-
International Journal of Biological... Mar 2022Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nano-scale particles that are morphologically similar to a live virus but which lack a genetic component. Since the pandemic spread of...
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nano-scale particles that are morphologically similar to a live virus but which lack a genetic component. Since the pandemic spread of COVID-19, much focus has been placed on coronavirus (CoV)-related VLPs. CoVs contain four structural proteins, though the minimum requirement for VLP formation differs among virus species. CoV VLPs are commonly produced in mammalian and insect cell systems, sometimes in the form of chimeric VLPs that enable surface display of CoV epitopes. VLPs are an ideal model for virological research and have been applied as vaccines and diagnostic reagents to aid in clinical disease control. This review summarizes and updates the research progress on the characteristics of VLPs from different known CoVs, mainly focusing on assembly, in vitro expression systems for VLP generation, VLP chimerism, protein-based nanoparticles and their applications in basic research and clinical settings, which may aid in development of novel VLP vaccines against emerging coronavirus diseases such as SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Animals; Chimerism; Coronavirus; Epitopes; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Viral Proteins; Virus Assembly
PubMed: 35065135
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.108 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2021Swertiamarin, a seco-iridoid glycoside, is mainly found in Blume () and exhibits therapeutic activities for various diseases. The present study aimed to provide a...
Swertiamarin, a seco-iridoid glycoside, is mainly found in Blume () and exhibits therapeutic activities for various diseases. The present study aimed to provide a review of swertiamarin in terms of its phytochemistry, physicochemical properties, biosynthesis, pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Relevant literature was collected from several scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar, between 1990 and the present. This review included the distribution of swertiamarin in medicinal plants and its isolation, characterization, physicochemical properties and possible biosynthetic pathways. A comprehensive summary of the pharmacological activities, therapeutic potential and metabolic pathways of swertiamarin was also included after careful screening and tabulation. Based on the reported evidence, swertiamarin meets all five of Lipinski's rules for drug-like properties. Thereafter, the physicochemical properties of swertiamarin were detailed and analyzed. A simple and rapid method for isolating swertiamarin from has been described. The present review proposed that swertiamarin may be biosynthesized by the mevalonate or nonmevalonate pathways, followed by the seco-iridoid pathway. It has also been found that swertiamarin is a potent compound with diverse pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, antidiabetic, antioxidant, neuroprotective and gastroprotective activities. The anticancer activity of swertiamarin against different cancer cell lines has been recently reported. The underlying mechanisms of all these pharmacological effects are diverse and seem to involve the regulation of different molecular targets, including growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, apoptosis-related proteins, receptors and enzymes. Swertiamarin also modulates the activity of several transcription factors, and their signaling pathways in various pathological conditions are also discussed. Moreover, we have highlighted the toxicity profile, pharmacokinetics and possible structural modifications of swertiamarin. The pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of swertiamarin have been extensively investigated. However, more advanced studies are required including clinical trials and studies on the bioavailability, permeability and administration of safe doses to offer swertiamarin as a novel candidate for future drug development.
Topics: Animals; Drug Development; Drug Discovery; Gentianaceae; Humans; Iridoid Glucosides; Plant Extracts; Pyrones
PubMed: 34188450
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S299753 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Feb 2019Recently, many studies have shown the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in the outcome of bone tumor. However, the results remain inconclusive.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recently, many studies have shown the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in the outcome of bone tumor. However, the results remain inconclusive. It is necessary to carry out a meta-analysis of all the current available data to clarify the relationship between HIF-1α and survival or clinicopathological features of bone tumor.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, and Wanfang databases were used to search the relationship between HIF-1α and bone tumor. Articles investigating clinicopathological and prognostic value of HIF-1α in bone tumor patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Overlapping articles, duplicate data, reviews, case reports, and letters without original data were excluded. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic value of HIF-1α on bone tumor patients, respectively.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies including 1443 patients were included in this meta-analysis, which were involved in three different types of bone tumor including 3 chondrosarcomas, 2 giant cell tumors of bone, and 23 osteosarcomas. Our results showed that high expression levels of HIF-1α were associated with poorer OS (overall survival) (HR = 2.61, 95% CI 2.11-3.23, P < 0.001) and shorter DFS (disease-free survival) (HR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.41-2.89, P < 0.001) in bone tumor. In addition, this study also analyzed the role of HIF-1α expression in clinicopathological features, which were closely related with the severity of bone tumor, including differentiation, clinical stage, metastasis, and microvessel density. Our results indicated that HIF-1α overexpression was significantly associated with differentiation (RR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.00-2.43, P = 0.049), clinical stage (RR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.25-2.45, P = 0.001), metastasis (RR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.58-2.00, P < 0.001), and microvessel density (SMD = 2.34, 95% CI 1.35-3.34, P < 0.001) of bone tumor.
