PDGF-AB Reduces Myofibroblast Differentiation Without Increasing Proliferation After Myocardial Infarction.

After myocardial infarction (MI), fibroblasts progress from proliferative to myofibroblast states, resulting in fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are reported to induce fibroblast proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, and fibrosis. However, we have previously shown that PDGFs improve heart function post-MI without increasing fibrosis.

Validation of miR-1228-3p as Housekeeping for MicroRNA Analysis in Liquid Biopsies from Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Background: Circulating microRNA (miRNA) analysis is a growing research field. However, it usually requires an endogenous control or housekeeping (HK) in order to normalize expression of specific miRNAs throughout different samples. Unfortunately, no adequate HK for circulating miRNA analysis is still known in the colorectal cancer (CRC) context whereas several have been suggested.

Analysis of A 6-Mirna Signature in Serum from Colorectal Cancer Screening Participants as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Advanced Adenoma and Colorectal Cancer Detection.

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precancerous lesion, advanced adenomas (AA), is critical to improve CRC incidence and prognosis. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs or miR) are promising non-invasive biomarkers for cancer detection. Our previous results showed that a plasma 6-miRNA signature (miR-15b-5p, miR-18a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-335-5p, miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p) could distinguish between CRC or AA and healthy individuals (controls).

Circulating biomarkers for early detection and clinical management of colorectal cancer.

New non-invasive approaches that can complement and improve on current strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and management are urgently needed. A growing number of publications have documented that components of tumors, which are shed into the circulation, can be detected in the form of liquid biopsies and can be used to detect CRC at early stages, to predict response to certain therapies and to detect CRC recurrence in a minimally invasive way. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), tumor-derived cells (CTC, circulating tumor cells) or circulating microRNA (miRNA) in blood and other body fluids, have a great potential to improve different aspects of CRC management.

Plasma MicroRNA Signature Validation for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

Objectives: Specific microRNA (miRNA) signatures in biological fluids can facilitate earlier detection of the tumors being then minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Circulating miRNAs have also emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. In this study, we investigated the performance of a specific signature of miRNA in plasma samples to design a robust predictive model that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with CRC or advanced adenomas (AA) diseases.

Modulation of the colon cancer cell phenotype by pro-inflammatory macrophages: A preclinical model of surgery-associated inflammation and tumor recurrence.

Peritoneal infection after colorectal cancer surgery is associated with a higher rate of tumor relapse. We have recently proposed that soluble inflammatory factors released in response to a postoperative infection enhance tumor progression features in residual tumor cells. In an effort to set up models to study the mechanisms of residual tumor cell activation during surgery-associated inflammation, we have analyzed the phenotypic response of colon cancer cell lines to the paracrine effects of THP-1 and U937 differentiated human macrophages, which release an inflammatory medium characteristic of an innate immune response.