Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guofeng Wu, Fenbo Ma, Zhengwei Liu, Jiayi Liu, Yizhebang Xue, Mengdi Zhang, Chunyi Wen, Bin Tang, Lijun Lin
Summary: The alteration of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is crucial in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). This study developed magnesium-containing glycosaminoglycans (Mg-GAGs) to improve ECM conditions, promote cartilage regeneration, and alleviate OA. The results showed positive effects of Mg-GAGs on chondrocyte proliferation, upregulating chondrogenic genes, suppressing inflammation, and protecting subchondral bone in an OA rabbit model. This study provides new insights into ECM-based therapies and novel approaches for OA treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephan Niland, Johannes A. Eble
Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key focus in cancer research and treatment, involving various components including ECM and modifying enzymes. Cells within the TME interact with the ECM, influencing tumor progression through feedback mechanisms involving cellular receptors, cytokines, and exosomes. Matrix remodeling in the TME, particularly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), plays a crucial role in modifying ECM barriers and releasing soluble ECM fragments that impact cells both within and outside the TME.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rohit Siddhartha, Minal Garg
Summary: MMPs are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in degrading proteins in the extracellular matrix and regulating cell signaling. Dysregulation of MMPs can lead to serious pathological conditions such as inflammation, uncontrolled cell growth, and cancer metastasis. Understanding the functions of MMPs has potential implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhao Wei, Jingyi Liu, Yuanbo Jia, Meng Lei, Songbai Zhang, Pan Xi, Yufei Ma, Min Zhang, Jinlu Ma, Lin Wang, Hui Guo, Feng Xu
Summary: The fiber structures of tumor microenvironment play crucial roles in tumor cell behaviors, and recent studies have shown that the plastic remolding of the microenvironment can enhance tumor metastasis. However, the relationship between fiber microarchitecture and matrix plasticity has not been well understood in existing in vitro models. This study develops a collagen-alginate hydrogel platform with tunable matrix plasticity and fiber microarchitecture, and demonstrates that tumor cells exhibit more aggressive behavior in high plasticity hydrogels and that fiber structures only have an impact in high plasticity hydrogels. The study further reveals the underlying mechanisms by analyzing force distribution within the matrix and tracking focal adhesions (FAs), showing that highly plastic hydrogels activate FA formation while fiber dispersion controls the maturation and stability of FAs. This study not only provides new insights into the interaction between cells and the tumor microenvironment, but also contributes to the development of engineered hydrogel platforms for in vitro studies of tumor behaviors.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yutian Su, Xichen Zhang, Liling Lei, Baolei Liu, Shishan Wu, Jian Shen
Summary: The BAGM nanozyme is an intelligent nanotheranostic platform with multiple therapeutic modalities, enhancing treatment efficacy through a cascade catalytic reaction in the tumor microenvironment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Seung-Jin Kim, Dipendra Khadka, Jae Ho Seo
Summary: This article discusses the process of tumors adapting to adverse environments through communication with neighboring cells. Understanding the physiology of these tumors and their interaction with the tumor environment can help in developing promising tumor treatment strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Sylvain D. Vallet, Coline Berthollier, Sylvie Ricard-Blum
Summary: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are complex linear polysaccharides that play important roles in the extracellular matrix and cell surface. By generating an expanded dataset, we have gained a better understanding of the interactions and functions of GAGs, as well as the biological processes and pathways involved.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Nadezhda V. Popova, Manfred Juecker
Summary: The extracellular matrix plays a critical role in cancer development and progression by influencing the behavior of cancer cells. Abnormal extracellular matrix directly promotes cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation, leading to the emergence of an oncogenic microenvironment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikos K. Karamanos, Achilleas D. Theocharis, Zoi Piperigkou, Dimitra Manou, Alberto Passi, Spyros S. Skandalis, Demitrios H. Vynios, Veronique Orian-Rousseau, Sylvie Ricard-Blum, Christian E. H. Schmelzer, Laurent Duca, Madeleine Durbee, Nikolaos A. Afratis, Linda Troeberg, Marco Franchi, Valentina Masola, Maurizio Onisto
