Primary parenchymal squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare,with only nine cases reported.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a 51-year-old man with primary SCC of the renal parenchyma.The patient was admitted with recurrent dull pain and discomfort in the right lumbar region,which had worsened over 2 weeks,accompanied by painful gross hematuria.SCC antigen(SCCA)levels were elevated,and imaging revealed a renal mass with associated calculi.The patient underwent laparoscopic unilateral nephrectomy and lymph node dissection.Postoperative pathology confirmed highly differentiated SCC with necrosis in the right renal parenchyma,with negative renal pelvis and ureter.The pathological stage was Pt3aN1M0.Four months after surgery,the tumor recurred with involvement of the liver,right psoas major muscle,and inferior vena cava.The patient refused chemotherapy and succumbed to the disease 6 months postoperatively due to disease progression.CONCLUSION We report a case of primary SCC of the renal parenchyma,a rare renal malignancy.The clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,and imaging findings are nonspecific,making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging.According to the literature,for patients with renal calculi accompanied by a renal mass,elevated serum SCCA levels,and magnetic resonance imaging showing cystic or cystic-solid masses within the kidney with pseudocapsules and heterogeneous mild enhancement,the possibility of this disease should be considered.

Expression rates of p16,p53 in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma based on human-papillomavirus positivity

BACKGROUND The high prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is well established,and p16 expression is a strong predictor.HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanisms that target p16 and p53 proteins.However,research on HPV prevalence and the combined predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous SCC(HNCSCC),particularly in Asian populations,remains limited.This retrospective study surveyed 62 patients with HNSCC(2011-2020),excluding those with facial warts or other skin cancer.AIM To explore the prevalence of HPV and the predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in HNCSCC in Asian populations.METHODS All patients underwent wide excision and biopsy.Immunohistochemical staining for HPV,p16,and p53 yielded positive and negative results.The relevance of each marker was investigated by categorizing the tumor locations into high-risk and middle-risk zones based on recurrence frequency.RESULTS Of the 62 patients,20(32.26%)were male,with an average age of 82.27 years(range 26-103 years).High-risk included 19 cases(30.65%),with the eyelid and lip being the most common sites(five cases,8.06%).Middle-risk included 43 cases(69.35%),with the cheek being the most common(29 cases,46.77%).The p16 expression was detected in 24 patients(38.71%),p53 expression in 42 patients(72.58%),and HPV in five patients(8.06%).No significant association was found between p16 expression and the presence of HPV(P>0.99),with a positive predictive value of 8.33%.CONCLUSION This study revealed that p16,a surrogate HPV marker in oropharyngeal SCC,is not reliable in HNCSCC,providing valuable insights for further research in Asian populations.

BIBR1532 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cancer cells by inducing telomere dysregulation

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality,and easy to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the termini of chro-mosomes in eukaryotic cells,which are unreplaceable in maintaining the stability and integrity of genome.Telomerase,an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase,play vital role in telomere length maintain,targeting telomerase is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of BIBR1532.Cell viability was assessed at 48 hours and 72 hours to determine the IC50 values.The effects of BIBR1532 on ESCC cell proliferation,migration,and cellular senescence were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 assay,plate colony formation assay,scratch assay,transwell assay,andβ-galactosidase staining,respectively.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of RESULTS The IC50 values for KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells after 48 hours of BIBR1532 exposure were 48.53μM and 39.59μM,respectively.These values decreased to 37.22μM and 22.71μM,respectively,following a longer exposure of 72 hours.BIBR1532 exhibited dose-dependent effects on KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells,including decreased hTERT expression,inhibition of proliferation and metastasis,and induction of cellular senescence.Mechanistically,BIBR1532 upregulated the expression of the DDR protein,γ-H2AX,and activated the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein(ATR)/check point kinase 1(CHK-1)and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene(ATM)/CHK2 pathways.BIBR1532 downregulated the expression of telomere-binding proteins,including telomeric-repeat binding factor 1(TRF1),TRF2,protection of telomeres 1,and TIN2-interacting protein 1.In a nude mouse xenograft model,BIBR1532 significantly suppressed tumor growth,reduced hTERT expression,and increasedγ-H2AX protein levels.Hematoxylin and eosin staining of various organs,including the heart,liver,spleen,lungs,and kidneys,revealed no apparent adverse effects.CONCLUSION BIBR1532 exerts anti-cancer effects on ESCC by inducing DDR through the ATR/CHK1 and ATM/CHK2 pathways and downregulating the expression of telomere-binding proteins.

