RESUMO
Hyponatremia is the prevalent electrolyte imbalance in cancer patients, and it is associated with a worse outcome. Notably, emerging clinical evidence suggests that hyponatremia adversely influences the response to anticancer treatments. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how reduced extracellular [Na+] affects the responsiveness of different cancer cell lines (from human colon adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, and small cell lung cancer) to cisplatin and the underlying potential mechanisms. Cisplatin dose-response curves revealed higher IC50 in low [Na+] than normal [Na+]. Accordingly, cisplatin treatment was less effective in counteracting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells when cultured in low [Na+], as demonstrated by colony formation and invasion assays. In addition, the expression analysis of proteins involved in autophagosome-lysosome formation and the visualization of lysosomal areas by electron microscopy revealed that one of the main mechanisms involved in chemoresistance to cisplatin is the promotion of autophagy. In conclusion, our data first demonstrate that the antitumoral effect of cisplatin is markedly reduced in low [Na+] and that autophagy is an important mechanism of drug escape. This study indicates the role of hyponatremia in cisplatin chemoresistance and reinforces the recommendation to correct this electrolyte alteration in cancer patients.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos , Autofagia , Proliferação de Células , Cisplatino , Sódio , Humanos , Cisplatino/farmacologia , Autofagia/efeitos dos fármacos , Sódio/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos/efeitos dos fármacos , Hiponatremia/metabolismo , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patologia , Lisossomos/metabolismo , Lisossomos/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
We have previously demonstrated that the vasopressin type 2 receptor (AVPR2) antagonist tolvaptan reduces cell proliferation and invasion and triggers apoptosis in different human cancer cell lines. To study this effect in vivo, a xenograft model of small cell lung cancer was developed in Fox1nu/nu nude mice through the subcutaneous inoculation of H69 cells, which express AVPR2. One group of mice (n = 5) was treated with tolvaptan for 60 days, whereas one group (n = 5) served as the control. A reduced growth was observed in the tolvaptan group in which the mean tumor volume was significantly smaller on day 60 compared to the control group. In the latter group, a significantly lower survival was observed. The analysis of excised tumors revealed that tolvaptan effectively inhibited the cAMP/PKA and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. The expression of the proliferative marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly lower in tumors excised from tolvaptan-treated mice, whereas the expression levels of the apoptotic marker caspase-3 were higher than those in control animals. Furthermore, tumor vascularization was significantly lower in the tolvaptan group. Overall, these findings suggest that tolvaptan counteracts tumor progression in vivo and, if confirmed, might indicate a possible role of this molecule as an adjuvant in anticancer strategies.
Assuntos
Antagonistas dos Receptores de Hormônios Antidiuréticos , Proliferação de Células , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Camundongos Nus , Receptores de Vasopressinas , Carcinoma de Pequenas Células do Pulmão , Tolvaptan , Ensaios Antitumorais Modelo de Xenoenxerto , Animais , Tolvaptan/farmacologia , Tolvaptan/uso terapêutico , Antagonistas dos Receptores de Hormônios Antidiuréticos/farmacologia , Camundongos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Humanos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Carcinoma de Pequenas Células do Pulmão/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Pequenas Células do Pulmão/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Pequenas Células do Pulmão/patologia , Receptores de Vasopressinas/metabolismo , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Apelin is an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ and has multiple biological activities in human tissues and organs, including the heart, blood vessels, adipose tissue, central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, and liver. This article reviews the crucial role of apelin in regulating oxidative stress-related processes by promoting prooxidant or antioxidant mechanisms. Following the binding of APJ to different active apelin isoforms and the interaction with several G proteins according to cell types, the apelin/APJ system is able to modulate different intracellular signaling pathways and biological functions, such as vascular tone, platelet aggregation and leukocytes adhesion, myocardial activity, ischemia/reperfusion injury, insulin resistance, inflammation, and cell proliferation and invasion. As a consequence of these multifaceted properties, the role of the apelinergic axis in the pathogenesis of degenerative and proliferative conditions (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer) is currently investigated. In this view, the dual effect of the apelin/APJ system in the regulation of oxidative stress needs to be more extensively clarified, in order to identify new potential strategies and tools able to selectively modulate this axis according to the tissue-specific profile.