Summary: Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic 3-dimensional network of macromolecules providing structural support for cells and tissues. It plays key regulatory roles in cell signaling, functions, and morphology. Different ECM components affect cell processes such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immunity regulation, with structural alterations associated with disease progression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takuya Kawata, Koji Muramatsu, Namiko Shishito, Naoki Ichikawa-Tomikawa, Takuma Oishi, Yuko Kakuda, Yasuto Akiyama, Ken Yamaguchi, Michiie Sakamoto, Takashi Sugino
Summary: EMID1 was identified as a multifunctional gene, capable of promoting cell growth and suppressing cell motility, potentially acting as a matricellular protein. Its expression is restricted to chief cells of the gastric fundic gland and beta cells of the pancreatic islets in normal adult tissues, indicating specific cell functions. Increased expression of EMID1 protein in some human cancers suggests that EMID1 might be a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Roseline Menezes, Richard Vincent, Laura Osorno, Phillip Hu, Treena Livingston Arinzeh
Summary: GAGs are important components of the extracellular matrix that influence cell behavior and are used in tissue regeneration, biomaterials, and drug delivery applications. This review provides an overview of native GAGs' structure, properties, interaction with proteins, their effect on cell behavior, and mechanical role in the ECM. The use of GAGs in tissue engineering and biomaterial approaches, particularly in orthopedic and wound healing applications, has made significant advances.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Wei, Xiao-Lin Zhou, Tai-Hang Liu, Peng Chen, Xia Jiang, Zhan-Qi Dong, Min-Hui Pan, Cheng Lu
Summary: The study revealed the crucial role of MMP1 in the remodeling of insect trachea, with its knockout affecting the number of tracheal branches in silkworms. Experimental results demonstrated that BmMMP1 regulates the development of tracheal tissue mainly by influencing the expansion of tracheal cuticles and degrading key proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Arseniy E. Yuzhalin
Summary: The interaction between a tumor and its microenvironment is a growing field of research, and the communication between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix is of particular interest. Understanding the role of the extracellular matrix in tumor growth can provide new insights into cancer biology.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hugh Xiao, Ryan Y. Nguyen, Ryan LaRanger, Erica L. Herzog, Michael Mak
Summary: Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix play a key role in modulating biological processes, yet the mechanical regulation associated with these interactions is not well characterized. Through a novel image analysis platform, combined with drug studies and quantitative analysis, researchers are able to provide insights into cell mechanics and its implications in a 3D collagen gel.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Christopher W. Fell, Astrid Hagelkruys, Ana Cicvaric, Marion Horrer, Lucy Liu, Joshua Shing Shun Li, Johannes Stadlmann, Anton A. Polyansky, Stefan Mereiter, Miguel Angel Tejada, Tomislav Kokotovic, Venkat Swaroop Achuta, Angelica Scaramuzza, Kimberly A. Twyman, Michelle M. Morrow, Jane Juusola, Huifang Yan, Jingmin Wang, Margit Burmeister, Biswa Choudhury, Thomas Levin Andersen, Gerald Wirnsberger, Uffe Holmskov, Norbert Perrimon, Bojan Zagrovic, Francisco J. Monje, Jesper Bonnet Moeller, Josef M. Penninger, Vanja Nagy
Summary: This study identified FIBCD1 as a novel gene associated with neurodevelopmental disorders through whole-exome sequencing. Functional analyses in fly and mouse models revealed the critical role of FIBCD1 in the nervous system.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Toxicology
Silvia Vivarelli, Chiara Costa, Michele Teodoro, Federica Giambo, Aristidis Michael Tsatsakis, Concettina Fenga
Summary: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are major global causes of mortality and morbidity. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are closely associated with NCDs, and improving these habits may help alleviate symptoms and prolong the life expectancy of affected individuals. Polyphenols (PPLs) derived from plants have shown positive results in preventing and treating NCDs and are considered safe.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
N. V. Tyshko, N. S. Nikitin, S. I. Shestakova, E. O. Sadykova, M. D. Trebukh, G. V. Guseva, N. V. Trusov, I. V. Aksenov, K. S. Golokhvast, A. Tsatsakis, V. A. Tutelyan
Summary: In a chronic model experiment on rats, the liver morphology, intensity of apoptosis, and activity of xenobiotic metabolism enzymes were studied after exposure to a mixture of 6 pesticides and lifelong diets with adequate and insufficient supply of water-soluble vitamins. The dose of each pesticide in the mixture did not exceed the acceptable daily intake (1 ADI). The findings suggest that chronic exposure to low doses of anthropogenic toxicants combined with permanent vitamin deficiency can cause various liver changes, including increased apoptosis activity, depletion of the cytochrome P450 system, steatosis, and inflammatory infiltration, posing a potential health risk.
