Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a large group of synthetic compounds widely contaminated the environment and lead to health problems. However, the correlation between PFAS exposure, bone health parameters and osteoporosis remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature to evaluate the effects of PFAS on human bone health. All observational studies were collected up to 2 December 2023. A total of 2096 articles were retrieved. Of these, 21 articles investigated the association between PFAS exposure and human bone health. However, only 10 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Doubling of serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (ß = -0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.18, -0.05) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (ß = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.01) levels showed significant negative correlations with total body less head bone mineral density (TBLH-BMD). Subgrouping showed that only perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.68) was correlated with osteoporosis.

VEGFR3 suppression through miR-1236 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer via ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is expressed in cancer cell lines and exerts a critical role in cancer progression. However, the signaling pathways of VEGFR3 in ovarian cancer cell proliferation remain unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the signaling pathways of VEGFR3 through the upregulated expression of miR-1236 in ovarian cancer cells. We found that the messenger RNA and protein of VEGFR3 were expressed in the ovarian cancer cell lines, but downregulated after microRNA-1236 (miR-1236) transfection. The inhibition of VEGFR3, using miR-1236, significantly reduced cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, migration, and invasion ability in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells (p < 0.01). The flow cytometry results indicated that the rate of apoptotic cells in SKOV3 (38.65%) and OVCAR3 (41.95%) cells increased following VEGFR3 inhibition. Moreover, VEGFR3 stimulation (using a specific ligand, VEGF-CS) significantly increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation (p < 0.01), whereas VEGFR3 suppression reduced p-ERK1/2 (67.94% in SKOV3 and 93.52% in OVCAR3) and p-AKT (59.56% in SKOV3 and 78.73% in OVCAR3) compared to the VEGF-CS treated group. This finding demonstrated that miR-1236 may act as an endogenous regulator of ERK1/2 and AKT signaling by blocking the upstream regulator of VEGFR3. Overall, we demonstrated the important role of the miR-1236/VEGFR3 axis in ovarian cancer cell proliferation by regulating the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling that might be an effective strategy against ovarian cancer.

Molecular mechanisms of miR-1236 in the assessment of tumor lymphangiogenesis in human ovarian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Tumor lymphangiogenesis is a critical component in the progression of cancers and specific microRNAs have been reported to be implicated in this process. Recent studies revealed the involvement of miR-1236 in lymphangiogenic signaling by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). However, the prognostic importance of miR-1236 and its clinical relevance for lymphangiogenesis in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. METHODS: The study included 52 ovarian tumors and 28 normal ovarian tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to analyze the VEGFR3, VEGF-C, LYVE-1 and PROX1 mRNA expression as well as miR-1236. VEGFR3 protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry staining. Immunohistochemistry for the podoplanin marker (D2-40) was performed to measure lymphatic vessel density (LVD). In addition, diagnostic evaluation based on the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. The influence of miR-1236 on overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Here, we show that miR-1236 expression was significantly decreased in ovarian tumors compared with control tissues (p < 0.001) and correlated with advanced clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and patient survival (All P < 0.05). Moreover, in ovarian tumors, LVD as well as the gene expression of VEGFR3, VEGF-C and LYVE-1, but not PROX1, were found to be remarkably higher compared with control tissues. We also detected a more robust positive staining for VEGFR3 in OC tissues than in control tissues. Furthermore, our results demonstrated an inverse association of miR-1236 expression with LVD, VEGFR3, LYVE-1 and PROX1 expression in OC tissues. The ROC curve analysis indicated that miR-1236 expression has the potential to be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in OC. Survival analysis further verified a lowered overall survival rate in patients with low miR-1236 expression than in those with high expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence for the translational involvement of miR-1236 in the lymphangiogenesis of OC by regulating lymphangiogenesis-related factors and support the clinical importance of miR-1236 as a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for OC.

Body composition and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase in breast cancer survivors.

Background: Available data suggest that obesity is related to changes in the several adipocyte-derived proteins levels, which are involved in cancer recurrence. The purpose of this work was to investigate the correlation between obesity with metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), adiponectin and adiponectin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels by comparing serum levels of MMP-9, AMPK in normal weight and obese breast cancer survivors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 normal weight breast cancer survivors (body mass index [BMI] 18.5-25 kg/m2) and 30 obese breast cancer survivors (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were investigated. Anthropometric parameters and serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK were compared between the two groups. Results: No differences were detected in the serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK in obese patients and normal weight patients (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK levels with anthropometric measurements in two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: We found that there was a lack of correlation between obesity measures and serum levels of MMP-9, adiponectin, and AMPK. In breast cancer survivors, it seems that circulating levels of adiponectin, AMPK, and MMP-9 do not change in obesity state.

