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Cancer Imaging : the Official... Sep 2023Fluorine-Fluoro-deoxy-glucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is widely used for diagnosing various malignant tumors and evaluating metabolic activities....
BACKGROUND
Fluorine-Fluoro-deoxy-glucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is widely used for diagnosing various malignant tumors and evaluating metabolic activities. Although the usefulness of F-FDG PET has been reported in several endocrine diseases, studies on pituitary disease are extremely limited. To evaluate whether dexamethasone (DEX) suppression can improve F-FDG PET for the localization of adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas in the pituitary gland in Cushing's disease (CD).
METHODS
We included 22 patients with CD who underwent PET imaging before and after DEX administration. We compared the success rates of PET before and after DEX suppression, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). We determined the final locations of adenomas based on intraoperative multiple-staged resection and tumor tissue identification using frozen sections. Standardized uptake value (SUV) were analyzed to confirm the change of intensity of adenomas on PET.
RESULTS
Twenty-two patients were included (age at diagnosis: 37 [13-56] years), and most were women (90.91%). Pituitary adenomas compared to normal pituitaries showed increased maximum SUV after DEX suppression but without statistical significance (1.13 versus. 1.21, z=-0.765, P = 0.444). After DEX suppression, the mean and maximum SUV of adenomas showed a positive correlation with nadir cortisol levels in high-dose DEX suppression test (Rho = 0.554, P = 0.007 and Rho = 0.503, P = 0.017, respectively). In reference sites, mean SUV of cerebellum was significantly decreased (7.65 vs. 6.40, P = 0.006), but those of the thalamus and gray matter was increased after DEX suppression (thalamus, 8.70 vs. 11.20, P = 0.010; gray matter, 6.25 vs. 7.95, P = 0.010).
CONCLUSION
DEX suppression did not improve F-FDG PET/CT localization in patients with CD.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 37700359
DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00600-8 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology May 2024With the increasing trend of global aging, sarcopenia has become a significant public health issue. Goji berry, also known as "Gou qi zi" in China, is a traditional...
With the increasing trend of global aging, sarcopenia has become a significant public health issue. Goji berry, also known as "Gou qi zi" in China, is a traditional Chinese herb that can enhance the structure and function of muscles and bones. Otherwise, previous excellent publications illustrated that plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles can exert good bioactive functions in different aging or disease models. Thus, we issued the hypothesis that Gouqi-derived nanovesicles (GqDNVs) may also have the ability to improve skeletal muscle health, though the effect and its mechanism need to be explored. Hence, we have extracted GqDNVs from fresh berries of Lycium barbarum L. (goji) and found that the contents of GqDNVs are rich in saccharides and lipids. Based on the pathway annotations and predictions in non-targeted metabolome analysis, GqDNVs are tightly associated with the pathways in metabolism. In muscle atrophy model mice, intramuscular injection of GqDNVs improves the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscle, grip strength and the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway expression. After separately inhibiting AMPK or PGC1α in C2C12 cells with dexamethasone administration, we have found that the activated AMPK plays the chief role in improving cell proliferation induced by GqDNVs. Furthermore, the energy-targeted metabolome analysis in the quadriceps muscle demonstrates that the GqDNVs up-regulate the metabolism of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, autophagy and oxidative phosphorylation process, which indicates the activation of muscle regeneration. Besides, the Spearman rank analysis shows close associations between the quality and function of skeletal muscle, metabolites and expression levels of AMPK and SIRT1. In this study, we provide a new founding that GqDNVs can improve the quality and function of skeletal muscle accompanying the activated AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α signaling pathway. Therefore, GqDNVs have the effect of anti-aging skeletal muscle as a potential adjuvant or complementary method or idea in future therapy and research.
Topics: Animals; Sirtuin 1; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha; Mice; Signal Transduction; Dexamethasone; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Muscular Atrophy; Cell Line; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nanoparticles; Exosomes
PubMed: 38778385
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02563-9 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jan 2024Radiation-induced ototoxicity is associated with inflammation response and excessive reactive oxygen species in the cochlea. However, the effectiveness of many drugs in...