BULLETIN OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gennadiy Onishchenko, Natalia Nikolayeva, Valery Rakitskii, Alexandra Ilnitskaya, Andrey Filin, Aleksei Korolev, Elena Nikitenko, Elena Denisova, Andreas Tsakalof, Ekaterina Guseva, Sergey Kuzmin, Aristidis Tsatsakis
Summary: This study evaluated the health effects of combined or separate exposure to hazardous factors in plasma technology occupational environment on animal models. The results showed that exposure to noise or its combination with chemical factors led to non-specific changes in the CNS, especially in the case of joint exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Magdalena Mititelu, Denisa Ioana Udeanu, Anca Oana Docea, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Daniela Calina, Andreea Letitia Arsene, Mirela Nedelescu, Sorinel Marius Neacsu, Bruno Stefan Velescu, Manuela Ghica
Summary: The release of heavy metals into the natural environment poses problems for ecosystems and human health. Honey can contain heavy metals from agricultural or industrial sources, and consuming contaminated honey can lead to serious health problems. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in honey and soil and assess the associated risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Kourti, Maria V. V. Alvanou, Zoi Skaperda, Fotis Tekos, Georgios Papaefstathiou, Panagiotis Stathopoulos, Demetrios Kouretas
Summary: An extract from brine samples obtained through the Greek style debittering process of Kalamon olive fruits showed strong antioxidant capacity and DNA-protective activity. The extract consisted mainly of hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, and tyrosol. In cell-free assays, the extract demonstrated radical scavenging ability, while in cell cultures, it exhibited cell type specific responses and protected against H2O2-induced DNA damage. Overall, this study highlights the potential of table olive wastewaters as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for various industries.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ourania Anesti, Nafsika Papaioannou, Catherine Gabriel, Achilleas Karakoltzidis, Vazha Dzhedzheia, Ioannis Petridis, Antonios Stratidakis, Mike Dickinson, Milena Horvat, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Spyros Karakitsios, Dimosthenis A. A. Sarigiannis
Summary: This study presents an integrated approach to investigating the impact of perinatal exposure to metals on child neurodevelopment in two cohorts carried out in Slovenia and Greece. The study found that heavy metal exposure during the perinatal period is associated with impaired mitochondrial respiration and oxidative stress, leading to developmental disorders in children. Additionally, factors such as diet, proximity to pollution sources, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics also play a role in child neurodevelopment.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Betul Cicek, Ahmet Hacimuftuoglu, Mehmet Kuzucu, Ahmet Cetin, Yesim Yeni, Sidika Genc, Serkan Yildirim, Ismail Bolat, Mecit Kantarci, Mustafa Gul, Serhat Hayme, Dimitris Matthaios, Dimitra P. P. Vageli, Sotirios G. G. Doukas, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Ali Taghizadehghalehjoughi
Summary: According to population-based studies, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide in males, and its incidence among females is also increasing alarmingly. Sorafenib (SOR), a multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, has been the subject of interest in preclinical and clinical trials for lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SOR in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced lung carcinogenesis and explore its mechanisms of action. The results showed that SOR reduced the levels of SOX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta, and alleviated the histopathological damage caused by DEN-induced lung carcinogenesis. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that SOR treatment decreased the expression of COX-2 and JNK in DEN-intoxicated rats. These findings suggest that SOR inhibits lung precancerous lesions induced by DEN through reducing inflammation and SOX-2 levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Konstantin Pikula, Konstantin Kirichenko, Vladimir Chernousov, Sergey Parshin, Alexander Masyutin, Yulia Parshina, Anton Pogodaev, Alexander Gridasov, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Kirill Golokhvast
Summary: This study evaluated the aquatic toxicity of two suspension samples obtained from underwater welding using electrode and flux-cored wire on marine microalgae Attheya ussuriensis and Porphyridium purpureum. The results showed that the suspension obtained from welding with electrode had an acute toxic impact on A. ussuriensis, while both suspensions had chronic toxicity with a 40% growth rate inhibition in this microalga. However, P. purpureum showed tolerance to both suspensions due to the presence of an exopolysaccharide covering that prevented the toxic impact of metal cations.
