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Cancers Jan 2024Given the heterogeneity of different malignant processes, planning cancer treatment is challenging. According to recent studies, natural products are likely to be... (Review)
Review
Given the heterogeneity of different malignant processes, planning cancer treatment is challenging. According to recent studies, natural products are likely to be effective in cancer prevention and treatment. Among bioactive flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables, kaempferol (KMP) is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This systematic review aims to highlight the potential therapeutic effects of KMP on different types of solid malignant tumors. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed in EMBASE, Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration Library, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. After the application of study criteria, 64 studies were included. In vitro experiments demonstrated that KMP exerts antitumor effects by controlling tumor cell cycle progression, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, as well as by inhibiting angiogenesis. KMP was also able to inhibit important markers that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhanced the sensitivity of cancer cells to traditional drugs used in chemotherapy, including cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. This flavonoid is a promising therapeutic compound and its combination with current anticancer agents, including targeted drugs, may potentially produce more effective and predictable results.
PubMed: 38339336
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030585 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Jan 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent and the second most fatal cancer. The search for more effective drugs to treat this disease is ongoing. A better...
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent and the second most fatal cancer. The search for more effective drugs to treat this disease is ongoing. A better understanding of the mechanisms of CRC development and progression may reveal new therapeutic strategies. Ubiquitin-specific peptidases (USPs), the largest group of the deubiquitinase protein family, have long been implicated in various cancers. There have been numerous studies on the role of USPs in CRC; however, a comprehensive view of this role is lacking.
AIM
To provide a systematic review of the studies investigating the roles and functions of USPs in CRC.
METHODS
We systematically queried the MEDLINE ( PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
RESULTS
Our study highlights the pivotal role of various USPs in several processes implicated in CRC: Regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, DNA repair, and drug resistance. The findings of this study suggest that USPs have great potential as drug targets and noninvasive biomarkers in CRC. The dysregulation of USPs in CRC contributes to drug resistance through multiple mechanisms.
CONCLUSION
Targeting specific USPs involved in drug resistance pathways could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance to current treatment regimens in CRC.
PubMed: 38292842
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.197 -
BMC Neurology Jan 2024This meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with acute ischemic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
METHOD
We conducted a manual search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, with a search deadline set for February 1, 2023. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 15.0.
RESULT
A total of 9 randomized controlled studies were included, involving a total of 316 people, including 159 mesenchymal stem cells and 147 control groups. Results of meta-analysis: Compared to a placebo group, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells resulted in a significant reduction in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores among patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke [SMD=-0.99,95% CI (-1.93, -0.05)]. Compared to placebo, barthel index [SMD = 0.48,95% CI (-0.55,1.51)], modified rankin score [SMD = 0.45, 95% CI (1.11, 0.21)], adverse events (RR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.40, 1.17)] the difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Based on current studies, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation can ameliorate neurological deficits in patients with ischemic stroke to a certain extent without increasing adverse reactions. However, there was no significant effect on Barthel index and Modified Rankin score.
Topics: United States; Humans; Stroke; Ischemic Stroke; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38287288
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03542-1 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Mesenchymal-epidermal transition factor gene amplification (amp) is being investigated as a therapeutic target in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We...
INTRODUCTION
Mesenchymal-epidermal transition factor gene amplification (amp) is being investigated as a therapeutic target in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We reviewed the epidemiology and disease characteristics associated with primary and secondary amp, as well as the testing procedures used to identify amp, in advanced NSCLC. Economic and humanistic burdens, and the practice patterns and treatments under investigation for amp were also examined.
METHODS
Embase and Medline (via ProQuest), ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (2015-2022) were systematically searched. Conference abstracts were searched via Embase and conference proceedings websites (2020-2022). The review focused on evidence from the United States; global evidence was included for identified evidence gaps.
