Previously, a large volume of papers reports that gold nanorods (Au NRs) are able to effectively kill cancer cells upon high laser doses (usually 808 nm, 1–48 W/cm2) irradiation, leading to ...hyperthermia‐induced destruction of cancer cells, i.e, photothermal therapy (PTT) effects. Combination of Au NRs‐mediated PTT and organic photosensitizers‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) were also reported to achieve synergistic PTT and PDT effects on killing cancer cells. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that Au NRs alone can sensitize formation of singlet oxygen (1O2) and exert dramatic PDT effects on complete destrcution of tumors in mice under very low LED/laser doses of single photon NIR (915 nm, <130 mW/cm2) light excitation. By changing the NIR light excitation wavelengths, Au NRs‐mediated phototherapeutic effects can be switched from PDT to PTT or combination of both. Both PDT and PTT effects were confirmed by measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat shock protein (HSP 70), singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) sensing, and sodium azide quenching in cellular experiments. In vivo mice experiments further show that the PDT effect via irradiation of Au NRs by 915 nm can destruct the B16F0 melanoma tumor in mice far more effectively than doxorubicin (a clinically used anti‐cancer drug) as well as the PTT effect (via irradiation of Au NRs by 780 nm light). In addition, we show that Au NRs can emit single photon‐induced fluorescence to illustrate their in vivo locations/distribution.
Gold nanorods (Au NRs)‐mediated photodynamic therapy effects on destruction of tumors were demonstrated upon single photon NIR light excitation without additional organic photosensitizers, and simultaneously act as fluorescent markers.
The stereoselectivity and yield in glycosylation reactions are paramount but unpredictable. We have developed a database of acceptor nucleophilic constants (Aka) to quantify the nucleophilicity of ...hydroxyl groups in glycosylation influenced by the steric, electronic and structural effects, providing a connection between experiments and computer algorithms. The subtle reactivity differences among the hydroxyl groups on various carbohydrate molecules can be defined by Aka, which is easily accessible by a simple and convenient automation system to assure high reproducibility and accuracy. A diverse range of glycosylation donors and acceptors with well‐defined reactivity and promoters were organized and processed by the designed software program “GlycoComputer” for prediction of glycosylation reactions without involving sophisticated computational processing. The importance of Aka was further verified by random forest algorithm, and the applicability was tested by the synthesis of a Lewis A skeleton to show that the stereoselectivity and yield can be accurately estimated.
A so‐called “GlycoComputer” program has been developed to foresee and predict the yield and stereoselectivity of glycosylation reactions based on the properties of various donors, acceptors, activation systems and solvents. The program statistically analyzes and compares the relative reactivity value (RRV) of donors and the acceptor nucleophilic constant (Aka) of acceptors.
Gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib are approved for first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) bearing an activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. However, ...the clinical outcomes among the three EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are still controversial. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and secondary EGFR T790M mutation among the three EGFR TKIs. From May 2014 to January 2016, a total of 301 patients received treatment with gefitinib, erlotinib or afatinib, for first‐line treatment of advanced NSCLC with an activating EGFR mutation, based on their clinicians’ choice. The median overall survival (OS) was 37.0 months. Although the baseline characteristics of patients were unequal, progression‐free survival and OS did not differ among the 3 groups. Multivariate analysis found that gefitinib (adjusted odds ratio aOR 3.29, 95% confidence interval CI, 1.15–9.46, p = 0.027), EGFR TKI treatment duration more than 13 months (aOR 3.16, 95% CI, 1.20–8.33, p = 0.020), male (aOR 3.25, 95% CI, 1.10–9.66, p = 0.034), initial liver metastasis (aOR 4.97, 95% CI 1.18–20.96, p = 0.029) and uncommon EGFR mutation (aOR 0.14, 95% CI, 0.02–0.97, compared to EGFR deletion 19, p = 0.047) were independent factors for secondary T790M mutation. In real‐world practice, choosing first line EGFR TKI based on the patients’ clinical characteristics yielded good clinical outcomes. First‐line gefitinib, longer EGFR TKI treatment duration, male, initial liver metastasis and uncommon EGFR mutations may be independent factors for secondary EGFR T790M mutation.
What's new?
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) commonly are used as first‐line therapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the actual extent of their clinical performance, including impacts on secondary EGFR T790M mutation, the most frequent EGFR‐TKI resistance mechanism, remains uncertain. Here, analyses of first‐line EGFR‐TKIs afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib in advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC, with TKIs chosen by clinicians’ discretion, shows median overall survival to be 37 months, which is longer than previously reported. Secondary EGFR T790M mutation was independently associated with multiple factors, including first‐line gefitinib therapy and EGFR TKI use for more than 13 months.
