Effect of Glut-1 and HIF-1α double knockout by CRISPR/CAS9 on radiosensitivity in laryngeal carcinoma via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Hypoxic resistance is the main obstacle to radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma. Our previous study indicated that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and glucose transporter 1 (Glut-1) double knockout reduced tumour biological behaviour in laryngeal carcinoma cells. However, their radioresistance mechanism remains unclear. In this study, cell viability was determined by CCK8 assay. Glucose uptake capability was evaluated by measurement of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose radioactivity. A tumour xenograft model was established by subcutaneous injection of Tu212 cells. Tumour histopathology was determined by haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and TUNEL assays. Signalling transduction was evaluated by Western blotting. We found that hypoxia induced radioresistance in Tu212 cells accompanied by increased glucose uptake capability and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity abolished hypoxia-induced radioresistance and glucose absorption. Mechanistic analysis revealed that hypoxia promoted higher expressions of HIF-1α and Glut-1. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was a positive mediator of HIF-1α and/or Glut-1 in the presence of irradiation. HIF-1α and/or Glut-1 knockout significantly reduced cell viability, glucose uptake and PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity, all of which were induced by hypoxia in the presence of irradiation. In vivo analysis showed that knockout of HIF-1α and/or Glut-1 also inhibited tumour growth by promoting cell apoptosis, more robustly compared with the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, particularly in tumours with knockout of both HIF-1α and Glut-1. HIF-1α and/or Glut-1 knockout also abrogated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling transduction in tumour tissues, in a manner similar to wortmannin. HIF-1α and/or Glut-1 knockout facilitated radiosensitivity in laryngeal carcinoma Tu212 cells by regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Roles Played by the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α Pathway and IL-17A in the Chinese Subtype of Chronic Sinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese subtype of CRSwNP may have a unique pathogenesis. This study was designed to seek the role of the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway and IL-17A in CRSwNP. METHODS: The total IgE, ECP, and IL-17A levels were determined by UniCAP100 and ELISA. The activity of MPO was detected by the biochemical techniques. The protein expressions of HIF-1α, p-Akt, and PI3K were detected by the WB method. HIF-1α and IL-17A mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The CRSwNP group showed significantly elevated MPO activity, PI3K, p-AKT protein, HIF-1α, and IL-17A mRNA levels in nasal polyps. Stimulated by the TNF-α, the PI3K, p-AKT, HIF-1α, and IL-17A levels significantly elevated in the fibroblasts. Inhibited by the Wortmannin, those indicators significantly declined in the fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: The PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway played a role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. The elevated IL-17A level might be responsible for the neutrophilic inflammation in CRSwNP. The PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α pathway might regulate the IL-17A-related inflammation in CRSwNP.

Role and mechanism of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression in pepsin-induced development of vocal cord leukoplakia.

PURPOSE: We investigated the role of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression in pepsin-induced development of human vocal cord leukoplakia cells (HVCLCs). Next, we analyzed the relationship between Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression with the clinicopathological features of laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression levels in HVCLCs were determined after treatment with artificial gastric juice containing pepsin and laryngeal carcinoma tissues. RESULTS: Exposure to pepsin-containing artificial gastric juice significantly enhanced the migration and proliferation of VSCLCs in a time-dependent manner. The apoptotic rate of VSCLCs decreased over time after exposure to pepsin and reached a nadir on day 7 (p < 0.01). With increasing duration of exposure to pepsin, the proportion of VSCLCs in G0/G1 phase decreased and the proportions in the S and G2/M phases significantly increased (p < 0.05). After treatment with pepsin-containing artificial gastric juice, RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the expression of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase α, ß significantly increased in HVCLCs compared to in the absence of pepsin (p < 0.05). The expression of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase α, ß gradually increased from vocal cord leukoplakia (VLC) to laryngeal carcinoma (p < 0.05). Lentivirus-mediated inhibition of Glut-1 expression in VCL significantly inhibited the cells' migration and proliferation (p < 0.05) but enhanced their apoptosis (p < 0.05). Also, inhibition of Glut-1 expression resulted in an increased proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and a significantly decreased proportion in G2/M phase (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Glut-1 expression may promote the development of VCL by upregulating laryngeal H+/K+-ATPase expression to reactivate absorbed pepsin, thus damaging the laryngeal mucosa.

The role of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression in hyperplasia of mice laryngeal epithelium induced by pepsin.

