The emerging role of CXC chemokines in epithelial ovarian cancer

Abstract

In recent years, chemokines have generated intense investigations due to their involvement in both physiological and pathological processes of inflammation, particularly in ovarian biology. The physiological process of ovulation in the normal ovary involves various chemokines that mediate the healing of the ruptured endometrium. It is now being reported that many of these chemokines are also associated with the cancer of the ovary. Chronic inflammation underlies the progression of ovarian cancer; therefore, it raises the possibility that chemokines are involved in the inflammatory process and mediate immune responses that may favour or inhibit tumour progression. Ovarian cancer is a gynaecological cancer responsible for highest rate of mortality in women. Although there have been several investigations and advances in surgery and chemotherapy, the survival rate for this disease remains low. This is mainly because of a lack of specific symptoms and biomarkers for detection. In this review, we have discussed the emerging role of the CXC chemokines in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The CXC group of chemokines is gaining importance in the field of ovarian cancer for being angiostatic and angiogenic in function. While there have been several studies on the angiogenesis function, emerging research shows that ELR K CXC chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, are angiostatic. Importantly, the angiostatic chemokines can inhibit the progression of EOC. Given that there are currently no biomarkers or specific therapeutic targets for the disease, these chemokines are emerging as promising targets for therapy.

Twelve Serum Proteins Progressively Increase With Disease Stage in Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer Patients

“…CXCL1 promote the angiogenesis process through the interaction with the CXCR2 receptors typically expressed on endothelial cells and was shown to be increased in melanoma, gastric, colorectal and ovarian cancer. 19 Our study in a large sample set proved the elevation state of serum CXCL1 level, specifically at late invasive stages (stages II and III). On the other hand, CXCL9 is typically recognized as an angiostatic factor that binds to the CXCR3 receptor and inhibits endothelial cell migration and proliferation, as well as attracts cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity.…”

“…19 Three proangiogenic serum proteins (HGF, CXCL1, and CXCL9) were found to be significantly elevated with cervical cancer stage. Angiogenesis has been described as a basic feature of tumor development, growth, and malignant behavior.…”

Increased STAT1 Expression in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Is Associated With a Better Outcome

“…When CXCL10 binds to its receptor, CXCR3, Th1 immune response and TCD8 + cell recruitment occur. 21,22 There is increasing evidence that the interaction between host immune microenvironment and tumor intrinsic characteristics can contribute to different clinical outcomes. The presence of lymphocytic peritumoral infiltrating lymphocytes highlights the role of immunoediting in tumor control.…”

Functions and regulation of MUC13 mucin in colon cancer cells

“…Over the last decade it has become evident that cytokines are critical players in cancer pathogenesis [15, 16]. Many cancers, including gastric, colon, breast and prostate cancers, over- express interleukin 6 (IL6) [17-20].…”