Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
German Belenguer, Gianmarco Mastrogiovanni, Clare Pacini, Zoe Hall, Anna M. Dowbaj, Robert Arnes-Benito, Aleksandra Sljukic, Nicole Prior, Sofia Kakava, Charles R. Bradshaw, Susan Davies, Michele Vacca, Kourosh Saeb-Parsy, Bon-Kyoung Koo, Meritxell Huch
Summary: RNF43/ZNRF3 alterations contribute to liver disease and liver cancer by affecting differentiation and lipid metabolism of hepatocytes. The loss of these genes leads to steatohepatitis and an increase in unsaturated lipids. Deletion of Rnf43/Znrf3 results in defective hepatocyte regeneration and liver cancer, causing an imbalance between differentiation and proliferation. Interestingly, ZNRF3 mutant liver cancer patients have a poorer prognosis and exhibit altered hepatic lipid metabolism and steatohepatitis/NASH signatures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing-Jun Nie, Yanli Liu, Yu Qi, Nasha Zhang, Bingran Yu, Da-Fu Chen, Ming Yang, Fu-Jian Xu
Summary: A new charge-reversal vehicle system was proposed for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), showing high anti-tumor efficiency and potential for improving HCC therapy and combination treatment. The system exhibited promising possibilities for treating other liver diseases as well.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Jose M. Escandell, Daniel Am Pais, Sofia B. Carvalho, Karen Vincent, Patricia Gomes-Alves, Paula M. Alves
Summary: This article discusses the R&D needs and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) efforts required for the growing demand of recombinant adeno-associated (rAAV) vector-based gene therapy. The key aspects mentioned include scalability and productivity improvement, enhanced safety, and increased process understanding along with the development of orthogonal bioanalytics for identifying, monitoring, and controlling Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) during bioprocessing.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marti Cabanes-Creus, Renina Gale Navarro, Sophia H. Y. Liao, Grober Baltazar, Matthieu Drouyer, Erhua Zhu, Suzanne Scott, Clement Luong, Laurence O. W. Wilson, Ian E. Alexander, Leszek Lisowski
Summary: The study investigates the differential interspecies transduction abilities among AAV variants, identifying a key residue at a specific position through domain swapping strategies, and proposes the generation of AAV surrogates using this insertion for toxicology and dosing studies in the murine liver model.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gang Wang, Jianlong Li, Linda Bojmar, Haiyan Chen, Zhong Li, Gabriel C. Tobias, Mengying Hu, Edwin A. Homan, Serena Lucotti, Fengbo Zhao, Valentina Posada, Peter R. Oxley, Michele Cioffi, Han Sang Kim, Huajuan Wang, Pernille Lauritzen, Nancy Boudreau, Zhanjun Shi, Christin E. Burd, Jonathan H. Zippin, James C. Lo, Geoffrey S. Pitt, Jonathan Hernandez, Constantinos P. Zambirinis, Michael A. Hollingsworth, Paul M. Grandgenett, Maneesh Jain, Surinder K. Batra, Dominick J. DiMaio, Jean L. Grem, Kelsey A. Klute, Tanya M. Trippett, Mikala Egeblad, Doru Paul, Jacqueline Bromberg, David Kelsen, Vinagolu K. Rajasekhar, John H. Healey, Irina R. Matei, William R. Jarnagin, Robert E. Schwartz, Haiying Zhang, David Lyden
Summary: Cancer can affect multiple organs beyond those targeted by metastasis. In this study, we found that inflammation, fatty liver, and dysregulated metabolism are characteristics of systemically affected livers in both mouse models and patients with extrahepatic metastasis. Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) play a crucial role in cancer-induced hepatic reprogramming by dysregulating hepatic function. The fatty acid cargo of tumour EVPs, particularly palmitic acid, induces the secretion of TNF by Kupffer cells, leading to a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, suppressing fatty acid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, and promoting fatty liver formation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanyan Ye, Bodong Yu, Hua Wang, Fengming Yi
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with limited management strategies and poor prognosis. Metabolism alterations, particularly glutamine metabolic reprogramming, play a pivotal role in HCC identification, proliferation, and progression. Glutamine metabolism components and their related biomarkers have been identified in HCC, including glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutaminase, metabolites, and metabolite transporters. Targeting glutamine metabolic reprogramming through deprivation, enzyme inhibitors, and transporter inhibitors has emerged as a potential approach for HCC therapy.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hyewon Jang, Dong Hyun Jo, Chang Sik Cho, Jeong Hong Shin, Jung Hwa Seo, Goosang Yu, Ramu Gopalappa, Daesik Kim, Sung-Rae Cho, Jeong Hun Kim, Hyongbum Henry Kim
Summary: Prime editing has shown the potential to precisely correct disease-causing mutations and ameliorate disease phenotypes in mouse models of genetic diseases. By identifying optimal guide RNAs, it can precisely target genes without detectable off-target edits. However, further validation in more animal models is necessary.
