Discovery of 22(S)-23-phenyl-24-norchol-5-en-3β,22-diol (PFM046) as the first-in-class, steroidal, non-sulfated Liver X Receptor antagonist with anticancer activity.

A plethora of studies have demonstrated the crucial role played by Liver X Receptors (LXRs) in cancer. However, whether LXRs activation results in pro-versus anti-tumor effects is still matter of debate. Recently, we have reported the ability of 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol-3-sulfate (PFM037) to antagonize LXRα activity, and, at the same time, its capability to improve in-vivo anti-tumor immune responses.

Elective Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy Reduces IL-6 Serum Levels in Uncomplicated Recurrent Diverticulitis.

Introduction: Although recurrent diverticulitis appears to be a chronic relapsing disease from a clinical standpoint, there are no sufficient data about inflammatory markers that allow monitoring recurrent diverticulitis in the quiescent phase. Our hypothesis is that serum inflammatory markers may be increased during clinical quiescent phases of diverticulitis and will drop after elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for uncomplicated recurrent diverticulitis. We also believe that a drop in IL-6 levels across surgery could be related to an improved quality of life.

LIM-domain-only 4 (LMO4) enhances CD8 T-cell stemness and tumor rejection by boosting IL-21-STAT3 signaling.

High frequencies of stem-like memory T cells in infusion products correlate with superior patient outcomes across multiple T cell therapy trials. Herein, we analyzed a published CRISPR activation screening to identify transcriptional regulators that could be harnessed to augment stem-like behavior in CD8 T cells. Using IFN-γ production as a proxy for CD8 T cell terminal differentiation, LMO4 emerged among the top hits inhibiting the development of effectors cells.

Single stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. Lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis, a common complication of gallstone disease, poses significant risks including cholangitis and pancreatitis. Various treatment approaches exist, including single-stage and two-stage techniques, with recent literature suggesting advantages of the single-stage approach in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness. This study evaluates the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of single-stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LC + iERCP) compared to the previously adopted two-stage approach.