Assuntos
Receptores de Apelina , Apelina , Estresse Oxidativo , Humanos , Apelina/metabolismo , Receptores de Apelina/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismoRESUMO
In cancer patients, hyponatremia is detected in about 40% of cases at hospital admission and has been associated to a worse outcome. We have previously observed that cancer cells from different tissues show a significantly increased proliferation rate and invasion potential, when cultured in low extracellular [Na+]. We have recently developed an animal model of hyponatremia using Foxn1nu/nu mice. The aim of the present study was to compare tumor growth and invasivity of the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-AS in hyponatremic vs. normonatremic mice. Animals were subcutaneously implanted with luciferase-expressing SK-N-AS cells. When masses reached about 100 mm3, hyponatremia was induced in a subgroup of animals via desmopressin infusion. Tumor masses were significantly greater in hyponatremic mice, starting from day 14 and until the day of sacrifice (day 28). Immunohistochemical analysis showed a more intense vascularization and higher levels of expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, chromogranin A and heme oxigenase-1 gene in hyponatremic mice. Finally, metalloproteases were also more abundantly expressed in hyponatremic animals compared to control ones. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration in an experimental animal model that hyponatremia is associated to increased cancer growth by activating molecular mechanisms that promote proliferation, angiogenesis and invasivity.
Assuntos
Hiponatremia , Neuroblastoma , Humanos , Camundongos , Animais , Hiponatremia/etiologia , Xenoenxertos , Sódio/metabolismo , HospitalizaçãoRESUMO
RuvBL1 is an AAA+ ATPase whose expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) correlates with a poor prognosis. In vitro models suggest that targeting RuvBL1 could be an effective strategy against HCC. However, the role of RuvBL1 in the onset and progression of HCC remains unknown. To address this question, we developed a RuvBL1hep+/- mouse model and evaluated the outcome of DEN-induced liver carcinogenesis up to 12 months of progression. We found that RuvBL1 haploinsufficiency initially delayed the onset of liver cancer, due to a reduced hepatocyte turnover in RuvBL1hep+/- mice. However, RuvBL1hep+/- mice eventually developed HCC nodules that, with aging, grew larger than in the control mice. Moreover, RuvBL1hep+/- mice developed hepatic insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis. We could determine that RuvBL1 regulates insulin signaling through the Akt/mTOR pathway in liver physiology in vivo as well as in normal hepatocytic and HCC cells in vitro. Whole transcriptome analysis of mice livers confirmed the major role of RuvBL1 in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism. Finally, RuvBL1 expression was found significantly correlated to glucose metabolism and mTOR signaling by bioinformatic analysis of human HCC sample from the publicly available TGCA database. These data uncover a role of RuvBL1 at the intersection of liver metabolism, hepatocyte proliferation and HCC development, providing a molecular rationale for its overexpression in liver cancer.
