Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiuyuan Zhang, Yiming Li, Pengbo Hu, Liang Xu, Hong Qiu
Summary: In this study, the joint role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the immune microenvironment in gastric cancer (GC) progression was investigated. A model called EIRG_score was developed to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. The results showed that the EIRG_score was significantly associated with prognosis, immune infiltration, gene mutation, chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy response.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming-Yu Chou, Muh-Hwa Yang
Summary: The interplay between EMT and immune metabolic changes in cancer cells during tumor metastasis has gained interest among researchers. Understanding how they influence each other may provide novel explanations for immune surveillance during metastasis. Studying immunometabolism in the regulatory loop between tumor-infiltrating immune cells and EMT is crucial for cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tianrui Fan, Qinyuan Liao, Yang Zhao, Hui Dai, Shiyu Song, Tianhui He, Zihan Wang, Jing Huang, Zexian Zeng, Hongyan Guo, Haizeng Zhang, Xiaoyan Qiu
Summary: This study identifies a new immune checkpoint target, Siglec-7, and its ligand SIA-IgG, and investigates their roles in tumor immunity. Blocking Siglec-7/SIA-IgG enhances immune function and sensitizes cancer cells to immune attack.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hitomi Fujisaki, Sugiko Futaki
Summary: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process observed during development, wound healing, and cancer invasion. Factors such as growth factor stimulation and adhesion to collagen induce EMT in cancer cells. Collagen I (Col-I) can form gel structures, and its gel formation state affects EMT induction. This study reviews the relationship between Col-I gel-forming states and EMT induction in cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lili Liang, Andreas M. Kaufmann
Summary: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified and characterized in both hematopoietic and solid tumors. They possess unique properties, including slow proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and the ability to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process. CSCs play a crucial role in tumor growth, therapy resistance, and cancer metastasis. Strategies targeting CSCs are being developed for novel anti-metastasis treatments, aiming to improve therapeutic efficiency and prognosis with fewer side effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Mili Zhang, Can Cao, Xu Li, Qisheng Gu, Yixin Xu, Ziyan Zhu, Duogang Xu, Shanshan Wei, Haonan Chen, Yuqin Yang, Hugh Gao, Liang Yu, Jikun Li
Summary: This study identified the EMT signaling pathway as a representative pathway for predicting the survival of MSI-H gastric cancer (GC) patients. A novel five-gene signature (CALU, PCOLCE2, PLOD2, SGCD, and THBS2) was established from the EMT signaling gene set for disease outcome prediction. The five genes were found to be abundantly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, and patients with different risk groups based on the five-gene signature showed distinct patterns of tumor immune microenvironment.
Review
Cell Biology
Ana Vuletic, Katarina Mirjacic Martinovic, Nevena Tisma Miletic, Jerome Zoidakis, Sergi Castellvi-Bel, Milena Cavic
Summary: The crosstalk between immune cells and tumor cells in the TME influences EMT, with NK cells playing a significant role in controlling metastasis in CRC. However, the suppressive TME can negatively impact NK cell function through modulation of receptor and ligand expression. Additionally, EMT in CRC is associated with increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules on functionally exhausted NK cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Shuling Zhang, Jin Geng, Fengping Shan, Yuanye Shan, Noreen Griffin, Bin Wu, Xu Wang
Summary: Metastasis is a major challenge in clinical lung cancer treatment, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in this process. Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, specifically tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), promote EMT of cancer cells. This study investigated the effects of methionine enkephalin (MENK) on EMT in vitro and in vivo, as well as its influence on TAMs, MDSCs, and associated cytokines. The findings suggest that MENK can inhibit the growth, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells by interacting with opioid growth factor receptor, while also reducing the infiltration of M2 macrophages and MDSCs and downregulating the expression of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta 1 in primary and metastatic tumors. MENK may therefore be a potential target for suppressing metastasis in lung cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Bo Xiao, Liyan Liu, Zhuoyuan Chen, Aoyu Li, Pingxiao Wang, Cheng Xiang, Yi Zeng, Hui Li, Tao Xiao
Summary: This study constructed an EMT-related lncRNA signature for melanoma patients by analyzing RNA expression data and clinical features, indicating that these lncRNAs can function as potential independent prognostic biomarkers for melanoma survival.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zhishang Meng, Yanzhu Chen, Wenyi Wu, Bin Yan, Lusi Zhang, Huihui Chen, Yongan Meng, Youling Liang, Xiaoxi Yao, Jing Luo
Summary: This study identified PRRX1 as a reliable TME-related biomarker that can predict survival and provide new insights into therapy for uveal melanoma (UM) patients. The results showed that increased PRRX1 expression is independently associated with poorer overall survival and metastasis-free survival in UM patients, and PRRX1 promotes malignant progression by facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These findings suggest that PRRX1 may be a potential target for UM therapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yan Zhao, Yuansong Bai, Meili Shen, Yapeng Li