Targeted therapy in glomerular diseases Lin, Yi-Chan; Gau, Tyng-Shiuan; Jiang, Zheng-Hong ...
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association,
February 2024, 2024-Feb, 2024-02-00, 20240201, 2024-02-01, Letnik:
123, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Targeted therapy has emerged as a more precise approach to treat glomerular diseases, focusing on specific molecular or cellular processes that contribute to disease development or progression. This ...approach complements or replaces traditional immunosuppressive therapy, optimizes supportive care, and provides a more personalized treatment strategy. In this review, we summarize the evolving understanding of pathogenic mechanisms in immune-mediated glomerular diseases and the developing targeted therapies based on these mechanisms. We begin by discussing pan-B-cell depletion, anti-CD20 rituximab, and targeting B-cell survival signaling through the BAFF/APRIL pathway. We also exam specific plasma cell depletion with anti-CD38 antibody. We then shift our focus to complement activation in glomerular diseases, which is involved in antibody-mediated glomerular diseases, such as IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and lupus nephritis. Non-antibody-mediated complement activation occurs in glomerular diseases, including C3 glomerulopathy, complement-mediated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. We discuss specific inhibition of terminal, lectin, and alternative pathways in different glomerular diseases. Finally, we summarize current clinical trials targeting the final pathways of various glomerular diseases, including kidney fibrosis. We conclude that targeted therapy based on individualized pathogenesis should be the future of treating glomerular diseases.
Overweight and obesity are important risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Clustering of metabolic risk factors in early pregnancy may be a potential pathogenesis between the link of ...overweight/obesity and GDM. Since it remains unexplored, we investigated if overweight and obesity are associated with clustering of metabolic risk factors in early pregnancy and the risk of GDM in this cohort study.
Total 527 women who visited National Taiwan University Hospital for prenatal care in between November 2013 to April 2018 were enrolled. Risk factors of GDM in the first prenatal visit (FPV) were recorded. Overweight/obesity was defined if body mass index ≥24 kg/m2. GDM was diagnosed from the result of a 75g oral glucose tolerance test in 24-28 gestational weeks.
Overweight/obesity was associated with clustering of metabolic risk factors of GDM, including high fasting plasma glucose, high HbA1c, insulin resistance, high plasma triglyceride and elevated blood pressure in FPV (p<0.05). There was a positive relationship between the number of metabolic risk factors and the incidence of GDM (p <0.05). The odds ratios of HbA1c and diastolic blood pressure were higher in overweight/obese women, compared with those in normal-weight women.
Overweight/obesity is associated with clustering of metabolic risk factors in early pregnancy, which is correlated with higher risk of GDM. Our findings suggest that metabolic risk factors during early pregnancy should be evaluated in overweight/obese women.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cancer stem cell (CSC) theory has drawn much attention, with evidence supporting the contribution of stem cells to tumor initiation, relapse, and therapy resistance.
To screen drugs that target CSCs ...to improve the current treatment outcome and overcome drug resistance in patients with lung cancer.
We used publicly available embryonic stem cell and CSC-associated gene signatures to query the Connectivity Map for potential drugs that can, at least in part, reverse the gene expression profile of CSCs. High scores were noted for several phenothiazine-like antipsychotic drugs, including trifluoperazine. We then treated lung CSCs with different EGFR mutation status with trifluoperazine to examine its anti-CSC properties. Lung CSCs resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor or cisplatin were treated with trifluoperazine plus gefitinib or trifluoperazine plus cisplatin. Animal models were used for in vivo validation of the anti-CSC effect and synergistic effect of trifluoperazine with gefitinib.
We demonstrated that trifluoperazine inhibited CSC tumor spheroid formation and down-regulated the expression of CSC markers (CD44/CD133). Trifluoperazine inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in gefitinib-resistant lung cancer spheroids. The combination of trifluoperazine with either gefitinib or cisplatin overcame drug resistance in lung CSCs. Trifluoperazine inhibited the tumor growth and enhanced the inhibitory activity of gefitinib in lung cancer metastatic and orthotopic CSC animal models.
Using in silico drug screening by Connectivity Map followed by empirical validations, we repurposed an existing phenothiazine-like antipsychotic drug, trifluoperazine, as a potential anti-CSC agent that could overcome epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and chemotherapy resistance.
The T790M mutation is the major resistance mechanism to first- and second-generation TKIs in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. This study aimed to investigate the utility of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for ...detection of T790M in plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and explore its impact on prognosis.