CONCLUSIONS
HIF-1α overexpression indicated an unfavorable factor for OS and DFS in bone tumor, suggesting that HIF-1α may serve as a potential prognostic marker for bone tumor.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Bone Neoplasms; China; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Prognosis
PubMed: 30782196
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-019-1101-5 -
Systematic Reviews Nov 2019Compromised natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic function is a well-documented and consistent feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Other...
BACKGROUND
Compromised natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic function is a well-documented and consistent feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Other outcomes evaluated in NK cells of ME/CFS patients, however, remain equivocal. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding NK cell phenotype, receptor expression, cytokine production and cytotoxicity in ME/CFS patients and determine the appropriateness as a model for ME/CFS.
METHODS
Medline (EBSCOHost), Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed databases were systematically searched to source relevant papers published between 1994 and March 2018. This review included studies examining NK cells' features in ME/CFS patients compared with HC following administration of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Secondary outcomes included genetic analysis in isolated NK cells or quality of life assessment. Quality assessment was completed using the Downs and Black checklist in addition to The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
RESULTS
Seventeen eligible publications were included in this review. All studies were observational case control studies. Of these, 11 investigated NK cell cytotoxicity, 14 investigated NK cell phenotype and receptor profiles, three examined NK cell cytokine production, six investigated NK cell lytic protein levels and four investigated NK cell degranulation. Impaired NK cell cytotoxicity remained the most consistent immunological report across all publications. Other outcomes investigated differed between studies.
CONCLUSION
A consistent finding among all papers included in this review was impaired NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that it is a reliable and appropriate cellular model for continued research in ME/CFS patients. Aberrations in NK cell lytic protein levels were also reported. Although additional research is recommended, current research provides a foundation for subsequent investigations. It is possible that NK cell abnormalities can be used to characterise a subset of ME/CFS due to the heterogeneity of both the illness itself and findings between studies investigating specific features of NK function.
Topics: Cell Degranulation; Cytokines; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Granzymes; Humans; Killer Cells, Natural; Perforin; Phenotype
PubMed: 31727160
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1202-6 -
Disease Markers 2022Recent studies have shown that nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) is related to cancer development, proliferation, invasion,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have shown that nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) is related to cancer development, proliferation, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. The prognostic value of NOX4 expression although has been reported in various cancers, it remains unclear as several studies have reported conflicting results. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the prognostic value of NOX4 expression in cancer patients.
METHOD
Appropriate studies were collected by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, and the prognostic value of NOX4 expression in cancer patients was assessed through a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Nine eligible studies involving 2675 cancer patients were included in this meta-analysis. We found that NOX4 expression is related to prognosis in cancer patients. In particular, high expression of NOX4 was significantly associated with overall survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-2.42, < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
NOX4 expression is significantly correlated with overall survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, indicating that it could be a potential prognostic marker.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Humans; NADPH Oxidase 4; Neoplasms; Prognosis; Survival Rate
PubMed: 35265227
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8567642 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Nov 2018This study aimed to review trans lational studies focusing on third molar removal surgeries through a systematic analytical approach.
Preemptive analgesia-related gene and protein expression in third molar surgeries under non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug protocols: A PROSPERO-registered systematic review of clinical studies.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to review trans lational studies focusing on third molar removal surgeries through a systematic analytical approach.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42017060455) was conducted following the PRISMA statement to summarize current knowledge on gene expression in third molar surgeries. A search was performed in PubMed's Medline and Scopus databases, without date or language restrictions, using the logical expression {[(Third molar) OR (preemptive) OR (cyclooxygenase inhibitors) OR (acute inflammation) AND (gene expression)]}.