Assuntos
ATPases Associadas a Diversas Atividades Celulares/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Proteínas de Transporte/genética , DNA Helicases/genética , Resistência à Insulina/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Fígado/metabolismo , ATPases Associadas a Diversas Atividades Celulares/metabolismo , Animais , Carcinogênese/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/induzido quimicamente , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/mortalidade , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Estudos de Coortes , DNA Helicases/metabolismo , Conjuntos de Dados como Assunto , Dietilnitrosamina/administração & dosagem , Dietilnitrosamina/toxicidade , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Progressão da Doença , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Glucose/metabolismo , Haploinsuficiência , Hepatócitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Insulina/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/induzido quimicamente , Neoplasias Hepáticas/mortalidade , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/induzido quimicamente , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/patologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , Regulação para CimaRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) transdifferentiation into collagen-producing myofibroblasts is a key event in hepatic fibrogenesis, but the transcriptional network that controls the acquisition of the activated phenotype is still poorly understood. In this study, we explored whether the nuclear receptor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is involved in HSC activation and in the multifunctional role of these cells during the response to liver injury. METHODS: COUP-TFII expression was evaluated in normal and cirrhotic livers by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The role of COUP-TFII in HSC was assessed by gain and loss of function transfection experiments and by generation of mice with COUP-TFII deletion in HSC. Molecular changes were determined by gene expression microarray and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: We showed that COUP-TFII is highly expressed in human fibrotic liver and in mouse models of hepatic injury. COUP-TFII expression rapidly increased upon HSC activation and it was associated with the regulation of genes involved in cell motility, proliferation and angiogenesis. Inactivation of COUP-TFII impairs proliferation and invasiveness in activated HSC and COUP-TFII deletion in mice abrogate HSC activation and angiogenesis. Finally, co-culture experiments with HSC and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC) showed that COUP-TFII expression in HSC influenced SEC migration and tubulogenesis via a hypoxia-independent and nuclear factor kappaB-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSION: This study elucidates a novel transcriptional pathway in HSC that is involved in the acquisition of the proangiogenic phenotype and regulates the paracrine signals between HSC and SEC during hepatic wound healing. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we identified an important regulator of HSC pathobiology. We showed that the orphan receptor COUP-TFII is an important player in hepatic neoangiogenesis. COUP-TFII expression in HSC controls the crosstalk between HSC and endothelial cells coordinating vascular remodelling during liver injury. TRANSCRIPT PROFILING: ArrayExpress accession E-MTAB-1795.
Assuntos
Fator II de Transcrição COUP/metabolismo , Células Estreladas do Fígado/metabolismo , Animais , Fator II de Transcrição COUP/deficiência , Fator II de Transcrição COUP/genética , Comunicação Celular , Movimento Celular , Proliferação de Células , Transdiferenciação Celular , Técnicas de Cocultura , Células Endoteliais/metabolismo , Células Endoteliais/patologia , Células Estreladas do Fígado/citologia , Hepatócitos/metabolismo , Hepatócitos/patologia , Humanos , Hipóxia/metabolismo , Hipóxia/patologia , Fígado/lesões , Fígado/metabolismo , Fígado/patologia , Cirrose Hepática/genética , Cirrose Hepática/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Neovascularização Fisiológica/genética , Regulação para Cima , Cicatrização/genética , Cicatrização/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Factors affecting innate immunity and acting as inflammatory regulators, such as the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) could be crucial in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We hypothesized that the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) might be effective in preventing the development of NEC and/or reducing its severity. METHODS: We studied preterm rats in which NEC was induced using the hypoxia-hypothermia model. The treatment group (TG; n = 30) received enteral PIO (10 mg/kg/d) for 72 h and the control group (CG; n = 30) did not. Animals were sacrificed 96 h after birth. NEC was diagnosed evaluating histological ileum changes, and mRNA levels of IL-4, IL-12, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and TNF-α cytokines were measured. RESULTS: NEC occurrence was higher in the CG (18/30; 60%) than in the TG (5/30; 16.7%) and was more severe. Proinflammatory IL-12 and INF-γ mRNA levels were significantly lower in the TG than in the CG; conversely, the anti-inflammatory IL-4 mRNA level was significantly higher in the TG than in the CG. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate for the first time that PIO is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of NEC and in decreasing renal injuries in a preterm rat model.