Activin A receptor type 1C single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk in Chinese population

BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)superfamily plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.Activin A receptor type 1C(ACVR1C)is a TGF-βtype I receptor that is involved in tumorigenesis through binding to dif-ferent ligands.AIM To evaluate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of ACVR1C and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)in Chinese Han population.METHODS In this hospital-based cohort study,1043 ESCC patients and 1143 healthy controls were enrolled.Five SNPs(rs4664229,rs4556933,rs77886248,rs77263459,rs6734630)of ACVR1C were assessed by the ligation detection reaction method.Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test,genetic model analysis,stratified analysis,linkage disequi-librium test,and haplotype analysis were conducted.RESULTS Participants carrying ACVR1C rs4556933 GA mutant had significantly decreased risk of ESCC,and those with rs77886248 TA mutant were related with higher risk,especially in older male smokers.In the haplotype analysis,ACVR1C Trs4664229Ars4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 increased risk of ESCC,while Trs4664229Grs4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 was associated with lower susceptibility to ESCC.CONCLUSION ACVR1C rs4556933 and rs77886248 SNPs were associated with the susceptibility to ESCC,which could provide a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of ESCC in Chinese Han population.

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and 13 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and their role in predicting lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is that it metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes frequently with a high degree of local invasiveness.A primary feature of malignant tumors is their penetration of neighboring tissues,such as lymphatic and blood arteries,due to the tumor cells'capacity to break down the extracellular matrix(ECM).Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)constitute a family of proteolytic enzymes that facilitate tissue remodeling and the degradation of the ECM.MMP-9 and MMP-13 belong to the group of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their expression has been studied in OSCC because of their specific functions.MMP-13,a collagenase family member,is thought to play an essential role in the MMP activation cascade by breaking down the fibrillar collagens,whereas MMP-9 is thought to accelerate the growth of tumors.Elevated MMP-13 expression has been associated with tumor behavior and patient prognosis in a number of malignant cases.AIM To assess the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in OSCC.METHODS A total of 40 cases with histologically confirmed OSCC by incisional biopsy were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study.The protocols for both MMP-9 and MMP-13 immunohistochemical staining were performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations along with the normal gingival epithelium as a positive control.All the observations were recorded and Pearson’sχ²test with Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS Our study showed no significant correlation between MMP-9 and MMP-13 staining intensity and tumor size.The majority of the patients were in advanced TNM stages(III and IV),and showed intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13.CONCLUSION The present study suggests that both MMP-9 and MMP-13 play an important and independent role in OSCC progression and invasiveness.Intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13,irrespective of histological grade of OSCC,correlates well with TNM stage.Consequently,it is evident that MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important for the invasiveness and progression of tumors.The findings may facilitate the development of new approaches for evaluating lymph node metastases and interventional therapy techniques,hence enhancing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with OSCC.

Identifying adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs as potential novel prognostic markers for radiotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Radiation resistance limits radiotherapy efficacy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).The tumor microenvironment,particularly adipocytes,plays a role in promoting cancer progression.Extracellular vesicles and microRNAs(miRNAs)regulate gene expression and hold prognostic potential for esophageal carcinoma.Elucidating radioresistance mechanisms and identifying radiosensitization targets can help enhance radiotherapy efficacy for esophageal cancer.AIM To investigate the potential role of miRNAs derived from adipocyte exosomes as prognostic markers for radiotherapy efficacy in ESCC.METHODS Free adipocytes were isolated from human thoracic adipose tissue.A co-culture model of adipocytes and ESCC cells was established to observe colony formation and cell survival post-irradiation.ESCC cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.Western Blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed to evaluate DNA damage in ESCC cells post-irradiation.Adipocyte-derived exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and identified by electron microscopy.A similar set of experiments was performed on ESCC cells to analyze cell survival,apoptosis,and DNA damage post-radiation exposure.Exosomes from adipose tissue and serum exosomes from ESCC patients pre-and post-radiotherapy were subjected to high-throughput miRNA-sequencing and validated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The correlation between potential target miRNAs and the short-term prognosis of radiotherapy in ESCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTS Co-culturing adipocytes with ESCC cells enhanced radioresistance,as evidenced by increased colony formation.Adipocyte co-culture reduced ESCC cell apoptosis and DNA damage post-radiation.Adipocyte-derived exosomes similarly conferred radioresistance in ESCC cells,decreasing apoptosis and DNA damage post-irradiation.Highthroughput miRNA-sequencing identified miR-660-5p in serum and adipose tissue exosomes.Patients with high expression of serum exosome miR-660-5p showed poor prognosis after radiotherapy.CONCLUSION Adipocyte-derived exosomal miR-660-5p is a potential biomarker for evaluating radiotherapy efficacy in ESCC.