Radiation-induced ototoxicity is associated with inflammation response and excessive reactive oxygen species in the cochlea. However, the effectiveness of many drugs in clinical settings is limited due to anatomical barriers in the inner ear and pharmacokinetic instability. To address this issue, we developed an injectable hydrogel called RADA-HRN-dexamethasone (RHD). The RHD hydrogel possesses self-anti-inflammatory properties and can self-assemble into nanofibrous structures, ensuring controlled and sustained release of dexamethasone in the local region. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the uptake of FITC-conjugated RHD gel by hair cells increased in a time-dependent manner. Compared to free dexamethasone solutions, dexamethasone-loaded RHD gel achieved a longer and more controlled release profile of dexamethasone. Additionally, RHD gel effectively protected against the inflammatory response, reduced excessive reactive oxygen species production, and reversed the decline in mitochondrial membrane potentials induced by ionizing radiation, leading to attenuation of apoptosis and DNA damage. Moreover, RHD gel promoted the recovery of outer hair cells and partially restored auditory function in mice exposed to ionizing radiation. These findings validated the protective effects of RHD gel against radiation-induced ototoxicity in both cell cultures and animal models. Furthermore, RHD gel enhanced the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which was inhibited by ionizing radiation, thereby promoting the survival of hair cells. Importantly, intratympanic injections of RHD gel exhibited excellent biosafety and do not interfere with the anti-tumor effects of radiotherapy. In summary, our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of injectable dexamethasone-loaded RHD hydrogel for the treatment of radiation-induced hearing loss by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Dexamethasone; Hydrogels; Reactive Oxygen Species; Ototoxicity; Signal Transduction; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Mammals
PubMed: 38065412
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.004 -
BMC Cancer Nov 2023While quadruplet induction therapies deepen responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, their impact on peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection remains... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Stem cell collection after lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone plus elotuzumab or isatuximab in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: a single centre experience from the GMMG-HD6 and -HD7 trials.
BACKGROUND
While quadruplet induction therapies deepen responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, their impact on peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection remains incompletely understood. This analysis aims to evaluate the effects of prolonged lenalidomide induction and isatuximab- or elotuzumab-containing quadruplet induction therapies on PBSC mobilization and collection.
METHODS
A total of 179 transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed MM treated at a single academic center were included. The patients were evaluated based on PBSC mobilization and collection parameters, including overall collection results, CD34 cell levels in peripheral blood, leukapheresis (LP) delays, overall number of LP sessions, and the rate of rescue mobilization with plerixafor. The patients underwent four different induction regimens: Lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (RVd, six 21-day cycles, n = 44), isatuximab-RVd (six 21-day cycles, n = 35), RVd (four 21-day cycles, n = 51), or elotuzumab-RVd (four 21-day cycles, n = 49).
RESULTS
The patients' characteristics were well balanced across the different groups. Collection failures, defined as the inability to collect three sufficient PBSC transplants, were rare (n = 3, 2%), with no occurrences in the isatuximab-RVd and elotuzumab-RVd groups. Intensified induction with six 21-day cycles of RVd did not negatively impact the overall number of collected PBSCs (9.7 × 10/kg bw versus 10.5 × 10/kg bw, p = 0.331) compared to four 21-day cycles of RVd. Plerixafor usage was more common after six cycles of RVd compared to four cycles (16% versus 8%). Addition of elotuzumab to RVd did not adversely affect overall PBSC collection (10.9 × 10/kg bw versus 10.5 × 10/kg bw, p = 0.915). Patients treated with isatuximab-RVd (six cycles) had lower numbers of collected stem cells compared to those receiving RVd (six cycles) induction (8.8 × 10/kg bw versus 9.7 × 10/kg bw, p = 0.801), without experiencing significant delays in LP or increased numbers of LP sessions in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Plerixafor usage was more common after isatuximab plus RVd compared to RVd alone (34% versus 16%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that stem cell collection is feasible after prolonged induction with isatuximab-RVd without collection failures and might be further explored as induction therapy.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Patients were treated within the randomized phase III clinical trials GMMG-HD6 (NCT02495922, 24/06/2015) and GMMG-HD7 (NCT03617731, 24/07/2018). However, during stem cell mobilization and -collection, no study-specific therapeutic intervention was performed.