NATURE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrizia Tornabene, Rita Ferla, Manel Llado-Santaeularia, Miriam Centrulo, Margherita Dell'Anno, Federica Esposito, Elena Marrocco, Emanuela Pone, Renato Minopoli, Carolina Iodice, Edoardo Nusco, Settimio Rossi, Hristiana Lyubenova, Anna Manfredi, Lucio Di Filippo, Antonella Iuliano, Annalaura Torella, Giulio Piluso, Francesco Musacchia, Enrico Maria Surace, Davide Cacchiarelli, Vincenzo Nigro, Alberto Auricchio
Summary: The study introduces a novel gene therapy approach, AAV-HITI, to overcome challenges in gene therapy. The results show that AAV-HITI enables efficient gene integration in both retina and liver, leading to therapeutic benefits for genetic diseases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Hua Luo, Zheng-Li Jiang, Yu Ren
Summary: Depression often coexists with metabolic disorders, and can be effectively alleviated through psychotherapy and medication. Timely and effective treatment of depression can improve the quality of life for patients with metabolic disorders, reduce psychological burden, and promote effective treatment of metabolic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuancheng Xie, Mengyao Zheng, Weibo Guo, Ying Zhou, Zhao Xiang, Yuting Li, Jinhui Yang
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the effects of metabolic characteristics on the risk of MAFLD-HCC. The results showed that each metabolic feature was significantly correlated with the increased risk of MAFLD-HCC, with obesity having the strongest correlation with HCC. Additionally, the risk of HCC was higher in patients with more metabolic features.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Antoine Gardin, Katharina Remih, Emmanuel Gonzales, Emma Rachel Andersson, Pavel Strnad
Summary: The liver plays a crucial role in health and its dysfunction can lead to various diseases. Genetic approaches, enzyme substitution therapy, and siRNA drugs have been developed for the treatment of liver-related disorders. These methods have shown promising results but still face challenges such as immune response and long-term stability of treatment.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Danyu Du, Chan Liu, Mengyao Qin, Xiao Zhang, Tao Xi, Shengtao Yuan, Haiping Hao, Jing Xiong
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with increasing incidence worldwide. Targeting abnormal metabolism has emerged as a new strategy for HCC treatment. This review highlights metabolic targets and discusses current pharmaceutical agents and studies in this field.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Sofia Moreira, Sandra Bezemer, Tiago Q. Faria, Frank Detmers, Pim Hermans, Laurens Sierkstra, Ana Sofia Coroadinha, Cristina Peixoto
Summary: The use of affinity chromatography can simplify the purification process of viral vectors, resulting in high purity clinical-grade products. This technology contributes to increasing downstream process efficiency, reducing time-to-market.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agata Antepowicz, Omar Habib, Freja Kirsebom, Cecilia Johansson, Deborah R. Gill, Stephen C. Hyde
Summary: In this study, gene delivery approaches using recombinant adeno-associated virus and simian immunodeficiency virus vectors were utilized to achieve sustained in vivo production of Palivizumab in a murine model. Pre-treatment with Palivizumab-expressing vectors provided complete protection against RSV-induced weight loss. This approach offers prophylaxis against RSV infection, potentially reducing treatment costs in vulnerable populations.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Yu, Long Li, Pei Hu, Yan Yang, Wei Wei, Xin Deng, Lu Wang, Franklin R. Tay, Jingzhi Ma
Summary: Gene therapy presents a promising approach for treating genetic disorders, but challenges remain with viral vectors. The emergence of nanomedicine has revolutionized the field of gene therapy, with recent advancements in stimulus-responsive nonviral nanocarriers showing high efficiency in delivering therapeutic nucleic acids.
