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Gene Oct 2023Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a complex reproductive medicine disease that affects many families. The cause of RM is unclear at this time; however, lifestyle and genetic... (Review)
Review
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is a complex reproductive medicine disease that affects many families. The cause of RM is unclear at this time; however, lifestyle and genetic variables may influence the process. The slight alteration in miRNA expression has enormous consequences for a variety of difficulties, one of which may be RM. The target of this systematic study was to provide a framework of the dysregulated miRNAs in RM. The Prisma guidelines were applied to perform current systematic review pertaining to articles in the seven databases. Thirty-nine papers out of 245 received fulfilled all inclusion requirements. From all the mentioned miRNAs, 40 were up-regulated (65.57 %), whereas 21 were down-regulated (34.43 %). These dysregulated miRNAs contributed to the pathophysiology of RM by influencing key pathways and processes such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the immune system. Understanding the dysregulation of miRNAs, as well as the pathways and processes that engage these miRNAs and impact disease pathogenesis, may aid in clarifying the unknown underlying mechanisms of RM and the development of novel molecular therapeutic targets and medical domains.
Topics: Female; Humans; MicroRNAs; Abortion, Habitual; Immune System
PubMed: 37543220
DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147689 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Oct 2023Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. While the majority of meningiomas are benign, rarely they can metastasize extracranially. There is a need for...
BACKGROUND
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. While the majority of meningiomas are benign, rarely they can metastasize extracranially. There is a need for a more comprehensive review of these patients to improve our understanding of this rare phenomenon and its prevalence globally. Here we describe our institution's experience of patients presenting with metastatic meningiomas. We further perform a systematic review of the existing literature to explore common features of this rare manifestation of meningioma and review the efficacy of current treatments.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective clinical review of all adult patients with metastatic meningioma managed at our institution over the past 20 years, identifying 6 patients. We then performed a systematic review of cases of metastatic meningioma in the literature ranging from the years 1886 to 2022. A descriptive analysis was then conducted on the available data from 1979 onward, focusing on the grade and location of the primary tumor as well as the latency period to, and location of, the metastasis.
RESULTS
In total, we analyzed 155 cases. Fifty-four percent of patients initially presented with a primary meningioma located in the convexity. The most common site of metastasis was the lung. Risk factors associated with a shorter time to metastasis were male sex and a high initial grade of the tumor. Regarding treatment, the addition of chemotherapy was the most common adjunct to the standard management of surgery and radiotherapy. Despite an exhaustive review we were unable to identify effective treatments. The majority of published cases came from centers situated in high-income countries (84%) while only 16% came from lower- and middle-income countries.
CONCLUSIONS
Metastatic meningiomas pose a pertinent, and likely underestimated, clinical challenge within modern neurosurgery. To optimize management, timely identification of these patients is important. More research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these tumors to better guide the development of effective screening and management protocols. However, screening of each meningioma patient is not feasible, and at the heart of this challenge is the inability to control the primary disease. Ultimately, a consensus is needed as to how to correctly screen for and manage these patients; genomic and epigenomic approaches could hold the answer to finding druggable targets.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Brain Neoplasms; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37491650
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05687-3 -
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine Nov 2023Computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and F-FDG-PET have proven clinical value when evaluating patients with carotid... (Review)
Review
Computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and F-FDG-PET have proven clinical value when evaluating patients with carotid atherosclerosis. In this systematic review, we will focus on the role of novel molecular imaging tracers in that assessment and their potential strengths to stratify stroke risk. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library for articles reporting on molecular imaging to noninvasively detect or characterize inflammation in carotid atherosclerosis. As our focus was on nonclassical novel targets, we omitted reports solely on F-FDG and F-NaF. We summarized and mapped the selected studies to provide an overview of the current clinical development in molecular imaging in relation to risk factors, imaging and histological findings, diagnostic and prognostic performance. We identified 20 articles in which the utilized tracers to visualize carotid wall inflammation were somatostatin subtype-2- (SST2-) (n = 5), CXC-motif chemokine receptor 4- (CXCR4-) (n = 3), translocator protein- (TSPO-) (n = 2) and aVβ3 integrin-ligands (n = 2) and choline-tracers (n = 2). Tracer uptake correlated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, that is, age, gender, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension as well as prior cardiovascular disease. We identified discrepancies between tracer uptake and grade of stenosis, plaque calcification, and F-FDG uptake, suggesting the importance of alternative characterization of atherosclerosis beyond classical neuroimaging features. Immunohistochemical analysis linked tracer uptake to markers of macrophage infiltration and neovascularization. Symptomatic carotid arteries showed higher uptake compared to asymptomatic (including contralateral, nonculprit) arteries. Some studies demonstrated a potential role of these novel molecular imaging as a specific intermediary (bio)marker for outcome. Several novel tracers show promise for identification of high-risk plaque inflammation. Based on the current evidence we cautiously propose the SST2-ligands and the choline radiotracers as viable candidates for larger prospective longitudinal outcome studies to evaluate their predictive use in clinical practice.