RESULTS
All studies included in the analysis evaluated gene expression in a third molar extraction model, using the preemptive analgesia methodology in seven investigations. The sample analyzed was obtained from gingival tissue biopsy (n=4), blood (n=1), transudate (n=1) and gingival tissue biopsy/transudate (n=1). There were differences with respect to evaluated genes, drug protocol, sample studied, and method for evaluating gene expression.
CONCLUSIONS
Third molar surgeries were found to be associated with different COX-related gene expression patterns. Although inflammatory events following the surgical procedure are associated with COX isoforms, data from preemptive analgesia studies are scarce, especially from studies correlating gene expression and clinical parameters. In the future, from a clinical perspective, identifying the molecular targets of a drug based on individual gene expression may be helpful to delineate specific third molar, surgery-related, preemptive analgesia protocols.
Topics: Analgesia; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Gene Expression; Humans; Molar, Third; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Protein Biosynthesis
PubMed: 30341263
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.22576 -
The International Journal of Biological... Feb 2016The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gastric carcinoma (GC) through a systematic review, meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gastric carcinoma (GC) through a systematic review, meta-analysis and diagnostic test accuracy review.
METHOD
The current study included 12,679 GC cases and 181 subsets in 45 eligible studies. We performed concordance analysis between HER2 IHC and in situ hybridization (ISH) in GC. Diagnostic test accuracy was analyzed and the area under the curve (AUC) on the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was calculated.
RESULTS
HER2 amplification rates were 3.0%, 31.8%, and 93.0% in the IHC score 0/1+, 2+, and 3+ groups, respectively. The concordance rates between IHC and ISH were 0.969 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.962-0.975), 0.393 (95% CI 0.331-0.458) and 0.915 (95% CI 0.882-0.939) in the HER2 IHC score 0/1+, 2+, and 3+ groups, respectively. For all the HER2 IHC score groups, the positive rates were higher in the silver ISH (SISH) subgroup than in the fluorescence ISH (FISH) and chromogenic ISH (CISH) subgroups. In diagnostic test accuracy review, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 (95% CI 0.84-0.87) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.90-0.91). The AUC on SROC curve was 0.958. However, there was no significant difference in the values of AUC between the ISH methods.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that HER2 IHC was well concordant with ISH in HER2 IHC score 0/1+ or 3+. Although this meta-analysis showed higher diagnostic accuracy of HER2 IHC, more detailed criteria for HER2 IHC score 2+ cases will be required to predict HER2 status.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Receptor, ErbB-2; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 26349670
DOI: 10.5301/jbm.5000171 -
Headache Sep 2020To summarize the current literature on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and corticosteroid use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, recognizing...
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the current literature on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and corticosteroid use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, recognizing that these are commonly used treatments in the field of headache medicine.
BACKGROUND
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a controversial topic within the medical community and international and national health organizations. Lay press and social media outlets have circulated opinions on this topic despite the fact that the evidence for or against the use of these medications is sparse. In the field of headache medicine, these medications are used commonly and both patients and clinicians may have questions or hesitations pertaining to their use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
A detailed search of the scientific and popular literature was performed.
