Although venetoclax plays a prominent antitumor role in preclinical experiments and clinical trials, large individual differences in treatment outcomes have been characterized in real-world patient populations, and reduced drug sensitivity will lead to disease recurrence or progression. The therapeutic efficacy may vary widely in patients with different molecular characteristics, and key genetic mutations potentially result in differential sensitivities to venetoclax. The identification and validation of more novel biomarkers are required to accurately predict the effectiveness of BCL-2 inhibition therapy. Furthermore, we summarize the recent research progress relating to the use of BCL-2 inhibitors in solid tumor treatment and demonstrate that a wealth of preclinical models have shown promising results through combination therapies. The applications of venetoclax in solid tumors warrant further clinical investigation to define its prospects.

Role of miR‑181a‑5p in cancer (Review)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non‑coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can post‑transcriptionally suppress targeted genes. Dysregulated miRNAs are associated with a variety of diseases. MiR‑181a‑5p is a conserved miRNA with the ability to regulate pathological processes, such as angiogenesis, inflammatory response and obesity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miR‑181a‑5p exerts regulatory influence on cancer development and progression, acting as an oncomiR or tumor inhibitor in various cancer types by impacting multiple hallmarks of tumor. Generally, miR‑181a‑5p binds to target RNA sequences with partial complementarity, resulting in suppression of the targeted genes of miR‑181a‑5p. However, the precise role of miR‑181a‑5p in cancer remains incompletely understood. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of recent research on miR‑181a‑5p, focusing on its involvement in different types of cancer and its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as its function in chemoresistance.

Bis(benzonitrile) dichloroplatinum (II) interrupts PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by binding to PD-1

Checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 antibody therapeutics are a promising option for the treatment of multiple cancers. Due to the inherent limitations of antibodies, great efforts have been devoted to developing small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway inhibitors. In this study we established a high-throughput AlphaLISA assay to discover small molecules with new skeletons that could block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. We screened a small-molecule library of 4169 compounds including natural products, FDA approved drugs and other synthetic compounds. Among the 8 potential hits, we found that cisplatin, a first-line chemotherapeutic drug, reduced AlphaLISA signal with an EC50 of 8.3 ± 2.2 μM. Furthermore, we showed that cisplatin-DMSO adduct, but not semplice cisplatin, inhibited PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Thus, we assessed several commercial platinum (II) compounds, and found that bis(benzonitrile) dichloroplatinum (II) disturbed PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (EC50 = 13.2 ± 3.5 μM). Its inhibitory activity on PD-1/PD-L1 interaction was confirmed in co-immunoprecipitation and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway blockade bioassays. Surface plasmon resonance assay revealed that bis(benzonitrile) dichloroplatinum (II) bound to PD-1 (KD = 2.08 μM) but not PD-L1. In immune-competent wild-type mice but not in immunodeficient nude mice, bis(benzonitrile) dichloroplatinum (II) (7.5 mg/kg, i.p., every 3 days) significantly suppressed the growth of MC38 colorectal cancer xenografts with increasing tumor-infiltrating T cells. These data highlight that platinum compounds are potential immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of cancers.

MYCN Amplifications and Metabolic Rewiring in Neuroblastoma

Cancer is a disease caused by (epi)genomic and gene expression abnormalities and characterized by metabolic phenotypes that are substantially different from the normal phenotypes of the tissues of origin. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the key features of tumors, including those established in the human nervous system. In this work, we emphasize a well-known cancerous genomic alteration: the amplification of MYCN and its downstream effects in neuroblastoma phenotype evolution. Herein, we extend our previous computational biology investigations by conducting an integrative workflow applied to published genomics datasets and comprehensively assess the impact of MYCN amplification in the upregulation of metabolism-related transcription factor (TF)-encoding genes in neuroblastoma cells. The results obtained first emphasized overexpressed TFs, and subsequently those committed in metabolic cellular processes, as validated by gene ontology analyses (GOs) and literature curation. Several genes encoding for those TFs were investigated at the mechanistic and regulatory levels by conducting further omics-based computational biology assessments applied on published ChIP-seq datasets retrieved from MYCN-amplified- and MYCN-enforced-overexpression within in vivo systems of study. Hence, we approached the mechanistic interrelationship between amplified MYCN and overexpression of metabolism-related TFs in neuroblastoma and showed that many are direct targets of MYCN in an amplification-inducible fashion. These results illuminate how MYCN executes its regulatory underpinnings on metabolic processes in neuroblastoma.

Imprinted small nucleolar RNAs: Missing link in development and disease?

The 14q32.2 (DLK1-DIO3) and 15q11-q13 (SNURF-SNRPN) imprinted gene loci harbor the largest known small nucleolar RNA clusters expressed from the respective maternal and paternal alleles. Recent studies have demonstrated significant roles for the 15q11-q13 located SNORD115-SNORD116 C/D box snoRNAs in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a neurodevelopmental disorder. Even though the effect of SNORD116 deletion is apparent in the PWS phenotype, similar effects of a SNORD113-SNORD114 cluster deletion from the 14q32.2 locus in Kagami-Ogata syndrome (KOS14) and upregulation in Temple syndrome (TS14) remain to be explored. Moreover, apart from their probable involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders, snoRNAs from the SNORD113-SNORD114 cluster have been implicated in multiple biological processes, including pluripotency, development, cancers, and RNA modifications. Here we summarize the current understanding of the system to explore the possibility of a link between developmental disorders and C/D box snoRNA expression from the imprinted 14q32.2 locus. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs.

Nanocomposite Hydrogels and Extracellular Matrix-Advantages and Associated Risks

Hydrogels can be considered as mimics of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through integrins, the cytoskeleton is connected to the ECM, and cytoskeleton tension depends on ECM stiffness. A number of age-related diseases depend on cellular processes related to cytoskeleton function. Some examples of cancer initiation and progression and heart disease in relation to ECM stiffness have been analyzed. The incorporation of rigid particles into the ECM can increase ECM stiffness and promote the formation of internal residual stresses. Water migration, changes in water binding energy to biomactomolecules, and changes in the state of water from tightly bound water to free and loosely bound water lead to changes in the stiffness of the ECM. Cardiac tissue engineering, ECM stiffness and cancer, the equivalence of ECM stiffness, oxidative stress, inflammation, multi-layer polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels and bioprinting, residual internal stresses, viscoelastic hydrogels, hydrogel nanocomposites, and the effect of water have been reported. Special attention has been paid to the role of bound water and internal stresses in ECM stiffness. The risks related to rigid particle incorporation into the ECM have been discussed. The potential effect of polyphenols, chitosan, and chitosan oligosaccharide on ECM stiffness and the potential for anti-TNF-α and anti-NF-κB therapies have been discussed.