PubMed: 37996309
DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.10.004 -
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Jan 2024Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been the subject of several studies in recent decades as a promising molecular target for prostate cancer (PCa), in fact it... (Review)
Review
Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been the subject of several studies in recent decades as a promising molecular target for prostate cancer (PCa), in fact it is considered an excellent molecular target for both PCa imaging (both for staging and follow-up), by means of PET/CT and for radioligand therapy. Its interesting molecular features have enabled the development of a new diagnostic and therapeutic approach for PCa, called "theranostics." Considering the abundance of PSMA-based probes that have appeared so far in the literature, the present work focuses the attention on radiopharmaceuticals with increasing clinical application, highlighting advantages and disadvantages in terms of different metabolization and excretion processes, pharmacokinetic, binding affinity and variable internalization rate, tumor-to-background ratio, residence times and toxicity profile.
Topics: Male; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiopharmaceuticals; Precision Medicine; Gallium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 37992520
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115966 -
International Journal of Biological... Dec 2023The incidence of diabetes, as a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, is increasing every year. The predominantly western medicine treatment is... (Review)
Review
The incidence of diabetes, as a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, is increasing every year. The predominantly western medicine treatment is associated with certain side effects, which has prompted people to turn their attention to natural active substances. Natural polysaccharide is a safe and low-toxic natural substance with various biological activities. Hypoglycemic activity is one of the important biological activities of natural polysaccharides, which has great potential for development. A systematic review of the latest research progress and possible molecular mechanisms of hypoglycemic activity of natural polysaccharides is of great significance for better understanding them. In this review, we systematically reviewed the relationship between the hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharides and their structure in terms of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bonds, and summarized underlying molecular mechanisms the hypoglycemic activity of natural polysaccharides. In addition, the potential mechanisms of natural polysaccharides improving the complications of diabetes were analyzed and discussed. This paper provides some valuable insights and important guidance for further research on the hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides.
Topics: Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Polysaccharides; Monosaccharides; Molecular Weight
PubMed: 37562477
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126199 -
Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jan 2024The treatment of interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), remains challenging as current available antifibrotic agents are not... (Review)
Review
The treatment of interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), remains challenging as current available antifibrotic agents are not effective in halting disease progression. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), also known as cellular communication factor 2 (CCN2), is a member of the CCN family of proteins that regulates cell signaling through cell surface receptors such as integrins, the activity of cytokines/growth factors, and the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Accumulating evidence indicates that CTGF plays a crucial role in promoting lung fibrosis through multiple processes, including inducing transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cooperating with other fibrotic mediators such as TGF-β. Increased expression of CTGF has been observed in fibrotic lungs and inhibiting CTGF signaling has been shown to suppress lung fibrosis in several animal models. Thus, the CTGF signaling pathway is emerging as a potential therapeutic target in IPF and other pulmonary fibrotic conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the pathogenic role of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis and discusses the current therapeutic agents targeting CTGF using a systematic review approach.
Topics: Animals; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Fibrosis; Fibroblasts; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Lung
PubMed: 38103794
DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108578 -
Cureus Jan 2024This systematic review examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing lung disorders through a comprehensive analysis of articles... (Review)
Review
This systematic review examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing lung disorders through a comprehensive analysis of articles spanning 2014 to 2023. Evaluating AI's multifaceted roles in radiological imaging, disease burden prediction, detection, diagnosis, and molecular mechanisms, this review presents a critical synthesis of key insights from select articles. The findings underscore AI's significant strides in bolstering diagnostic accuracy, interpreting radiological imaging, predicting disease burdens, and deepening the understanding of tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis, pneumoconiosis, and lung fibrosis. The synthesis positions AI as a revolutionary tool within the healthcare system, offering vital implications for healthcare workers, policymakers, and researchers in comprehending and leveraging AI's pivotal role in lung disease management.
PubMed: 38313926
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51581 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... May 2024Genus Paeonia, which is the main source of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao in Chinese), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese) and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Genus Paeonia, which is the main source of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Chishao in Chinese), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao in Chinese) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi in Chinese), is rich in active pharmaceutical ingredient such as monoterpenoid glycosides (MPGs). MPGs from Paeonia have extensive pharmacological effects, but the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of MPGs has not been comprehensively reviewed.
PURPOSE
MPGs compounds are one of the main chemical components of the genus Paeonia, with a wide variety of compounds and strong pharmacological activities, and the structure of the mother nucleus-pinane skeleton is similar to that of a cage. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of MPGs from 2012 to 2023, providing reference direction for the development and utilization of Paeonia resources and preclinical research.
