A randomized study comparing the nutritional effects of radiotherapy with cetuximab versus cisplatin in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have a high risk of developing malnutrition. This randomized study aimed to compare the effect of weekly cisplatin or cetuximab combined with radiotherapy on weight loss at 3 months after treatment was started. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, feeding tube dependence and health related quality of life from a nutritional perspective.

Caspase cleaved presenilin-1 is part of active gamma-secretase complexes.

gamma-Secretase is a key enzyme involved in the processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein into amyloid beta-peptides (Abeta). Abeta accumulates and forms plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. A progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive decline occurs during the course of the disease, and Abeta is believed to be central for the molecular pathogenesis of AD.

Nicastrin, presenilin, APH-1, and PEN-2 form active gamma-secretase complexes in mitochondria.

Mitochondria are central in the regulation of cell death. Apart from providing the cell with ATP, mitochondria also harbor several death factors that are released upon apoptotic stimuli. Alterations in mitochondrial functions, increased oxidative stress, and neurons dying by apoptosis have been detected in Alzheimer's disease patients.