Article
Toxicology
Michael Aschner, Anatoly V. Skalny, Rongzhu Lu, Abel Santamaria, Ji-Chang Zhou, Tao Ke, Mikhail Yu. Karganov, Aristides Tsatsakis, Kirill S. Golokhvast, Aaron B. Bowman, Alexey A. Tinkov
Summary: This review summarizes the existing data on the effects of toxic metals on HIF-1 signaling and its underlying mechanisms, with a special focus on the prooxidant effect of metals. The effect of metals on HIF-1 pathway varies depending on the cell type, ranging from down-regulation to up-regulation. Inhibition of HIF-1 signaling may contribute to hypoxic damage in cells, while metal-induced activation may promote tumor growth and contribute to the carcinogenic effects of heavy metals.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Toxicology
Gio B. Gori, Michael Aschner, Christopher J. Borgert, Samuel M. Cohen, Daniel R. Dietrich, Corrado L. Galli, Helmut Greim, John S. Heslop-Harrison, Sam Kacew, Norbert E. Kaminski, James E. Klaunig, Hans W. J. Marquardt, Olavi Pelkonen, Ruth Roberts, Kai M. Savolainen, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Hiroshi Yamazaki
Summary: The 1958 Delaney amendment banned food additives causing cancer in animals through appropriate tests. However, chronic animal cancer tests have proven to be inconsistent and unreliable in predicting cancer hazards in humans. This poses an existential crisis for regulatory agencies that have relied on such tests to formulate regulations for alleged cancer causing agents.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ozgur Celebi, Ali Taghizadehghalehjoughi, Demet Celebi, Robin Mesnage, Kirill Sergeevich Golokhvast, Andreea Letitia Arsene, Demetrios A. Spandidos, Aristidis Tsatsakis
Summary: The gut microbiota is important for maintaining health and regulating immune response. Probiotics and vitamins can improve microbial population and prevent tight junction protein breakdown. The study evaluated the effects of vitamins and probiotics on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Substance Abuse
Cornel Radu-Loghin, Karina Mocanu, Hani Al Gouhmani, Constantine Vardavas, Ioanna Lagou, Zinovia Plyta, Aikaterini Papathanasaki, Stella Vogiatzidaki, Alexander Vardavas, Manolis Tzatzarakis, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Filip-pos Filippidis, Christina Kyriakos, Esteve Fernandez, Olena Tigova, Cristina Martinez, Anna Mar Lopez Luque, Marius Eremia, Lucia Maria Lotrean, Antigona Trofor, Thomas Wenzl, Bill Simpson, Pippa Powell, Polina Starchenko, Angeliki Bakou, Eleni Asimaki, Victoria Vivilaki
TOBACCO PREVENTION & CESSATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sidika Genc, Tarik Yagci, Dimitra P. Vageli, Riza Dundar, Panagiotis G. Doukas, Sotirios G. Doukas, Maria Tolia, Nikolaos Chatzakis, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Ali Taghizadehghalehjoughi
Summary: This study found that serum exosomal miR-223, miR-146, and PTEN expression were significantly decreased, while miR-21 expression was significantly increased in LSCC patients. In addition, CRP and vitamin B12 levels were also altered. These results suggest that the expression of serum exosomal miR-223, miR-146, miR-21, as well as the changes in CRP and vitamin B12 levels, may serve as potential indicators of LSCC.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Aristidis Tsatsakis, Elisavet Renieri, Dimitris Tsoukalas, Ana Maria Buga, Evangelia Sarandi, Elena Vakonaki, Persefoni Fragkiadaki, Athanasios Alegakis, Dragana Nikitovic, Daniela Calina, Demetrios A. Spandidos, Anca Oana Docea
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of a novel telomerase activator on telomere length and telomerase activity in aged rats. The nutraceutical formulation was found to reduce telomere shortening rate at lower dose and increase telomere length at higher dose. Telomerase activity was also increased in the treated rats.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fotios Kakridonis, Spyros G. Pneumatikos, Elena Vakonaki, Aikaterini Berdiaki, Manolis N. Tzatzarakis, Persefoni Fragkiadaki, Demetrios A. Spandidos, Stella Baliou, Petros Ioannou, Eleftheria Hatzidaki, Dragana Nikitovic, Aristidis Tsatsakis, Elias Vasiliadis
Summary: This review summarizes the potential of telomere shortening as a biomarker for detecting the onset of osteoporosis. It found a weak association between telomere length and osteoporosis in some studies, suggesting that telomere shortening may be used as a biomarker for tracking the development and progression of osteoporosis.
BIOMEDICAL REPORTS
(2023)
