Review
Oncology
Jane Belfield, Charlotte Findlay-Line
Summary: This article provides a detailed description of the use of ultrasound in germ cell tumours and offers guidance on performing an ultrasound examination. It also includes the classification of germ cell tumours and describes the key features of different types of tumours. The challenges and pitfalls of ultrasound are discussed, as well as other applications of ultrasound in this patient group.
Review
Oncology
Aitziber Velado-Eguskiza, Laura Gomez-Santos, Iker Badiola, Francisco Jose Saez, Edurne Alonso
Summary: Despite the high survival rate of testicular germ cell tumors, the treatment's long-term side effects significantly impact patients' quality of life, highlighting the need for research on proprotein convertases as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Ricardo Leao, Maarten Albersen, Leendert H. J. Looijenga, Torgrim Tandstad, Christian Kollmannsberger, Matthew J. Murray, Stephane Culine, Nicholas Coleman, Gazanfer Belge, Robert J. Hamilton, Klaus-Peter Dieckmann
Summary: Circulating microRNA levels, especially miR-371a-3p, show promise for clinical use in testicular germ cell tumors, with high sensitivity and specificity in various clinical scenarios, potentially aiding in clinical decision-making.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Nuno Tiago Tavares, Rui Henrique, Carmen Jeronimo, Joao Lobo
Summary: Epidrugs, specifically histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), have shown increasing potential in the treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). Recent research identified SINHCAF as a potential oncogene in TGCTs, supporting the use of HDACi and advocating for further preclinical and clinical studies with these compounds.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Duygu Has Simsek, Caner Civan, Meltem Ekenel, Serkan Kuyumcu, Yasemin Sanli
Summary: Overexpression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is demonstrated in various tumors, and radionuclide therapies directed at PSMA might be effective in treating PSMA-avid malignancies. A case study of a 46-year-old male with progressive metastatic testicular mixed germ cell tumor showed mixed response in Ga-68-PSMA PET/CT after Lu-177-PSMA therapy, suggesting the need for further optimization of treatment strategies.
CLINICAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liza O'Donnell, Laura F. Dagley, Michael Curley, Annalucia Darbey, Peter J. O'Shaughnessy, Thorsten Diemer, Adrian Pilatz, Daniela Fietz, Peter G. Stanton, Lee B. Smith, Diane Rebourcet
Summary: In this study, Sertoli cell-enriched proteins in testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) were identified and found to play potential roles in regulating somatic cell-cell communication and testis function.
Article
Oncology
Kancheng He, Zitaiyu Li, Kun Ye, Yihong Zhou, Minbo Yan, Hao Qi, Huating Hu, Yingbo Dai, Yuxin Tang
Summary: This study shows that metformin can enhance the anticancer effects of cisplatin in treating testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). Metformin inhibits the proliferation of TGCT cells by arresting them in G1 phase and enhances the chemosensitivity of cisplatin by inducing phosphorylated YAP1 and reducing the expression of cell cycle proteins.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Andrology
Julian Chavarriaga, Robert J. Hamilton
Summary: Clinicians caring for patients with testicular germ cell tumour (TGCTs) are faced with clinical dilemmas and the available biomarkers lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Hence, a sensitive and specific biomarker is desperately needed. Serum or plasma miRNA, especially miR-371a-3p, shows great promise in distinguishing the presence of TGCT and may be a breakthrough for this disease.
Review
Oncology
Aniko Keller-Pinter, Szuzina Gyulai-Nagy, Daniel Becsky, Laszlo Dux, Laszlo Rovo
Summary: Cell migration is essential for the formation of metastasis and is a key feature of malignancy. Syndecan-4 (SDC4) plays a crucial role in cell migration by regulating various signaling pathways and biological processes. Its involvement in tumor progression has been demonstrated, highlighting its significance in cell movement and metastasis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jan Roska, Joao Lobo, Danica Ivovic, Lenka Wachsmannova, Thomas Mueller, Rui Henrique, Carmen Jeronimo, Miroslav Chovanec, Dana Jurkovicova
Summary: Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common solid malignancy among young men, and their incidence is still increasing. We identified specific miRNA expression patterns that discriminate chemoresistant phenotypes in TGCTs and proposed miR-218-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-375-5p, miR-517-3p, miR-20b-5p and miR-378a-3p as potential biomarkers for predicting chemoresistance and aggressive phenotypes in non-seminomatous TGCTs. These miRNAs were found to be upregulated in CDDP-resistant TGCT cell lines, tumor samples from metastatic TGCT patients, and plasma samples from TGCT patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Daniel M. Berney, Ian Cree, Vishal Rao, Holger Moch, John R. Srigley, Toyonori Tsuzuki, Mahul B. Amin, Eva M. Comperat, Arndt Hartmann, Santosh Menon, George J. Netto, Mark A. Rubin, Samra Turajlic, Maria R. Raspollini, Satish K. Tickoo
Summary: The 5th edition of the WHO Blue Book provides a comprehensive update on testicular tumours, while retaining the structure and nomenclature of the previous edition. The classification paradigm remains rooted in morphology, but important changes have been made in terms of terminology and the inclusion of new entities. The update highlights the importance of both molecular understanding and morphology in the study of testicular cancer.