Nomogram based on a novel nutritional immune-inflammatory status score to predict postoperative outcomes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The relationship between patient nutritional,immune,and inflammatory status is linked to tumor progression and prognosis.However,there are limited studies on the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)after surgery based on the comprehensive indicators of these factors.AIM To develop and validate a novel nomogram based on a nutritional immuneinflammatory status(NIIS)score for predicting postoperative outcomes in ESCC.METHODS This retrospective study examined 829 patients with ESCC who underwent radical surgery between June 2016 and June 2020,with 568 patients in the training cohort and 261 patients in the validation cohort.We incorporated comprehensive indicators related to nutrition,immunity,and inflammation to develop the NIIS score, using LASSO regression. Subsequently, a nomogram combining the NIIS score and other clinicopathologicalparameters was developed and validated using calibration curves, time-dependent area under curves, and decisioncurve analysis.RESULTSWe identified eight indicators that constitute the NIIS score. High-risk scores emerged as an independent riskfactor for overall survival [training set HR 2.497 (1.802, 3.458), P < 0.001]. A NIIS nomogram for personalizedprognostic prediction was developed by integrating the NIIS score with clinicopathological variables, yieldingenhanced predictive value relative to individual indicators and the UICC/TNM staging system.CONCLUSIONThe NIIS score provides strong predictive value for postoperative outcomes in ESCC, thus offering a valuable toolfor clinical decision-making.

Residual gastric cancer with a mixed small cell neuroendocrine and keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Despite advancements in early detection and treatment,the prognosis and his-tological types for residual gastric cancer(GC)remains poor.CASE SUMMARY This case report presents a rare occurrence of residual GC featuring a combination of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma(SCNEC)and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)in a 60-year-old male patient.The patient,with a history of Billroth II gas-trectomy for duodenal ulcer bleeding,presented with gastrointestinal bleeding.Preoperative computed tomography and positron emission tomography-compu-ted tomography indicated adenocarcinoma with tumor and abdominal lymph node metastasis.The patient underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy and ly-mph node dissection for residual GC.Histological examination of the resected tumor confirmed the presence of both SCNEC and SCC.Postoperatively,the patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy four times.Two years later,the patient was found to occur esophageal cancer and was performed a small bowel stoma and radical esophagectomy.CONCLUSION In this case report,we detail a rare instance of residual GC with mixed SCNEC and SCC,emphasizing the complexity of diagnosis and treatment,and the need for ongoing research.

Safety and effectiveness of induction chemoimmunotherapy followed by definitive radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a common malignancy in China,often diagnosed at an advanced stage,with poor prognosis.Standard treatments such as definitive chemoradiotherapy offer limited survival benefits.Recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy have shown promise,but their effectiveness and safety in conjunction with radio-therapy for unresectable ESCC require further exploration.AIM To assess the safety and effectiveness of induction chemoimmunotherapy fo-llowed by definitive radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)in locally advanced unresectable ESCC.METHODS This retrospective study included 80 patients with locally advanced unresectable ESCC who underwent induction chemoimmunotherapy followed by definitive radiotherapy,recruited from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.All patients received 2-4 cycles of chemotherapy plus programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitor,were re-evaluated to be inoperable,then received definitive radiotherapy or CCRT.Primary endpoint was treatment safety and tolerance.SPSS 26.0 software was used for data analysis.Th Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.RESULTS Thirty-seven(46.3%)patients received CCRT and 43(53.7%)received radiotherapy alone.The most common treatment-related adverse events included radiation esophagitis(32/80,40.0%)and anemia(49/80,61.3%),with 22(27.5%)experiencing grade≥3 adverse events.No treatment-related deaths occurred.After median follow-up of 16.5 months,the median progression-free survival(PFS)was 14.2 months,and median overall survival(OS)was 19.9 months.The 1-year and 2-year PFS and OS were 55.8%and 31.6%,and 67.5%and 44.1%,respectively.Patients with partial response had better outcomes than those with stable disease:1-year PFS 69.4%vs 43.9%(P=0.011)and OS 83.2%vs 48.8%(P=0.007).Induction therapy effectiveness and immunotherapy maintenance were independent prognostic factors for OS.CONCLUSION Chemotherapy combined with programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitor followed by definitive radiotherapy or CCRT in patients with locally advanced ESCC was safe and effective.

