Article
Oncology
Tiansuo Zhao, Di Xiao, Fanjie Jin, Xugang Sun, Jie Yu, Hongwei Wang, Jing Liu, Wenrun Cai, Chongbiao Huang, Xiuchao Wang, Song Gao, Zhe Liu, Shengyu Yang, Chuntao Gao, Jihui Hao
Summary: The study found that ESE3 expression was upregulated in PDAC tissues and correlated with clinical indicators. ESE3 promoted the progression of PDAC by activating PSCs. IL-1β induced ESE3 expression in PSCs and activated PSCs, thereby influencing PDAC chemoresistance and tumor growth. Inhibiting the IL-1β/ESE3 positive feedback loop may be a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce tumor fibrosis and enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy in PDAC.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Zhilin Zhang, Huan Zhang, Tian Liu, Tian Chen, Daorong Wang, Dong Tang
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is associated with strong therapeutic resistance and poor prognosis, with activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) playing a crucial role in the malignant progression. By analyzing PSC population heterogeneity, researchers have identified two subtypes - myofibroblastic and inflammatory PSC - that cooperate to create a microenvironment suitable for cancer cell survival, potentially offering more effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Menekse Ermis, Natashya Falcone, Natan Roberto De Barros, Marvin Mecwan, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Auveen Choroomi, Mahsa Monirizad, Yeji Lee, Jihyeon Song, Hyun-Jong Cho, Yangzhi Zhu, Heemin Kang, Mehmet R. Dokmeci, Ali Khademhosseini, Junmin Lee, Han -Jun Kim
Summary: The tumor microenvironment, particularly the matrix component, plays a crucial role in the progression and therapeutic responsiveness of PDAC. By engineering hyaluronic acid and gelatin-based hydrogels to mimic desmoplastic matrices, a multicellular pancreatic tumor model is developed that allows for a better understanding and monitoring of PDAC progression, with potential applications in personalized medicine and drug testing.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Zhengfeng Wang, Ru He, Shi Dong, Wence Zhou
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant gastrointestinal carcinoma with late detection, high mortality rates, poor patient prognosis, and a lack of effective treatments. Pancreatic stellate cells, a significant component of the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in modulating this environment and promoting cancer progression. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which pancreatic stellate cells inhibit antitumor immune responses and discusses preclinical studies focusing on these cells, aiming to provide theoretical references for the development of new therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Osamu Sato, Takahiro Tsuchikawa, Takuma Kato, Yasunori Amaishi, Sachiko Okamoto, Junichi Mineno, Yuta Takeuchi, Katsunori Sasaki, Toru Nakamura, Kazufumi Umemoto, Tomohiro Suzuki, Linan Wang, Yizheng Wang, Kanako C. Hatanaka, Tomoko Mitsuhashi, Yutaka Hatanaka, Hiroshi Shiku, Satoshi Hirano
Summary: The study found that CAR-T cell therapy targeting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) can effectively treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The therapeutic effect is related to the expression level of CEA, and the intensity of CEA immunostaining is related to tumor heterogeneity, which can be used as a biomarker to select patients for CAR-T therapy.