Article
Oncology
Shaokai Zheng, Ting Li, Lianglin Qiu
Summary: In this study, potential crucial genes were identified as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in TGCTs. These genes play a key role in regulating immune cell infiltration level in TGCT patients. They have significant implications for the diagnosis and prognosis of TGCTs.
Article
Immunology
Xiangyang Yao, Hui Zhou, Chen Duan, Xiaoliang Wu, Bo Li, Haoran Liu, Yangjun Zhang
Summary: By comprehensively analyzing TGCT patient data, we found significant differences in gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) between embryonal carcinoma and seminoma, while mixed cell tumors were intermediate. Gene ontology enrichment analyses identified transcriptional regulatory pathways enriched in both differentially expressed and spliced genes and revealed a clear correlation between gene expression and AS events. We identified crucial AS-related molecules (SOX2 and HDAC9) that regulate gene expression and validated their involvement in embryonal carcinoma and seminoma cell lines. Differences in somatic mutations between subtypes were also observed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andre van Helvoort Lengert, Leticia do Nascimento Braga Pereira, Eduardo Ramos Martins Cabral, Izabela Natalia Faria Gomes, Lais Machado de Jesus, Maria Fernanda Santiago Goncalves, Aline Oliveira da Rocha, Tiago Alexandre Tassinari, Luciane Sussuchi da Silva, Ana Carolina Laus, Daniel Onofre Vidal, Mariana Tomazini Pinto, Rui Manuel Reis, Luiz Fernando Lopes
Summary: This study explored new strategies for treating cisplatin-resistant testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Differential mRNA expression profiles were evaluated in a CDDP-resistant cell line and a parental cell line. The proteasome inhibitor MG-132 demonstrated cytotoxic activity and enhanced the sensitivity of the cell lines to cisplatin, increasing apoptosis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOSCIENCE-LANDMARK
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carsten-Henning Ohlmann, Matthias Saar, Laura-Christin Pierchalla, Miran Zangana, Alena Bonaventura, Michael Stoeckle, Stefan Siemer, Julia Heinzelbecker
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed data of mTGCT patients who underwent R-RPLND in two centers in Germany from November 2013 to September 2019. The study found that pcR-RPLND had longer surgical time, higher blood loss, and more frequent intra- and postoperative complications compared to pR-RPLND, with no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups at the median follow-up of 16.3 months.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstantina Kyriakopoulou, Elena Kefali, Zoi Piperigkou, Christoph Riethmuller, Burkhard Greve, Marco Franchi, Martin Gotte, Nikos K. Karamanos
Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by aggressive behavior, limited response to chemotherapy, and lower survival rates, with its increased metastatic potential attributed to ECM remodeling, EMT activation, and overexpression of EGFR. The interplay between EGFR and ER beta in TNBC cells plays a crucial role in regulating invasion, aggressiveness, and stemness-related characteristics, highlighting EGFR as a key effector of aggressiveness and EMT in a ER beta-dependent manner.
Article
Developmental Biology
Asimina Karampoga, Kyriaki Tzaferi, Christos Koutsakis, Konstantina Kyriakopoulou, Nikos K. Karamanos
Summary: Exosomes, a subtype of extracellular vesicles, play a crucial role in regulating tumor progression and immune evasion. They are recognized as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnostics and therapeutic tools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christos Vassileiou, Stefania Kalantzi, Eleanna Vachlioti, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos, Christos Koutsakis, Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos Karamanos, Theodora Stivarou, Peggy Lymberi, Konstantinos Avgoustakis, Dionissios Papaioannou
Summary: This study demonstrates that the structure of both the head group and the polyamine (PA) chain play a critical role in determining the strength of the antiproliferative activity of polyamine toxins (PATs) and their selectivity towards different cells.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos K. Karamanos
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zoi G. Lada, Konstantinos S. Andrikopoulos, Georgios N. Mathioudakis, Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos Karamanos, Spyros P. Perlepes, George A. Voyiatzis
Summary: This study aims to explore the technological potential of spin-crossover (SCO) complexes incorporated into polymers and investigate the interaction between polymer and SCO complex that could affect the SCO behavior. The results show that the structural properties of the polymer matrix and SCO complex can significantly influence the performance and behavior of the composite materials.
