IMPLICATIONS OF DISULFIDPTOSIS-RELATED LNCRNA IN PANCREATIC CANCER ON ATHLETE HEALTH: PROGNOSIS, TUMOR ENVIRONMENT, AND TREATMENT RESPONSES

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a significant global health challenge with poor long-term survival rates despite advances in treatment strategies. Recent studies have linked physiological stress responses, such as disulfidptosis, induced by abnormal disulfide accumulation under conditions like glucose starvation, to cellular death mechanisms. This research explores the role of disulfidptosis-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating these stress responses, which may have implications for athletes’ health, particularly in sports that involve intense physical exertion and dietary restrictions that could mimic such stress conditions. Methods: Utilizing data from the TCGA database, this study identifies lncRNAs associated with disulfidptosis in PAAD patients through coexpression, lasso, and Cox regression analyses. A risk-score-based nomogram was developed to predict PAAD prognosis using survival curves, regression analyses, and ROC curves. Additionally, GO and KEGG analyses were conducted to understand biological functions related to these lncRNAs. Correlations between risk scores, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immune function were also explored to evaluate treatment sensitivity. Results: Six disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs were identified as predictors for PAAD prognosis. Stratification of patients into high-risk and low-risk groups revealed significant differences in survival outcomes, with the prognostic model showing high diagnostic accuracy. Notably, the cAMP signaling pathway and cytokine receptor interactions were significantly influenced by these lncRNAs. Lower risk scores correlated with reduced TMB levels, pointing to potential variations in immune response and treatment sensitivity among athletes exposed to similar physiological stresses. Conclusion: The identified disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs not only serve as effective prognostic markers for PAAD but also provide insights into the physiological stress responses that could affect athlete health and performance. Understanding these markers may help in developing tailored health strategies for athletes, particularly in managing stress responses that mimic those seen in PAAD, ultimately influencing performance and recovery strategies in sports medicine.