-
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Breast cancer is influenced by factors such as diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and postmenopausal status, which are all linked to prolonged hormonal and...
Breast cancer is influenced by factors such as diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and postmenopausal status, which are all linked to prolonged hormonal and inflammatory exposure. Physical activity offers protection against breast cancer by modulating hormones, immune responses, and oxidative defenses. This study aimed to assess how a prolonged high-fat diet (HFD) affects the effectiveness of physical activity in preventing and managing mammary tumorigenesis. Ovariectomised C57BL/6 mice were provided with an enriched environment to induce spontaneous physical activity while being fed HFD. After 44 days (short-term, ST HFD) or 88 days (long-term, LT HFD), syngenic EO771 cells were implanted into mammary glands, and tumour growth was monitored until sacrifice. Despite similar physical activity and food intake, the LT HFD group exhibited higher visceral adipose tissue mass and reduced skeletal muscle mass. In the tumour microenvironment, the LT HFD group showed decreased NK cells and TCD8+ cells, with a trend toward increased T regulatory cells, leading to a collapse of the T8/Treg ratio. Additionally, the LT HFD group displayed decreased tumour triglyceride content and altered enzyme activities indicative of oxidative stress. Prolonged exposure to HFD was associated with tumour growth despite elevated physical activity, promoting a tolerogenic tumour microenvironment. Future studies should explore inter-organ exchanges between tumour and tissues.
Topics: Animals; Diet, High-Fat; Female; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Tumor Microenvironment; Oxidative Stress; Carcinogenesis; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Cell Line, Tumor; Mammary Neoplasms, Animal; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Killer Cells, Natural
PubMed: 38892407
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116221 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is prevalent among young adults, necessitating effective monitoring of musculoskeletal health, particularly among college-aged...
BACKGROUND
Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is prevalent among young adults, necessitating effective monitoring of musculoskeletal health, particularly among college-aged females. This study aimed to identify physical fitness and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) characteristics associated with GJH.
METHODS
A total of 67 participants were assessed: 26 with GJH (mean age 20.06, SD 1.2 years), and 41 without (mean age 20.15, SD 2.2 years). Assessments included hypermobility, anthropometric data, foot posture, balance, flexibility, strength, and HR-QoL. We used the Mann-Whitney test for two independent samples, categorical variables were analyzed with Cramer's V test. The results indicated that participants with GJH exhibited inferior balance and back muscle static strength endurance but greater flexibility compared to those without GJH. Significant differences were observed in foot posture. However, handgrip strength, explosive strength, and abdominal muscle static strength endurance did not differ significantly between groups. No significant differences were observed in HR-QoL components between the two groups. In conclusion, there appears to be a link between GJH and increased flexibility, impaired balance, reduced back muscle static strength endurance, and altered posture of both feet.
PubMed: 38891140
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111065 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Jun 2024The incidence of constipation increases among the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases. Causes include changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet and reduced... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The incidence of constipation increases among the elderly (>65 years), while abdominal pain decreases. Causes include changes in lifestyle (e.g., diet and reduced exercise), disease and medications affecting gastrointestinal functions. Degenerative changes may also occur within the colo-rectum. However, most evidence is from rodents, animals with relatively high rates of metabolism and accelerated aging, with considerable variation in time course. In humans, cellular and non-cellular changes in the aging intestine are poorly investigated.
PURPOSE
To examine all available studies which reported the effects of aging on cellular and tissue functions of human isolated colon, noting the region studied, sex and age of tissue donors and study size. The focus on human colon reflects the ability to access full-thickness tissue over a wide age range, compared with other gastrointestinal regions. Details are important because of natural human variability. We found age-related changes within the muscle, in the enteric and nociceptor innervation, and in the submucosa. Some involve all regions of colon, but the ascending colon appears more vulnerable. Changes can be cell- and sublayer-dependent. Mechanisms are unclear but may include development of "senescent-like" and associated inflammaging, perhaps associated with increased mucosal permeability to harmful luminal contents. In summary, reduced nociceptor innervation can explain diminished abdominal pain among the elderly. Degenerative changes within the colon wall may have little impact on symptoms and colonic functions, because of high "functional reserve," but are likely to facilitate the development of constipation during age-related challenges (e.g., lifestyle, disease, and medications), now operating against a reduced functional reserve.
PubMed: 38887160
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14848 -
Insights Into Imaging Jun 2024To quantify the relationship between abdominal computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters and renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)...
OBJECTIVES
To quantify the relationship between abdominal computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters and renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and evaluate the potential effect of insulin resistance on this relationship.
METHODS
SLE patients from institutions A and B between January 2017 and August 2023 were enrolled. Areas and attenuation values of subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), and skeletal muscle index on CT images were measured at the L3 vertebral level. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with decreased renal function. Linear regression models were used to describe the relationships between body composition parameters and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Finally, we used a single-point insulin sensitivity estimator to indirectly reflect the degree of insulin resistance and assess its mediating effect on the association between IMAT area and decreased renal function.
