Interleukin-33 (IL-33) has emerged as a critical cytokine in the regulation of the immune system, showing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases including cancer. This review ...emphasizes the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in breast cancer biology, its contribution to cancer progression and metastasis, its influence on the tumor microenvironment and cancer metabolism, and its potential as a therapeutic target. The IL-33/ST2 axis has been shown to have extensive pro-tumorigenic features in breast cancer, starting from tumor tissue proliferation and differentiation to modulating both cancer cells and anti-tumor immune response. It has also been linked to the resistance of cancer cells to conventional therapeutics. However, the role of IL-33 in cancer therapy remains controversial due to the conflicting effects of IL-33 in tumorigenesis and anti-tumor response. The possibility of targeting the IL-33/ST2 axis in tumor immunotherapy, or as an adjuvant in immune checkpoint blockade therapy, is discussed.
The continuous evolution of cancer biology has led to the discovery of mammaglobin, a potential novel biomarker for breast carcinoma. This review aims to unravel the enigmatic aspects of mammaglobin ...and elucidate its potential role in redefining the paradigm of breast carcinoma biomarkers. We will thoroughly examine its expression in tumoral and peritumoral tissues and its circulating levels in the blood, thereby providing insights into its possible function in cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the potential application of mammaglobin as a non-invasive diagnostic tool and a target for personalized treatment strategies will be discussed. Given the increasing incidence of breast carcinoma worldwide, the exploration of novel biomarkers such as mammaglobin is crucial in advancing our diagnostic capabilities and treatment modalities, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, plays a pivotal role in various cellular processes, including immune responses, inflammation, and cancer progression. This comprehensive review ...aims to elucidate the multifaceted functions of Gal-3, starting with its crucial involvement in viral entry through facilitating viral attachment and catalyzing internalization. Furthermore, Gal-3 assumes significant roles in modulating immune responses, encompassing the activation and recruitment of immune cells, regulation of immune signaling pathways, and orchestration of cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy. The impact of Gal-3 extends to the viral life cycle, encompassing critical phases such as replication, assembly, and release. Notably, Gal-3 also contributes to viral pathogenesis, demonstrating involvement in tissue damage, inflammation, and viral persistence and latency elements. A detailed examination of specific viral diseases, including
,
, and
, underscores the intricate role of Gal-3 in modulating immune responses and facilitating viral adherence and entry. Moreover, the potential of Gal-3 as a biomarker for disease severity, particularly in COVID-19, is considered. Gaining further insight into the mechanisms and roles of Gal-3 in these infections could pave the way for the development of innovative treatment and prevention options for a wide range of viral diseases.
Metformin, a medication known for its anti-glycemic properties, also demonstrates potent immune system activation. In our study, using a 4T1 breast cancer model in BALB/C WT mice, we examined ...metformin’s impact on the functional phenotype of multiple immune cells, with a specific emphasis on natural killer T (NKT) cells due to their understudied role in this context. Metformin administration delayed the appearance and growth of carcinoma. Furthermore, metformin increased the percentage of IFN-γ+ NKT cells, and enhanced CD107a expression, as measured by MFI, while decreasing PD-1+, FoxP3+, and IL-10+ NKT cells in spleens of metformin-treated mice. In primary tumors, metformin increased the percentage of NKp46+ NKT cells and increased FasL expression, while lowering the percentages of FoxP3+, PD-1+, and IL-10-producing NKT cells and KLRG1 expression. Activation markers increased, and immunosuppressive markers declined in T cells from both the spleen and tumors. Furthermore, metformin decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, along with Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in spleens, and in tumor tissue, it decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, Gr-1+, NF-κB+, and iNOS+ MDSCs, and iNOS+ dendritic cells (DCs), while increasing the DCs quantity. Additionally, increased expression levels of MIP1a, STAT4, and NFAT in splenocytes were found. These comprehensive findings illustrate metformin’s broad immunomodulatory impact across a variety of immune cells, including stimulating NKT cells and T cells, while inhibiting Tregs and MDSCs. This dynamic modulation may potentiate its use in cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of immune cell types.
