Effect of Spacers on the Affinity of Tyrosine-Modified Polymers to L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1.

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which takes up neutral amino acids such as tyrosine, is overexpressed on various cancer cells, and many researchers have developed LAT1-targeting drug delivery systems (DDSs) by modifying them with substrates of LAT1. However, none of the previous studies have examined the effects of spacers conjugated with substrates on the interaction between the DDSs and LAT1. Here, we developed polymers with tyrosine-based ligands on the side chains via propyl- or triethylene glycol spacers and compared their targetability to that of LAT1.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) potentiating an inert d-amino acid-based drug for boron neutron capture therapy.

Since the discovery of d-amino acids, they have been considered inactive and have not been used as potent drugs. Here, we report that simple mixing with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) unleashed latent potentials of d-amino acids in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). PVA formed boronate esters with seemingly useless boronated d-amino acids and induced tumor-associated amino acid transporter-superselective internalization and prolonged intracellular retention, accomplishing complete cure of tumors.

Conversion surgery for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer.

As a result of the recent advances in first-line treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (ICI) for locally advanced/metastatic initially unresectable esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer, surgery aiming at cure after initial treatment, so-called "conversion surgery" has become more common in this field. Several studies have indicated encouraging survival outcomes for patients after conversion surgery with R0 resection. However, various issues, such the utility and the safety of conversion surgery remain unclear.

The Occurrence of Senescence in the Arteriovenous Fistula in the Rat.

Background: Maturational failure of dialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) not uncommonly occurs and is of considerable and timely importance. Our prior studies demonstrate that senescence, a phenotypic process that promotes vascular and other diseases, occurs in the murine AVF. In the present study, we examined whether senescence also occurs in the rat AVF model and the effect of compounds that inhibit or accelerate senescence.