PURPOSE: To explore the role played by Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase in pepsin-induced, mouse laryngeal epithelial proliferation, growth, and development. METHODS: We established a mouse model of laryngopharyngeal reflux and measured Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase expression levels in mouse laryngeal epithelium treated with artificial gastric juice containing pepsin. RESULTS: Artificial pepsin-containing gastric juice induced significant hyperplastic changes in mouse laryngeal epithelium compared to control mice at 15, 30, and 45 days. Inhibition of Glut-1 expression by 2-DG significantly suppressed such hyperplasia compared to mice exposed to artificial gastric juice containing pepsin at 15, 30, and 45 days. After treatment with pepsin-containing artificial gastric juice, RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that the levels of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase α, ß increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Pepsin-containing artificial gastric juice promoted mouse laryngeal epithelial hyperplasia associated with abnormal expression of Glut-1 and H+/K+-ATPase α, ß.

Radiosensitizing effects of curcumin alone or combined with GLUT1 siRNA on laryngeal carcinoma cells through AMPK pathway-induced autophagy.

In this study, we investigated the ability of curcumin alone or in combination with GLUT1 siRNA to radiosensitize laryngeal carcinoma (LC) through the induction of autophagy. Protein levels in tumour tissues and LC cells were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation assays, cell death and autophagy were detected. A nude mouse xenograft model was established through the injection of Tu212 cells. We found that GLUT1 was highly expressed and negatively associated with autophagy-related proteins in LC and that curcumin suppressed radiation-mediated GLUT1 overexpression in Tu212 cells. Treatment with curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA, or the combination of the two promoted autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy using 6-amino-3-methypourine (3-MA) promoted apoptosis after irradiation or treatment of cells with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA. 3-MA inhibited curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA-mediated non-apoptotic programmed cell death. The combination of curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA and 3-MA provided the strongest sensitization in vivo. We also found that autophagy induction after curcumin or GLUT1 siRNA treatment implicated in the AMP-activated protein kinase-mTOR-serine/threonine-protein kinase-Beclin1 signalling pathway. Irradiation primarily caused apoptosis, and when combined with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA treatment, the increased radiosensitivity of LC occurred through the concurrent induction of apoptosis and autophagy.

The role of cancer stromal fibroblasts in mediating the effects of tobacco-induced cancer cell growth.

Tobacco products cause a variety of cancers, nicotine and carcinogens are two major factors to link the tobacco products and various cancers. The mechanism of tobacco inducing carcinogenesis and promoting cancer progression have been studied for a long time. However, mainstream studies just focus on the mutagenic characteristics of tobacco product and its properties to induce carcinogenesis of epithelial cells. In the past decades, people began to aware of the significant role of tumor stroma in cancer development and progression. Fibroblasts, which is associated with various cancer in all stage of disease progression, are the dominant cell type in the tumor microenvironment. While only a few studies explore the crosstalk between tobacco-induced fibroblasts and surrounding epithelial cells. Our purpose is to systematically review the effects of tobacco products on fibroblasts and further discuss how these effects affect the development of cancer cells.

LAMC2 acts as a novel therapeutic target of cetuximab in laryngeal cancer.

This study was set out to determine the function of LAMC2 in laryngeal cancer (LC). Initially, we identified the expression of LAMC2 in LC cells and tissues using TCGA datasets, GEO datasets (GSE143224), qRT-PCR, and western blot. Besides, we analyzed the correlations between LAMC2 and clinicopathologic features in LC patients. The CCK-8 assays were performed to detect cell viability and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of cetuximab (IC50) in LC cells. We explored the correlations between LAMC2 and EGFR and further explored the regulation mechanism of cetuximab in LC. This study identified a high expression of LAMC2 in LC cells and tissues. The expression levels of LAMC2 were associated with TNM classification, lymph node (LN) metastasis, differentiation, and overall survival (OS). LAMC2 significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell viability. Besides, cetuximab significantly inhibited LAMC2 expression levels. LAMC2 significantly reversed the effect of cetuximab suppressing cell proliferation in LC cells. In conclusion, LAMC2 may act as a novel anti-cancer target in LC.

Second branchial cleft anomalies in children: a literature review.

