Microbiota transfer following liver surgery involves microbial extracellular vesicle migration that affects liver immunity.

Background: Short-term perioperative administration of probiotics was shown to alleviate postoperative complications and promote liver recovery among patients undergoing resection for liver malignancy. The mechanisms by which probiotic bacteria effectively influence the gut microbiome composition during the perioperative time are controversial. Here, we aim to elucidate the short-term direct biological effect of probiotic microbiota-derived vesicles on host liver cells during the perioperative period.

Gastric Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) Promote Angiogenesis via Angiopoietin-2.

Angiogenesis is an important control point of gastric cancer (GC) progression and metastasis. Angiopoietin-2 (ANG2) is a key driver of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, and it has been identified in primary GC tissues. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in mediating intercellular communication through the transfer of proteins between cells.

Micro-RNA Expression Patterns Predict Metastatic Spread in Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas.

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of pancreas is a rare pancreatic neoplasm with a low metastatic potential. Up to 10% of patients with localized disease at presentation will develop systemic metastases, usually in the peritoneum or the liver. Due to the rarity of SPNs and the overall excellent prognosis, reliable prognostic factors to predict malignant biological behavior remain undetermined.

Omental Tissue-Mediated Tumorigenesis of Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastases.

The peritoneal cavity, especially the omentum, is a common site for gastric cancer metastasis, representing advanced disease stage and poor prognosis. Here, we studied the effects of omental tissue on gastric cancer tumor progression and . Utilizing models, we found that omental tissue secreted factors increased gastric cancer cellular growth (by 30-67%, < 0.

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine as a clinical biomarker: Fluorescence-based assay for high-throughput epigenetic quantification in human tissues.

Epigenetic transformations may provide early indicators for cancer and other disease. Specifically, the amount of genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) was shown to be globally reduced in a wide range of cancers. The integration of this global biomarker into diagnostic workflows is hampered by the limitations of current 5-hmC quantification methods.

MicroRNA profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) reveals signature expression related to lymph node metastasis.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis occurs frequently in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), representing an advanced disease stage and independently predicting patient survival. Current nodal staging is inadequate preoperatively and even less so postoperatively, and molecular biomarkers are needed to improve prognostication and selection of therapy. Recent data have suggested important roles of miRNAs in PDAC tumorigenesis and progression.

Unique cellular interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and the omentum.

Pancreatic cancer is a common cause of cancer-related mortality. Omental spread is frequent and usually represents an ominous event, leading to patient death. Omental metastasis has been studied in ovarian cancer, but data on its role in pancreatic cancer are relatively scarce and the molecular biology of this process has yet to be explored.

Adipose-Induced Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumorigenesis: A Potential Crosstalk between Sarcoma and Fat Cells.

Unlabelled: Previous data demonstrated that high retroperitoneal visceral fat content increases retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma (RSTS) local recurrence and patients' mortality. Most RSTS tumors initiate and recur within visceral fat. The objective of the current study was to evaluate potential paracrine effects of visceral fat on RSTS.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is associated with high tumor grade and adverse outcomes.

Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is generally associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. We evaluated EMT characteristics in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) tumor specimens and their potential role as biomarkers for malignancy, metastasis, and adverse patient outcomes.

Methods: IPMN surgical specimens were identified and reviewed by two gastrointestinal pathologists.

MicroRNA expression signatures in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas.

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) represent a spectrum of tumors that range from low-grade (LG) dysplastic tumors to invasive cancer. Identification of IPMN at high risk for malignant transformation is important for the prevention and early treatment of pancreatic cancer. The roles of microRNA expression in the development of IPMN have not been extensively evaluated.

Inhibition of hepatitis C virus RNA replicons by peptide aptamers.

Background/aims: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major worldwide health problem, causing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. In addition to its role in the viral polyprotein-processing, the viral NS3 serine protease has been implicated in interactions with various cell constituents resulting in phenotypic changes including malignant transformation. NS3 is currently regarded a prime target for anti-viral drugs thus specific inhibitors of its activities should be important.