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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder described as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can also be found in extrapelvic...
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder described as the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus, which can also be found in extrapelvic locations. Although patients seeking treatment for endometriosis usually present to gynecologists, there are rare cases of endometriosis encountered by plastic surgeons in routine practice, either incidentally or as a concomitant finding.
METHODS
We present a rare case of a 36-year-old woman with symptoms of panniculitis desiring panniculectomy. During surgery, an abdominal mass was excised and confirmed by pathological analysis to be endometriosis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed search engine of the National Institutes of Health to identify cases of endometriosis in plastic surgery. Following screening of the results, 14 articles were included in this analysis that fit the criteria of our search.
RESULTS
Of the 14 articles reviewed, cutaneous endometriosis was the most common subtype found in plastic surgery. None of the studies described findings of endometriosis in routine panniculectomies. Several identified endometriosis discovered during cosmetic abdominoplasties.
CONCLUSIONS
Endometriosis encountered in plastic surgery is a rare but clinically important occurrence, with the cutaneous subtype representing the majority of cases. Endometriosis should always be on the differential diagnosis when an abdominal mass is found in a patient with a history of abdominal surgery. Abdominal masses found during routine aesthetic or reconstructive surgery should be submitted for tissue analysis to guide possible secondary treatments.
PubMed: 38911574
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005904 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024Immunotherapy has transformed breast cancer management. However, it can be challenging to remain familiar with the adverse events, contraindications, and perioperative...
BACKGROUND
Immunotherapy has transformed breast cancer management. However, it can be challenging to remain familiar with the adverse events, contraindications, and perioperative recommendations for each agent.
METHODS
We used FDALabel to identify all Food and Drug Administration-approved immunotherapies indicated for the treatment of breast cancer. We extracted details regarding warnings and precautions, indications, and adverse events from each package insert.
RESULTS
We identified nine immunotherapies belonging to three classes: anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) agents, anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) agents, and anti-trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) agents. Cardiotoxicity, including heart failure and cardiomyopathy, was common among those receiving anti-HER2 agents, and hypothyroidism was common among patients receiving the anti-PD-1 agent. The anti-TROP-2 agent was associated with diarrhea and neutropenia. Given the adverse event profile for each drug, we recommend preoperative evaluation components, including transthoracic echocardiography, liver function tests, and thyroid panels. We also indicate here which immunotherapies raise concern for venous thromboembolism, hematoma, and infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Using data from clinical trials, we recommend a preoperative evaluation tailored to the immunotherapeutic regimen of individual patients.
PubMed: 38911573
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005915 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024The maxilla comprises horizontal and vertical buttresses, each with specific functions, supporting various organs, such as the eyes, nose, and oral cavity. Notably, they...
BACKGROUND
The maxilla comprises horizontal and vertical buttresses, each with specific functions, supporting various organs, such as the eyes, nose, and oral cavity. Notably, they combine to form a three-dimensional structure, which enables the buttresses to provide their inherent support strength. However, reconstructing the maxilla after maxillectomy by assembling new buttresses is challenging. We successfully reconstructed all the buttresses crucial for facial appearance and dental rehabilitation using a vascularized fibular flap.
METHODS
Four patients underwent maxillary buttress reconstruction with a fibular flap after total or subtotal maxillectomy. We used computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing digital technology to osteotomize the fibula into multiple segments and assemble them to reconstruct the maxillary buttresses. Each buttress was assembled based on a preoperative simulation.
RESULTS
All patients underwent immediate one-stage maxillary reconstruction. They had good maxillary buttress alignment and acquired good facial appearance, eye position, nasal airway, and prosthetically suitable maxillary alveolus ridge.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing digital technology and surgical techniques has enabled novel maxillary reconstruction, providing great hope to patients experiencing facial disfigurement and loss of function after maxillectomy.
PubMed: 38911572
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005914 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024Mucoceles can often present as a complication after prior sinus surgery or maxillofacial trauma when mucosal drainage is obstructed. Their presence in the orbit...
Mucoceles can often present as a complication after prior sinus surgery or maxillofacial trauma when mucosal drainage is obstructed. Their presence in the orbit following orbital wall fracture and subsequent repair represent an exceedingly rare complication whose occurrence is limited to a few reported cases in the literature. In these patients, continuous cyst expansion and subsequent mass effect may lead to ophthalmic symptoms, including orbital pain, proptosis, diplopia, and globe dystopia. We report the discovery of an orbital mucocele after orbital floor fracture repair and its possible association with the nonporous reconstruction plate utilized for fixation. When a patient with history of orbital wall reconstruction presents with new-onset ocular symptoms, an orbital mucocele should be considered as a potential diagnosis.
