Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valentina Giansante, Gianmarco Stati, Silvia Sancilio, Emanuela Guerra, Saverio Alberti, Roberta Di Pietro, Joerg D. Hoheisel
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death, and its incidence is increasing each year. The low relative survival rate and challenges of heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer have emphasized the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the role of necroptosis in pancreatic cancer progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jinlu Liu, Wenbi Wu, Qing Zhu, Hong Zhu
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly tumor characterized by a tumor microenvironment consisting of fibroblasts and immunosuppressive cells. Traditional therapies are limited by poor drug delivery efficiency, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective and safe treatments. In recent years, hydrogel-based therapies have been developed as potential therapeutic options for PDAC, offering controlled drug delivery with excellent biocompatibility and high drug load capacity.
Article
Oncology
Rakesh Bhatia, Namita Bhyravbhatla, Andrew Kisling, Xiaoqi Li, Surinder K. Batra, Sushil Kumar
Summary: The tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) consists of various cell types that communicate through low molecular weight signaling molecules called cytokines. These cytokines play crucial roles in PDAC initiation, progression, metastasis, and colonization by malignant cells. They regulate the expression of oncogenic regulators and contribute to the formation of preneoplastic lesions, inflammation, deposition of extracellular matrix, and immunosuppression. During metastasis, cytokines are involved in the colonization of PDAC cells in the liver and lung. Therefore, understanding the role of cytokines in PDAC is important for the development of related therapies.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Mundla Srilatha, Ramarao Malla, Megha Priya Adem, Jeremy B. Foote, Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
Summary: Obesity is closely associated with pancreatic health, and obese individuals have an increased risk for developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Factors such as chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, immune suppression, hormone level changes, and genetic mutations contribute to the development and progression of PDAC in obese individuals.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Michal Gola, Aleksandra Sejda, Janusz Godlewski, Malgorzata Cieslak, Anna Starzynska
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The tumor microenvironment in PDAC is characterized by a dense stroma and intricate cross-talk between various elements. Despite the presence of neural components, their role in PDAC remains poorly understood. Recent studies have explored the targeting of autonomic nerves as a novel treatment approach for PDAC. Perineural invasion is a common feature in PDAC and its severity is associated with a worse prognosis. Quantification methods that distinguish between perineural and endoneural invasion could potentially improve risk assessment for PDAC patients. The concepts of cancer-related neurogenesis and axonogenesis in PDAC are understudied and warrant further research. Understanding the interplay between nerves and cancer cells in the PDAC microenvironment could lead to new nerve-oriented treatment strategies and improved outcomes. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge and future challenges in the field of nerve-cancer interactions in PDAC.
Article
Oncology
Xuan Zou, Xuan Lin, He Cheng, Yusheng Chen, Ruijie Wang, Mingjian Ma, Yu Liu, Zhengjie Dai, Yesboli Tasiheng, Yu Yan, Qinqin Hou, Fei Ding, Huan Chen, Xianjun Yu, Xu Wang, Chen Liu
Summary: This study systematically revealed the cellular properties and prognostic values of intratumoral TLSs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and described the potential impact of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) on TLS development and function.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Robyn D. Gartrell, Thomas Enzler, Pan S. Kim, Benjamin T. Fullerton, Ladan Fazlollahi, Andrew X. Chen, Hanna E. Minns, Subha Perni, Stuart P. Weisberg, Emanuelle M. Rizk, Samuel Wang, Eun Jeong Oh, Xinzheng Guo, Codruta Chiuzan, Gulam A. Manji, Susan E. Bates, John Chabot, Beth Schrope, Michael Kluger, Jean Emond, Raul Rabadan, Donna Farber, Helen E. Remotti, David P. Horowitz, Yvonne M. Saenger
Summary: Despite complete surgical resection and intense systemic therapies, patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a poor prognosis. Immunotherapies have almost uniformly failed in the treatment of PDAC. This study found that while chemoradiation therapy (CRT) can achieve high T cell densities in PDAC compared to melanoma, the phenotype and spatial organization of T cells may limit the benefit of T cell infiltration in this immunotherapy-resistant tumor.