Latest insights into the global epidemiological features,screening,early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

As a highly invasive carcinoma,esophageal cancer(EC)was the eighth most prevalent malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020.Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is the major histological subtype of EC,and its incidence and mortality rates are decreasing globally.Due to the lack of specific early symptoms,ESCC patients are usually diagnosed with advanced-stage disease with a poor prognosis,and the incidence and mortality rates are still high in many countries,especially in China.Therefore,enormous challenges still exist in the management of ESCC,and novel strategies are urgently needed to further decrease the incidence and mortality rates of ESCC.Although the key molecular mechanisms underlying ESCC pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated,certain promising biomarkers are being investigated to facilitate clinical decision-making.With the advent and advancement of highthroughput technologies,such as genomics,proteomics and metabolomics,valuable biomarkers with high sensitivity,specificity and stability could be identified for ESCC.Herein,we aimed to determine the epidemiological features of ESCC in different regions of the world,especially in China,and focused on novel molecular biomarkers associated with ESCC screening,early diagnosis and prognosis prediction.

MicroRNAs:A novel signature in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a malignant epithelial tumor,characterized by squamous cell differentiation,it is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.The increased mortality rate of ESCC patients is predominantly due to the advanced stage of the disease when discovered,coupled with higher risk of metastasis,which is an exceedingly malignant charac-teristic of cancer,frequently leading to a high mortality rate.Unfortunately,there is currently no specific and effective marker to predict and treat metastasis in ESCC.MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules,approximately 22 nucleotides in length.miRNAs are vital in modulating gene expression and serve pivotal regulatory roles in the occurrence,progression,and prognosis of cancer.Here,we have examined the literature to highlight the intimate correlations between miRNAs and ESCC metastasis,and show that ESCC metastasis is predominantly regulated or regulated by genetic and epigenetic factors.This review proposes a potential role for miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for metastasis in ESCC metastasis,with the ultimate aim of reducing the mortality rate among patients with ESCC.

Clinical profile and outcomes of ocular surface squamous neoplasia at the Philippine General Hospital:a retrospective study

AIM:To evaluate the demographics,clinical characteristics,treatments,and outcomes of patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia(OSSN)at the Philippine General Hospital.METHODS:This was a single-center,11-year retrospective,cross sectional case series on 18 cases of OSSN seen between January 2012 to June 2023.The patient’s demographics,presenting symptoms,tumor characteristics,histopathologic diagnosis,treatment,outcomes,and duration of follow-up were reviewed.RESULTS:Out of 33 identified cases of OSSN,only 18 were eligible for inclusion in the study.Mean age was 60.78y(range 31 to 80),with male predominance(66.67%).The left eye was most commonly affected(61.11%)with most presenting with fleshy mass(83.33%).Most tumors were located nasally(66.67%)and were predominantly papilliform(44.44%)in morphology with associated hyperpigmentation(38.89%).Squamous cell carcinoma(SCCA)was the most common histopathologic diagnosis(72.22%).The main primary treatment was surgical excision(94.44%)with or without adjunctive therapy,with only 1 patient undergoing first-line topical chemotherapy.Only 3 recurrences(16.67%)were noted with a median followup of 7.5mo.A statistically significant recurrence-free odds leaning towards the utilization of cryotherapy was noted.CONCLUSION:OSSN seen at the Philippine General Hospital is presented as a limbal papilliform mass,most commonly affecting elderly males.Surgical excision with adjuvant cryotherapy and/or chemotherapy is the preferred mode of treatment.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor dynamics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma:From immune modulation to therapeutic opportunities

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a substantial global health burden.Immune escape mechanisms are important in ESCC progression,enabling cancer cells to escape the surveillance of the host immune system.One key player in this process is the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor(AhR),which influences multiple cellular processes,including proliferation,differentiation,metabolism,and immune regulation.Dysregulated AhR signaling participates in ESCC development by stimulating carcinogenesis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and immune escape.Targeting AhR signaling is a potential therapeutic approach for ESCC,with AhR ligands showing efficacy in preclinical studies.Additionally,modification of AhR ligands and combination therapies present new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.This review aims to address the knowledge gap related to the role of AhR signaling in ESCC pathogenesis and immune escape.