PubMed: 38911571
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005917 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Jun 2024The abdominal donor site is the most common flap used for breast reconstruction, with flap necrosis a feared complication. The technique of surgical 'delay' involves the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The abdominal donor site is the most common flap used for breast reconstruction, with flap necrosis a feared complication. The technique of surgical 'delay' involves the inducing of relative ischemia to promote neovascularisation, amongst other metabolic adaptations, and has been used to augment flap vascularity and reduce this complication. There is significant variability in the manner in which flap surgery and surgical delay may be performed, such as the vessels ligated, the presence and degree of flap elevation, and the decision to harvest muscle with the flap, amongst other factors. A formal review of techniques, however, has not yet been performed, and there is no consensus as to the optimal technique for surgical delay.
METHODS
A scoping review of the current literature was undertaken to determine the optimal surgical delay technique in abdominal-based flap surgery. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Medline databases. Data regarding the type of flap surgery, delay techniques, and corresponding clinical outcomes was collected and categorised by technique type.
RESULTS
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for review. Levels of evidence and rates of complications were compared. The range of surgical delay techniques reported in the literature was described. Surgical delay was found to reduce overall complication rates, and the available data suggests it may be particularly beneficial in high-risk patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The current data support delay as a viable method for reducing rates of complications. Further studies and data are required to compare surgical delay techniques and determine the benefit delay may pose to patients with risk factors.
PubMed: 38911569
DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-306 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Wound healing in diabetic patients is frequently hampered. Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-eoxs), serving as a crucial mode of intercellular communication,... (Review)
Review
Wound healing in diabetic patients is frequently hampered. Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (ADSC-eoxs), serving as a crucial mode of intercellular communication, exhibit promising therapeutic roles in facilitating wound healing. This review aims to comprehensively outline the molecular mechanisms through which ADSC-eoxs enhance diabetic wound healing. We emphasize the biologically active molecules released by these exosomes and their involvement in signaling pathways associated with inflammation modulation, cellular proliferation, vascular neogenesis, and other pertinent processes. Additionally, the clinical application prospects of the reported ADSC-eoxs are also deliberated. A thorough understanding of these molecular mechanisms and potential applications is anticipated to furnish a theoretical groundwork for combating diabetic wound healing.
Topics: Exosomes; Humans; Wound Healing; Adipose Tissue; Animals; Stem Cells; Diabetes Mellitus; Signal Transduction; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38911504
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S466034 -
Frontiers in Systems Biology 2024Crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses in natural and pathological conditions. DC-T cell crosstalk is...
Crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells plays a crucial role in modulating immune responses in natural and pathological conditions. DC-T cell crosstalk is achieved through contact-dependent (i.e., immunological synapse) and contact-independent mechanisms (i.e., cytokines). Activated DCs upregulate co-stimulatory signals and secrete proinflammatory cytokines to orchestrate T cell activation and differentiation. Conversely, activated T helper cells "license" DCs towards maturation, while regulatory T cells (Tregs) silence DCs to elicit tolerogenic immunity. Strategies to efficiently modulate the DC-T cell crosstalk can be harnessed to promote immune activation for cancer immunotherapy or immune tolerance for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Here, we review the natural crosstalk mechanisms between DC and T cells. We highlight bioengineering approaches to modulate DC-T cell crosstalk, including conventional vaccines, synthetic vaccines, and DC-mimics, and key seminal studies leveraging these approaches to steer immune response for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
PubMed: 38911455
DOI: 10.3389/fsysb.2024.1372995 -
Journal of Cancer 2024Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly malignant tumor that is prone to immune escape and distant metastasis. Immunotherapy is considered to be the best treatment...