Assuntos
Enterocolite Necrosante/genética , Enterocolite Necrosante/prevenção & controle , PPAR gama/agonistas , Tiazolidinedionas/farmacologia , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Anti-Inflamatórios/farmacologia , Citocinas/sangue , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fibrose , Hipotermia , Hipóxia , Imunidade Inata , Inflamação , Rim/patologia , Pioglitazona , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Although hepatectomy and transplantation have significantly improved survival, there is no effective chemotherapeutic treatment for HCC and its prognosis remains poor. Sustained activation of telomerase is essential for the growth and progression of HCC, suggesting that telomerase is a rational target for HCC therapy. Therefore, we developed a thymidine analogue pro-drug, acycloguanosyl-5'-thymidyltriphosphate (ACV-TP-T), which is specifically activated by telomerase in HCC cells and investigated its anti-tumour efficacy. METHODS: First, we verified in vitro whether ACV-TP-T was a telomerase substrate. Second, we evaluated proliferation and apoptosis in murine (Hepa1-6) and human (Hep3B, HuH7, HepG2) hepatic cancer cells treated with ACV-TP-T. Next, we tested the in vivo treatment efficacy in HBV transgenic mice that spontaneously develop hepatic tumours, and in a syngeneic orthotopic murine model where HCC cells were implanted directly in the liver. RESULTS: In vitro characterization provided direct evidence that the pro-drug was actively metabolized in liver cancer cells by telomerase to release the active form of acyclovir. Alterations in cell cycle and apoptosis were observed following in vitro treatment with ACV-TP-T. In the transgenic and orthotopic mouse models, treatment with ACV-TP-T reduced tumour growth, increased apoptosis, and reduced the proliferation of tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: ACV-TP-T is activated by telomerase in HCC cells and releases active acyclovir that reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis in human and murine liver cancer cells. This pro-drug holds a great promise for the treatment of HCC.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/tratamento farmacológico , Guanosina/análogos & derivados , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamento farmacológico , Pró-Fármacos/uso terapêutico , Nucleotídeos de Timina/uso terapêutico , Aciclovir/metabolismo , Aciclovir/uso terapêutico , Animais , Antineoplásicos/metabolismo , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Guanosina/metabolismo , Guanosina/uso terapêutico , Células Hep G2 , Vírus da Hepatite B/genética , Vírus da Hepatite B/patogenicidade , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas Experimentais/patologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Pró-Fármacos/metabolismo , Telomerase/metabolismo , Nucleotídeos de Timina/metabolismoRESUMO
The functions of the gut are closely related to those of many other organs in the human body. Indeed, the gut microbiota (GM) metabolize several nutrients and compounds that, once released in the bloodstream, can reach distant organs, thus influencing the metabolic and inflammatory tone of the host. The main microbiota-derived metabolites responsible for the modulation of endocrine responses are short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). These molecules can (i) regulate the pancreatic hormones (insulin and glucagon), (ii) increase glycogen synthesis in the liver, and (iii) boost energy expenditure, especially in skeletal muscles and brown adipose tissue. In other words, they are critical in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis. In GM dysbiosis, the imbalance of microbiota-related products can affect the proper endocrine and metabolic functions, including those related to the gut-liver-pancreas axis (GLPA). In addition, the dysbiosis can contribute to the onset of some diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this review, we explored the roles of the gut microbiota-derived metabolites and their involvement in onset and progression of these diseases. In addition, we detailed the main microbiota-modulating strategies that could improve the diseases' development by restoring the healthy balance of the GLPA.
RESUMO
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients. This applies also to cancer patients. Multiple causes can lead to hyponatremia, but most frequently this electrolyte disorder is due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. In cancer patients, this syndrome is mostly secondary to ectopic secretion of arginine vasopressin by tumoral cells. In addition, several chemotherapeutic drugs induce the release of arginine vasopressin by the hypothalamus. There is evidence that hyponatremia is associated to a more negative outcome in several pathologies, including cancer. Many studies have demonstrated that in different cancer types, both progression-free survival and overall survival are negatively affected by hyponatremia, whereas the correction of serum [Na+] has a positive effect on patient outcome. In vitro studies have shown that cells grown in low [Na+] have a greater proliferation rate and motility, due to a dysregulation in intracellular signalling pathways. Noteworthy, vasopressin receptors antagonists, which were approved more than a decade ago for the treatment of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia, have shown unexpected antiproliferative effects. Because of this property, vaptans were also approved for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. In vitro evidence indicated that this family of drugs effectively counteracts proliferation and invasivity of cancer cells, thus possibly opening a new scenario among the pharmacological strategies to treat cancer.