Branchial cleft anomalies are the second most common head and neck congenital lesions in children. It may sometimes be a part of branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome, so in patients with branchial cleft anomalies associated with a complaint of auricular deformity or a similar history and findings in other family members, we should take an additional examination to find the possibility of BOR syndrome. Complete excision is essential for good prognosis. For the management of branchial cleft anomalies, various methods have been reported. Endoscopically assisted dissection technique and transoral robot-assisted surgery were used in the management of fistula and allowed excellent visualization of the pharyngeal component of the lesion and a minimally invasive approach. It is essential for the surgeon to fully comprehend the congenital lesions to attain the correct preoperative diagnosis and plan for an appropriate surgical approach to prevent the most common complication and recurrence in these lesions. The following sections discuss the anatomy, common presentation, auxiliary examination, differential diagnosis, the current principles of surgical treatment and prognosis for second branchial cleft anomalies in children, and discussed the branchio-oto-renal syndrome.

The role of local allergy in the nasal inflammation.

Local allergic inflammation (LAI) is recognized recently. 'entopy' was used to define LAI, which was positively correlated with allergen provocation testing, local sIgE up-regulation, inflammatory mediator secretion, and a lack of systemic allergy. The study of LAI is in its infancy and focuses mainly on the respiratory system. It is closely related to nasal inflammation and plays important roles in patients with nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), nonallergic chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and nonallergic fungal rhinosinusitis (NAFRS). Based on studies using nasal allergen provocation testing, 40-57% of patients with NAR exhibited positive results and could be diagnosed as local allergic rhinitis. Total IgE and common airborne allergen-sIgE were up-regulated in eosinophilic CRSwNP patients compared to noneosinophilic CRSwNP patients and healthy controls, possibly due to local allergic inflammation. Some researchers also found that the level of local sIgE was increased in patients with NAFRS; they suggested that local allergic inflammation occurs in NAFRS. Studies of LAI will increase our understanding of nasal inflammation and help to establish novel treatments. However, the diagnosis of local allergic inflammation is complex due to the lack of convenient detection methods. The relationship between local allergic inflammation and systemic allergic inflammation is unclear, and an appropriate treatment for local allergic inflammation is required.

Nanoparticle-based targeted therapeutics in head-and-neck cancer.

Head-and-neck cancer is a major form of the disease worldwide. Treatment consists of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but these have not resulted in improved survival rates over the past few decades. Versatile nanoparticles, with selective tumor targeting, are considered to have the potential to improve these poor outcomes. Application of nanoparticle-based targeted therapeutics has extended into many areas, including gene silencing, chemotherapeutic drug delivery, radiosensitization, photothermal therapy, and has shown much promise. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of nanoparticle-mediated targeted therapeutics for head-and-neck cancer, with an emphasis on the description of targeting points, including future perspectives.

Objective assessment of persistent rhinitis in Chinese and its relationship with serum indicators.

Persistent rhinitis (PR) is a chronic disease that affects millions of people. However, it lacks of a useful method, which can indicate the actual severity of the inflammation in PR patients. This study was designed to seek an examination which could reflect the actual severity of PR disease. The serum Phadiatop test, ECP level, four-phase rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry were assessed in 91 adult patients with PR and 10 healthy controls. The serum total IgE was determined in some of the patients and all of the controls. The patients were divided into four groups: ARWO, ARWTO, NARWO and NARWTO. 40% (22/55) of AR and 33.3% (13/36) of NAR patients never complained of persistent nasal obstruction. Serum ECP levels were increased in the ARWO group. Serum total IgE was significantly elevated in the AR groups. MCA(1-Min) and MCA(1-T) were significantly reduced in the ARWO, ARWTO, and NARWO groups. NV(6-Min) and NV(6-T) were decreased in all PR groups, but only some of these differences were significant. In the ARWO group, MCA(2-Min) (r = -0.252), MCA(2-T) (r = -0.377), NV(6-Min) (r = -0.32), and NV(6-T) (r = -0.311) had significant relationships with serum ECP. We recommend acoustic rhinometry as a useful routine tool for the diagnosis of PR, even among patients without persistent subjective nasal obstruction. This technique might reveal the actual status of nasal congestion. An elevated serum ECP level might indicate severe AR and is negatively correlated with the results of acoustic rhinometry.

Clinical features and hypoxic marker expression of primary sinonasal and laryngeal small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a small case series.