Hyaluronic acid algorithm-based models for assessment of liver fibrosis: translation from basic science to clinical application.

BACKGROUND: The estimation of liver fibrosis is usually dependent on liver biopsy evaluation. Because of its disadvantages and side effects, researchers try to find non-invasive methods for the assessment of liver injuries. Hyaluronic acid has been proposed as an index for scoring the severity of fibrosis, alone or in algorithm models. The algorithm model in which hyaluronic acid was used as a major constituent was more reliable and accurate in diagnosis than hyaluronic acid alone. This review described various hyaluronic acid algorithm-based models for assessing liver fibrosis. DATA SOURCE: A PubMed database search was performed to identify the articles relevant to hyaluronic acid algorithm-based models for estimating liver fibrosis. RESULT: The use of hyaluronic acid in an algorithm model is an extra and valuable tool for assessing liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although hyaluronic acid algorithm-based models have good diagnostic power in liver fibrosis assessment, they cannot render the need for liver biopsy obsolete and it is better to use them in parallel with liver biopsy. They can be used when frequent liver biopsy is not possible in situations such as highlighting the efficacy of treatment protocol for liver fibrosis.

Adenosine A2a Receptor Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Anxiety Disorders.

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are a group of mental disorders characterized by feelings of tension, fear, and excessive worrying in the face of life experiences. Aberrant signaling of adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of ADs. Polymorphisms in the ADORA2A gene were shown to be associated with some of the patterns presented by ADs. The results of these studies have been inconsistent, making it hard to draw definitive conclusions. Therefore, this study performed a systematic review to clarify the associations between ADORA2A gene polymorphisms and ADs susceptibility. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus database using appropriate keywords, then screened for separation of suitable studies based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Collectively, rs5751876 (1976T>C or previously 1083C>T) and rs35060421 (2592C>Tins) polymorphisms of ADORA2A were associated with an increased susceptibility to ADs. Moreover, rs2298383 TT genotype may be the causal regulatory factor, and ADORA2A T/C (rs2298383/rs3761422) haplotypes have significant susceptibility to ADs development. Additional research is needed to further define the role of ADORA2A gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of ADs.

MiR-1236: Key controller of tumor development and progression: Focus on the biological functions and molecular mechanisms.

Combating with the cancer, as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, scientific community extensively evidenced microRNA 1236 (miR-1236) roles in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. It has been mentioned that miR-1236 target genes and signal pathways that are key controller of tumor development and progression. Consistently, increasing evidence reports that miR-1236 participates in cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and drug resistance, as well as tumor diagnosis, and prognosis. MiR-1236 is also implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a significant indicator of the metastatic process. Moreover, miR-1236 itself is regulated by several newly discovered long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Current review aimed to summarize and discuss different dimensions of miR-1236 involvement in the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor progressions. We believe that miR-1236 may serve as a non-invasive diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for cancer.

SAR131675 exhibits anticancer activity on human ovarian cancer cells through inhibition of VEGFR-3/ERK1/2/AKT signaling pathway.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is known to participate in tumorigenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and as such, has the potential to serve as a molecular target for cancer therapy. SAR131675 is a highly selective VEGFR-3 antagonist that has an inhibitive effect on lymphatic cell growth. However, the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of SAR131675 in ovarian cancer remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the pathological role of VEGFR-3, and the effects of SAR131675 on proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein of VEGFR-3 were expressed in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, and this receptor was activated following stimulation with 50 ng/ml VEGF-C Cys156Ser (VEGF-CS), a selective ligand for VEGFR-3. Enhancing VEGFR-3 phosphorylation by treatment of ovarian cancer cells with VEGF-CS resulted in increased levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT. Moreover, our data demonstrated that SAR131675 inhibited VEGF-CS-mediated proliferation, colony formation, and migration of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, inhibition of VEGFR-3 activation with SAR131675 significantly increased cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in both OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells. Mechanistically, SAR131675 effectively suppressed the VEGF-CS-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and its downstream effectors including activated ERK1/2 and AKT in ovarian cancer cells. Our results reveal an anticancer activity of SAR131675 on the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells, which may be through inhibiting VEGFR-3/ERK1/2/AKT pathway. SAR131675 may serve as an effective targeted drug for ovarian cancer.