A series of mono- and heteronuclear platinum(II) and zinc(II) complexes with 4,4',4″-tri-
-butyl-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine ligand were synthesized and characterized. The DNA and protein binding ...properties of ZnCl
(terpy
) (
), {
-PtCl(NH
)
(
-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy
)}(ClO
)
(
), {
-PtCl(NH
)
(
-pyrazine)ZnCl(terpy
)}(ClO
)
(
), {
-PtCl(NH
)
(
-4,4'-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy
)}(CIO
)
(
) and {
-PtCl(NH
)
(
-4,4'-bipyridyl)ZnCl(terpy
)}(CIO
)
(
) (where terpy
= 4,4',4″-tri-
-butyl-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine), were investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence spectroscopic, and molecular docking methods. Complexes featuring transplatin exhibited lower
and
constant values compared to cisplatin analogs. The lowest
value belonged to complex
while
exhibited the highest. Molecular docking studies reveal that the binding of complex
to DNA is due to van der Waals forces, while that of
-
is due to conventional hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The tested complexes exhibited variable cytotoxicity toward mouse colorectal carcinoma (CT26), human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116 and SW480), and non-cancerous mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSC). Particularly, the mononuclear
complex showed pronounced selectivity toward cancer cells over non-cancerous mMSC. The
complex notably induced apoptosis in CT26 cells, effectively arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and selectively down-regulated Cyclin D.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a complex interplay of molecular pathways contributing to its aggressive nature. Galectin-1 ...(Gal-1), a member of the galectin family, has emerged as a pivotal player in the PDAC microenvironment, influencing various aspects from tumor growth and angiogenesis to immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of Galectin-1 in PDAC. We delve into its contributions to tumor stroma remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. The challenges associated with targeting Gal-1 are discussed, given its pleiotropic functions and complexities in different cellular conditions. Additionally, the promising prospects of Gal-1 inhibition, including the utilization of nanotechnology and theranostics, are highlighted. By integrating recent findings and shedding light on the intricacies of Gal-1's involvement in PDAC, this review aims to provide insights that could guide future research and therapeutic strategies.
Elucidating the inflammatory mechanisms underlying formation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is crucial for discovering new targeted therapeutics. The proinflammatory cytokine ...IL-17 has proven roles in tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. The presence of IL-17 is demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models, and in OSCC patients, is mostly accompanied by enhanced proliferation and invasiveness of cancer cells. Here we review the known facts regarding the role of IL-17 in OSCC pathogenesis, namely the IL-17 mediated production of proinflammatory mediators that mobilize and activate myeloid cells with suppressive and proangiogenic activities and proliferative signals that directly induce proliferation of cancer cells and stem cells. The possibility of a potential IL-17 blockade in OSCC therapy is also discussed.
This case report details a rare instance of a perforated jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in a 76-year-old female patient. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and distension ...without any changes in bowel habits or episodes of nausea and vomiting. Initial diagnostics, including abdominal plain radiography and ultrasonography, were inconclusive; however, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed pneumoperitoneum and an irregular fluid collection suggestive of small intestine perforations. Surgical intervention uncovered a 35 mm jejunal GIST with a 10 mm perforation. Histopathological examination confirmed a mixed cell type GIST with high malignancy potential, further substantiated by immunohistochemistry markers CD117, DOG1, and vimentin. Molecular analysis illuminated the role of key oncogenes, primarily KIT and PDGFRA mutations, emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnostics in GIST management. Despite the severity of the presentation, the patient's postoperative recovery was favorable, highlighting the effectiveness of prompt surgical and multidisciplinary approaches in managing complex GIST cases.
A Rare Case Of Type II Amyand's Hernia Jakovljevic, Stefan; Cvetkovic, Aleksandar; Spasic, Marko ...
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association,
07/2023, Letnik:
73, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Odprti dostop
Amyand's hernia represents an inguinal hernia containing an appendix within the hernia sac. This extremely rare condition occurs in approximately 1% of all inguinal hernias. This report describes the ...case of an 84-year-old male who presented with a right inguinal mass that intraoperatively turned out to be Amyand's hernia type-II with a gangrenous and perforated appendix. An appendectomy and peritoneal lavage were performed, followed by a hernioplasty where a modified Bassini repair was used. The patient fully recovered, and was discharged from the hospital on the fourth day. A non-reducible inguinal hernia containing a perforated appendix is a very rare emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent abdominal sepsis. Therefore, while examining an inguinal hernia, the possibility of Amyand's hernia should always be considered.
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an abrupt, variable inflammatory condition of the pancreas, potentially escalating to severe systemic inflammation, rampant pancreatic necrosis, and multi-organ failure. ...Its complex pathogenesis involves an intricate immune response, with different T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, TFH, Treg, and CD8
T cells) and B cells playing pivotal roles. Early T cell activation initiates the AP development, triggering cytokines associated with the Th1 response, which stimulate macrophages and neutrophils. Other T cell phenotypes contribute to AP's pathogenesis, and the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines influences its progression. Regulatory T and B cells are crucial for moderating the inflammatory response and promoting immune tolerance. B cells further contribute through antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion. Understanding these immune cells' roles in AP could aid in developing new immunotherapies to enhance patient outcomes. However, further research is required to define these cells' precise roles in AP and their potential as therapeutic targets.