RESULTS
There is limited literature pertaining to the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, there are no clear scientific data that preclude the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the general population who may acquire COVID-19 or in those acutely infected with the virus. Several health organizations have concluded that treatment with corticosteroids during active infection should be avoided due to concerns of prolonged viral shedding in the respiratory tract and the lack of survival benefit based on the data from past coronaviruses and influenza virus; specific exceptions exist including treatment for underlying asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, septic shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Scientific information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly evolving, and limited or contradictory information can lead to confusion for both patients and clinicians. It is recommended that prior to prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids for the treatment of headache, clinicians have open discussions with their patients about the potential risks and benefits of using these medications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This manuscript summarizes the currently available evidence and understanding about these risks and benefits to help clinicians navigate such discussions.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; COVID-19; Contraindications, Drug; Disease Susceptibility; Dogs; Headache; Humans; Hypernatremia; Immunosuppressive Agents; Mass Media; Models, Animal; Neutrophils; Pandemics; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pulmonary Edema; Rats; Receptors, Virus; Risk Assessment; SARS-CoV-2; Up-Regulation; Virus Shedding
PubMed: 32648592
DOI: 10.1111/head.13903 -
Medicine Aug 2021Plenty of studies have showed matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) expression might be associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). However, no definite... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Plenty of studies have showed matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) expression might be associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). However, no definite conclusion has been obtained for the contradictory results.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane library for eligible studies. The association between MMP14 expression and prognostic outcomes of GC was evaluated. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were integrated to show the effect of MMP14 expression on the overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to validate the association of MMP14 expression with OS or RFS in GC. A brief bioinformatics analysis was also performed to determine the prognostic role of MMP14 expression in GC.
RESULTS
High MMP14 expression was associated with shorter OS compared to low MMP14 expression in GC (HR = 1.95, P < .01). Patients with high MMP14 expression tended to have worse differentiation (P = .03), deeper tumor invasion (P < .01), earlier lymph node metastasis (P < .01), earlier distant metastasis (P < .01) and more advanced clinical stage (P < .01) compared to those with low MMP14 expression. The data from TCGA and GEO showed MMP14 was overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues (P < .05), and high MMP14 expression was significantly related to shorter OS (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.32-2.20, P < .01) and RFS (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.15-1.83, P < .01) compared to low MMP14 expression in GC. Expression of MMP14 was linked to functional networks involving the biological process, metabolic process, response to stimulus, cell communication and so on. Functional network analysis suggested that MMP14 regulated the protein digestion and absorption, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, focal adhesion, ribosome, spliceosome, and so on.
CONCLUSION
High MMP14 expression was associated with worse prognosis of GC compared to low MMP14 expression. MMP14 expression could serve as a prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target of GC.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; DNA, Neoplasm; Disease Progression; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinase 14; Prognosis; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 34397871
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000026545 -
PloS One 2018The malignant neoplasm of the cervix, cervical cancer, has effects on the reproductive tract. Although infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus is essential for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The malignant neoplasm of the cervix, cervical cancer, has effects on the reproductive tract. Although infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus is essential for cervical cancer development, it alone is insufficient to explain the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, other risk factors such as host genetic factors should be identified, and their importance in cervical cancer induction should be determined. Although gene expression profiling studies in the last decade have made significant molecular findings about cervical cancer, adequate screening and effective treatment strategies have yet to be achieved. In the current study, meta-analysis was performed on cervical cancer-associated transcriptome data and reporter biomolecules were identified at RNA (mRNA, miRNA), protein (receptor, transcription factor, etc.), and metabolite levels by the integration of gene expression profiles with genome-scale biomolecular networks. This approach revealed already-known biomarkers, tumor suppressors and oncogenes in cervical cancer as well as various receptors (e.g. ephrin receptors EPHA4, EPHA5, and EPHB2; endothelin receptors EDNRA and EDNRB; nuclear receptors NCOA3, NR2C1, and NR2C2), miRNAs (e.g., miR-192-5p, miR-193b-3p, and miR-215-5p), transcription factors (particularly E2F4, ETS1, and CUTL1), other proteins (e.g., KAT2B, PARP1, CDK1, GSK3B, WNK1, and CRYAB), and metabolites (particularly, arachidonic acids) as novel biomarker candidates and potential therapeutic targets. The differential expression profiles of all reporter biomolecules were cross-validated in independent RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq datasets, and the prognostic power of several reporter biomolecules, including KAT2B, PCNA, CD86, miR-192-5p and miR-215-5p was also demonstrated. In this study, we reported valuable data for further experimental and clinical efforts, because the proposed biomolecules have significant potential as systems biomarkers for screening or therapeutic purposes in cervical carcinoma.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Databases, Nucleic Acid; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Neoplasm Proteins; RNA, Neoplasm; Transcriptome; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 30020984
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200717