RESUMO
The expression of the nuclear receptor transcription factor (TF) COUPTFII is broadly associated with cell differentiation and cancer development, including of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a devastating disease with one of the poorest prognoses among cancers worldwide. Recent studies have started to investigate the pathological and physiological roles of a novel COUPTFII isoform (COUPTFII_V2) that lacks the DNAbinding domain. As the role of the canonical COUPTFII in PDAC was previously demonstrated, the present study evaluated whether COUPTFII_V2 may have a functional role in PDAC. It was demonstrated that COUPTFII_V2 naturally occurs in PDAC cells and in primary samples, where its expression is consistent with shorter overall survival and peripheral invasion. Of note, COUPTFII_V2, exhibiting nuclear and cytosolic expression, is linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression, as confirmed by nude mouse experiments. The present results demonstrated that COUPTFII_V2 distinctively regulates the EMT of PDAC and, similarly to its sibling, it is associated with tumor aggressiveness. The two isoforms have both overlapping and exclusive functions that cooperate with cancer growth and dissemination. By studying how PDAC cells switch from one isoform to the other, novel insight into cancer biology was gained, indicating that this receptor may serve as a novel possible target for PDAC management.
Assuntos
Fator II de Transcrição COUP/genética , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Animais , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/genética , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Humanos , Camundongos , Receptores Nucleares Órfãos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/genética , Isoformas de Proteínas/genéticaRESUMO
Hyponatremia, i.e., the presence of a serum sodium concentration ([Na+]) < 136 mEq/L, is the most frequent electrolyte imbalance in the elderly and in hospitalized patients. Symptoms of acute hyponatremia, whose main target is the central nervous system, are explained by the "osmotic theory" and the neuronal swelling secondary to decreased extracellular osmolality, which determines cerebral oedema. Following the description of neurological and systemic manifestations even in mild and chronic hyponatremia, in the last decade reduced extracellular [Na+] was associated with detrimental effects on cellular homeostasis independently of hypoosmolality. Most of these alterations appeared to be elicited by oxidative stress. In this review, we focus on the role of oxidative stress on both osmolality-dependent and -independent impairment of cell and tissue functions observed in hyponatremic conditions. Furthermore, basic and clinical research suggested that oxidative stress appears to be a common denominator of the degenerative processes related to aging, cancer progression, and hyponatremia. Of note, low [Na+] is able to exacerbate multiple manifestations of senescence and to decrease progression-free and overall survival in oncologic patients.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: Hyponatraemia is frequently observed in cancer patients and can be due to the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuresis (SIAD), related to ectopic vasopressin secretion, particularly in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Hyponatraemia is associated with a worse outcome in cancer patients. The vasopressin receptor antagonist tolvaptan effectively corrects hyponatraemia secondary to SIAD and there is in vitro evidence that it has also an antiproliferative effect in cancer cells. The purpose of this study was i) to analyse the effect of low serum sodium concentrations ([Na+]) in SCLC cells and ii) to determine whether tolvaptan counteracts tumor progression. METHODS: We evaluated cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, oxidative stress, invasivity in low [Na+] as well as after exposure to tolvaptan. We also analysed the intracellular signalling pathways involved. RESULTS: In reduced [Na+] cell proliferation was significantly increased compared to normal [Na+] and cells were mostly distributed in the G2/M phase. Apoptosis appeared reduced. In addition, the ability to cross matrigel-coated membranes markedly increased. As observed in other cancer cell models, the expression of the heme-oxigenase-1 gene was increased. Finally, we found that in cells cultured in low [Na+] the RhoA/ROCK1/2 pathway, which is involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, was activated. On the other hand, we found that tolvaptan effectively inhibited cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, invasivity and promoted apoptosis. Accordingly, the RhoA/ROCK-1/2 pathway was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate for the first time that low [Na+] favours tumor progression in SCLC cells, whereas tolvaptan effectively inhibits cell proliferation, survival and invasivity.