Article
Oncology
Marta Tellez-Gabriel, Xavier Tekpli, Trine M. Reine, Beate Hegge, Stephanie R. Nielsen, Meng Chen, Line Moi, Lisa Svartdal Normann, Lill-Tove R. Busund, George A. Calin, Gunhild M. Maelandsmo, Maria Perander, Achilleas D. Theocharis, Svein O. Kolset, Erik Knutsen
Summary: Serglycin is a highly expressed proteoglycan in immune cells, playing important roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer, while also being expressed in other cell types.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophia Grigoropoulou, Dimitra Manou, Antonia Antoniou, Artemis Tsirogianni, Carlo Siciliano, Achilleas D. Theocharis, Constantinos M. Athanassopoulos
Summary: DHA-chalcone hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activities. Eight derivatives showed low micromolar activity levels against breast cancer cells and some exhibited better activity than the commercial anticancer drug 5-FU. Hybrid 38 displayed comparable activity to 5-FU for the treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer, with lower toxicity.
Review
Oncology
Efthymia Papakonstantinou, Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos K. Karamanos, Vasiliki Zolota
Summary: Obesity is closely associated with the overall risk of breast cancer, particularly in the development of triple negative breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms behind this association have not been fully understood. Obesity affects the tumor microenvironment through metabolic modifications, leading to the secretion of inflammatory factors, chemokines, and adipokines that promote the induction, evolution, and metastasis of breast cancer and hinder anti-cancer drug response. This article focuses on the expression of adipokines and their association with breast cancer, specifically triple negative subtype, and provides a summary of novel research findings. The aim is to improve strategies for tumor stratification and management.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Nikos K. Karamanos, Martin Goette, Alberto Passi
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Denisa Druvari, Ioanna Tzoumani, Zoi Piperigkou, Kyriaki Tzaferi, Dimitris Tselentis, Alexios Vlamis-Gardikas, Nikos K. Karamanos, Georgios Bokias, Joannis K. Kallitsis
Summary: Air pollution caused by pathogens has gained significant attention in recent years due to its impact on global health. In this study, researchers have developed a spray coating method to produce antibacterial air filters, effectively addressing the challenge of preventing secondary pollution in air-filtering devices. These filters exhibit strong and rapid antibacterial activity, making them promising candidates for filter coatings in air-purification devices.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstantina Kyriakopoulou, Zoi Piperigkou, Kyriaki Tzaferi, Nikos K. Karamanos
Summary: Extracellular matrix plays a crucial role in regulating cell behavior and disease progression. Recent advances in big data analytics have opened up new possibilities for studying the complex interactions of extracellular matrix, which could potentially lead to more targeted therapies.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Konstantina Kyriakopoulou, Christos Koutsakis, Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos K. Karamanos
Summary: Cancer initiation and progression depend on microenvironmental cues, particularly the extracellular matrix (ECM). Two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems cannot accurately replicate the in vivo matrix microenvironmental architecture. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing advanced three-dimensional (3D) culture models to mimic specific tumor and tissue environments. These 3D culture systems provide improved tools for studying cancer progression and exploring innovative therapies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zoi Piperigkou, Dimitra Bainantzou, Nadia Makri, Eleni Papachristou, Aglaia Mantsou, Theodora Choli-Papadopoulou, Achilleas D. D. Theocharis, Nikos K. K. Karamanos
Summary: This study investigates the role of type II collagen in promoting chondrogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The results show that type II collagen enhances chondrogenesis in both Wharton's jelly and dental pulp-derived MSCs.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleni Zygouri, Vlasoula Bekiari, Georgios Malis, Nikos K. Karamanos, Christos Koutsakis, George Psomas, Vassilis Tangoulis
Summary: This study presents a simple experimental protocol for synthesizing poly(ethylene glycol)-modified gold nanorods (AuNRs@PEG) and an effective drug loading procedure using naproxen (NAP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The interaction of AuNRs@PEG and drug-loaded AuNRs (AuNRs@PEG@NAP) with calf-thymus DNA was studied, revealing different interaction modes. The pH-sensitive drug release behavior and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell lines were also evaluated.
Review
Oncology
Nicholas S. Mastronikolis, Efthymios Kyrodimos, Despoina Spyropoulou, Alexander Delides, Evangelos Giotakis, Zoi Piperigkou, Nikos K. Karamanos
Summary: Exosomes are nanosized vesicles produced by cells that play important roles in head and neck cancer development and metastasis by altering signaling pathways in recipient cells through the cargoes they carry. This article focuses on exosome biogenesis, their cargoes, and their involvement in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction and metastasis in head and neck cancer. It also discusses the key role of exosomes in extracellular matrix remodeling and degradation, and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