Article
Oncology
Tony C. Y. Pang, Zhihong Xu, Alpha Raj Mekapogu, Srinivasa Pothula, Therese Becker, Susan Corley, Marc R. Wilkins, David Goldstein, Romano Pirola, Jeremy Wilson, Minoti Apte
Summary: The study demonstrates the efficacy of adjuvant HGF/c-Met inhibition in reducing the risk and rate of disease progression after pancreatic cancer resection, as well as reducing the counts of circulating pancreatic stellate cells (cPSCs). This study also confirms the existence of cPSCs in pancreatic cancer, providing important insights into potential treatment strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Imke Stouten, Nadine van Montfoort, Lukas J. A. C. Hawinkels
Summary: The lack of response to therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients has led to PDAC having a low survival rate. Immunotherapy has shown promise in other cancer types but is ineffective in PDAC due to its unique tumor microenvironment (TME) with low immune activity. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME may play a role in the low immunotherapy response. Understanding the interactions between CAFs and immune cells in the TME could improve immunotherapy for PDAC and similar cancers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yu Tanaka, Shin Hamada, Ryotaro Matsumoto, Keiko Taguchi, Masayuki Yamamoto, Atsushi Masamune
Summary: Systemic Nrf2 deletion decreases pancreatic cancer progression in a mutant K-ras/p53-expressing mouse model, with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) playing a role in this process. Nrf2-deleted PSCs exhibit lower proliferative and migration capacity, and show reduced growth-stimulating effects on pancreatic cancer cells.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-GASTROINTESTINAL AND LIVER PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Gokce Askan, Ibrahim Halil Sahin, Joanne F. Chou, Aslihan Yavas, Marinela Capanu, Christine A. Iacobuzio-Donahue, Olca Basturk, Eileen M. O'Reilly
Summary: The study found that the expression of CD44 and ESA in PDAC patients is related to tumor stroma type, and tumor stroma may influence recurrence patterns, but there was no significant difference among subgroups in terms of RFS and OS.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Girgis Obaid, Shazia Bano, Hanna Thomsen, Susan Callaghan, Nimit Shah, Joseph W. R. Swain, Wendong Jin, Xiadong Ding, Colin G. Cameron, Sherri A. McFarland, Juwell Wu, Mark Vangel, Svetla Stoilova-McPhie, Jie Zhao, Mari Mino-Kenudson, Charles Lin, Tayyaba Hasan
Summary: Desmoplasia, a characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), poses barriers to treatment and affects patient outcomes. This study demonstrates a novel targeted liposomal therapy that combines photodynamic and chemotherapeutic effects while also remediating desmoplasia. The results show significant inhibition of tumor growth and improved survival, highlighting the potential of this therapy in extending the lives of PDAC patients.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Oluwabukunmi Olajubutu, Omotola D. Ogundipe, Amusa Adebayo, Simeon K. Adesina
Summary: Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic adenocarcinomas, is a fast-growing global threat with limited treatment options. Despite extensive research and development of drug delivery systems using nanotechnology and immunotherapy, there has been limited clinical progress in improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. This review highlights the challenge of delivering therapeutics to the pancreas and discusses strategies to minimize side effects and enhance drug treatment efficiency.
Article
Oncology
Lei Zhu, Jianmei Yin, Fuhong Zheng, Lianfeng Ji, Yingqing Yu, Haibo Liu
Summary: Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) with increased proliferation and migration ability are the partners in crime with pancreatic cancer cells. ASIC1 overexpression induced by pancreatic cancer cells enhances the proliferative and migratory abilities of PSCs, which can be weakened by ASIC1 inhibition. Additionally, ASIC1 participates in the regulation of PSCs proliferation and migration induced by cancer cells via the ERK pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Di Wu, Weibo Chen, Yang Yang, Yi Qin, Guangchen Zu, Yue Zhang, Yong An, Donglin Sun, Xiaowu Xu, Xuemin Chen
Summary: This study investigates the role of PITX2 in pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in the progression of pancreatic cancer and reveals that silencing PITX2 in PSCs inhibits the growth, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, high expression of PITX2 in stromal cells is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andreas Stylianou, Chrysovalantis Voutouri, Fotios Mpekris, Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
Summary: Cancer progression is closely associated with changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) structure and mechanical properties. Desmoplasia, mainly caused by collagen overproduction, leads to tumor stiffness and hinders drug delivery. Understanding the mechanisms involved in desmoplasia and identifying nanomechanical and collagen-based properties can lead to the development of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, in vitro experiments using pancreatic cell lines and orthotopic tumor models demonstrated that invasive cells are softer with elongated shapes and aligned stress fibers. The study also found distinct nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties in pancreatic cancer, which can be potential biomarkers for monitoring tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lara Magni, Rayhana Bouazzi, Hugo Heredero Olmedilla, Patricia S. S. Petersen, Marco Tozzi, Ivana Novak
Summary: The study reveals an important interaction between PSCs and cancer cells, involving ATP and IL-6 as key players, which activate P2X7 and IL-6 receptors, respectively, potentially serving as therapeutic targets for PDAC.