SAR131675 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Induces Apoptosis through Bcl- 2/Bax/Cyto c Mitochondrial Pathway in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) can be used to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) family. SAR131675 is a highly selective receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor to VEGFR3 that reveals the inhibitory effect on proliferation in human lymphatic endothelial cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are generally unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the possible involvement of the Bcl-2/Bax/Cyto c apoptosis pathway in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). In addition, the role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated. METHODS: The effect of SAR131675 on HUVEC cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The activity of SAR131675 in inducing apoptosis was carried out through the detection of Annexin V-FITC/PI signal by flow cytometry. To determine the mechanisms underlying SAR131675 induced apoptosis, the mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS generation, the activity of caspase-3, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome c were evaluated in HUVECs. RESULTS: SAR131675 significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SAR131675 induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ROS generation, Bcl-2 down-regulation, Bax upregulation, cytochrome c release, and caspase-3 activation, which displays features of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our present data demonstrated that SAR131675-induced cytotoxicity in HUVECs associated with the mitochondria apoptotic pathway. These results suggest that further studies are required to fully elucidate the role of TKIs in these cellular processes.

Circular RNAs in Alzheimer's Disease: A New Perspective of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as covalently closed single-stranded noncoding RNA molecules, have been recently identified to involve in several biological processes, principally through targeting microRNAs. Among various neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), accumulating evidence has proposed key roles for circRNAs in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD); although the exact relationship between these RNA molecules and AD progression is not clear, they have been believed to mostly act as miRNA sponges or gene transcription modulators through correlating with multiple proteins, involved in the accumulation of Amyloid ß (Aß) peptides, as well as tau protein, as AD's pathological hallmark. More interestingly, circRNAs have also been reported to play diagnostic and therapeutic roles during AD progression. OBJECTIVE: Literature review indicated that circRNAs could essentially contribute to the onset and development of AD. Thus, in the current review, the circRNAs' biogenesis and functions are addressed at first, and then the interplay between particular circRNAs and AD is comprehensively discussed. Eventually, the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of these noncoding RNAs is highlighted in brief. RESULTS: A large number of circRNAs are expressed in the brain. Thereby, these RNA molecules are noticed as potential regulators of neural functions in healthy circumstances, as well as neurological disorders. Moreover, circRNAs have also been reported to have potential diagnostic and therapeutic capacities in relation to AD, the most prevalent ND. CONCLUSION: CircRNAs have been shown to act as sponges for miRNAs, thereby regulating the function of related miRNAs, including oxidative stress, reduction of neuroinflammation, and the formation and metabolism of Aß, all of which developed in AD. CircRNAs have also been proposed as biomarkers that have potential diagnostic capacities in AD. Despite these characteristics, the use of circRNAs as therapeutic targets and promising diagnostic biomarkers will require further investigation and characterization of the function of these RNA molecules in AD.

Relationship of obesity with serum concentrations of leptin, CRP and IL-6 in breast cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the adverse effect of obesity on quality of life among women with breast cancer, including alteration in some inflammatory markers. The aim of this study was to determine the status of serum levels of leptin, IL-6 and CRP in obese, overweight and normal weight breast cancer survivors in order to determine the relationship between inflammatory markers' levels and obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done on 75 women with breast cancer, 30 obese, 15 overweight and 30 normal weight patients. Serum leptin, IL-6, CRP, total protein, albumin and lipid profile as well as anthropometric parameters were measured in three groups. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels of obese patients were significantly higher than those of overweight and normal weight patients (P<0.05). Higher serum CRP and lower albumin levels were observed in obese patients in comparison with normal weight patients (P<0.05). HDL-C level was significantly different between overweight and normal weight patients (P<0.05). Significant differences in serum IL-6 levels were not observed between the study groups (P>0.05). Moreover, multiple regression analysis showed that leptin was significantly associated with BMI (P<0.001), while albumin was negatively correlated with BMI (P<0.05). CRP levels were significantly correlated with BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, high leptin levels and alteration in acute phase proteins in obese patients may exaggerate the inflammation status. As inflammation has the potential to increase the susceptibility of the patients to metastasis development, it is necessary to decline its rate.