RESULTS
The median rate of primary amp in NSCLC across the references was 4.8% (n=4 studies) and of secondary amp (epidermal growth factor receptor []-mutant NSCLC) was 15% (n=10). Next-generation sequencing (NGS; n=12) and/or fluorescence hybridization (FISH; n=11) were most frequently used in real-world studies and FISH testing most frequently used in clinical trials (n=9/10). amp definitions varied among clinical trials using ISH/FISH testing (MET to chromosome 7 centromere ratio of ≥1.8 to ≥3.0; or gene copy number [GCN] ≥5 to ≥10) and among trials using NGS (tissue testing: GCN ≥6; liquid biopsy: copy number ≥2.1 to >5). Limited to no data were identified on the economic and humanistic burdens, and real-world treatment of amp NSCLC. Promising preliminary results from trials enrolling patients with -mutated, amp advanced NSCLC progressing on an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) were observed with MET-TKIs (i.e., tepotinib, savolitinib, and capmatinib) in combination with EGFR-TKIs (i.e., gefitinib and osimertinib). For metastatic NSCLC and high-level amp, monotherapy with capmatinib, crizotinib, and tepotinib are recommended in the 2022 published NSCLC NCCN Guidelines.
CONCLUSION
Primary amp occurs in approximately 5% of NSCLC cases, and secondary amp in approximately 15% of cases previously treated with an EGFR inhibitor. Variability in testing methods (including ISH/FISH and NGS) and definitions were observed. Several treatments are promising in treating amp NSCLC. Additional studies evaluating the clinical, economic, and humanistic burdens are needed.
PubMed: 38273845
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1241402 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Jan 2024Regenerative techniques combined with core decompression (CD) are commonly used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, no consensus exists on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Regenerative techniques combined with core decompression (CD) are commonly used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, no consensus exists on regeneration therapy combined with CD that performs optimally. Therefore, we evaluated six regenerative therapies combined with CD treatment using a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Six common regeneration techniques were categorized into the following groups with CD as the control group: (1) autologous bone graft (ABG), (2) autologous bone graft combined with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (ABG + BMAC), (3) bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), (4) free vascular autologous bone graft (FVBG), (5) expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and (6) platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and progression rate to femoral head necrosis were compared among the six treatments.
RESULT
A total of 17 literature were included in this study. In the NMA, two of the six treatment strategies demonstrated higher response in preventing the progression of ONFH than CD: MSCs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.098, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0087-0.87) and BMAC (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.073-0.73). Additionally, two of the six treatment strategies were effective techniques in preventing the conversion of ONFH to THA: MSCs (OR: 0.062, 95% CI: 0.0038-0.40) and BMAC (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.1-0.074). No significant difference was found among FVBG, PRP, ABG + BMAC, ABG, and CD in preventing ONFH progression and conversion to THA (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Our NMA found that MSCs and BMAC were effective in preventing ONFH progression and conversion to THA among the six regenerative therapies. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking value, MSCs ranked first, followed by BMAC. Additionally, based on our NMA results, MSCs and BMAC following CD may be necessary to prevent ONFH progression and conversion to THA. Therefore, these findings provide evidence for the use of regenerative therapy for ONFH.
Topics: Humans; Femur Head Necrosis; Femur Head; Network Meta-Analysis; Bayes Theorem; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38273397
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03635-1 -
Brazilian Journal of Medical and... 2024One of the main challenges of tissue engineering in dentistry is to replace bone and dental tissues with strategies or techniques that simulate physiological tissue...
Influence of the addition of nanohydroxyapatite to scaffolds on proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells: a systematic review of in vitro studies.
One of the main challenges of tissue engineering in dentistry is to replace bone and dental tissues with strategies or techniques that simulate physiological tissue repair conditions. This systematic review of in vitro studies aimed to evaluate the influence of the addition of nanohydroxyapatite (NHap) to scaffolds on cell proliferation and osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro studies on human stem cells that proliferated and differentiated into odontogenic and osteogenic cells in scaffolds containing NHap were included in this study. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were performed. The total of 333 articles was found across all databases. After reading and analyzing titles and abstracts, 8 articles were selected for full reading and extraction of qualitative data. Results showed that despite the large variability in scaffold composition, NHap-containing scaffolds promoted high rates of cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity during short culture periods, and induced differentiation, as evidenced by the high expression of genes involved in osteogenesis and odontogenesis. However, further studies with greater standardization regarding NHap concentration, type of scaffolds, and evaluation period are needed to observe possible interference of these criteria in the action of NHap on the proliferation and differentiation of human stem cells.