Article
Oncology
Thomas P. Brouwer, Natasja L. de Vries, Tamim Abdelaal, Ricki T. Krog, Zheng Li, Dina Ruano, Arantza Farina, Boudewijn P. F. Lelieveldt, Hans Morreau, Bert A. Bonsing, Alexander L. Vahrmeijer, Frits Koning, Noel F. C. C. de Miranda
Summary: This study reveals an immunosuppressive landscape in PDAC tissues, with a depletion of cytotoxic T cells and an enrichment of regulatory T cells and B cells. The potential of ILC1-like cells in PDAC to act against tumors may be explored in therapeutic settings. Moreover, the immune cell composition of the PDAC microenvironment can be reflected in blood samples isolated from the portal vein.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Jingchang Zhang, Renfeng Li, Shuai Huang
Summary: Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to the lack of early prognostic and diagnostic markers, and the interaction between pancreatic cancer cells, cancer stem cells, and the tumor microenvironment leads to chemoresistance. Precision treatment and targeted drugs are crucial for pancreatic cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Ashleigh R. Poh, Matthias Ernst
Summary: Macrophages play a crucial role in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and are associated with poor patient survival. Pre-clinical studies have shown the diverse contributions of macrophages in PDAC development, however, the effectiveness of macrophage-targeting therapies in clinical trials is inconsistent.
Article
Oncology
Nicolas A. Fraunhoffer, Daniel Closa, Emma Folch-Puy, Analia Meilerman Abuelafia, Ezequiel Luis Calvo, Eduardo Chuluyan, Juan Iovanna
Summary: The study demonstrates that REG3 beta plays a role in promoting PDAC progression by over-activating CTGF, making it a promising therapeutic target. The far microenvironment, producing active secretory factors, is essential for PDAC progression and some of these factors could be utilized as therapeutic targets.
Review
Immunology
Sophie Liot, Jonathan Balas, Alexandre Aubert, Laura Prigent, Perrine Mercier-Gouy, Bernard Verrier, Philippe Bertolino, Ana Hennino, Ulrich Valcourt, Elise Lambert
Summary: Pancreatic cancer, especially PDAC, has a poor prognosis with low survival rates, mainly due to its dense stroma deposition and immune suppression in the TME. Research on TME composition may lead to new therapeutic targets for better treatment outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Mehran Taherian, Hua Wang, Huamin Wang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the histological and molecular heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as well as its subtypes, precursor lesions, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and available predictive molecular markers.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zhi-gang Zhu, Lei Chen, Dong-liu Miao, Yiqi Jin, Qiong Wu
Summary: This research establishes a prognostic signature based on senescence-associated genes (SAGs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and demonstrates its ability to predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. The study also reveals that low-risk patients have a better response to immunotherapy and commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Hong-Bo Li, Zi-Han Yang, Qing-Qu Guo
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor with poor therapeutic outcomes, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy in treating PDAC due to its inhibitory immune microenvironment. Strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICIs in PDAC treatment by targeting the tumor microenvironment are currently being explored.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2021)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Amanda P. B. Albuquerque, Amanda R. Fernandes, Angela L. B. P. Duarte, Henrique de Ataide Mariz, G. C. A. Jose Jr, Luiz A. Mattos, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Moacyr J. B. M. Rego
HEPATOBILIARY & PANCREATIC DISEASES INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Michael W. L. Quirino, Amanda P. B. Albuquerque, Maria F. D. De Souza, Antonio F. Da Silva Filho, Mario R. Martins, Maira G. da Rocha Pitta, Michelly C. Pereira, Moacyr J. B. de Melo Rego