Multimodal artificial intelligence system for detecting a small esophageal high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia: A case report

BACKGROUND Recent advancements in artificial intelligence(AI)have significantly enhanced the capabilities of endoscopic-assisted diagnosis for gastrointestinal diseases.AI has shown great promise in clinical practice,particularly for diagnostic support,offering real-time insights into complex conditions such as esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.CASE SUMMARY In this study,we introduce a multimodal AI system that successfully identified and delineated a small and flat carcinoma during esophagogastroduodenoscopy,highlighting its potential for early detection of malignancies.The lesion was confirmed as high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia,with pathology results supporting the AI system’s accuracy.The multimodal AI system offers an integrated solution that provides real-time,accurate diagnostic information directly within the endoscopic device interface,allowing for single-monitor use without disrupting endoscopist’s workflow.CONCLUSION This work underscores the transformative potential of AI to enhance endoscopic diagnosis by enabling earlier,more accurate interventions.

The activation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase inhibits the migration of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting Claudin-1 via epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Background:The role of Claudin-1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)metastasis needs further clarification,particularly its impact on cell migration.Herein,our study aims to investigate the role of Claudin-1 in TSCC cell migration and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:36 TSCC tissue samples underwent immunohistochemical staining for Claudin-1.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to evaluate Claudin-1 expression and distribution in TSCC cells.Claudin-1 knockdown cell lines were established using short hairpin RNA transfection.Migration effects were assessed through wound healing assays.Furthermore,the expression of EMTassociated molecules was measured via western blotting.Results:Claudin-1 expression decreased as TSCC malignancy increased.Adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase(AMPK)activation led to increased Claudin-1 expression and membrane translocation,inhibiting TSCC cell migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT).Conversely,Claudin-1 knockdown reversed these inhibitory effects on migration and EMT caused by AMPK activation.Conclusions:Our results indicated that AMPK activation suppresses TSCC cell migration by targeting Claudin-1 and EMT pathways.

Identifying Comprehensive Genomic Alterations and Potential Neoantigens for Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy in a Cohort of Chinese Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Objective Genomic alterations and potential neoantigens for cervical cancer immunotherapy were identified in a cohort of Chinese patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC).Methods Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify genomic alterations and potential neoantigens for CSCC immunotherapy.RNA Sequencing was performed to analyze neoantigen expression.Results Systematic bioinformatics analysis showed that C>T/G>A transitions/transversions were dominant in CSCCs.Missense mutations were the most frequent types of somatic mutation in the coding sequence regions.Mutational signature analysis detected signature 2,signature 6,and signature 7 in CSCC samples.PIK3CA,FBXW7,and BICRA were identified as potential driver genes,with BICRA as a newly reported gene.Genomic variation profiling identified 4,960 potential neoantigens,of which 114 were listed in two neoantigen-related databases.Conclusion The present findings contribute to our understanding of the genomic characteristics of CSCC and provide a foundation for the development of new biotechnology methods for individualized immunotherapy in CSCC.

Tumor-derived DEFB1 induces immune tolerance by inhibiting maturation of dendritic cell and impairing CD8+T cell function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:CD8+T cells are the key effector cells in the anti-tumor immune response.The mechanism underlying the infiltration of CD8+T cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)has not been clearly elucidated.Methods:Fresh ESCC tissues were collected and grouped according to the infiltration density of CD8+T cells.After the transcriptome sequencing on these samples and the combined analyses with The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)ESCC data,a secreted protein DEFB1 was selected to explore its potential role in the infiltration of CD8+T cells.Bioinformatics analyses,histological verification and in vitro experiments were then performed.Results:DEFB1 was highly expressed in ESCC,and the high expression of DEFB1 was an independent risk factor for overall survival.Since the up-regulation or down-regulation of DEFB1 did not affect the proliferation,migration and apoptosis of ESCC cells,we speculated that the oncogenic effect of DEFB1 was achieved by regulating microenvironmental characteristics.Bioinformatics analyses suggested that DEFB1 might play a major role in the inflammatory response and anti-tumor immune response,and correlate to the infiltration of immature dendritic cell(imDC)in ESCC.Histological analyses further confirmed that there were less CD8+T cells infiltrated,less CD83+mature DC(mDC)infiltrated and more CD1a+imDC infiltrated in those ESCC samples with high expression of DEFB1.After the treatment with recombinant DEFB1 protein,the maturation of DC was hindered significantly,followed by the impairment of the killing effects of T cells in both 2D and 3D culture in vitro.Conclusions:Tumor-derived DEFB1 can inhibit the maturation of DC and weaken the function of CD8+T cells,accounting for the immune tolerance in ESCC.The role of DEFB1 in ESCC deserves further exploration.