This prospective study enrolled 80 advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib for TKI-sensitizing mutations between 2015 and 2019. Plasma samples were collected before TKI therapy and at tri-monthly intervals thereafter. Genotyping of ctDNA for T790M was performed using a ddPCR EGFR Mutation Assay. Patients were followed up until the date of death or to the end of 2021.
Seventy-five of 80 patients experienced progressive disease. Fifty-three (71%) of 75 patients underwent rebiopsy, and T790M mutation was identified in 53% (28/53) of samples. Meanwhile, plasma ddPCR detected T790M mutation in 23 (43%) of 53 patients. The concordance rate of T790M between ddPCR and rebiopsy was 76%, and ddPCR identified 4 additional T790M-positive patients. Ten (45%) of 22 patients who did not receive rebiopsy tested positive for T790M by ddPCR. Serial ddPCR analysis showed the time interval from detection of plasma T790M to objective progression was 1.1 (0-4.1) months. Compared to 28 patients with rebiopsy showing T790M, the overall survival of 14 patients with T790M detected solely by ddPCR was shorter(41.3 95% CI, 36.6-46.0 vs. 26.6 months 95% CI, 9.9-43.3, respectively).
Plasma ddPCR-based genotyping is a useful technology for detection and monitoring of the key actionable genomic alteration, namely, T790M, in patients treated with gefitinib, erlotinib, or afatinib for activating mutations, to achieve better patient care and outcome.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
It is important to select appropriate targeted therapies for subgroups of patients with lung adenocarcinoma who have specific gene alterations.
This prospective study was a multicenter project ...conducted in Taiwan for assessment of lung adenocarcinoma genetic tests. Five oncogenic drivers, including EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, HER2 and EML4-ALK fusion mutations, were tested. EGFR, KRAS, BRAF and HER2 mutations were assessed by MALDI-TOF MS (Cohort 1). EML4-ALK translocation was tested by Ventana method in EGFR-wild type patients (Cohort 2).
From August 2011 to November 2013, a total of 1772 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were enrolled. In Cohort 1 analysis, EGFR, KRAS, HER2 and BRAF mutations were identified in 987 (55.7%), 93 (5.2%), 36 (2.0%) and 12 (0.7%) patients, respectively. Most of these mutations were mutually exclusive, except for co-mutations in seven patients (3 with EGFR + KRAS, 3 with EGFR + HER2 and 1 with KRAS + BRAF). In Cohort 2 analysis, 29 of 295 EGFR-wild type patients (9.8%) were positive for EML4-ALK translocation. EGFR mutations were more common in female patients and non-smokers and KRAS mutations were more common in male patients and smokers. Gender and smoking status were not correlated significantly with HER2, BRAF and EML4-ALK mutations. EML4-ALK translocation was more common in patients with younger age.
This was the first study in Taiwan to explore the incidence of five oncogenic drivers in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and the results could be valuable for physicians in consideration of targeted therapy and inclusion of clinical trials.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cyclizine exhibits sedation and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness due to antihistaminic and antimuscarinic effects. Cyclizine has the potential for abuse due to the hallucinogenic ...and euphoric effect. The response of overdose and illegal abuse of cyclizine includes confusion, tremors, chest pain, ataxia, seizures, and lead to suicide. Macrophage plays the important role in the innate immunity. However, over activation of macrophages results in pro-inflammatory responses in peripheral tissues. In the present study, cyclizine was found to enhanced the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. We further found that secretion of nitrogen oxide (NO) induced by cyclizine via expression of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS). Cyclizine exhibited parallel stimulation of phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) p65, and its up-stream factor Akt. These results indicated that the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, pro-inflammatory mediators, and adhesion molecules would be induced by cyclizine via activation of Akt-NFκB pathway in macrophages.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer treatment resistance and disease progression. Identifying an effective anti‐CSC agent may lead to improved disease control. We used ...CSC‐associated gene signatures to identify drug candidates that may inhibit CSC growth by reversing the CSC gene signature. Thiostrepton, a natural cyclic oligopeptide antibiotic, was the top‐ranked candidate. In non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, thiostrepton inhibited CSC growth in vitro and reduced protein expression of cancer stemness markers, including CD133, Nanog and Oct4A. In addition, metastasis‐associated Src tyrosine kinase signalling, cell migration and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) were all inhibited by thiostrepton. Mechanistically, thiostrepton treatment led to elevated levels of tumour suppressor miR‐98. Thiostrepton combined with gemcitabine synergistically suppressed NSCLC cell growth and induced apoptosis. The inhibition of NSCLC tumours and CSC growth by thiostrepton was also demonstrated in vivo. Our findings indicate that thiostrepton, an established drug identified in silico, is an inhibitor of CSC growth and a potential enhancer of chemotherapy in NSCLC.