METHODS
Keywords and phrases are widely used in database searches, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and X-Mol to search for citations related to the new compounds, extensive pharmacological research and molecular mechanisms of MPGs compounds of genus Paeonia.
RESULTS
Modern research confirms that MPGs are the main compounds in Paeonia that exert pharmacological effects. MPGs with extensive pharmacological characteristics are mainly concentrated in two categories: paeoniflorin derivatives and albiflflorin derivatives among MPGs, which contains 32 compounds. Among them, 5 components including paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, 6'-O-galloylpaeoniflorin and paeoniflorigenone have been extensively studied, while the other 28 components have only been confirmed to have a certain degree of anti-inflammatory and anticomplementary effects. Studies of pharmacological effects are widely involved in nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, immune system, etc., and some studies have identified clear mechanisms. MPGs exert pharmacological activity through multilateral mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibition of cell apoptosis, regulation of brain gut axis, regulation of gut microbiota and downregulation of mitochondrial apoptosis, etc. CONCLUSION: This systematic review delved into the pharmacological effects and related molecular mechanisms of MPGs. However, there are still some compounds in MPGs whose pharmacological effects and pharmacological mechanisms have not been clarified. In addition, extensive clinical randomized trials are needed to verify the efficacy and dosage of MPGs.
Topics: Glycosides; Paeonia; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Monoterpenes; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Glucosides
PubMed: 38432036
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155483 -
Northern Clinics of Istanbul 2023The World Health Organization has designated carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) as a "critical" pathogen on the global priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organization has designated carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) as a "critical" pathogen on the global priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aims to discuss the molecular epidemiology of CRAB isolates in Turkiye in the last 12 years and the prevalence of gene regions associated with resistance or pathogenesis using a systematic review method. Our study consists of a literature search, determination of eligibility and exclusion criteria, qualitative analysis of studies, data extraction, and statistical analysis. All studies were analyzed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines. The incidence rates of blaOXA-23, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-24/40, blaOXA-24/40-like, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-51-like, blaOXA-58, and blaOXA-58-like genes in CRAB strains were 76.4%, 68.6%, 1.2%, 3.4%, 97.0%, 98.6%, 8.4%, and 17.1%, respectively. It was determined that the prevalence of the blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-58 gene regions showed a statistically significant change over the years. Due to the high prevalence of A. baumannii strains carrying the blaOXA-23 variant, it is necessary to follow its geographical distribution and transposon and plasmid movements. Based on available data, molecular surveillance of CRAB strains should be standardized. In addition, sterilization and disinfection processes applied within the scope of an effective struggle against CRAB strains that can remain live on surfaces for a long time should be reviewed frequently.
PubMed: 37719251
DOI: 10.14744/nci.2022.17003 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Sep 2023Although multiple radiopharmaceuticals are currently available for sentinel node (SN) biopsy, Tc-tilmanocept is of particular interest due to its low molecular weight... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Tc-Tilmanocept performance for sentinel node mapping in breast cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis from a European expert panel.
PURPOSE
Although multiple radiopharmaceuticals are currently available for sentinel node (SN) biopsy, Tc-tilmanocept is of particular interest due to its low molecular weight and specific binding capability for the mannose receptors of lymphatic reticuloendothelial cells. In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide an update from a European expert panel on the performance of Tc-tilmanocept for SN biopsy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases was performed to identify studies on the use of Tc-tilmanocept for SN identification in oncological patients. The articles' methodological quality was assessed before inclusion. The pooled estimates of the pre-/intraoperative detection rates (DR; proportion of patients with ≥ 1 SN identified) and/or pN + sensitivity (SN + /pN + patients ratio), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated for breast cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer.
RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review, and twenty-one provided data for the meta-analysis. According to data availability, the Tc-tilmanocept-estimated pooled preoperative and intraoperative DRs were 0.94 (95%CI, 0.88-1.01) and 0.99 (0.98-1.00) for breast cancer, 0.98 (0.96-0.99) and 1.00 (0.99-1.00) for melanoma, and 0.97 (0.93-1.02) and 0.99 (0.96-1.01) for head and neck carcinoma. Finally, the pooled sensitivity for nodal metastasis in melanoma was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92-1.03).
CONCLUSION
Tc-tilmanocept is a promising radiotracer for SN mapping in patients with breast cancer, melanoma, or head and neck cancer. We strongly believe that multicenter trials are still needed to assess if Tc-tilmanocept is superior to other radiotracers used in clinical routine.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Lymphatic Metastasis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Melanoma; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Lymph Nodes
PubMed: 37310426
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06290-5