Topics: Humans; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bortezomib; Dexamethasone; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Heterocyclic Compounds; Lenalidomide; Multiple Myeloma; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 37990162
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11507-9 -
The Oncologist Aug 2023A protocol was developed to evaluate the value of an NK-1 receptor antagonist for preventing nausea and vomiting resulting from highly emetogenic chemotherapy when an... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Olanzapine With or Without Fosaprepitant for Preventing Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (ALLIANCE A221602).
PURPOSE
A protocol was developed to evaluate the value of an NK-1 receptor antagonist for preventing nausea and vomiting resulting from highly emetogenic chemotherapy when an olanzapine-based antiemetogenic regimen was used.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A221602, a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, was developed to compare 2 -olanzapine-containing antiemetic regimens, one with an NK-1 receptor antagonist (aprepitant or fosaprepitant) and one without. Trial patients had a malignant disease for which they received intravenous highly emetogenic chemotherapy (single day cisplatin ≥ 70 mg/m2 or doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide on 1 day). Patients on both arms received commonly administered doses of a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, dexamethasone, and olanzapine. Additionally, patients were randomized to receive an NK-1 receptor antagonist (fosaprepitant 150 mg IV or aprepitant 130 mg IV) or a corresponding placebo. The primary objective was to compare the proportion of patients with no nausea for 5 days following chemotherapy between the 2 study arms. This trial was designed to test for the noninferiority of deleting the NK-1 receptor antagonist, with noninferiority defined as a decrease in freedom from nausea by less than 10%.
RESULTS
A total of 690 patients were entered on this trial, 50% on each arm. The proportion of patients without nausea for the complete 5-day study period was 7.4% lower (upper limit of the one-sided 95% confidence interval was 13.5%) in the arm without an NK-1 receptor antagonist compared with the arm with an NK-1 receptor antagonist.
CONCLUSION
This trial did not provide sufficient evidence to support that deletion of the NK-1 receptor antagonist was as good as keeping it, as a part of a 4-drug antiemetic regimen for highly emetogenic chemotherapy (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03578081).
Topics: Humans; Antiemetics; Olanzapine; Aprepitant; Prospective Studies; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Vomiting; Nausea; Antineoplastic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 37284847
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad140 -
JCO Global Oncology Sep 2023Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous, incurable disease most frequently diagnosed in the elderly. Therefore, data on clinical characteristics and outcomes in...
PURPOSE
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous, incurable disease most frequently diagnosed in the elderly. Therefore, data on clinical characteristics and outcomes in the very young population are scarce.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We analyzed clinical characteristics, response to treatment, and survival in 103 patients with newly diagnosed MM age 40 years or younger compared with 256 patients age 41-50 years and 957 patients age 51 years or older.
RESULTS
There were no statistical differences in sex, isotype, International Scoring System, renal involvement, hypercalcemia, anemia, dialysis, bony lesions, extramedullary disease, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most used regimen in young patients was cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, followed by cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone and bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone. Of the patients age 40 years or younger, only 53% received autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) and 71.1% received maintenance. There were no differences in overall survival (OS) in the three patient cohorts. In the multivariate analysis, only high LDH, high cytogenetic risk, and ASCT were statistically associated with survival.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, younger patients with MM in Latin America have similar clinical characteristics, responses, and OS compared with the elderly.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Adult; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Bortezomib; Thalidomide; Latin America; Treatment Outcome; Dexamethasone; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Prognosis; Cyclophosphamide
PubMed: 38060975
DOI: 10.1200/GO.23.00182 -
Biology of Sex Differences Jan 2024Androgens are important sex hormones in both men and women and are supplemented when endogenous levels are low, for gender transitioning, or to increase libido....
