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Cancers Nov 2023Survival in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC) is poor due to early diagnostic challenges. Non-invasive risk stratification may identify susceptible patients with... (Review)
Review
Survival in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC) is poor due to early diagnostic challenges. Non-invasive risk stratification may identify susceptible patients with pre-malignant or benign disease. Following diagnostic confirmation with endoscopic biopsy, early OGC may be treated sooner. Mucins are transmembrane glycoproteins implicated in OGC with potential use as biomarkers of malignant transformation. This systematic review defines the role of mucins in OGC diagnosis. A literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed following PRISMA protocols for studies published January 1960-December 2022. Demographic data and data on mucin sampling and analysis methods were extracted. The review included 124 studies ( = 11,386 patients). Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAc) was the commonest OG malignancy ( = 101) followed by oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAc, = 24) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSqCc, = 10). Mucins MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 were the most frequently implicated. High MUC1 expression correlated with poorer prognosis and metastases in OSqCc. MUC2 expression decreases during progression from healthy mucosa to OAc, causing reduced protection from gastric acid. MUC5AC was upregulated, and MUC6 downregulated in GAc. Mucin expression varies in OGC; changes may be epigenetic or mutational. Profiling upper GI mucin expression in OGC, with pre-malignant, benign and healthy controls may identify potential early diagnostic biomarkers.
PubMed: 37958425
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215252 -
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) 2021Mucus protects the epithelium against invaders and toxic materials. Sticky and thick mucus is characteristic of CF.
BACKGROUND
Mucus protects the epithelium against invaders and toxic materials. Sticky and thick mucus is characteristic of CF.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review is to characterize the specific mucins secreted in the lung and intestinal tract of CF patients.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted up to December 31, 2019. The following terms were used: "cystic fibrosis" AND "mucin." Case-control studies comparing mucin expression in CF patients to healthy controls were included.
RESULTS
We found 741 eligible studies, 694 studies were rejected because they were performed in animals and not in full text, and 32 studies were excluded being editorials, duplications, review articles, meta-analysis, or not in English. Fifteen studies were eligible for our study, including 150 CF patients compared to 82 healthy controls, all fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The main mucin types expressed in the sinus submucosal glands, sputum, tracheobronchial surface epithelium, and lung submucosal glands were MUC5AC and MUC5B. Increase in the number of sinusoidal submucosal glands and expression of MUC5B was found in CF patients, but no such difference from healthy controls was found for the number of goblet cells in the surface epithelium nor in the expression of -MUC5AC. The opposite was found in the tracheobronchial surface epithelium and in the lungs.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased expression of MUC5AC in the surface epithelium and of MUC5B in the subepithelial glands may be the result of higher secretion rate of mucin into the lumen of the respiratory tract, causing mucus plaque, infection, and inflammation.
Topics: Animals; Bodily Secretions; Case-Control Studies; Cystic Fibrosis; Gastrointestinal Tract; Humans; Lung; Mucin 5AC; Mucin-5B; Mucins
PubMed: 33049746
DOI: 10.1159/000512268 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Nov 2023Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer surveillance or surgical resection, they need to be reliably distinguished from harmless pancreatic cysts. Current clinical and radiographic assessment is imperfect and the value of cyst fluid analysis for differential diagnosis is unclear. Therefore, we set out to investigate the value of cyst fluid biomarkers in distinguishing pancreatic cysts.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the current literature to identify articles that evaluated the diagnostic performance of clinically relevant and promising candidate cyst fluid biomarkers, with a particular emphasis on DNA-based biomarkers. Meta-analysis was performed for biomarkers targeted at identifying cyst type and presence of high-grade dysplasia or PDAC.
RESULTS
Data from a total of 42 studies was analyzed. Mutations in KRAS and/or GNAS allowed identification of mucinous cysts with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 98%. This exceeded the performance of the traditional biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; sensitivity 58%, specificity 87%). Mutations in VHL were specific for serous cystadenomas (SCAs; sensitivity 56%, specificity 99%) and help to exclude mucinous cysts. Mutations in CDKN2A, PIK3CA, SMAD4, and TP53 each had high specificities of 97%, 97%, 98%, and 95%, respectively, to identify high-grade dysplasia or PDAC in mucinous cysts.
CONCLUSIONS
Cyst fluid analysis can be a valuable tool in the characterization of pancreatic cysts, with relevant clinical implications. Our results support the use of DNA-based cyst fluid biomarkers in the multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up of pancreatic cysts.