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Carcinoma de Pequenas Células do Pulmão/patologia , Sódio/farmacologia , Tolvaptan/farmacologia , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Heme Oxigenase-1/metabolismo , Humanos , Invasividade Neoplásica , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Quinases Associadas a rho/metabolismo , Proteína rhoA de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients, and its etiopathogenesis is related to an underlying tumor in 14% of cases. Hyponatremia has been associated with a worse outcome in several pathologies, including cancer, in which the leading cause of this electrolyte alteration is the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro the effects of low extracellular [Na+] in cancer progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a previously validated experimental model of chronic hyponatremia to characterize the effects of low extracellular [Na+] in different human cancer cell lines: pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PANC-1), neuroblastoma (SK-N-AS, SH-SY5Y), colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8), chronic myeloid leukemia (K562). RESULTS: Our results demonstrate a direct relationship between low [Na+], reduced cell adhesion and increased invasion and proliferation in all cell lines tested. Accordingly, the number of tumor colonies grown in soft agar and the expression of collagenases type IV (metalloproteinases 2 and 9) were markedly higher in cancer cells exposed to reduced extracellular [Na+]. Gene analysis showed an upregulation of molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress (heme oxygenase 1) and in proliferation and invasion (RhoA, ROCK-1, ROCK-2). The activation of RhoA/ROCK pathway was paralleled by a deregulation of the cytoskeleton-associated proteins, resulting in the promotion of actin cytoskeletal remodeling and cell invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data demonstrate for the first time that low [Na+] promotes cancer progression in vitro, thus suggesting that hyponatremia is not a simple bystander of disease severity in cancer.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Movimento Celular , Proliferação de Células , Citoesqueleto , Humanos , Invasividade Neoplásica , SódioRESUMO
The establishment of the beneficial interactions between the host and its microbiota is essential for the correct functioning of the organism, since microflora alterations can lead to many diseases. Probiotics improve balanced microbial communities, exerting substantial health-promoting effects. Here we monitored the molecular outcomes, obtained by gut microflora modulation through probiotic treatment, on human urine and serum metabolic profiles, with a metabolomic approach. Twenty-two subjects were enrolled in the study and administered with two different probiotic types, both singularly and in combination, for 8 weeks. Urine and serum samples were collected before and during the supplementation and were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and statistical analyses. After eight weeks of treatment, probiotics deeply influence the urinary metabolic profiles of the volunteers, without significantly altering their single phenotypes. Anyway, bacteria supplementation tends to reduce the differences in metabolic phenotypes among individuals. Overall, the effects are recipient-dependent, and in some individuals, robust effects are already well visible after four weeks. Modifications in metabolite levels, attributable to each type of probiotic administration, were also monitored. Metabolomic analysis of biofluids turns out to be a powerful technique to monitor the dynamic interactions between the microflora and the host, and the individual response to probiotic assumption.
RESUMO
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem with approximately 2 billion people that have been exposed to the virus. HBV is a member of a family of small, enveloped DNA viruses called hepadnaviruses, and has a preferential tropism for hepatocytes of mammals and birds. Epidemiological studies have proved a strong correlation between chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the fifth most common malignancy with about 700000 new cases each year, and more than 50% of them arise in HBV carriers. A large number of studies describe the way in which HBV can contribute to HCC development. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed, including the accumulation of genetic damage due to immune-mediated hepatic inflammation and the induction of oxidative stress. There is evidence of the direct effects of the viral proteins HBx and HBs on the cell biology. Integration of HBV-DNA into the human genome is considered an early event in the carcinogenic process and can induce, through insertional mutagenesis, the alteration of gene expression and chromosomal instability. HBV has also epigenetic effects through the modification of the genomic methylation status. Furthermore, the virus plays an important role in the regulation of microRNA expression. This review will summarize the many mechanisms involved in HBV-related liver carcinogenesis.