BACKGROUND
Androgens are important sex hormones in both men and women and are supplemented when endogenous levels are low, for gender transitioning, or to increase libido. Androgens also circulate at higher levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and arterial stiffness. Since our previous work shows an important role for the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in arterial stiffness, we hypothesized that other hormones including androgens may impact arterial stiffness in female mice via downregulation of GPER.
METHODS
The impact of the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, and the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (all 100 nM for 24 h) on GPER and ERα expression was assessed in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). To assess the in vivo impact of the DHT-induced downregulation of GPER, female ovary-intact C57Bl/6 mice at 15-16 weeks of age were treated with silastic capsules containing DHT for 4 weeks, one with a dosage expected to mimic human male DHT levels and another to double the expected human concentration (n = 8-9/group).
RESULTS
In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, GPER mRNA was decreased by DHT (P = 0.001) but was not impacted by dexamethasone or medroxyprogesterone. In contrast, ERα expression in cultured cells was significantly suppressed by all three hormones (P < 0.0001). In control mice or mice treated with a single or double dose of DHT, a dose-dependent increase in body weight was observed (control 22 ± 2 g, single dose 24 ± 2 g, double dose 26 ± 2 g; P = 0.0002). Intracarotid stiffness measured via pulse wave velocity showed a more than two-fold increase in both DHT-treated groups (control 1.9 ± 0.3 m/s, single dose 4.3 ± 0.8 m/s, double dose 4.8 ± 1.0 m/s). This increase in arterial stiffness occurred independent of changes in blood pressure (P = 0.59). Histological analysis of aortic sections using Masson's trichrome showed a significant decrease in collagen between the control group (24 ± 5%) and the double dose group (17 ± 3%, P = 0.007), despite no changes in aortic wall thickness or smooth muscle content. Lastly, ddPCR showed that in vivo DHT treatment decreased aortic expression of both GPER (control 20 ± 5, single dose 10.5 ± 5.6, double dose 10 ± 4 copies/ng; P = 0.001) and ERα (control 54 ± 2, single dose 24 ± 13, and double dose 23 ± 12 copies/ng; P = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that androgen promotes arterial stiffening and cardiovascular damage in female mice and is associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression. These data are important for transgender men, women using testosterone for fitness or reduced libido, as well as patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Animals; Mice; Infant, Newborn; Dihydrotestosterone; Androgens; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pulse Wave Analysis; Estrogens; Receptors, Estrogen; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 38263051
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00586-3 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023E47 has been identified as a modulating transcription factor of glucocorticoid receptor target genes, its loss protecting mice from metabolic adverse effects of...
PURPOSE
E47 has been identified as a modulating transcription factor of glucocorticoid receptor target genes, its loss protecting mice from metabolic adverse effects of glucocorticoids. We aimed to analyze the role of E47 in patients with endogenous glucocorticoid excess [Cushing's syndrome (CS)] and its association with disorders of lipid and glucose metabolism.
METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study including 120 female patients with CS (ACTH-dependent = 79; ACTH-independent = 41) and 26 healthy female controls. Morning whole blood samples after an overnight fast were used to determine E47 mRNA expression levels in patients with overt CS before and 6-12 months after curative surgery. Expression levels were correlated with the clinical phenotype of the patients. Control subjects underwent ACTH stimulation tests and dexamethasone suppression tests to analyze short-term regulation of E47.
RESULTS
E47 gene expression showed significant differences in patient cohorts with overt CS vs. patients in remission ( = 0.0474) and in direct intraindividual comparisons pre- vs. post-surgery ( = 0.0353). ACTH stimulation of controls resulted in a significant decrease of E47 mRNA expression 30 min after i.v. injection compared to baseline measurements. Administration of 1 mg of dexamethasone overnight in controls did not change E47 mRNA expression. E47 gene expression showed a positive correlation with total serum cholesterol ( = 0.0036), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( = 0.0157), and waist-arm ratio ( = 0.0138) in patients with CS in remission.