Topics: Humans; Cyst Fluid; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Cyst; DNA; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37230894
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.05.005 -
Frontiers in Allergy 2023Epigenetics facilitates insights on the impact of host environment on the genesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) through modulations of host gene expression and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Epigenetics facilitates insights on the impact of host environment on the genesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) through modulations of host gene expression and activity. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation cause reversible but heritable changes in gene expression over generations of progeny, without altering the DNA base-pair sequences. These studies offer a critical understanding of the environment-induced changes that result in host predisposition to disease and may help in developing novel biomarkers and therapeutics. The goal of this systematic review is to summarize the current evidence on epigenetics of CRS with a focus on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and highlight gaps that merit further research.
METHODS
A systematic review of the English language literature was performed to identify investigations related to epigenetic studies in subjects with CRS.
RESULTS
The review identified 65 studies. These have focused on DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, with only a few on histone deacetylation, alternative polyadenylation, and chromatin accessibility. Studies include those investigating and changes or both. Studies also include animal models of CRS. Almost all have been conducted in Asia. The genome-wide studies of DNA methylation found differences in global methylation between CRSwNP and controls, while others specifically found significant differences in methylation of the CpG sites of the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (), , and . In addition, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors were studied as potential therapeutic agents. Majority of the studies investigating non-coding RNAs focused on micro-RNAs (miRNA) and found differences in global expression of miRNA levels. These studies also revealed some previously known as well as novel targets and pathways such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, TGF beta-1, IL-10, , aryl hydrocarbon receptor, PI3K/AKT pathway, mucin secretion, and vascular permeability. Overall, the studies have found a dysregulation in pathways/genes involving inflammation, immune regulation, tissue remodeling, structural proteins, mucin secretion, arachidonic acid metabolism, and transcription.
CONCLUSIONS
Epigenetic studies in CRS subjects suggest that there is likely a major impact of the environment. However, these are association studies and do not directly imply pathogenesis. Longitudinal studies in geographically and racially diverse population cohorts are necessary to quantify genetic vs. environmental risks for CRSwNP and CRS without nasal polyps and assess heritability risk, as well as develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
PubMed: 37284022
DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1165271 -
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease Jul 2020The aims of the study were to synthesize reported associations of stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE) of the cervix with other dysplasia lesions...
OBJECTIVES
The aims of the study were to synthesize reported associations of stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion (SMILE) of the cervix with other dysplasia lesions and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains, compare expected patterns of IHC staining to other lesions in the differential diagnosis, and assess follow-up pathology.
METHODS
This systematic review includes all case reports and case series of cervical lesions consistent with SMILE based on the histologic diagnosis described in the original case series. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database were searched through June 2019. Immunohistochemical analysis, concurrent lesions, and pathology on follow-up were compiled for comparison. Weighted averages of concurrent lesions were calculated.
RESULTS
Nine case reports and case series were included, published between 2000 and 2019. Of 9 studies, 6 and 5 studies reported strong, diffuse staining of p16 and increased expression of Ki-67, respectively. Stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion is associated with human papillomavirus, especially type 18. The weighted average risk of concurrent high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was 79% (range = 33%-93%), adenocarcinoma in situ 39% (2.9%-92%), adenocarcinoma 5% (1%-25%), and squamous cell carcinoma 6% (0%-11%). Patients underwent follow-up ranging from repeat Pap to radical hysterectomy, with pathology on follow-up infrequently and irregularly reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Stratified mucin-producing intraepithelial lesion is a rare lesion with a paucity of research on necessary cytology and IHC stains for diagnosis, but p16 and Ki-67 IHC stains can be performed to rule out benign lesions. The lesion is associated with high risk of concurrent high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, adenocarcinoma in situ, and invasive carcinoma, but studies on the risk of pursuing fertility-preserving management are needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Mucins; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia
PubMed: 32332219
DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000536 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2022Antigen-presenting cells recognize respiratory syncytial virus antigens, and produce cytokines and chemokines that act on immune cells. Dendritic cells play the main... (Review)
Review