Summary: This study retrospectively characterized Neu3 and ST3Gal3 expression in gastric cancer tissue and found that ST3Gal3 expression is significantly associated with higher histological grade, suggesting it may be an indicator for the aggressiveness of primary gastric cancer.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HISTOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matheus Filgueira Bezerra, Lilian Caroliny Amorim Silva, Romulo Pessoa-e-Silva, Gisele Lino Soares, Filipe Zimmer Dezordi, Gustavo Barbosa Lima, Raul Emidio Lima, Tulio L. Campos, Cassia Docena, Anderson Bruno Oliveira, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Francisco de Assis da Silva Santos, Michelly Pereira, Gabriel Luz Wallau, Marcelo Henrique Santos Paiva
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the real-life performance of the rapid antigen test in a primary healthcare setting for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals seeking COVID-19 diagnosis. The results showed that the rapid antigen test performed well in detecting Omicron infections, with a sensitivity of 80.5% and a specificity of 99.2%.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lucianna Rabelo Pessoa de Siqueira, Larissa Pelagia de Lima Ferreira, Gevanio Bezerra de Oliveira Filho, Marcos Victor Gregorio de Oliveira, Aline Ferreira Pinto, Vanessa Gouveia de Melo Silva, Paulo Andre Teixeira de Moraes Gomes, Marcos Verissimo de Oliveira Cardoso, Maria de Nazare Correia Soeiro, Flaviana Alves dos Santos, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Janine Siqueira Nunes, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Ana Cristina Lima Leite
Summary: Background: Cancer is a major obstacle to increasing life expectancy worldwide in the 21st century. Investigations into new anti-cancer drugs with minimal side effects are urgently needed. This study focuses on the synthesis and anti-neoplastic activity of new thiazole compounds, with compound 2b demonstrating significant activity against DU145 and MOLT-4 cells. The findings highlight the importance of thiazole compounds in anti-tumor activity and suggest compound 2b as a potential starting point for the development of new anti-neoplastic agents.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Henrique Ataide Mariz, Emilia Inoue Sato, Pablo Ramon Gualberto Cardoso, Rafaela Goncalves, Angela Luzia Branco Pinto Duarte, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Ivan da Rocha Pitta, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
Summary: Inflammatory T lymphocyte cytokines contribute to tissue damage in SLE patients. 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 has an immunomodulatory effect on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in SLE patients. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of 1,25 (OH)2D3 on T lymphocyte-related cytokines.
Article
Neurosciences
Ryan C. Silva, Michelle M. da Rosa, Heloisa I. Leao, Eduardo D. L. Silva, Nathalia T. Ferreira, Amanda P. B. Albuquerque, Gisele S. Duarte, Andre M. Siqueira, Michelly C. Pereira, Moacyr J. B. M. Rego, Maira G. R. Pitta
Summary: This study evaluated brain damage associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection by measuring serum levels of neurological biomarkers S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The results showed a significant association between severe COVID-19 cases and increased S100B expression, as well as elevated NSE levels. A follow-up study demonstrated a gradual decrease in NSE expression over a 21-day period. These findings suggest that acute virus exposure leads to brain damage, but does not have long-term effects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROVIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Priscilla Stela Santana de Oliveira, Pablo Ramon Gualberto Cardoso, Simao Kalebe de Paula Silva, Angela Luzia Branco Pinto Duarte, Michelle Melgarejo da Rosa, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Michelly Cristiny Pereira, Ivan da Rocha Pitta, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
Summary: Galectin-1 and 4 levels were found to be significantly higher in osteoarthritis patients compared to healthy controls, with galectin-1 showing even higher levels in patients with joint edema. Surprisingly, galectin-4 seems to play a role in the inflammation process of osteoarthritis, similar to the well-known galectin-1.
