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Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Sep 2023Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play an important role in tumor progression.... (Review)
Review
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and play an important role in tumor progression. Clinically, the increase of TAMs infiltration is linked to poor prognosis of patients with various cancer types. Multiple studies have demonstrated that reducing or reprogramming TAMs can inhibit the occurrence or development of tumors. Therefore, TAMs have been identified as novel targets for the treatment of cancer therapy. In this review, the origin, polarization, roles, and targeting of TAMs in malignancies, are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Tumor-Associated Macrophages; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37796698
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2809207 -
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences 2023Due to the cellular plasticity that is inherent to cancer, the acquisition of resistance to therapy remains one of the biggest obstacles to patient care. In many... (Review)
Review
Due to the cellular plasticity that is inherent to cancer, the acquisition of resistance to therapy remains one of the biggest obstacles to patient care. In many patients, the surviving cancer cell subpopulation goes on to proliferate or metastasize, often as the result of dramatically altered cell signaling and transcriptional pathways. A notable example is the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is a driver of several cancer subtypes and aberrantly activated in a wide range of malignancies in response to therapy. This review will summarize the field's current understanding of the many roles played by Hh signaling in drug resistance and will include topics such as non-canonical activation of Gli proteins, amplification of genes which promote tolerance to chemotherapy, the use of hedgehog-targeted drugs and tool compounds, and remaining gaps in our knowledge of the transcriptional mechanisms at play.
PubMed: 37954979
DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1286090 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Oct 2023Apelin and Elabela (Ela) are peptides encoded by APLN and APELA, respectively, which act on their receptor APJ and play crucial roles in the body. Recent research has... (Review)
Review
Apelin and Elabela (Ela) are peptides encoded by APLN and APELA, respectively, which act on their receptor APJ and play crucial roles in the body. Recent research has shown that they not only have important effects on the endocrine system, but also promote vascular development and maintain the homeostasis of myocardial cells. From a molecular biology perspective, we explored the roles of Ela and apelin in the cardiovascular system and summarized the mechanisms of apelin-APJ signaling in the progression of myocardial infarction, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and congenital heart disease. Evidences indicated that apelin and Ela play important roles in cardiovascular diseases, and there are many studies focused on developing apelin, Ela, and their analogues for clinical treatments. However, the literature on the therapeutic potential of apelin, Ela and their analogues and other APJ agonists in the cardiovascular system is still limited. This review summarized the regulatory pathways of apelin/ELA-APJ axis in cardiovascular function and cardiovascular-related diseases, and the therapeutic effects of their analogues in cardiovascular diseases were also included.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Apelin; Apelin Receptors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Peptide Hormones; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37562237
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115268 -
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983) Jun 2024Neuropathic pain continues to be a significant problem that lacks effective solutions for every single patient. In 2015, international guidelines (NeuPSIG) were... (Review)
Review
Neuropathic pain continues to be a significant problem that lacks effective solutions for every single patient. In 2015, international guidelines (NeuPSIG) were published, while the French recommendations were updated in 2020. The purpose of this minireview is to provide an update on the process of developing evidence-based recommendations and explore potential changes to the current recommendations. Primary treatments for neuropathic pain include selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine, gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants, as well as topical lidocaine and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which are specifically suggested for focal peripheral neuropathic pain. Pregabalin is a first line treatment according to international guidelines but second-line in the more recent French guidelines, due to lower efficacy seen in more recent studies and misuse risk. Additionally, tramadol, combination therapies, and psychotherapy as adjuncts are proposed second line; high-concentration capsaicin patches, and botulinum toxin A are proposed specifically for focal peripheral neuropathic pain. In cases where primary and secondary treatments prove insufficient, third-line options come into play. These include high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the motor cortex, spinal cord stimulation, and the use of strong opioids when no alternative is available. To ensure optimal management of neuropathic pain in real-life situations, it is imperative to disseminate these recommendations widely and secure the acceptance of practitioners. By doing so, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice, and enhance the overall care and treatment of individuals suffering from neuropathic pain.