Antigen-presenting cells recognize respiratory syncytial virus antigens, and produce cytokines and chemokines that act on immune cells. Dendritic cells play the main role in inflammatory cytokine responses. Similarly, alveolar macrophages produce IFN-β, IFN-α, TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL10, and CCL3, while alternatively activated macrophages differentiate at the late phase, and require IL-13 or IL-4 cytokines. Furthermore, activated NKT cells secrete IL-13 and IL-4 that cause lung epithelial, endothelial and fibroblasts to secrete eotaxin that enhances the recruitment of eosinophil to the lung. CD8 and CD4T cells infection by the virus decreases the IFN-γ and IL-2 production. Despite this, both are involved in terminating virus replication. CD8T cells produce a larger amount of IFN-γ than CD4T cells, and CD8T cells activated under type 2 conditions produce IL-4, down regulating CD8 expression, granzyme and IFN-γ production. Antiviral inhibitors inhibit biological functions of viral proteins. Some of them directly target the virus replication machinery and are effective at later stages of infection; while others inhibit F protein dependent fusion and syncytium formation. TMC353121 reduces inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and chemokines, KC, IP-10, MCP and MIP1-α. EDP-938 inhibits viral nucleoprotein (N), while GRP-156784 blocks the activity of respiratory syncytial virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase. PC786 inhibits non-structural protein 1 (NS-1) gene, RANTES transcripts, virus-induced CCL5, IL-6, and mucin increase. In general, it is an immune reaction that is blamed for the disease severity and pathogenesis in respiratory syncytial virus infection. Anti-viral inhibitors not only inhibit viral entry and replication, but also may reduce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Many respiratory syncytial virus inhibitors are proposed; however, only palivizumab and ribavirin are approved for prophylaxis and treatment, respectively. Hence, this review is focused on immunity cell responses to respiratory syncytial virus and the role of antiviral inhibitors.
PubMed: 36540102
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S387479 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver... Sep 2016The mucus layer of the intestinal tract is the main barrier between luminal microbes and the mucosa, and has an essential role in the body defense mechanisms. Previous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The mucus layer of the intestinal tract is the main barrier between luminal microbes and the mucosa, and has an essential role in the body defense mechanisms. Previous research could not establish consistent results for mucin genes expression in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. In this meta-analysis we looked at the mucin expression in CD patients and compared it with healthy controls.
METHOD
English medical literature searches were conducted for mucin expression in the mucosa of the ileum and colon of CD patients and compared it with normal mucosa. Case-control studies were included. Meta-analysis was performed by using Comprehensive meta-anaslysis software. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
RESULTS
We found 160 eligible studies. Twenty studies were rejected because they have been performed in animals or did not have full text, and 134 studies were excluded because of language, being editorials, review articles, or because of duplications. We were left with 6 case-control studies from 4 countries that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, published till 31.12.2015. No significant heterogeneity was demonstrated: Q = 149.256, df (Q) = 40.00, I2= 73.2% (less than 75%). We found a decrease of 34% in the total mucin expression in CD patients (Odds Ratio 0.660, 95% CI 0.486-0.897, P = 0.008). We also found a significantly decreased expression in CD patients for MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC7.
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated a global decrease in mucin expression in CD patients when compared with healthy controls.
Topics: Colon; Crohn Disease; Down-Regulation; Humans; Ileum; Intestinal Mucosa; Mucins; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 27689200
DOI: 10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.253.niv -
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) Jan 2018It has been posited that there is an association between perineal talc use and the incidence of ovarian cancer. To date, this has only been explored in observational... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
It has been posited that there is an association between perineal talc use and the incidence of ovarian cancer. To date, this has only been explored in observational studies.
OBJECTIVES
To perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between perineal talc use and risk of ovarian cancer.
METHODS
Studies were identified using six electronic databases. Observational studies involving at least 50 cases of ovarian cancer were eligible for inclusion. We analyzed the association between ovarian cancer, including specific types, and any perineal talc use, long-term (>10 years) use, total lifetime applications, and use on diaphragms or sanitary napkins. A subgroup analysis was performed, stratifying by study design and population.
RESULTS
We identified 24 case-control (13,421 cases) and three cohort studies (890 cases, 181,860 person-years). Any perineal talc use was associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.24, 1.39). More than 3600 lifetime applications (OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.25, 1.61) were slightly more associated with ovarian cancer than <3600 (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.15, 1.50). An association with ever use of talc was found in case-control studies (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.27, 1.43), but not cohort studies (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.90, 1.25). However, cohort studies found an association between talc use and invasive serous type ovarian cancer (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.55). We found an increased risk of serous and endometrioid, but not mucinous or clear cell subtypes.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, there is a consistent association between perineal talc use and ovarian cancer. Some variation in the magnitude of the effect was found when considering study design and ovarian cancer subtype.