Summary: Gastric cancer is a highly prevalent and lethal malignancy, and immunotherapy has shown survival benefits for GC patients. Targeted immune cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy in the field of oncology. This review discusses the role and significance of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of GC and summarizes the current landscape of immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy. While more clinical data is needed, targeting immune cells provides a new direction for GC immunotherapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Si-yuan Zhang, Xian-yue Ren, Chun-yang Wang, Xi-juan Chen, Ruo-yan Cao, Qin Liu, Xue Pan, Jia-ying Zhou, Wei-lin Zhang, Xin-Ran Tang, Bin Cheng, Tong Wu
Summary: The study classified OSCC patients into epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes based on EMT signature genes, revealing that mesenchymal subtype tumors have higher immune cell infiltration and immunosuppressive characteristics. A novel prognostic classifier incorporating EMT score, immune checkpoint expressions, and TNM stages was developed and validated to improve prediction efficiency in OSCC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Huifeng Liao, Huayan Li, Jin Song, Hongye Chen, Huiyan Si, Junhua Dong, Jiandong Wang, Xue Bai
Summary: By analyzing the clinical and immune characteristics of breast cancer patients, it was found that high expression of IL-8 was associated with poor prognosis. IL-8 induced adverse outcomes in breast cancer patients by modulating the immune response and promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Yujia Xia, Zachary J. Brown, Hai Huang, Allan Tsung
Summary: HCC is an inflammation-induced cancer with a complex interaction between immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and tumor development. Metabolic reprogramming is crucial for the differentiation and function of immune cells in HCC progression.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yan Zhou, Qi Tian, Huan Gao, Lizhe Zhu, Jiao Yang, Juan Zhang, Jin Yang
Summary: By analyzing gene expression and immune cells, this study found a correlation between immune-related genes and immune cells with the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer, highlighting the significance of combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy with immunotherapy for better clinical benefits.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate, Marica Noviello, Piero Portincasa
Summary: Thyroid diseases, including congenital hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, and childhood thyrotoxicosis, are increasing, and thyroid cancer in children and adolescents has also been on the rise. These trends are associated with rising costs and both genetic and environmental factors. Toxic chemicals in the environment can impair thyroid function and worsen thyroid cancer.
ENDOCRINE METABOLIC & IMMUNE DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Giovanni Marasco, Cesare Cremon, Maria Raffaella Barbaro, Giulia Cacciari, Francesca Falangone, Anna Kagramanova, Dmitry Bordin, Vasile Drug, Egidia Miftode, Pietro Fusaroli, Salem Youssef Mohamed, Chiara Ricci, Massimo Bellini, Mohammed Masudur Rahman, Luigi Melcarne, Javier Santos, Beatriz Lobo, Serhat Bor, Suna Yapali, Deniz Akyol, Ferdane Pirincci Sapmaz, Yonca Yilmaz Urun, Tugce Eskazan, Altay Celebi, Huseyin Kacmaz, Berat Ebik, Hatice Cilem Binicier, Mehmet Sait Bugdayci, Munkhtsetseg Banzragch Yagci, Husnu Pullukcu, Berrin Yalinbas Kaya, Ali Tureyen, Ibrahim Hatemi, Elif Sitre Koc, Goktug Sirin, Ali Riza Caliskan, Goksel Bengi, Esra Ergun Alis, Snezana Lukic, Meri Trajkovska, Keren Hod, Dan Dumitrascu, Antonello Pietrangelo, Elena Corradini, Magnus Simren, Jessica Sjoelund, Navkiran Tornkvist, Uday C. Ghoshal, Olga Kolokolnikova, Antonio Colecchia, Jordi Serra, Giovanni Maconi, Roberto De Giorgio, Silvio Danese, Piero Portincasa, Antonio Di Sabatino, Marcello Maggio, Elena Philippou, Yeong Yeh Lee, Daniele Salvi, Alessandro Venturi, Claudio Borghi, Marco Zoli, Paolo Gionchetti, Pierluigi Viale, Vincenzo Stanghellini, Giovanni Barbara
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and post-COVID-19 disorders of gut-brain interaction among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that patients with COVID-19 had higher rates of gastrointestinal symptoms on hospital admission and lower rates of constipation and hard stools at 12 months post-infection compared to the control group. Additionally, the rate of irritable bowel syndrome was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 than in controls.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Leonilde Bonfrate, Agostino Di Ciaula, Mohamad Khalil, Ilaria Farella, Roberta Chirico, Gemma Vilahur, Piero Portincasa
Summary: The first COVID-19 lockdown led to enforced quarantine and social isolation measures to slow down the spread of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and psychological effects of lifestyle changes during COVID-19 self-isolation among an overweight/obese cohort. The results showed that after lockdown, there was a significant increase in obesity rates, worsening of glycemic and lipid profiles, altered dietary habits, and higher psychological distress, especially in females.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hala Abdallah, Mohamad Khalil, Ilaria Farella, Stephy JohnBritto, Elisa Lanza, Sergio Santoro, Gabriella Garruti, Piero Portincasa, Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate
Summary: This study assessed the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on anthropometric and metabolic indices, gastrointestinal symptoms, and motility. The results showed that Ramadan fasting decreased body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, improved gastrointestinal symptoms and motility, and also improved metabolic profile and insulin resistance.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate, Harshitha Shanmugam, Susanne N. Weber, Marcin Krawczyk, Piero Portincasa