Plasma DNA methylation detection for early screening,diagnosis,and monitoring of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The early diagnosis rate of esophageal cancer(EC),one of the most prevalent digestive tract cancers worldwide,remains low.AIM To investigate the utility of plasma SHOX2,SEPTIN9,EPO,and RNF180 methylation in the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of EC.Plasma samples were collected from 210 patients at Hubei Cancer Hospital,and TaqMan polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect plasma SHOX2,SEPTIN9,RNF180,and EPO methylation.The area under the curve was used to estimate their diagnostic value for EC.Cox and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the independent screening risk factors for patients with EC.RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of combined assessment of plasma SHOX2,SEPTIN9,RNF180,and EPO methylation for adenocarcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma(SCC),and EC detection were 66.67%and 86.27%,77.40%and 85.29%,and 76.19%and 86.27%,respectively;the area under the curve values for diagnosing adenocarcinoma,SCC,and EC were 0.737[95%confidence interval(CI):0.584–0.89],0.824(95%CI:0.775–0.891),and 0.864(95%CI:0.809–0.92),respectively.CONCLUSION According to our findings,plasma SHOX2,SEPTIN9,RNF180,and EPO methylation exhibits appreciated sensitivity for diagnosing EC.The precise measurement of plasma SHOX2,SEPTIN9,RNF180,and EPO methylation can improve EC diagnosis and therapy efficacy monitoring.

Role of deubiquitinase JOSD2 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options.Deubiquitinases(DUBs)have been confirmed to play a crucial role in the development of malignant tumors.JOSD2 is a DUB involved in con-trolling protein deubiquitination and influencing critical cellular processes in cancer.AIM To investigate the impact of JOSD2 on the progression of ESCC.METHODS Bioinformatic analyses were employed to explore the expression,prognosis,and enriched pathways associated with JOSD2 in ESCC.Lentiviral transduction was utilized to manipulate JOSD2 expression in ESCC cell lines(KYSE30 and RESULTS )Preliminary research indicated that JOSD2 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues,which was associated with poor prognosis.Further analysis demonstrated that JOSD2 was upregulated in ESCC cell lines compared to normal esophageal cells.JOSD2 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell activity,including proliferation and colony-forming ability.Moreover,JOSD2 knockdown decreased the drug resistance and migration of ESCC cells,while JOSD2 overexpression enhanced these phenotypes.In vivo xenograft assays further confirmed that JOSD2 promoted tumor proliferation and drug resistance in ESCC.Mechanistically,JOSD2 appears to activate the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.Mass spectrometry was used to identify crucial substrate proteins that interact with JOSD2,which identified the four primary proteins that bind to JOSD2,namely USP47,IGKV2D-29,HSP90AB1,and PRMT5.CONCLUSION JOSD2 plays a crucial role in enhancing the proliferation,migration,and drug resistance of ESCC,suggesting that JOSD2 is a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.

Antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates for targeted treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Antibody-drug conjugates(ADCs)are a new type of targeting antibodies that conjugate with highly toxic anticancer drugs via chemical linkers to exert high specificity and efficient killing of tumor cells,thereby attracting considerable attention in precise oncology therapy.Cetuximab(Cet)is a typical antibody that offers the benefits of good targeting and safety for individuals with advanced and inoperable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC);however,its anti-tumor activity is limited to a single use.Cisplatin(CisPt)shows good curative effects;however,its adverse effects and non-tumor-targeting ability are major drawbacks.In this study,we designed and developed a new ADC based on a new cytotoxic platinum(IV)prodrug(C8Pt(IV))and Cet.The so-called antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates,named Cet-C8Pt(IV),showed excellent tumor targeting in cSCC.Specifically,it accurately delivered C8Pt(IV)into tumor cells to exert the combined anti-tumor effect of Cet and CisPt.Herein,metabolomic analysis showed that Cet-C8Pt(IV)promoted cellular apoptosis and increased DNA damage in cSCC cells by affecting the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway in tumor cells,thereby further enhancing the tumor-killing ability and providing a new strategy for clinical cancer treatment using antibody-platinum(IV)prodrugs conjugates.