Topics: Antiperspirants; Carcinoma, Endometrioid; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous; Odds Ratio; Ovarian Neoplasms; Perineum; Risk Factors; Talc
PubMed: 28863045
DOI: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000000745 -
The Israel Medical Association Journal... Jun 2023Mucins, heavily glycosylated glycoproteins, are synthesized by mucosal surfaces and play an important role in healthy and malignant states. Changes in mucin synthesis,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mucins, heavily glycosylated glycoproteins, are synthesized by mucosal surfaces and play an important role in healthy and malignant states. Changes in mucin synthesis, expression, and secretion may be a primary event or may be secondary to inflammation and carcinogenesis.
OBJECTIVES
To assess current knowledge of mucin expression in the small bowel of celiac disease (CD) patients and to determine possible associations between mucin profile and gluten-free diet.
METHODS
Medical literature searches of articles in English were conducted using the terms mucin and celiac. Observational studies were included. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
RESULTS
Of 31 articles initially generated by a literature search, 4 observational studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria remained eligible for meta-analysis. These studies included 182 patients and 148 controls from four countries (Finland, Japan, Sweden, United States). Mucin expression was significantly increased in small bowel mucosa of CD patients than in normal small bowel mucosa (odds ratio [OR] 7.974, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] (1.599-39.763), P = 0.011] (random-effect model). Heterogeneity was significant: Q = 35.743, df (Q) = 7, P < 0.0001, I2 = 80.416%. ORs for MUC2 and MUC5AC expression in the small bowel mucosa of untreated CD patients were 8.837, 95%CI 0.222-352.283, P = 0.247 and 21.429, 95%CI 3.883-118.255, P < 0.0001, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Expression of certain mucin genes in the small bowel mucosa of CD patients is increased and may serve as a diagnostic tool and assist in surveillance programs.
Topics: Humans; Mucins; Celiac Disease; Intestine, Small; Abdomen; Diet, Gluten-Free
PubMed: 37381936
DOI: No ID Found -
Gynecologic Oncology Mar 2023Investigating for mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI), and Lynch syndrome (LS) is widely accepted in endometrial cancer, but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Investigating for mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI), and Lynch syndrome (LS) is widely accepted in endometrial cancer, but knowledge is limited on its value in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The primary objective was to evaluate the prevalence of mismatch repair protein deficiency (MMRd), microsatellite instability (MSI)-high, and Lynch syndrome (LS) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of LS screening tests. The secondary objective was to determine the prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in synchronous ovarian endometrial cancer and in histological subtypes.
METHODS
We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases. We included studies analysing MMR, MSI, and/or LS by sequencing.
RESULTS
A total of 55 studies were included. The prevalence of MMRd, MSI-high, and LS in EOC was 6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5-8%), 13% (95% CI 12-15%), and 2% (95% CI 1-3%) respectively. Hypermethylation was present in 76% of patients with MLH1 deficiency (95% CI 64-84%). The MMRd prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) followed by non-serous non-mucinous (9%) and lowest in serous (1%) histological subtypes. MSI-high prevalence was highest in endometrioid (12%) and non-serous non-mucinous (12%) and lowest in serous (9%) histological subtypes. Synchronous and endometrioid EOC had the highest prevalence of LS pathogenic variants at 7% and 3% respectively, with serous having lowest prevalence (1%). Synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers had highest rates of MMRd (28%) and MSI-high (28%). Sensitivity was highest for IHC (91.1%) and IHC with MSI (92.8%), while specificity was highest for IHC with methylation (92.3%).
CONCLUSION
MMRd and germline LS testing should be considered for non-serous non-mucinous EOC, particularly for endometrioid.
PRECIS
The rates of mismatch repair deficiency, microsatellite instability high, and mismatch repair germline mutations are highest in endometrioid subtype and non-serous non-mucinous ovarian cancer. The rates are lowest in serous histologic subtype.
Topics: Humans; Female; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Microsatellite Instability; Ovarian Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Endometrioid; Endometrial Neoplasms; Protein Deficiency; DNA Mismatch Repair; MutL Protein Homolog 1
PubMed: 36682091
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.12.008