Summary: This study found that the homozygous MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism is associated with a reduced extraction efficiency of (C-13)-methacetin from the portal flow, indicating the presence of early liver dysfunction independently from liver fibrosis. Moreover, liver steatosis worsens (C-13)-methacetin extraction efficiency. The mechanisms of interaction between external factors and multiple gene polymorphisms (including MBOAT7) need to be further explored for primary prevention and novel therapeutic strategies.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Brylinski, Katarzyna Kostelecka, Filip Wolinski, Piotr Duda, Joanna Gora, Michal Granat, Jolanta Flieger, Grzegorz Teresinski, Grzegorz Buszewicz, Ryszard Sitarz, Jacek Baj
Summary: Aluminium (Al) is widely present in the Earth's crust and its role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases is still debated. This review examines Al toxicokinetics and its involvement in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, alcohol use disorder, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and dialysis encephalopathy. The literature suggests excessive Al accumulation in the central nervous system in these diseases, as well as epidemiological links between Al exposure and increased disease prevalence. Al also shows potential as a disease marker and the use of Al chelators has beneficial effects in some cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate, Mohamad Khalil, Gabriella Garruti, Piero Portincasa
Summary: Obesity is a global epidemic caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Gut microbiota plays a critical role in regulating energy metabolism, fat production and storage, as it serves as a major interface between external factors and internal mechanisms. Changes in microbiota composition are associated with overweight and obesity, leading to alterations in metabolic homeostasis, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. Animal studies have identified specific genera and microbial-derived metabolites associated with different obesity phenotypes, but more longitudinal studies are needed in humans to confirm their effectiveness.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Filip Wolinski, Lukasz Brylinski, Katarzyna Kostelecka, Grzegorz Teresinski, Grzegorz Buszewicz, Jacek Baj
Summary: Common fibular nerve palsy, a common type of nerve palsy, can be caused by the presence of a variant bone called the fabella in the posterolateral compartment of the knee joint. This compression can occur spontaneously or after surgery, leading to rapid progression of symptoms and complete foot drop. Among the reported cases, the majority were males with a median age of 39.39 years, and left common fibular nerve compression by fabella was more common. Both large and small fabellae can cause compression, and the treatment options, whether surgical removal or conservative management, can result in quick improvement of symptoms.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Rachele Ciccocioppo, Piero Portincasa
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate, Mohamad Khalil, Piero Portincasa
Summary: Bile acids (BA) are important for fat digestion and absorption and act as signaling molecules. Disturbed BA homeostasis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can lead to gut inflammation. Understanding BA-dependent mechanisms can lead to innovative therapies involving administration of hydrophilic BA and manipulation of gut microbiota.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacek Baj, Julia Bargiel, Justyna Cabaj, Bartosz Skierkowski, Gabriela Hunek, Piero Portincasa, Jolanta Flieger, Agata Smolen
Summary: This article reviews the literature on the relationship between the concentration of selected elements in the serum of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and the onset and progression of this psychiatric condition. According to the results, metallomics may serve as a potential screening tool for patients with MDD, providing assessment of symptom severity. Deficiencies or excessive amounts of selected elements may be associated with the progression of depressive symptoms or even the onset of the disease in individuals predisposed to MDD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Piero Portincasa, Gema Fruhbeck
Summary: This article discusses the importance of phenotyping and personalized approaches in addressing obesity. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive information and analysis of potential barriers and opportunities.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jacek Baj, Beata Kowalska, Aleksandra Barbachowska, Alicja Forma, Michal Flieger, Dariusz Majerek, Grzegorz Teresinski, Wojciech Flieger, Piero Portincasa, Grzegorz Buszewicz, Elzbieta Radzikowska-Buchner, Jolanta Flieger
Summary: Dyslipidaemia is a disorder caused by poor eating habits, resulting in atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis. Nutrition and physical activity can help eliminate these health problems. The focus of research and therapies is on reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but trace element imbalance and toxic element accumulation can also contribute to metabolic diseases.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jacek Baj, Beata Kowalska, Wojciech Flieger, Elzbieta Radzikowska-Buchner, Alicja Forma, Marcin Czeczelewski, Pawel Kedzierawski, Kaja Karakula, Michal Flieger, Dariusz Majerek, Grzegorz Teresinski, Ryszard Maciejewski, Jolanta Flieger
Summary: Anthropogenic factors and dietary intake contribute to the presence of various metals in the human body, both essential and toxic. This study examined the concentration of 51 elements in liver samples and 11 brain regions of a population in south-eastern Poland. The data revealed significant individual variability in the levels of these elements, with sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc being among the highest. The study also found differences in element content between the brain and liver, with correlations observed between specific elements and brain regions.