-
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jun 2024Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have played a significant role in facilitating tumor immune escape and inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment....
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have played a significant role in facilitating tumor immune escape and inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Eliminating MDSCs and tumor cells remains a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy. A novel approach has been developed using gemcitabine-celecoxib twin drug-based nano-assembled carrier-free nanoparticles (GEM-CXB NPs) for dual depletion of MDSCs and tumor cells in breast cancer chemoimmunotherapy. The GEM-CXB NPs exhibit prolonged blood circulation, leading to the preferential accumulation and co-release of GEM and CXB in tumors. This promotes synergistic chemotherapeutic activity by the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction against 4T1 tumor cells. In addition, it enhances tumor immunogenicity by immunogenic cell death induction and MDSC-induced immunosuppression alleviation through the depletion of MDSCs. These mechanisms synergistically activate the antitumor immune function of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, inhibit the proliferation of regulatory T cells, and promote the M2 to M1 phenotype repolarization of tumor-associated macrophages, considerably enhancing the overall antitumor and anti-metastasis efficacy in BALB/c mice bearing 4T1 tumors. The simplified engineering of GEM-CXB NPs, with their dual depletion strategy targeting immunosuppressive cells and tumor cells, represents an advanced concept in cancer chemoimmunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; Gemcitabine; Deoxycytidine; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; Mice; Immunotherapy; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Female; Nanoparticles; Cell Line, Tumor; Tumor Microenvironment; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38849938
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02598-y -
BMC Ophthalmology Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the photoprotection effect of peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) protein in ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced damage of retinal...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate the photoprotection effect of peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) protein in ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced damage of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and its possible molecular mechanism.
METHODS
ARPE-19 cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the PRDX1 expression. The corresponding kits were employed to measure the levels or activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD). Western blotting was applied to examine PRDX1 expression and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway-related proteins.
RESULTS
After exposure to 20 mJ/cm intensity of UVB irradiation for 24 h, ARPE-19 cells viability was decreased, the leakage degree of LDH and 8-OHdG were increased, and cell apoptosis was elevated. The expression of PRDX1 was significantly down-regulated in UVB-induced ARPE-19 cells. The low expression of PRDX1 was involved in high irradiation intensity. Overexpression of PRDX1 increased cell activity, decreased cell apoptosis, and LDH as well as 8-OHdG leakage in UVB-induced ARPE-19 cells. In addition to alleviating UVB-induced cell damage, PRDX1 overexpression also inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress (down-regulation of ROS and MDA levels, up-regulation of GSH-Px and SOD activities) and the activation of MAPK signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.
CONCLUSION
PRDX1 exerts a photoprotection effect on RPE by attenuating UVB-induced cell damage and inhibiting oxidative stress, which can be attributed to the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway activation.
Topics: Humans; Oxidative Stress; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Peroxiredoxins; Ultraviolet Rays; Cell Survival; Apoptosis; Reactive Oxygen Species; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Cell Line; Blotting, Western; Cells, Cultured; 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38844903
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03489-4 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024The effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) depends on participants adherence, making it crucial to assess and compare regimen options to enhance human...
BACKGROUND
The effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) depends on participants adherence, making it crucial to assess and compare regimen options to enhance human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis strategies. However, no prospective study in China has shown that the completion rate and adherence of single-tablet regimens in HIV PEP are higher than those of multi-tablet preparations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the completion rate and adherence of two HIV PEP regimens.
METHODS
In this single-center, prospective, open-label cohort study, we included 179 participants from May 2022 to March 2023 and analyzed the differences in the 28-day medication completion rate, adherence, safety, tolerance, and effectiveness of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine, and dolutegravir (TDF/FTC + DTG).
RESULTS
The PEP completion rate and adherence were higher in the BIC/FTC/TAF group than in the TDF/FTC + DTG group (completion rate: 97.8% vs. 82.6%, P = 0.009; adherence: 99.6 ± 2.82% vs. 90.2 ± 25.29%, P = 0.003). The incidence of adverse reactions in the BIC/FTC/TAF and TDF/FTC + DTG groups was 15.2% and 10.3% (P = 0.33), respectively. In the TDF/FTC + DTG group, one participant stopped PEP owing to adverse reactions (1.1%). No other participants stopped PEP due to adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
BIC/FTC/TAF and TDF/FTC + DTG have good safety and tolerance as PEP regimens. BIC/FTC/TAF has a higher completion rate and increased adherence, thus, is recommended as a PEP regimen. These findings emphasize the importance of regimen choice in optimizing PEP outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2200059994(2022-05-14), https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=167391 ).