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris Trindade Jacob, Iranildo Jose da Cruz Filho, Josival Emanuel Ferreira Alves, Felipe de Melo Souza, Rafael David Souto de Azevedo, Diego Santa Clara Marques, Tulio Ricardo Couto de Lima Souza, Keriolaine Lima dos Santos, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Jamerson Ferreira Oliveira, Sinara Monica Vitalino Almeida, Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima
Summary: This work evaluates the antiproliferative effects and possible mechanisms of indole-thiosemicarbazone compounds LTs with anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds were studied for their binding to HSA, DNA, and human topo, and their fluorescence properties were also analyzed. LT89 exhibited the highest binding constant to HSA, while most compounds showed fluorescent suppression, with LT88 having the highest Stern-Volmer constant. LT76, LT77, and LT87 showed significant antiproliferative effects on DU-145 and Jurkat cells, and LT81 showed the lowest IC50 values on MCF-7 and T-47D cells. Additionally, compounds LT76, LT81, and LT87 inhibited the enzymatic action of human topo II alpha, similar to the positive control amsacrine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Karen Y. P. S. Avelino, Alberto G. Silva-Junior, Maira G. R. Pitta, Abdelhamid Errachid, Maria D. L. Oliveira, Cesar A. S. Andrade
Summary: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue. A nano-engineered immunosensor surface was developed for detecting the oncostatin M receptor (sOSMR) protein in clinical samples. The biosensor showed a differential diagnostic character for limited cutaneous (lSSc) and diffuse cutaneous (dSSc) SSc subtypes. The sensing strategy demonstrated high sensitivity and potential for SSc-related biomarker research.
Article
Oncology
Eduardo Davi Lima da Silva, Flaviana Alves dos Santos, Julia Teixeira de Oliveira, Fabio Vieira dos Santos, Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonca Junior, Maria do Carmo Alves de Lima, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Moacyr Barreto de Jesus de Melo Rego, Michelly Cristiny Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the anticancer activities of three aminothiophene derivatives (SB-44, SB-83, and SB-200) in prostate and cervical adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed significant cytotoxicity in cell lines, inhibition of clone formation, and mutagenic potential. In silico analysis also revealed their potential for oral druggability.
ANTI-CANCER AGENTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giselle da Silva Duarte, Alexandra Jones, Luciano Pamplona de Goes Cavalcanti, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Guilherme Ribeiro, Rosemary Boyton, Dhelio Batista Pereira, Julio Henrique Rosa Croda, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Angela Pinto Duarte, Marcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro, Rodrigo Guerino Stabeli, Fabio Juliano Negrao, Jose Luiz Proenca-Modena, Juan Miguel Villalobos-Salcedo, Geraldo da Rocha Castelar Pinheiro, Amanda Pinheiro de Barros Albuquerque, Francisca Kalline de Almeida Barreto, Jose Moreira, Idalina Cristina Ferrari, Patricia Martinez Evora, Vania Ramos Sela da Silva, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Daniel Altmann, REPLICK Network, Andre M. Siqueira
Summary: This study is the largest evaluation of the long-term sequelae of individuals infected with CHIKV in the Brazilian population, focusing on musculoskeletal manifestations, mental health, quality of life, and chronic pain. The aim of this study is to better understand the disease burden and costs associated with CHIKV infection and to inform therapeutic guidelines.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida, Andrea Tavares Dantas, Maria Eduarda de Oliveira Goncalves, Charlotte Chene, Mohamed Jeljeli, Sandrine Chouzenoux, Marine Thomas, Eudes Gustavo Constantino Cunha, Lilian David de Azevedo Valadares, Joao Victor de Melo Gomes, Simao Kalebe Silva de Paula, Marina Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Ivan da Rocha Pitta, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Michelly Cristiny Pereira, Angela Luzia Branco Pinto Duarte, Dulcineia Saes Parra Abdalla, Carole Nicco, Frederic Batteux, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and antifibrotic properties of a TZD derivative called LPSF/GQ-16 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SSc patients and in a murine model of SSc. The results showed that LPSF/GQ-16 modulated the secretion of cytokines and significantly reduced dermal fibrosis in the mouse model. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of LPSF/GQ-16 for SSc.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafael Ramos Silva, Cezar Augusto da Cruz Amorim, Maria do Carmo Alves Lima, Marcelo Montenegro Rabello, Marcelo Zaldini Hernandes, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Maria Danielly Lima de Oliveira, Cesar Augusto Souza de Andrade
Summary: This study aimed to improve the solubility of oxazolidine derivatives (OxD) by forming inclusion complexes with 2-hydroxy-beta-cyclodextrin (2-HPf3CD). The results showed that the maximum solubility of OxD was achieved at 70 mM using 400 mM 2-HPf3CD. The inclusion complexes exhibited no cytotoxicity in normal cells.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)