Topics: Humans; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Data Accuracy; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Pyrenes
PubMed: 38265343
DOI: 10.1590/1414-431X2023e13105 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923286.].
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.923286.].
PubMed: 38239367
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1344990 -
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Nov 2023Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in cancer management, cancer progression remains a challenge, requiring the development of novel...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in cancer management, cancer progression remains a challenge, requiring the development of novel therapies. Midazolam is a commonly used adjunct to anaesthesia care for various surgeries, including cancer. Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring the potential role of midazolam as an anticancer agent; however, the exact mechanism of this linkage is yet to be investigated thoroughly.
METHODS
Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, this systematic review presented aggregated evidence (till November 2022) of the effects of midazolam on cancer progression and survival. All primary research article types where midazolam was administered or on subjects with cancers were included. No restrictions were applied on routes of administration or the type of cancer under investigation. Narrative synthesis depicted qualitative findings, whereas frequencies and percentages presented numerical data.
RESULTS
Of 1720 citations, 19 studies were included in this review. All articles were preclinical studies conducted either (58%, 11/19) or both and (42%, 8/19). The most studied cancer was lung carcinoma (21%, 4/19). There are two main findings in this review. First, midazolam delays cancer progression (89%, 17/19). Second, midazolam reduces cancer cell survival (63%, 12/19). The two major mechanisms of these properties can be explained via inducing apoptosis (63%, 12/19) and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation (53%, 10/19). In addition, midazolam demonstrated antimetastatic properties via inhibition of cancer invasion (21%, 4/19), migration (26%, 5/19), or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (5%, 1/19). These anticancer properties of midazolam were demonstrated through different pathways when midazolam was used alone or in combination with traditional cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review highlights that midazolam has the potential to impede cancer progression and decrease cancer cell survival. Extrapolation of these results into human cancer necessitates further investigation.
PubMed: 38213688
DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_731_23 -
Experimental & Molecular Medicine Feb 2024The harmful effects of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in size (PM) on human health have received considerable attention. However, while the impact of PM on the... (Review)
Review
The harmful effects of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in size (PM) on human health have received considerable attention. However, while the impact of PM on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems has been well studied, less is known about the effects on stem cells in the bone marrow (BM). With an emphasis on the invasive characteristics of PM, this review examines the current knowledge of the health effects of PM exposure on BM-residing stem cells. Recent studies have shown that PM enters the circulation and then travels to distant organs, including the BM, to induce oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and epigenetic changes, resulting in the reduction of BM-residing stem cell survival and function. Understanding the broader health effects of air pollution thus requires an understanding of the invasive characteristics of PM and its direct influence on stem cells in the BM. As noted in this review, further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying processes by which PM disturbs the BM microenvironment and inhibits stem cell functionality. Strategies to prevent or ameliorate the negative effects of PM exposure on BM-residing stem cells and to maintain the regenerative capacity of those cells must also be investigated. By focusing on the complex relationship between PM and BM-resident stem cells, this review highlights the importance of specific measures directed at safeguarding human health in the face of rising air pollution.
Topics: Humans; Particulate Matter; Air Pollutants; Bone Marrow; Air Pollution; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 38200155
DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01149-z -
Immuno-oncology Technology Dec 2023Sarcomas are tumors that originate from mesenchymal cells. The variety of sarcomas' response to chemotherapy and the wide range of prognosis reflect their heterogeneity.... (Review)
Review
Sarcomas are tumors that originate from mesenchymal cells. The variety of sarcomas' response to chemotherapy and the wide range of prognosis reflect their heterogeneity. In order to improve the rates of response, the research has been orientated toward other forms of therapy, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy or toward combinations of them. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been the highlight of immunotherapy in the last decade. Although ICIs are already included in the guidelines of different malignancies, their clinical benefit in sarcomas is still under study. Alveolar soft part sarcomas, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas and other subtypes of sarcoma with high presence of tertiary lymphoid structures tend to respond to ICIs, but further investigation is still needed. Furthermore, the search of predictive biomarkers to determine the type of sarcomas that are sensitive to ICIs is still very challenging. This review will focus on the results of clinical trials, which examine the effect of ICIs and their combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapies and other forms of immunotherapy in sarcomas.
PubMed: 38192615
DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100407