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Prospective Studies; Male; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir; China; Adult; Female; Anti-HIV Agents; Pyridones; Amides; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Middle Aged; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Drug Combinations; Medication Adherence; Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings; Alanine; Adenine; Young Adult; Piperazines
PubMed: 38844855
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09407-9 -
Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Jun 2024Metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) has a dismal prognosis. Herein, we conducted a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety...
First-line penpulimab (an anti-PD1 antibody) and anlotinib (an angiogenesis inhibitor) with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (PAAG) in metastatic pancreatic cancer: a prospective, multicentre, biomolecular exploratory, phase II trial.
Metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) has a dismal prognosis. Herein, we conducted a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, phase II trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of penpulimab and anlotinib in combination with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (PAAG) in patients with first-line mPC (NCT05493995). The primary endpoints included the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), while secondary endpoints encompassed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. In 66 patients analysed for efficacy, the best response, indicated by the ORR, was recorded at 50.0% (33/66) (95% CI, 37.4-62.6%), with 33 patients achieving partial response (PR). Notably, the DCR was 95.5% (63/66, 95% CI, 87.3-99.1%). The median PFS (mPFS) and OS (mOS) were 8.8 (95% CI, 8.1-11.6), and 13.7 (95% CI, 12.4 to not reached) months, respectively. Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 39.4% of patients (26/66). In prespecified exploratory analysis, patients with altered SWI/SNF complex had a poorer PFS. Additionally, low serum CA724 level, high T-cell recruitment, low Th17 cell recruitment, and high NK CD56dim cell scores at baseline were potential predicative biomarkers for more favourable efficacy. In conclusion, PAAG as a first-line therapy demonstrated tolerability with promising clinical efficacy for mPC. The biomolecular findings identified in this study possess the potential to guide the precise clinical application of the triple-combo regimen.
Topics: Humans; Male; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Female; Paclitaxel; Middle Aged; Aged; Deoxycytidine; Gemcitabine; Indoles; Albumins; Quinolines; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Prospective Studies; Adult; Neoplasm Metastasis; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
PubMed: 38844468
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01857-6 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia May 2024
Letter to the Editor Re: Treatment Progress of Compound Kushen Injection and Gemcitabine in Postoperative Patients with Bladder Cancer and Selection of Drug Delivery Mode.
Topics: Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Humans; Gemcitabine; Deoxycytidine; Drug Delivery Systems; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
PubMed: 38840292
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247704.63 -
Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology Jun 2024To examine changes in tear oxidative stress levels and tear film functions in patients with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis following conjunctiva-Müller muscle...
OBJECTIVES
To examine changes in tear oxidative stress levels and tear film functions in patients with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis following conjunctiva-Müller muscle resection (CMMR) and blepharoplasty surgeries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This prospective study included 32 healthy controls and 62 patients with blepharoptosis or dermatochalasis. CMMR surgery was performed in 20 eyes and upper blepharoplasty was performed in 42 eyes. Tear oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [4-HNE]) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and tear film functions were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The same assessments were performed in the control group at the same time points.
RESULTS
Preoperative tear 8-OHdG and 4-HNE levels were lower in healthy controls (52.8±13.5 ng/mL and 27.8±6.4 ng/mL, respectively) compared to patients with dermatochalasis (86.1±37.2 ng/mL and 29.8±11.1 ng/mL, respectively) and blepharoptosis (90.4±39.3 ng/mL and 43.1±4.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p<0.001). 8-OHdG levels were increased at 1 month after CMMR, while both markers were decreased 1 month postoperatively in the blepharoplasty group (p=0.034). Schirmer 1 and OSDI scores did not change throughout the visits in both patient groups, but a temporary decrease in tear break-up time (TBUT) was observed after CMMR (p=0.017).
CONCLUSION
Dermatochalasis and blepharoptosis were associated with higher tear oxidative stress levels. CMMR surgery caused a temporary decrease in TBUT scores and an increase in oxidative stress in the first postoperative month.
