Overlap in oncogenic and pro-inflammatory pathways associated with areca nut and nicotine exposure

Background

Betel nut/areca nut/Areca catechu is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substance, and is also a major preventable cause of cancer. Unlike other psychoactive substances, such as nicotine, the mechanisms underlying addiction to areca nuts and related oncogenesis remain elusive. Recent reports suggest a possible overlap in the mechanisms of action of nicotine and areca nuts in the human body. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the interactome of human proteins associated with areca nut exposure and the intricate similarities and differences in the effects of the two psychoactive substances on humans.

Methods

A list of proteins associated with areca nut use was obtained from the available literature using terms from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and functional enrichment were analyzed. The results obtained for both psychoactive substances were compared.

Results

Given the limited number of common proteins (36/226, 16%) in the two sets, a substantial overlap (612/1176 nodes, 52%) was observed in the PPI networks, as well as in Gene Ontology. Areca nuts mainly affect signaling pathways through three hub proteins (alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, tumor protein 53, and interleukin-6), which are common to both psychoactive substances, as well as two unique hub proteins (epidermal growth factor receptor and master regulator of cell cycle entry and proliferative metabolism). Areca nut-related proteins are associated with unique pathways, such as extracellular matrix organization, lipid storage, and metabolism, which are not found in nicotine-associated proteins.

Conclusions

Areca nuts affect regulatory mechanisms, leading to systemic toxicity and oncogenesis. Areca nuts also affect unique pathways that can be studied as potential markers of exposure, as well as targets for anticancer therapeutic agents.