Free Amino Acid Alterations in Patients with Gynecological and Breast Cancer: A Review

Abstract

Gynecological and breast cancers still remain a significant health problem worldwide. Diagnostic methods are not sensitive and specific enough to detect the disease at an early stage. During carcinogenesis and tumor progression, the cellular need for DNA and protein synthesis increases leading to changes in the levels of amino acids. An important role of amino acids in many biological pathways, including biosynthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, etc., which serve as an energy source and maintain redox balance, has been highlighted in many research articles. The aim of this review is a detailed analysis of the literature on metabolomic studies of gynecology and breast cancers with particular emphasis on alterations in free amino acid profiles. The work includes a brief overview of the metabolomic methodology and types of biological samples used in the studies. Special attention was paid to the possible role of selected amino acids in the carcinogenesis, especially proline and amino acids related to its metabolism. There is a clear need for further research and multiple external validation studies to establish the role of amino acid profiling in diagnosing gynecological and breast cancers.

Antileukemic Activity of hsa-miR-203a-5p by Limiting Glutathione Metabolism in Imatinib-Resistant K562 Cells

“…L-alanine, the metabolite that enters the cell and initiates GSH metabolism, has been recognized as a new cancer-associated biomarker because of its elevated levels in malignant cells [ 51 , 52 ]. Since L-alanine is a glucogenic amino acid, it contributes to gluconeogenesis and meets the immediate energy requirements of cancer cells whenever its levels increase in cancer patients [ 53 , 54 ]. Higher concentrations of pyroglutamic acid, also known as 5-oxoproline, signal upregulated GSH metabolism and oxidative stress [ 55 ].…”

Serum Raman spectroscopy: Prognostic applications in oral cancers

“…Differential levels of different plasma‐free amino acids (PFAA) such as Phe, Trp, and Tyr, and so forth in 11 cancers including head and neck cancers have been reported 40 . PFAAs are being explored as biomarkers for early detection of cancers 41 . The role of PFAAs in development of recurrence in oral cancer subjects has not yet been elucidated.…”

“…40 PFAAs are being explored as biomarkers for early detection of cancers. 41 The role of PFAAs in development of recurrence in oral cancer subjects has not yet been elucidated.…”

Amino acids and their roles in tumor immunotherapy of breast cancer

“…However, these reviews only focused on partial aspects of amino acid metabolism, such as amino acid transporters, glutamine metabolism, non-essential amino acid metabolism and free amino acids. [5][6][7] In this review, we present a comprehensive elaboration of amino acid metabolism in breast cancer, including the roles of essential and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) and amino acid transporters, the potential therapeutic targets, advances in immune therapy and ongoing clinical trials. By offering the latest information on amino acid research in breast cancer, this review is dedicated to provide up-to-date information and novel perspectives to researchers and pharmaceutical companies in a timely fashion.…”

“…Recent reviews have elaborated on the significance and intricacy of amino acid metabolism in breast cancer. However, these reviews only focused on partial aspects of amino acid metabolism, such as amino acid transporters, glutamine metabolism, non‐essential amino acid metabolism and free amino acids 5–7 . In this review, we present a comprehensive elaboration of amino acid metabolism in breast cancer, including the roles of essential and non‐essential amino acids (NEAAs) and amino acid transporters, the potential therapeutic targets, advances in immune therapy and ongoing clinical trials.…”