Exploring the mechanism of action of succinic acid in ovarian cancer via single-cell sequencing of the tumor immune microenvironment.

BACKGROUND: The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a new treatment method that has emerged in recent years and relies on specific molecular targets to treat cancer. Succinic acid is a key intermediate product in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Research has shown that succinic acid has antioxidant properties and can alleviate oxidative stress in cells and tissues. These findings indicate the potential application of succinic acid in antioxidant therapy and the prevention of oxidative damage. This study explored the potential targets and therapeutic mechanisms of succinic acid in ovarian cancer. METHODS: Using bioinformatics and single-cell sequencing technology, the hub genes related to succinic acid and ovarian cancer and the frequency and gene expression patterns of different cell types in ovarian cancer patients and normal individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of immune cells, including B cells, CD4(+) cells, CD8(+) cells, macrophages, and plasma cells, was significantly increased in ovarian cancer patients, and the frequency of other cell types, such as endothelial cells, NK cells, and pericytes/SMCs, was decreased. Further research revealed three key hub genes: SPP1, SLPI, and CD9. The expression patterns of these genes in ovarian cancer were closely related to different cell types. SPP1 was expressed mainly in macrophages, SLPI was expressed in epithelial cells, and CD9 was expressed in pericytes/SMCs and epithelial cells. SPP1, SLPI, and CD9 and their mechanisms of action may be potential targets for the treatment of ovarian cancer with succinic acid. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of succinic acid in ovarian cancer and the differences in immune cell infiltration and gene expression patterns, providing important insights for future tumor immunotherapy research.