RESULTS
Three-hundred thirty-nine SLE patients from institution A (internal dataset) and 114 SLE patients from institution B (external validation dataset) were included. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that IMAT area (odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.01, 1.10), and OR: 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.39)) was an independent risk factor for decreased renal function in SLE patients. In the adjusted linear regression model, high IMAT area was significantly associated with reduced eGFR (β = -1.15, P = 0.005; β = -0.98, P = 0.049). Additionally, insulin resistance contributed a mediating role of 22.8% to the association.
CONCLUSION
High IMAT area was associated with decreased renal function in SLE patients and insulin resistance mediated this relationship.
CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
High intermuscular adipose tissue area is associated with decreased renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus patients mediated by insulin resistance and is correlated with chronicity index in lupus nephritis patients.
KEY POINTS
High intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) area was associated with decreased renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Insulin resistance mediated the association between IMAT area and eGFR. IMAT area was associated with chronicity index in lupus nephritis patients.
PubMed: 38886276
DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01722-8 -
Rozhledy V Chirurgii : Mesicnik... 2024Spigelian hernia is a rare type of abdominal wall hernias which are often diagnosed when incarcerated. These hernias typically develop at the crossing point of the...
INTRODUCTION
Spigelian hernia is a rare type of abdominal wall hernias which are often diagnosed when incarcerated. These hernias typically develop at the crossing point of the arcuate line and lateral portion of rectus abdominis muscle.
CASE REPORT
We present the case of a 44-year-old female patient admitted to our surgery unit for a painful lump in her right mesogastrium. Incarcerated atypical hernia in the right mesogastrium was suspected based on completed imaging assessments. Spigelian hernia was confirmed by preoperative findings. Interestingly, the patient applied interferon (multiple sclerosis therapy) at the site of the lump, which is why the diagnosis of lipodystrophy had been considered.
CONCLUSION
In general, the diagnosis of Spigelian hernia is difficult. From the anatomical point of view the clinical finding is not always specific. The risk of incarceration is relatively high, and thus even clinically silent findings are indicated for surgery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Hernia, Ventral; Hernia, Abdominal
PubMed: 38886104
DOI: 10.33699/PIS.2024.103.3.96-99 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery Jul 2024Abdominoplasty may generate an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and consequently an alteration in the pulmonary ventilation. The purpose of this study was...
OBJECTIVE
Abdominoplasty may generate an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and consequently an alteration in the pulmonary ventilation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential alterations in the maximal static inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal static expiratory pressure (MEP) after abdominoplasty.
METHODS
Thirty-three female patients, aged between 18 and 60, with type III/B Nahas abdominal deformity that underwent abdominoplasty with plication of the anterior rectus and external oblique aponeurosis were selected. The MIP and MEP were measured using a mouthpiece. This is a simple way to indirectly gauge inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. Measurements were performed before surgery and on the 2nd, 7th, 15th, and 180th postoperative day. In addition, IAP was measured before abdominoplasty and after the placement of compression garment. The MIP and MEP were compared using analysis of variance, followed by the Bonferroni multiple comparison test pairing the different points in time. Paired Student's t test was used for comparing IAP measurements. Pearson's correlation test was used to compare MIP and MEP variations with IAP variation. Results were considered statistically significant when P ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
A decrease was observed in MEP on the 2nd day, with a return close to normal values on the 15th day. In opposition MIP had a surprisingly increase on the 15th postoperative day (129 cmH2O), normalizing 180 days after the operation. A leap in IAP values was revealed at the end of the surgical procedure. It was not possible to establish a positive correlation between the increase of IAP and the alterations of MIP and MEP.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a decrease in maximum expiratory pressure on the very early postoperative day (2nd postoperative day) and an increase in maximum inspiratory pressure on the 15th postoperative day in patients who underwent abdominoplasty. There was no correlation between the IAP and maximum respiratory pressure variations, both inspiratory and expiratory.
Topics: Humans; Female; Abdominoplasty; Adult; Middle Aged; Respiratory Muscles; Young Adult; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Muscle Strength; Inhalation
PubMed: 38885160
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003940 -
Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer Jun 2024Urachal cancer (UC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy arising from the urachus, an embryonic remnant of the placental allantois. Its diagnosis remains ambiguous with...
INTRODUCTION
Urachal cancer (UC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy arising from the urachus, an embryonic remnant of the placental allantois. Its diagnosis remains ambiguous with late-stage cancer detection and represents a highly aggressive disease. Due to its rarity, there is no clear consensus on molecular signatures and appropriate clinical management of UC.
