SFRP5 inhibits the migration and invasion of melanoma cells through Wnt signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) plays a key role in the development and progression of multiple tumors. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of SFRP5 in melanoma cells remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis to detect the expression of SFRP5 in melanoma tissues and melanoma cells, respectively. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo assays were used to determine the effect of SFRP5 on malignant behavior in melanoma cells. RESULTS: We found that SFRP5 was markedly downregulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. The SFRP5 overexpression exhibited no effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma cells but markedly suppressed the migration and invasion of melanoma cells in vitro. Regarding mechanisms, the SFRP5 overexpression inhibited the migration and invasion of melanoma cells by suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and decreasing the matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 expression through the Wnt signaling pathway. Finally, in a xenograft animal model, we illustrated that the SFRP5 overexpression suppressed the tumor growth by decreasing angiogenesis and declined lung metastasis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SFRP5 expression could be potentially useful in the invasion and metastasis of melanoma and serve as a putative promising target for human melanoma therapy.

Breast Cancer in Nepal: Current status and future directions.

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among Nepalese women. Breast cancer places a substantial burden on the Nepalese healthcare system, but information regarding the number of women living with breast cancer is not well recorded. In countries with lower levels of resources such as Nepal, breast cancers are commonly diagnosed at late stages and women may receive inadequate treatment, pain relief or palliative care. Socioeconomic disparities and insufficient financial resources hinder prevention of breast cancer in Nepal. The current review provides an overview of the burden of breast cancer, of risk factors associated with breast cancer, and of screening and treatment modalities for breast cancer in Nepal. Additionally, this review highlights the current awareness of breast cancer among Nepalese women and prevention strategies for breast cancer.