Unravelling the modes of phototoxicity of NIR absorbing chlorophyll derivative in cancer cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

The efficacy of photodynamic treatment (PDT) against deep-seated tumor is hindered by low penetration depth of light as well as hypoxic conditions which prevails in tumor. To overcome this limitation, Near-infrared (NIR) absorbing photosensitizers have been investigated actively. In the present study we evaluated the PDT efficacy of an NIR absorbing chlorophyll derivative 'Cycloimide Purpurin-18 (CIPp-18)' in Human Breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and cervical adenocarcinoma (Hela) cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

State-of-the-Art Liver Cancer Organoids: Modeling Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity for Personalized Treatment.

Liver cancer poses a global health challenge with limited therapeutic options. Notably, the limited success of current therapies in patients with primary liver cancers (PLCs) may be attributed to the high heterogeneity of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCAs). This heterogeneity evolves over time as tumor-initiating stem cells, or cancer stem cells (CSCs), undergo (epi)genetic alterations or encounter microenvironmental changes within the tumor microenvironment.

TRPV4 as a Novel Regulator of Ferroptosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma: Implications for Prognosis and Therapeutic Targeting.

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel, has been implicated in various cancers, including COAD. This study investigates the role of TRPV4 in colon adenocarcinoma and elucidates its potential mechanism via the ferroptosis pathway.

Backbone resonance assignments of PhoCl, a photocleavable protein.

PhoCl is a photocleavable protein engineered from a green-to-red photoconvertible fluorescent protein by circular permutation, and has been used in various optogenetic applications including precise control of protein localization and activity in cells. Upon violet light illumination, PhoCl undergoes a β-elimination reaction to be cleaved at the chromophore, resulting in spontaneous dissociation into a large empty barrel and a small C-terminal peptide. However, the structural determinants and the mechanism of the PhoCl photocleavage remain elusive, hindering the further development of more robust photocleavable optogenetic tools.

Fecal metabolomic analysis of the role of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in the therapeutic mechanism of Timosaponin AIII in Sjögren's syndrome.

Introduction/objectives: Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory and difficult-to-treat autoimmune disease. Timosaponin AIII (TAIII), a plant-derived steroidal saponin, effectively inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the mechanisms of action of TAIII in SS treatment by studying gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using fecal metabolomics.

Molecular mechanism of osteoclast differentiation of PBMC in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes severe joint deformities and impaired functionality, affecting the well-being and daily life of individuals. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for identifying viable therapeutic targets for treating RA. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of osteoclast differentiation in PBMC from patients with RA through transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

Modulation of Intestinal Inflammation and Protection of Dopaminergic Neurons in Parkinson's Disease Mice through a Probiotic Formulation Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome.

Emerging evidence highlights the significance of peripheral inflammation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and suggests the gut as a viable therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of the probiotic formulation VSL#3 and its underlying mechanism in a PD mouse model induced by MPTP. Following MPTP administration, the striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites, as along with the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, were significantly reduced in PD mice.

Therapeutic effects of erythropoietin-alginate/chitosan hydrogel on impaired male rat fertility after spinal cord injury.

Background: Infertility is a significant issue in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Men with SCI often experience erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions, and low sperm quality leading to impaired fertility. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of Erythropoietin (EPO)alginate/chitosan (CH-AL) hydrogel on SCI-induced male rat infertility.

Substrate stiffness dictates unique doxorubicin-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and transcriptomic signatures in human pulmonary fibroblasts.

Cells are subjected to dynamic mechanical environments which impart forces and induce cellular responses. In age-related conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, there is both an increase in tissue stiffness and an accumulation of senescent cells. While senescent cells produce a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), the impact of physical stimuli on both cellular senescence and the SASP is not well understood.

Light buckets and laser beams: mechanisms and applications of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a non-thermal light therapy using nonionizing light sources, has shown therapeutic potential across diverse biological processes, including aging and age-associated diseases. In 2023, scientists from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Intramural and Extramural programs convened a workshop on the topic of PBM to discuss various proposed mechanisms of PBM action, including the stimulation of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase, modulation of cell membrane transporters and receptors, and the activation of transforming growth factor-β1. They also reviewed potential therapeutic applications of PBM across a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, retinal disease, Parkinson's disease, and cognitive impairment.

Role of immune cell homeostasis in research and treatment response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Introduction Recently, immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) have become crucial in regulating cancer progression and treatment responses. The dynamic interactions between tumors and immune cells are emerging as a promising strategy to activate the host's immune system against various cancers. The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involve complex biological processes, with the role of the TME and tumor phenotypes still not fully understood.

Are rs1042059 and rs11591377 polymorphisms of BMI1 gene related to leukemia?

Introduction: Hematologic malignancies, originating from uncontrolled growth of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, constitute 6.5% of all cancers worldwide. Various risk factors including genetic disorders and single nucleotide polymorphisms play a role in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies.

Defective Mammary Epithelial Outgrowth in Transgenic EKAREV-NLS Mice: Correction via Estrogen Supplementation and Genetic Background Modification.