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly malignant tumor that is prone to immune escape and distant metastasis. Immunotherapy is considered to be the best treatment for patients with SKCM. However, not all patients benefit from it. We observed a significant differential expression of the lncRNA CYTOR in patients with SKCM based on single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data mining results. The results showed that compared to normal tissue lncRNA CYTOR expression was significantly upregulated in SKCM tissue. Subsequently, we validated this finding in clinical samples, and we also found that the expression of lncRNA CYTOR in SKCM was higher as it progressed. lncRNA CYTOR was differentially expressed in patients who responded to immunotherapy, suggesting that it may serve as a biomarker to predict the efficacy of SKCM immunotherapy. In-depth analysis revealed that lncRNA CYTOR expression was strongly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune response, and immune checkpoint expression. Meanwhile, our experiments revealed that CYTOR affects SKCM cell invasion and clone formation and is associated with the activation of the EMT pathway. In summary, our findings illustrate, for the first time, the value of CYTOR as a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic response marker in SKCM.
PubMed: 38911384
DOI: 10.7150/jca.94823 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2024High levels of UV exposure are a significant factor that can trigger the onset and progression of SKCM. Moreover, this exposure is closely linked to the malignancy of...
BACKGROUND
High levels of UV exposure are a significant factor that can trigger the onset and progression of SKCM. Moreover, this exposure is closely linked to the malignancy of the tumor and the prognosis of patients. Our objective is to identify a tumor biomarker database associated with UV exposure, which can be utilized for prognostic analysis and diagnosis and treatment of SKCM.
METHODS
This study used the weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA) and gene mutation frequency analyses to screen for UV-related target genes using the GSE59455 and the cancer genome atlas databases (TCGA). The prognostic model was created using Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses (LASSCO). Furthermore, in vitro experiments further validated that the overexpression or knockdown of COL4A3 could regulate the proliferation and migration abilities of SKMEL28 and A357 melanoma cells.
RESULTS
A prognostic model was created that included six genes with a high UV-related mutation in SKCM: COL4A3, CHRM2, DSC3, GIMAP5, LAMC2, and PSG7. The model had a strong patient survival correlation (˂0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.57) and significant predictor (˂0.001, HR = 3.050). Furthermore, the model negatively correlated with immune cells, including CD8 T cells (Cor=-0.408, ˂0.001), and M1-type macrophages (Cor=-0.385, ˂0.001), and immune checkpoints, including programmed cell death ligand-1. Moreover, we identified COL4A3 as a molecule with significant predictive functionality. Overexpression of COL4A3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of SKMEL28 and A357 melanoma cells, while knockdown of COL4A3 yielded the opposite results. And overexpression of COL4A3 enhanced the inhibitory effects of imatinib on the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of SKMEL28 and A357 cells.
CONCLUSION
The efficacy of the prognostic model was validated by analyzing the prognosis, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint profiles. COL4A3 stands out as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for SKCM, offering new strategies for small-molecule targeted drug therapies.
PubMed: 38911338
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S461959 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jul 2024To investigate the level of cellular senescence in stem cells derived from microfragmented abdominal adipose tissue harvested from patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Microfragmented abdominal adipose tissue-derived stem cells from knee osteoarthritis patients aged 29-65 years demonstrate in vitro stemness and low levels of cellular senescence.
PURPOSE
To investigate the level of cellular senescence in stem cells derived from microfragmented abdominal adipose tissue harvested from patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).
METHODS
Stem cells harvested from microfragmented abdominal adipose tissue from 20 patients with knee OA, aged 29-65 years (mean = 49.8, SD = 9.58), were analysed as a function of patient age and compared with control cells exhibiting signs of cellular senescence. Steady-state mRNA levels of a panel of genes associated with senescence were measured by qPCR. Intracellular senescence-associated proteins p16 and p21, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity were measured by flow cytometry. Cellular proliferation was assessed using a 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine proliferation assay. Stemness was assessed by stem cell surface markers using flow cytometry and the capacity to undergo adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in vitro.
RESULTS
No correlation was found between cellular senescence levels of the microfragmented adipose tissue-derived stem cells and patient age for any of the standard assays used to quantify senescence. The level of cellular senescence was generally low across all senescence-associated assays compared to the positive senescence control. Stemness was verified for all samples. An increased capacity to undergo adipogenic differentiation was shown with increasing patient age ( = 0.02). No effect of patient age was found for osteogenic differentiation.
CONCLUSIONS
Autologous microfragmented adipose tissue-derived stem cells may be used in clinical trials of knee OA of patients aged 29-65 years, at least until passage 4, as they show stemness potential and negligible senescence in vitro.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Not applicable.
PubMed: 38911188
DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12056