Article
Oncology
Anastasia G. Gkegka, Michael I. Koukourakis, Maria Lambropoulou, Alexandra Giatromanolaki
Summary: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a significant role in cancer progression and prognosis of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) may affect the anti-tumor immune response. We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, and the lymphocyte subpopulation (CD8, CD4, FOXP3) density in 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the lip.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eirini Filidou, Leonidas Kandilogiannakis, Gesthimani Tarapatzi, Michail Spathakis, Colin Su, Alin Rai, David W. Greening, Konstantinos Arvanitidis, Vasilis Paspaliaris, George Kolios
Summary: Pluripotent stem cells play a vital role in regenerative medicine. However, the limited availability and ethical concerns associated with embryonic pluripotent stem cells have led to the discovery of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells. In this study, a simplified and effective method for isolating small pluripotent stem cells from human peripheral blood is presented. The isolated small blood stem cells (SBSC) population expresses pluripotency markers and also exhibits characteristics of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells. Proteomic profiling reveals the presence of various stem cell markers and transcription regulatory complex factors in SBSCs. This novel isolation process yields a abundant population of small-sized cells with pluripotent characteristics from human peripheral blood.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eirini Filidou, George Kolios
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vassilis M. Papadakis, Christina Cheimonidi, Maria Panagopoulou, Makrina Karaglani, Paraskevi Apalaki, Klytaimnistra Katsara, George Kenanakis, Theodosis Theodosiou, Theodoros C. Constantinidis, Kalliopi Stratigi, Ekaterini Chatzaki
Summary: In this study, Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the biomolecular characteristics of cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in the blood of individuals with different health conditions. The study found distinct spectral patterns in ccfDNA from breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, as well as some differences in the biomolecular fingerprints of ccfDNA from healthy, prediabetic, and diabetic males. The analysis also confirmed that ccfDNA mirrors its cellular origin. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a new approach for liquid biopsy diagnostics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gioulia Romanidou, Theocharis G. Konstantinidis, Anastasia-Maria Natsi, Konstantia Kantartzi, Maria Panopoulou, Emmanouil Kontomanolis, Christina Tsigalou, Maria Lambropoulou, Eleni Gavriilaki, Stylianos Panagoutsos, Ploumis Pasadakis, Ioannis Mitroulis
Summary: HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening complication of pregnancy, is often related to preeclampsia. However, there is currently no biomarker available for the early identification of pregnant women with preeclampsia who are at an increased risk of developing HELLP syndrome. This study demonstrates that circulating levels of developmental endothelial locus-1 (DEL-1) are decreased in patients with HELLP syndrome compared to those with preeclampsia. DEL-1 levels are also negatively associated with kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. The findings suggest that DEL-1 could potentially be used as a biomarker to distinguish between HELLP syndrome and preeclampsia. Further investigation is needed to confirm these results.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
M. Karnachoriti, I. Stathopoulos, M. Kouri, E. Spyratou, S. Orfanoudakis, D. Lykidis, M. Lambropoulou, N. Danias, N. Arkadopoulos, E. P. Efstathopoulos, Y. S. Raptis, I. Seimenis, A. G. Kontos
Summary: Human colorectal tissues from ten cancer patients were analyzed using multiple micro-Raman spectroscopic measurements. Different spectral profiles were observed for different tissue types, including the predominant 'typical' colorectal tissue, as well as those with high lipid, blood, or collagen content. Principal component analysis revealed specific Raman bands related to amino acids, proteins, and lipids, allowing efficient discrimination between normal and cancer tissues. Tree-based machine learning was applied to identify significant spectroscopic features for accurate cancer tissue identification and to match spectroscopic results with biochemical changes.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gavriela Voulgaridou, Theodora Paraskeva, Georgia Ragia, Natalia Atzemian, Konstantina Portokallidou, George Kolios, Konstantinos Arvanitidis, Vangelis G. Manolopoulos