Article
Oncology
Aliva Prity Minz, Biswajit Das, Debasish Mohapatra, Voddu Suresh, Swayambara Mishra, Shantibhusan Senapati
Summary: In patients with pancreatic cancer, the peritoneal cavity is a common site of metastasis. Peritoneal macrophages play a significant role in peritoneal metastases of different cancers. This study investigates the effect of Gemcitabine (GEM), a chemotherapy drug, on the polarization of macrophages and its potential clinical implications in pancreatic cancer. The results show that GEM induces a M1-like polarization of macrophages, resulting in cytotoxicity towards pancreatic cancer cells and delayed disease progression in a mouse model.
CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL METASTASIS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Voddu Suresh, Padmanava Behera, Deepti Parida, Amlan Priyadarshee Mohapatra, Suraja Kumar Das, Sneha Kumari, Kiran Avula, Amruta Mohapatra, Gulam Hussain Syed, Shantibhusan Senapati
Summary: Oxidative stress caused by ROS is the main mediator of SARS-CoV-2-induced pathology. NAC, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and antiviral properties, may have beneficial effects in COVID-19 patients. This study shows that high doses of NAC can suppress severe lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, but fail to restrict viral load. However, high doses of NAC with and without remdesivir significantly suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in lung tissues.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pradip Behare, Syed Azmal Ali, Vinay S. N. Mishra, Laura G. Gomez-Mascaraque, Olivia McAuliffe
Summary: In this study, the viability and morphology of different bacterial strains were examined under high fructose concentrations. It was found that fructophilic lactic acid bacteria had reduced viability, while a non-fructophilic strain was significantly affected. Electron microscopy revealed that fructophilic strains remained intact but expanded, while the non-fructophilic strain ruptured and formed cell debris. Genomic analysis showed that fructophilic strains had fewer genes related to fructose metabolism and transport.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Harpreet Kaur, Gurjeet Kaur, Syed Azmal Ali
Summary: To maintain host health and create a conducive environment for the gut microbiota, the host and gut microbiota interact with each other. These interactions primarily occur between commensal bacteria and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), serving as the primary defense mechanism to preserve intestinal homeostasis. The use of post-biotics, such as p40, positively influences IECs by acting as transactivators of the EGF receptor (EGFR), inducing protective responses and alleviating colitis. Moreover, post-biotics play a role in reprogramming IECs during the neonatal period for sustained protection against colitis in adulthood through regulation of TGF-beta release and expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs).
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Kavita Rani, Gurjeet Kaur, Syed Azmal Ali
Summary: Probiotics and prebiotics have emerged as a novel method for treating health issues, including reproductive disorders and infertility. They regulate gut microbiota and restore the control and synthesis of reproductive hormones. This review provides evidence that the use of probiotics and prebiotics could offer a new approach to alleviate female reproductive complications.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Harpreet Kaur, Gurjeet Kaur, Syed Azmal Ali
Summary: The intestinal tract is the largest immune organ, playing important roles in nutrient absorption and immune responses. IL-33 is a cytokine that regulates inflammatory disorders and can induce various immune responses. IL-33 activates different cell types to produce cytokines and is also involved in the initiation of type 2 immunity. However, the mechanisms by which IL-33 promotes type 2 immunity in the gastrointestinal tract are not fully understood. IL-33 also plays a role in regulatory immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive summary of IL-33's role in the gut immune system and its potential applications in the treatment of gut inflammatory disorders.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manoj Kumar Jena, Farheen Badrealam Khan, Syed Azmal Ali, Abdullah Abdullah, Amarish Kumar Sharma, Vikas Yadav, Sudhakar Kancharla, Prachetha Kolli, Gowtham Mandadapu, Anjan Kumar Sahoo, Prasana Kumar Rath, Jalal Taneera, Sudarshan Kumar, Ashok Kumar Mohanty, Khang Wen Goh, Long Chiau Ming, Chrismawan Ardianto
Summary: The mammary gland undergoes physiological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. Understanding the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs) is crucial. Various molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, and regulatory proteins govern this process. Studying the molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will aid in further research, such as manipulating genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion, and identifying protein signatures of lactation.
ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biology
Harpreet Kaur, Gurjeet Kaur, Taruna Gupta, Deepti Mittal, Syed Azmal Ali
Summary: This article highlights the importance of ruminant production in global agriculture and discusses the challenges related to population growth and environmental concerns. Recent research has revealed a connection between the composition of the rumen microbiome and economically advantageous traits in cattle, driving the need for innovative strategies to improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The article also emphasizes the role of the rumen microbiome in plant fiber digestion and its influence on ruminant production and health.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohd Akram, Syed Azmal Ali, Gautam Kaul
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on stress-induced male reproductive deficits. The results showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC-610 and Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC-400 can improve sperm deficits caused by stress and improve intestinal health. In addition, probiotics can also alleviate oxidative stress and activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis caused by stress. Therefore, L. rhamnosus NCDC-610 and L. fermentum NCDC-400 are safe and effective probiotics for mitigating stress-induced male reproductive deficits.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Manorama Kumari, Rolly Kumari, Basavaprabhu Haranahalli Nataraj, Prashant Ashok Shelke, Syed Azmal Ali, Ravinder Nagpal, Pradip Behare
Summary: Iron is essential for human health, and iron fortification is a promising solution for combating iron-deficiency anemia. This study investigates the physical and chemical properties of a new exopolysaccharide called EPSKar1 and its iron complex EPSKar1-Fe (II). The findings demonstrate that EPSKar1 is a high molecular-weight heteropolysaccharide with strong emulsifying and water-holding capacities. EPSKar1 forms stable complexes with iron and exhibits beneficial rheological properties for food applications. Overall, EPSKar1-Fe (II) complex shows great potential as a novel iron fortifier.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Swasti Rawal, Syed Azmal Ali
Summary: Probiotics and postbiotics are effective alternatives to antibiotics for treating persistent skin infections. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit harmful bacteria, prevent colonization of harmful bacteria on the skin, and produce antimicrobial substances. Traditional antibiotic treatments have adverse effects and antibiotic-resistant pathogens can form biofilms. Probiotics and postbiotics stimulate the immune system, enhance skin barrier components, and modulate inflammation for maintaining healthy skin. This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of probiotics and postbiotics for persistent skin infections and their impact on dermal health.
Review
Oncology
Farheen Badrealam Khan, Parul Singh, Yahya F. Jamous, Syed Azmal Ali, Abdullah, Shahab Uddin, Qamar Zia, Manoj Kumar Jena, Mohsina Khan, Mohammad Owais, Chih Yang Huang, Venkatesh Chanukuppa, Chrismawan Ardianto, Long Chiau Ming, Waqas Alam, Haroon Khan, Mohammad Akli Ayoub
Summary: This article reviews the use of proteomics to study the molecular details of phytochemicals such as curcumin, genistein, and tanshinone IIA. These phytochemicals have various pharmacological properties that are extensively studied to understand their mechanisms of action. Proteomics technology has proved to be a reliable approach to unravel the molecular intricacies of phytochemicals.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Basavaprabhu Haranahalli Nataraj, Manorama Kumari, Ravinder Nagpal, Syed Azmal Ali, Pradip V. Behare
Summary: This study evaluated the safety of an indigenous probiotic strain, Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400, using both in silico and in vitro approaches. The results show that NCDC 400 does not possess potential antibiotic-resistance or virulence genes, lacks harmful metabolites or enzymes, and does not exhibit harmful phenotypes. In addition, it is sensitive to human serum and antibiotics and shows no cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Karmveer Yadav, Syed Azmal Ali, Noyonika Kaul, Ashok Kumar Mohanty, Gautam Kaul
Summary: The study found that nanoparticles have a negative impact on the ovarian function of female rats, leading to reduced body weight, smaller ovaries, decreased follicle count, and follicular cyst development. The distribution of nanoparticles in the body directly affects ovarian function and alters the expression of critical proteins.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Harpreet Kaur, Syed Azmal Ali, Fang Yan
Summary: The mutual interactions between the gut microbiota and the host are crucial for maintaining human health and creating a favorable environment for the gut microbial community. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) act as the first responders to the gut microbiota in order to maintain intestinal balance. Recent studies suggest that components derived from commensal bacteria play a functional role in protecting intestinal integrity and reducing susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. Additionally, IECs have been found to communicate with the gut commensal bacteria, shaping the composition and function of the microbial community. This review highlights the beneficial effects of functional factors secreted by commensal bacteria on IECs, focusing on soluble proteins, metabolites, and surface layer components, as well as the impact of IECs on the commensal microbial profile. This knowledge provides a proof-of-concept model for understanding the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-host mutualism.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