Topics: Humans; Oxidative Stress; Blepharoptosis; Female; Male; Prospective Studies; Tears; Blepharoplasty; Middle Aged; Conjunctiva; Oculomotor Muscles; 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Adult; Biomarkers; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Aged; Aldehydes
PubMed: 38836622
DOI: 10.4274/tjo.galenos.2024.02697 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The combination of trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (FTD/TPI) plus ramucirumab has demonstrated clinical activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We... (Observational Study)
Observational Study Comparative Study
The combination of trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (FTD/TPI) plus ramucirumab has demonstrated clinical activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combination compared with those of FTD/TPI monotherapy in patients with AGC. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with AGC who received FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab or FTD/TPI monotherapy as third- or later-line treatment. This study included 36 patients treated with FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab and 70 patients receiving FTD/TPI monotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 25.8% and 58.1%, respectively, in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group and 5.0% and 38.3%, respectively, in the FTD/TPI group (ORR, P = 0.007; DCR, P = 0.081). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group (median PFS, 2.9 vs. 1.8 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.52; P = 0.001). A numerical survival benefit was also observed (median overall survival, 7.9 months vs. 5.0 months; HR: 0.68, P = 0.089). In the multivariate analysis, PFS was significantly longer in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group than in the FTD/TPI monotherapy group (HR: 0.61, P = 0.030). The incidence of febrile neutropenia was higher in the FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab group than in the FTD/TPI group (13.8% vs. 2.9%); however, no new safety signals were identified. Compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy, FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab offers clinical benefits with acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated patients with AGC. Further investigation via randomized trials is warranted to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; Ramucirumab; Male; Female; Thymine; Middle Aged; Aged; Trifluridine; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Pyrrolidines; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Drug Combinations; Aged, 80 and over; Treatment Outcome; Uracil; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 38830895
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61975-7 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Jun 2024An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 data. The... (Review)
Review
An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2021 data. The highest risk of HIV transmission occurs during injection drug use with needle sharing and during sexual activity, most significantly in condomless, receptive anal intercourse. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection is part of a larger biobehavioral strategy that uses antiretroviral medication, an oral formulation taken daily or during anticipated exposure events, or an injectable formulation administered every 8 weeks. PrEP consists of 3 possible regimens: emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, or injectable cabotegravir. Primary care clinicians are strategically positioned to provide PrEP education and access.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Primary Health Care; Anti-HIV Agents; Tenofovir; Emtricitabine; Male
PubMed: 38830701
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.91a.23079 -
Cancer Medicine Jun 2024Optimal adjuvant chemotherapy after laparoscopic surgery in gastric cancer (GC) patients is still undefined. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Optimal adjuvant chemotherapy after laparoscopic surgery in gastric cancer (GC) patients is still undefined. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in patients with GC after laparoscopic gastrectomy.
METHODS
A non-inferiority randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in China. Patients with advanced GC who underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy were randomly assigned to receive SOX and CAPOX regimens.
RESULTS
In total, 191 patients were screened between May 2018 and June 2019, and 140 (73.3%) were included in the modified intent-to-treat analysis (mITT), of whom 69 and 71 were assigned to the SOX and CAPOX groups, respectively. The SOX group had similar 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival to the CAPOX group. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly better OS in the SOX group for male patients ([HR] = 0.395; 95% [CI], 0.153-1.019; p = 0.045), age >60 (HR = 0.219; 95% [CI], 0.064-0.753; p = 0.016), tumors in the gastric antrum (HR = 0.273; 95% [CI], 0.076-0.981; p = 0.047), and moderately differentiated tumors (HR = 0.338; 95% [CI], 0.110-1.041; p = 0.041). There were no significant differences observed in terms of adverse events and recurrence patterns between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Adjuvant SOX was non-inferior to CAPOX treatments for patients with GC who underwent curative laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy. For male patients, aged >60 years, tumors in the gastric antrum, and moderately differentiated tumors, adjuvant SOX may achieve an improvement compared with CAPOX.
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; Male; Gastrectomy; Female; Middle Aged; Laparoscopy; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Oxaliplatin; Tegafur; Drug Combinations; Oxonic Acid; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Capecitabine; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38826114
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7326 -
ACS Synthetic Biology Jun 2024Gas-fermenting species hold tremendous promise for one-carbon biomanufacturing. To unlock their full potential, it is crucial to unravel and optimize the intricate...
Gas-fermenting species hold tremendous promise for one-carbon biomanufacturing. To unlock their full potential, it is crucial to unravel and optimize the intricate regulatory networks that govern these organisms; however, this aspect is currently underexplored. In this study, we employed pooled CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) screening to uncover a wide range of functional transcription factors (TFs) in , a representative species of gas-fermenting , with a special focus on TFs associated with the utilization of carbon resources. Among the 425 TF candidates, we identified 75 and 68 TF genes affecting the heterotrophic and autotrophic growth of , respectively. We focused our attention on two of the screened TFs, NrdR and DeoR, and revealed their pivotal roles in the regulation of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) supply, carbon fixation, and product synthesis in , thereby influencing the strain performance in gas fermentation. Based on this, we proceeded to optimize the expression of in by adjusting its promoter strength, leading to an improved growth rate and ethanol synthesis of when utilizing syngas. This study highlights the effectiveness of pooled CRISPRi screening in gas-fermenting species, expanding the horizons for functional genomic research in these industrially important bacteria.
Topics: Clostridium; Transcription Factors; Fermentation; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Bacterial Proteins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; Metabolic Engineering; Gases
PubMed: 38825826
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00175