BACKGROUND: Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) of the head and neck is rare. The prognosis of SCNEC in the nasal cavity and larynx is poor. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of nasal and laryngeal SCNEC and to determine the expression of HIF-1α, GLUT-1, PI3K, and p-Akt in SCNEC. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2012, 10 consecutive patients with histologically demonstrated nasal and laryngeal SCNEC were enrolled. Clinicopathological materials and follow-up data were analyzed retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt expression in paraffin wax-embedded tumor specimens. RESULTS: The subjects were eight males and two females with a mean age of 60.8 (range: 53 to 71) years. Tumors were located in the maxillary sinus (n = 3) and larynx (n = 7). At last follow-up, four patients (40.0%) had local recurrence and five patients (50.0%) had developed distant metastases. Six patients died. The mean overall survival was 19.3 ± 2.1 months. Expression of GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt was seen in sinonasal and laryngeal SCNEC in 80 (8 out of 10), 50 (5 out of 10), 40 (4 out of 10), and 40% (4 out of 10) of cases, respectively. Expression of GLUT-1, HIF-1α, PI3K, and p-Akt was higher in sinonasal and laryngeal SCNEC than in precancerous lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Primary sinonasal and laryngeal SCNEC is rare. This paper presents 10 cases of sinonasal and laryngeal SCNEC with more common local recurrence and distant metastasis. HIF-1α, GLUT-1, PI3K, and p-Akt expression was higher in sinonasal and laryngeal SCNEC than in precancerous lesions.

The utility of repeated computed tomography to track a foreign body penetrating the esophagus to the level of the thyroid gland.

OBJECTIVE: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common problem in otolaryngology. One uncommon complication of FB ingestion is penetration to the level of the thyroid gland. To our knowledge, only 21 such cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of an esophageal FB penetrating to the level of the right thyroid gland. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 38-year-old woman in whom an esophageal FB penetrated to the level of the right thyroid gland. We traced the path to the thyroid gland using repeated computed tomography (CT) scans and demonstrated the importance of multiplanar reconstruction in locating the FB and formulating a precise surgical plan. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of repeat CT scans being used to demonstrate the migratory route, over time, of a FB penetrating through the esophagus to the level of the thyroid gland. Our results suggest that multiplanar reconstruction may play a key role in the precise diagnosis of a FB at the level of the thyroid gland and may help surgeons choose the best approach for removal.

Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal infections in children: Kawasaki disease needs vigilance.

OBJECTIVE: Kawasaki Disease (KD) may mimic Parapharyngeal (PPI) and Retropharyngeal Infections (RPI), leading to misdiagnosis as Deep Neck Infections (DNIs). The treatment plans for the two diseases are different, and delayed treatment can lead to serious complications. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and management are necessary. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical features of KD mimicking DNIs and explore the treatment options. METHODS: Children with cellulitis or abscess in parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal space in neck CT were included in this study. The medical records of enrolled children were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 56 children were diagnosed with PPI or/and RPI. Twenty-two (39.3%) participants were eventually diagnosed with KD, and 34 (60.7%) were diagnosed with DNIs. Compared with the DNIs group, the KD group had a higher body temperature (p=0.007), and higher levels of AST (p=0.040), ALT (p=0.027), and ESR (p=0.030). Deep cervical cellulitis (p=0.005) were more common in the KD group. However, deep neck abscess often occurred in the DNIs group (p=0.002), with parapharyngeal abscess being the most common type of abscess (p=0.004). The KD mimicking DNIs cases did not respond to antibiotic treatment, but symptoms significantly improved after the use of Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. CONCLUSION: Children with KD may exhibit retropharyngeal or parapharyngeal inflammation in the early stages. KD should be considered a differential diagnosis for children with DNIs, high fever, and no response to antibiotic therapy. Surgery in KD mimicking deep neck abscess requires caution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

The role of radiotherapy in tumor immunity and the potential of PET/CT in detecting the expression of PD-1/PD-L1.

Upregulation of PD-1/PD-L1 allows cancer cells to escape from host immune systems by functionally inactivating T-cell immune surveillance. Clinical blockade strategies have resulted in an increased prevalence of patients with late-stage cancers. However, many cancer patients had limited or no response to current immunotherapeutic strategies. Therefore, how to improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy has become the focus of attention of many scholars. Radiotherapy plays a role in the recruitment of T cells in the tumor microenvironment, increases CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, and increases PD-L1 expression, resulting in the synergistically enhanced antitumor effect of irradiation and PD-L1 blockade. Radiotherapy can cause changes in tumor metabolism, especially glucose metabolism. Tumor glycolysis and tumor immune evasion are interdependent, glycolytic activity enhances PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and thus promotes anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy response. Therefore, the mechanism of radiotherapy affecting tumor immunity may be partly through intervention of tumor glucose metabolism. Furthermore, some authors had found that the uptake of 2'-deoxy-2'-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose(18F-FDG) was correlated with PD-1/PD-L1 expression. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a non-invasive detection method for PD-1/PD-L1 expression and has several potential advantages over immunohistochemical (IHC), PET/CT can dynamically reflect the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 inside the tumor and further guide clinical treatment.