CASE REPORT
We report a 45-year-old man with recurrent urachal adenocarcinoma (UA) treated with cystectomies, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The patient initially presented with hematuria and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a nodular mass arising from the superior wall of the urinary bladder and extending to the urachus. Biopsy results suggested moderately differentiated UA with muscle layer involvement. The tumor recurred after 20 months, following which, another partial cystectomy was performed. Repeat progression was noted indicating highly aggressive disease. Targeted next-generation sequencing revealed the presence of EIF3E::RSPO2 fusion, along with BRAF and TP53 mutations, and EGFR gene amplification. This is the first case reporting the presence of this fusion in UA. Palliative medication and radiotherapy were administered to manage the disease.
CONCLUSION
Current treatment modality of surgery may be effective in the early stages of recurrent UA; however, a standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimen is yet to be determined for advanced stages. The detection of the rare EIF3E::RSPO2 fusion warrants further studies on the significance of this variant as a possible therapeutic target for improved clinical management.
Topics: Humans; Male; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Adenocarcinoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-3; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
PubMed: 38884183
DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23250 -
Cureus May 2024Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli (ACTLC) is a rare, self-resolving condition caused by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in the longus colli muscle...
Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli (ACTLC) is a rare, self-resolving condition caused by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in the longus colli muscle tendons. We present a case of a 46-year-old female with a history of hypertension who presented with right-sided neck pain, worsening abdominal pain, nausea, bloody emesis, and generalized body aches in the context of recent alcohol use. Physical examination revealed neck pain with limited range of motion, induration, and tenderness in the right and posterior neck areas. Laboratory findings showed elevated white cell count, inflammatory markers, and metabolic acidosis with an elevated anion gap and lactic acid level. Computed tomography (CT) of the neck with contrast demonstrated amorphous calcification in the longus colli tendons and retropharyngeal effusion, consistent with the diagnosis of ACTLC. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and supportive care, leading to symptom resolution. This case highlights the importance of considering ACTLC in the differential diagnosis of acute neck pain and the role of CT imaging in establishing the diagnosis. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of ACTLC can prevent unnecessary interventions and lead to improved patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38883022
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60409 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by local abnormal dilation of the aorta accompanied by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)...
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease characterized by local abnormal dilation of the aorta accompanied by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction and chronic inflammation. VSMC dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation, and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential causes of AAA formation. Previous studies from us and others have shown that Anemoside B4 (AB4), a saponin from , has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and regulatory effects on VSMC dedifferentiation. The current study aimed to investigate whether AB4 inhibits AAA development and its underlying mechanisms. By using an Ang II induced AAA model and cholesterol loading mediated VSMC to macrophage transdifferentiation model , our study demonstrated that AB4 could attenuate AAA pathogenesis, prevent VSMC dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation to macrophage-like cells, decrease vascular inflammation, and suppress MMP expression and activity. Furthermore, KLF4 overexpression attenuated the effects of AB4 on VSMC to macrophage-like cell transition and VSMC inflammation . In conclusion, AB4 protects against AAA formation in mice by inhibiting KLF4 mediated VSMC transdifferentiation and inflammation. Our study provides the first proof of concept of using AB4 for AAA management.
Topics: Animals; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Cell Transdifferentiation; Kruppel-Like Factor 4; Mice; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Inflammation; Saponins; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Macrophages; Angiotensin II; Humans
PubMed: 38881898
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1412022 -
BJU International Jun 2024To investigate whether preoperative body morphometry analysis can identify patients at risk of parastomal hernia (PH), which is a common complication after radical...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether preoperative body morphometry analysis can identify patients at risk of parastomal hernia (PH), which is a common complication after radical cystectomy (RC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
All patients who underwent RC between 2010 and 2020 with available cross-sectional imaging preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were included. Skeletal muscle mass and total fat mass (FM) were determined from preoperative axial computed tomography images obtained at the level of the L3 vertebral body using Aquarius Intuition software. Sarcopenia and obesity were assigned based on consensus definitions of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and FM index (FMI). PH were graded using both the Moreno-Matias and European Hernia Society criteria. Binary logistic regression and recursive partitioning were used to identify patients at risk of PH. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank and Cox proportional hazards models included clinical and image-based parameters to identify predictors of PH-free survival.
RESULTS
A total of 367 patients were included in the final analysis, with 159 (43%) developing a PH. When utilising binary logistic regression, high FMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, P < 0.001) and low SMI (OR 0.96, P = 0.039) were primary drivers of risk of PH. A simplified model that only relied upon FMI, SMI, and preoperative albumin improved the classification of patients at risk of PH. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients who were obese or obese and sarcopenic had significantly worse PH-free survival (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Body morphometry analysis identified FMI and SMI to be the most consistent predictors of PH after RC.
PubMed: 38881297
DOI: 10.1111/bju.16434