Fluorescent biosensors offer a powerful tool for tracking and quantifying protein activity in living systems with high temporospatial resolution. However, the expression of genetically encoded fluorescent proteins can interfere with endogenous signaling pathways, potentially leading to developmental and physiological abnormalities. The EKAREV-NLS mouse model, which carries a FRET-based biosensor for monitoring extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, has been widely utilized both in vivo and in vitro across various cell types and organs.

PMN-MDSCs are responsible for immune suppression in anti-PD-1 treated TAP1 defective melanoma.

Introduction: The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is a key component of the classical HLA I antigen presentation pathway. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the downregulation of TAP1 contributes to tumor progression and is associated with an increased presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. However, it remains unclear whether the elevation of MDSCs leads to immune cell exhaustion in tumors lacking TAP1.

Azathioprine and risk of non-melanoma skin cancers in organ transplant recipients: a systematic review and update meta-analysis.

Background: Immunosuppression might increase the risk of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients (OTRs), with azathioprine (AZA), exerting a fundamental role in the carcinogenesis of those tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to address the risk of developing malignant skin neoplasms in OTRs undergoing immunosuppression with AZA.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane and Embase were searched for studies with OTRs who have a treatment regimen involving Azathioprine therapy after transplantation and that analyzed the emergence of skin neoplasia.

Development of Electrospinning Setup for Vascular Tissue-Engineering Application with Thick-Hierarchical Fiber Alignment.

Background: Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge.

Methods: A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring.

∆-Tetrahydrocannabinol Increases Growth Factor Release by Cultured Adipose Stem Cells and Adipose Tissue in vivo.

Background: Because of its biocompatibility and its soft and dynamic nature, the grafting of adipose tissue is regarded an ideal technique for soft-tissue repair. The adipose stem cells (ASCs) contribute significantly to the regenerative potential of adipose tissue, because they can differentiate into adipocytes and release growth factors for tissue repair and neovascularization to facilitate tissue survival. The present study tested the effect of administering a chronic low dose of ∆-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on these regenerative properties, in vitro and in vivo.

Design, synthesis, and in vitro antitumor evaluation of novel benzimidazole acylhydrazone derivatives.

This study focuses on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of benzimidazole derivatives for their anti-tumor activity against A549 and PC-3 cells. Initial screening using the MTT assay identified compound 5m as the most potent inhibitor of A549 cells with an IC of 7.19 μM, which was superior to the positive agents 5-Fluorouracil and Gefitinib.

Therapeutic potential of Bacillus-derived lipopeptides in controlling enteropathogens and modulating immune responses to mitigate post-weaning diarrhea in swine.

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is a major concern for pig producers, as stress and early weaning increase susceptibility to enteropathogens like enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium).

Circulating chemokine levels and receptor polymorphisms have potential as biomarkers for fibrosis stages in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

Background: Chemokines and their receptors, which regulate lymphoid organ development and immune cell trafficking, are integral to the mechanisms underlying viral control, hepatic inflammation, and liver damage in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. This study explores the potential relationship between serum chemokine levels/polymorphisms and hepatitis C infection in affected individuals, with a particular focus on their utility as biomarkers across different stages of fibrosis.

Methods And Results: Serum levels of the chemokines CXCL11, CXCL12, and CXCL16 were measured in patients with mild/moderate and advanced fibrosis due to CHC, as well as in healthy controls, using the ELISA method.

Unraveling the controversy: exploring the link between sex hormones and skin cancers through a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Skin cancers continue to present unresolved challenges, particularly regarding the association with sex hormones, which remains a topic of controversy. A systematic review is currently warranted to address these issues. To analyze if sex hormones result in a higher incidence of skin cancers (cutaneous melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).

Natural products and long non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer: insights into etiology and treatment resistance.

Globally, the incidence and death rates associated with cancer persist in rising, despite considerable advancements in cancer therapy. Although some malignancies are manageable by a mix of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and targeted therapy, most malignant tumors either exhibit poor responsiveness to early identification or endure post-treatment survival. The prognosis for prostate cancer (PCa) is unfavorable since it is a perilous and lethal malignancy.

Novel Therapies for Right Ventricular Failure.

Purpose Of Review: Traditionally viewed as a passive player in circulation, the right ventricle (RV) has become a pivotal force in hemodynamics. RV failure (RVF) is a recognized complication of primary cardiac and pulmonary vascular disorders and is associated with a poor prognosis. Unlike treatments for left ventricular failure (LVF), strategies such as adrenoceptor signaling inhibition and renin-angiotensin system modulation have shown limited success in RVF.

Gallic acid mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced testicular inflammation via regulation of the NF-κB and PK2/PKR1 pathway.

Genital tract infections are common causes of male infertility, and most of diagnosed men are asymptomatic. This study examined the effect of gallic acid (GA) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced testicular inflammation. Thirty-two Spraque Dawley, 2.

The tumor immune microenvironment in primary cutaneous melanoma.

Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor. The melanoma tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is made up of a heterogenous mix of both immune and non-immune cells as well as a multitude of signaling molecules. The interactions between tumor cells, immune cells and signaling molecules affect tumor progression and therapeutic responses.