Summary: The clinical implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is declining in Greek public hospitals, and efforts are urgently needed to reverse this trend.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michail Spathakis, Gesthimani Tarapatzi, Eirini Filidou, Leonidas Kandilogiannakis, Evangelos Karatzas, Paschalis Steiropoulos, Dimitrios Mikroulis, George M. Spyrou, Vangelis G. Manolopoulos, George Kolios, Konstantinos Arvanitidis
Summary: Niclosamide, a commonly used helminthicidic drug, has been shown to attenuate the abnormal expression of collagen and fibronectin induced by cytokine stimulation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against lung fibrosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Atzemian, Nikolas Dovrolis, Georgia Ragia, Konstantina Portokallidou, George Kolios, Vangelis G. Manolopoulos
Summary: This study identified key genes in AF using bioinformatics tools and provided insights into the molecular pathogenesis of AF. Five differentially expressed genes were found in AF patients, and several pathways related to the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and structural remodeling were revealed.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Christos Arnaoutoglou, Kalliopi Dampala, Christos Anthoulakis, Evangelos G. Papanikolaou, Ioannis Tentas, Georgios Dragoutsos, Nikolaos Machairiotis, Paul Zarogoulidis, Aristeidis Ioannidis, Dimitris Matthaios, Eleni I. Perdikouri, Dimitrios Giannakidis, Chrysanthi Sardeli, Stamatios Petousis, Panagoula Oikonomou, Christina Nikolaou, Charalampos Charalampidis, Konstantinos Sapalidis
Summary: Ovarian cancer, a malignant disease, affects thousands of patients annually. Surgical techniques are used for early-stage cancer and chemotherapy treatment combinations for advanced stage cancer. Novel therapies, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy, are currently being investigated. This review presents all recent advancements in epithelial ovarian cancer therapies, with a focus on local treatment.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paul Zarogoulidis, Dimitris Matthaios, Haidong Huang, Chong Bai, Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt, Konstantinos Porpodis, Dimitris Petridis, Konstantinos Pigakis, Nikolaos Kougkas, Panagoula Oikonomou, Christina Nikolaou, Dimitris Hatzibougias, Chrysanthi Sardeli
Summary: High-resolution CT scans, bronchoalveolar lavage, and biochemical blood tests are used to diagnose interstitial lung diseases. Cryobiopsy technique can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and increase the survival time of patients.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Paul Zarogoulidis, Aris Ioannidis, Marios Anemoulis, Dimitrios Giannakidis, Dimitris Matthaios, Konstantinos Romanidis, Konstantinos Sapalidis, Lavrentios Papalavrentios, Isaak Kesisoglou
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed data from 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with cholecystectomy, and found that the surgery is safe and feasible with favorable postoperative outcomes.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Paul Zarogoulidis, Dimitrios Petridis, Christoforos Kosmidis, Konstantinos Sapalidis, Lila Nena, Dimitris Matthaios, Vasilis Papadopoulos, Eleni Isidora Perdikouri, Konstantinos Porpodis, Paschalis Kakavelas, Paschalis Steiropoulos
Summary: Non-small-cell lung cancer patients often experience sleep disorders upon diagnosis, but these symptoms tend to improve quickly for patients with a PD-L1 expression ≥ 80, as the disease status also improves rapidly within the first 4 months of treatment.
Article
Oncology
Paul Zarogoulidis, Dimitrios Petridis, Christoforos Kosmidis, Konstantinos Sapalidis, Lila Nena, Dimitrios Matthaios, Konstantinos Porpodis, Paschalis Kakavelas, Paschalis Steiropoulos
Summary: Sleep disturbances in lung cancer patients differ based on disease stages and treatments. This study found that immunotherapy rapidly alleviated sleep disturbances, while chemotherapy patients continued to experience them. Immunotherapy plays a significant role in improving sleep disturbances in lung cancer patients.