Treatment of primary nasal tuberculosis with anti-tumor necrosis factor immunotherapy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary nasal tuberculosis (TB) is a rare form of extrapulmonary TB, particularly in patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) immunotherapy. As a result, its diagnosis remains challenging. CASE SUMMARY: A 58-year-old male patient presented to the ear, nose, and throat department with right-sided nasal obstruction and bloody discharge for 1 month. He was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and received anti-TNF immunotherapy for 3 years prior to presentation. Biopsy findings revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation and a few acid-fast bacilli, suggestive of primary nasal TB. He was referred to our TB management department for treatment with oral anti-TB agents. After 9 months, the nasal lesions had disappeared. No recurrence was noted during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of primary nasal TB should be considered in patients receiving TNF antagonists who exhibit thickening and crusting of the nasal septum mucosa or inferior turbinate, particularly when pathological findings suggest granulomatous inflammation.

Acidic Pepsin Affects Laryngeal Carcinoma Cell Growth and Invasion Through Glycolysis.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenic mechanism underlying the effects of acidic pepsin in laryngeal cancer remains unclear. This study investigated whether acidic pepsin influences Glut-1 expression and glycolytic activity in laryngeal carcinoma cells and whether it plays a role in the growth and migration of these cells through glycolysis. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study. SETTING: A university-affiliated hospital. METHODS: Laryngeal carcinoma TU 212 and TU 686 cells were treated with acidic pepsin and 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), then transfected with Glut-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Glucose uptake was detected by a radioimmunoassay counter, lactate secretion was detected by a lactic acid kit, and Glut-1 expression was detected by western blotting. Cell viability, migration and invasion, and clonal formation were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell chamber, and clonal formation assays, respectively. RESULTS: Acidic pepsin significantly increased Glut-1 expression in laryngeal carcinoma cells compared with the control group (P < .01). It also significantly enhanced 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (Cin/Cout) uptake, lactate secretion, cell viability, migration, invasion, and clonal formation in laryngeal carcinoma cells compared with the control group (P < .01). The glycolytic inhibitor 2-DG and Glut-1 siRNA significantly reversed the effects of acidic pepsin on laryngeal carcinoma cells (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Acidic pepsin enhances the growth and migration of laryngeal carcinoma cells by upregulating Glut-1, thus promoting glycolysis.

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain infection in China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID-19 in China. Methods: This study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade-A hospitals in China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID-19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders. Results: Complete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms. Conclusions: The incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is high in China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, history of head-facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Anticancer mechanism of apigenin and the implications of GLUT-1 expression in head and neck cancers.

Apigenin, a natural phytoestrogen flavonoid, has potential biological effects, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The mechanisms of anticancer activities of apigenin are unknown. Some studies have found that apigenin inhibits GLUT-1 mRNA and protein expression in cancer cells. Thus, we hypothesized that apigenin exerts similar effects on head and neck cancers through its inhibition of GLUT-1 expression. In this article, we review the anticancer mechanism of apigenin and the implications of GLUT-1 expression in head and neck cancers. In addition, we describe the current state of knowledge about the relationship between apigenin and GLUT-1 expression in head and neck cancers.

Effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides glucose transporter-1 on enhancement of radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Laryngeal carcinomas always resist to radiotherapy. Hypoxia is an important factor in radioresistance of laryngeal carcinoma. Glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) is considered to be a possible intrinsic marker of hypoxia in malignant tumors. We speculated that the inhibition of GLUT-1 expression might improve the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We assessed the effect of GLUT-1 expression on radioresistance of laryngeal carcinoma and the effect of GLUT-1 expressions by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs) on the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: After transfection of GLUT-1 AS-ODNs: MTS assay showed the survival rates of radiation groups were reduced with the prolongation of culture time (p<0.05); Cell survival rates were significantly reduced along with the increasing of radiation dose (p<0.05). There was significant difference in the expression of GLUT-1mRNA and protein in the same X-ray dose between before and after X-ray radiation (p<0.05). In vivo, the expressions of GLUT-1 mRNA and protein after 8Gy radiation plus transfection of GLUT-1 AS-ODNs were significant decreased compared to 8Gy radiation alone (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Radioresistance of laryngeal carcinoma may be associated with increased expression of GLUT-1 mRNA and protein. GLUT-1 AS-ODNs may enhance the radiosensitivity of laryngeal carcinoma mainly by inhibiting the expression of GLUT-1.