CONCLUSION
E47 is a GC-dependent gene that is upregulated in GC excess potentially aiming at reducing metabolic glucocorticoid side effects such as dyslipidemia.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Mice; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Cholesterol; Cushing Syndrome; Dexamethasone; Glucocorticoids; Hydrocortisone; Lipid Metabolism; Prospective Studies; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38047107
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1249863 -
Trials Sep 2023Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) nowadays serves as a standard treatment for patients with disorders of the pancreas, intestine, and bile duct. Although the mortality rate...
The effect of perioperative of dexamethasone on postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PANDEX): a study protocol for a pragmatic multicenter randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) nowadays serves as a standard treatment for patients with disorders of the pancreas, intestine, and bile duct. Although the mortality rate of patients undergoing PD has decreased significantly, postoperative complication rates remain high. Dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid with potent anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, has been proven to have a favorable effect on certain complications. However, the role it plays in post-pancreatectomy patients has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative complications after PD.
METHODS
The PANDEX trial is an investigator-initiated, multicentric, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-control, pragmatic study. The trial is designed to enroll 300 patients who are going to receive elective PD. Patients will be randomized to receive 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone or saline placebo, administered as an intravenous bolus within 5 min after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome is the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) score within 30 days after the operation. The secondary outcomes include postoperative major complications (Clavien-Dindo≥3), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), post-pancreatectomy acute pancreatitis (PPAP), infection, and unexpected relaparotomy, as well as postoperative length of stay, 30-day mortality, and 90-day mortality.
DISCUSSION
The PANDEX trial is the first randomized controlled trial concerning the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative complications of patients undergoing PD, with the hypothesis that the intraoperative use of dexamethasone can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve short-term outcomes after PD. The results of the present study will guide the perioperative use of dexamethasone and help improve the clinical management of post-pancreatectomy patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05567094. Registered on 30 September 30 2022.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Acute Disease; Prospective Studies; Pancreatitis; Postoperative Complications; Intestines; Dexamethasone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37660052
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07571-y -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis are at high risk of bone fractures. CKD-induced mineral and bone disorder is extended to periodontal disease...
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis are at high risk of bone fractures. CKD-induced mineral and bone disorder is extended to periodontal disease due to changes in the ionic composition of saliva in CKD patients, dysregulating mineralization, hindering regeneration and thereby promoting the progression of dental complications. Despite the importance of cementum for overall oral health, the mechanisms that regulate its development and regeneration are not well comprehended, and a lack of sufficient in vitro experimental models has hindered research progress. In this study, the impact of experimental conditions on the calcification of cementoblasts was systematically investigated, aimed at establishing a standardized and validated model for the calcification of cementoblasts. The effects of phosphate, calcium, ascorbic acid, β-glycerolphosphate, dexamethasone, and fetal calf serum on the calcification process of cementoblasts were analyzed over a wide range of concentrations and time points by investigating calcium content, cell viability, gene expression and kinase activity. Cementoblasts calcified in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with higher concentrations of supplements cause a higher degree of calcification but decreased cell viability. Phosphate and calcium have a significantly stronger effect on cementoblast calcification processes compared to osteogenic supplements: ascorbic acid, β-glycerolphosphate, and dexamethasone induce calcification over a wide range of osteogenic signalling pathways, with osteopontin being a central target of gene regulation. Conversely, treatment with ascorbic acid, β-glycerolphosphate, and dexamethasone leads to activating only selected pathways, especially promoting bone sialoprotein expression. The developed and validated cementoblast calcification protocol, incubating up to 60% confluent cementoblasts with 1.9 mmol L of phosphate supplementation for a reasonable, multi-pathway calcification induction and 10 mmol L β-glycerolphosphate, 75 µmol L ascorbic acid and 10 nmol L dexamethasone for a reasonable osteogenic differentiation-based calcification induction, provides standard in vitro experimental models for better understanding cementoblast function and regeneration.
Topics: Humans; Dental Cementum; Calcium; Glycerophosphates; Osteogenesis; Renal Dialysis; Periodontium; Calcinosis; Calcium, Dietary; Ascorbic Acid; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 37762132
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813829