Topics: Humans; Neuralgia; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Analgesics
PubMed: 38641202
DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2024.104232 -
World Journal of Critical Care Medicine Jun 2024Quality indicators in healthcare refer to measurable and quantifiable parameters used to assess and monitor the performance, effectiveness, and safety of healthcare... (Review)
Review
Quality indicators in healthcare refer to measurable and quantifiable parameters used to assess and monitor the performance, effectiveness, and safety of healthcare services. These indicators provide a systematic way to evaluate the quality of care offered, and thereby to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that patient care meets established standards and best practices. Respiratory therapists play a vital role in areas of clinical administration such as infection control practices and quality improvement initiatives. Quality indicators serve as essential metrics for respiratory therapy departments to assess and enhance the overall quality of care. By systematically tracking and analyzing indicators related to infection control, treatment effectiveness, and adherence to protocols, respiratory care practitioners can identify areas to improve and implement evidence-based changes. This article reviewed how to identify, implement, and monitor quality indicators specific to the respiratory therapy departments to set benchmarks and enhance patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38855272
DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v13.i2.91794 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Endothelial cells form a single cell layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels and play critical roles in organ homeostasis and disease progression. Specifically,... (Review)
Review
Endothelial cells form a single cell layer lining the inner walls of blood vessels and play critical roles in organ homeostasis and disease progression. Specifically, tumor endothelial cells are heterogenous, and highly permeable, because of specific interactions with the tumor tissue environment and through soluble factors and cell-cell interactions. This review article aims to analyze different aspects of endothelial cell heterogeneity in tumor vasculature, with particular emphasis on vascular normalization, vascular permeability, metabolism, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, resistance to therapy, and the interplay between endothelial cells and the immune system.
PubMed: 38576482
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1384721 -
Cureus Aug 2023Traumatic life events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can be a challenging health emergency, among others. The pandemic can also affect young preschoolers. They... (Review)
Review
Traumatic life events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can be a challenging health emergency, among others. The pandemic can also affect young preschoolers. They can experience negative emotions and behavioral and social difficulties. It can be hard for children to understand on their own what is going on, as well as for their families. This narrative review summarizes the role of psychotherapeutic approaches in working with trauma and aims to manage trauma, such as COVID-19, in preschool children. It focuses on the possibilities of applying cognitive-behavioral play therapy (CBPT) in preschool children who suffer from trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The therapeutic approaches are tailored to specific development in preschoolers. Furthermore, the article provides insights into the relationship between negative emotions, thinking, and behavior, and COVID-19 as a threat, by describing a cognitive model in preschool-aged children. Finally, the article offers possible ways of applying play-based cognitive-behavioral therapy programs in preschool children who are victims of trauma.
PubMed: 37772203
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44249 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Oct 2023The gastrointestinal microbiome has been shown to play a key role in determining the responses to cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)... (Review)
Review
The gastrointestinal microbiome has been shown to play a key role in determining the responses to cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and CAR-T. In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing evidence suggests that a microbiome composition signature is associated with clinical response to ICIs as well as with the development of immune-related adverse events. In support of this, antibiotic (ATB)-related dysbiosis has been consistently linked with the deleterious impact of ICI response, shortening the overall survival (OS) among patients on ATBs prior to ICI initiation. In parallel, several preclinical experiments have unravelled various strategies using probiotics, prebiotics, diet, and fecal microbiota transplantation as new therapeutic tools to beneficially shift the microbiome and enhance ICI efficacy. These approaches are currently being evaluated in clinical trials and have achieved encouraging preliminary results. In this article, we reviewed the recent studies on the gut microbiome as a potential biomarker and an adjuvant therapy to ICIs in NSCLC patients.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Immunotherapy; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37999101
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110681 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Macrophages, an essential cell population involved in mediating innate immunity in the host, play a crucial role on the development of hepatic cirrhosis. Extensive... (Review)
Review
Macrophages, an essential cell population involved in mediating innate immunity in the host, play a crucial role on the development of hepatic cirrhosis. Extensive studies have highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of macrophage therapy in treating hepatic cirrhosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various effects and underlying mechanisms associated with macrophage therapy in the context of hepatic cirrhosis.
PubMed: 38161689
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1265935 -
Viruses Jul 2023This review is focused on the use of hyperimmune globulin therapy to treat some infectious diseases of viral or bacterial origin. Despite the introduction of antibiotics... (Review)
Review
This review is focused on the use of hyperimmune globulin therapy to treat some infectious diseases of viral or bacterial origin. Despite the introduction of antibiotics and vaccines, plasma immunoglobulin therapy from whole blood donation can still play a key role. These treatments provide passive transfer of high-titer antibodies that either reduces the risk or the severity of the infection and offer immediate but short-term protection against specific diseases. Antibody preparations derived from immunized human donors are commonly used for the prophylaxis and treatment of rabies, hepatitis A and B viruses, varicella-zoster virus, and pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus, , . The use of hyperimmune globulin therapy is a promising challenge, especially for the treatment of emerging viral infections for which there are no specific therapies or licensed vaccines.
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulins; Globulins; Immunization, Passive; Vaccines; Communicable Diseases; Antibodies, Viral
PubMed: 37515229
DOI: 10.3390/v15071543