Abstract Brain parenchymal metastases (BM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM) represent distinct subtypes of central nervous system metastases (CNSm) from lung cancer, posing significant clinical challenges. The local immune landscape of LM remains elusive. Herein, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to build a cell atlas of LM, and systematically examine the immune profiling and cell heterogeneity between BM and LM. Our analysis reveals that BM has more CXCL9+ macrophages, CXCL13+CD4+ T cells and B cells than LM, exhibiting the presence of tertiary lymphoid (TLS) structures, which is associated with a favorable response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Conversely, a remarkably immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is detected in LM, characterized by lymphocyte depletion and a concurrent enrichment of SPP1+ macrophages, compared to BM. Furthermore, we identified significant blood-brain barrier (BBB) cell discrepancies between BM and LM, and substantial phenotypic reprogramming of BBB cells in CNSm. This reprogramming encompassed alterations in transporter gene expression, extracellular matrix production and dysregulated cell-cell interactions, potentially contributing to the metastatic process. In summary, this study highlights the divergent cellular and molecular landscapes of BM vs LM, offering critical insights into potential therapeutic targets and informing the development of improved treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer patients with CSNm.
Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common and lethal solid malignancies among women, with its incidence steadily rising. Despite substantial advancements in OC research, its pathogenesis remains largely elusive. Recent studies indicate that the regulator of G protein signaling 3 (RGS3) is implicated in tumorigenesis, however, its specific role in OC development has not been extensively investigated. Herein, this research elucidated that the overexpression of RGS3 in OC correlates with adverse clinical pathological features and tumor progression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing RGS3 promotes apoptosis, effectively inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, our findings reveal that RGS3 enhances oncogenic activity by participating in the regulation of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway and corresponding epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The in-depth mechanism lies in the RGS3 facilitating the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 by directly interacting with AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 3B (ARID3B), which ultimately drives OC cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, our results position RGS3 as a significant prognostic biomarker and tumor-promoting factor in OC, underscoring the pivotal role of the RGS3/TGF-β/EMT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of this malignancy.
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens, Cytology
I. A. Alekseeva, U. V. Chubykina, M. V. Ezhov
et al.
Aim. To study the adequacy and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) prescribed to patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), including fixed-dose combinations (FDC) of rosuvastatin with ezetimibe, as well as the frequency of achieving target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.Material and methods. The clinical and demographic data of 3151 patients with HeFH at high or very high cardiovascular risk from the RENAISSANCE registry were retrospectively analysed. Among the 1612 individuals receiving LLT, 477 patients were treated with a combination of rosuvastatin at various doses and ezetimibe 10 mg daily, either as a free combination or as a FDC.Results. The median age of the patients was 46.0 [32.0; 57.0] years. The median LDL-C level was 6.4 [5.3; 7.8] mmol/L. Although LLT was recommended to all participants, approximately half (49%, n=1539) were not receiving treatment. Among the 1612 patients on LLT, 44% (n=703) received statin monotherapy, and 43% (n=697) were treated with a combination of statins and ezetimibe. Of the 477 patients taking rosuvastatin with ezetimibe, the majority were active adults of working age (35-64 years): 335 (80%) vs 86 (20%), p <0.05. Most patients preferred taking rosuvastatin with ezetimibe in the FDC: 357 (74.8%) vs 120 (25.2%), p <0.05. Among those on FDC, a significantly higher proportion used Zenon® compared to other FDCs: 44.4% (n=212) vs 30.4% (n=145), p <0.05. A significant reduction in LDL-C was observed compared to baseline: 61% in the free combination group and 65% in the FDC group, including a 67% reduction in the Zenon® subgroup (p <0.001). The rate of achieving LDL-C targets among high/very high cardiovascular risk patients was lower in the free combination group compared to the FDC group, with the highest rates observed among Zenon® users: 5.8% (n=7), 17.9% (n=26), and 21.7% (n=46), respectively (p <0.01).Conclusion. Among patients with НeFH, the use of a FDC of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe is associated with higher treatment adherence and a greater likelihood of achieving target LDL-С levels.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Diseases of the circulatory (Cardiovascular) system
Adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are the foremost energy depots and locomotor organs; they orchestrate metabolic homeostasis through the secretion of cytokines via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine pathways. This intricate interplay is pivotal in the pathogenesis of numerous metabolic disorders, encompassing obesity and muscle atrophy, as well as influencing meat quality in animal production. Despite its significance, unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle–adipose crosstalk remains a major challenge. Recent advancements in multi-omics technologies have facilitated the identification of a multitude of cytokines derived from adipose tissue and muscle, including adipokines, lipokines, myokines, and myogenic exosomes and adipose-derived exosomes containing various biomolecules. The functional roles of these cytokines have been elucidated through meticulous studies employing trans-well cultures and recombinant proteins. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the bidirectional roles of adipokines and myokines in key biological processes—such as muscle satellite cell differentiation, mitochondrial thermogenesis, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. By synthesizing these findings, we aim to provide novel insights into the treatment of metabolic diseases and the improvement of animal production.
Lucija Kovacevic, Marko Petrovecki, Lea Korsa
et al.
This study aimed to evaluate the performance of multiparametric breast magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with luminal B subtype breast cancer. The prospective study included thirty-five patients treated with NAC for both early and locally advanced breast cancer of the luminal B subtype at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb between January 2015 and December 2018. All patients underwent breast mpMRI before and after two cycles of NAC. Evaluation of mpMRI examinations included analysis of both morphological (shape, margins, and pattern of enhancement) and kinetic characteristics (initial signal increase and post-initial behavior of the time-signal intensity curve), which were additionally interpreted with a Göttingen score (GS). Histopathological analysis of surgical specimens included grading the tumor response based on the residual cancer burden (RCB) grading system and revealed 29 NAC responders (RCB-0 (pCR), I, II) and 6 NAC non-responders (RCB-III). Changes in GS were compared with RCB classes. A lack of GS decrease after the second cycle of NAC is associated with RCB class and non-responders to NAC.
Background: Head & neck region swellings are commonly encountered and rarely go unnoticed. FNAC provides early diagnosis and initial segregation into inflammatory versus neoplastic pathology.
Aims & Objectives: To study the role of FNAC in head and neck lesions, to study the cytomorphological patterns of various head and neck lesions and to study the distribution according to age, sex and site of various head & neck lesions.
Material & Methods: It is a retrospective observational study done over a period of 3 years from 1st May 2019 to 1st May 2022 in the Cytology section of the Post Graduate Department of Pathology in all age groups irrespective of their sex.
Results: A total of 2024 cases of Head & neck region FNA (including guided FNA) aspirates were included in the study. Maximum number of cases were in the age group of 21-30 years (30%). Female to male ratio was 1.2:1 Maximum number of aspirates were from lymph nodes (41%) followed by thyroid (33%). In our study 68% cases were benign and 32 % cases were malignant.
Conclusion: Our study shows patterns of head & neck lesions on FNAC. Despite its limitations FNAC still could be used as the initial investigating tool for assessing head & neck region swellings, although histopathology remains the gold standard.
Abstract Originally discovered in the circulation of pregnant women as a protein secreted by placental trophoblasts, the metalloprotease pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is also widely expressed by many other tissues. It cleaves insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) to increase the bioavailability of IGFs and plays essential roles in multiple growth-promoting processes. While the vast majority of the circulatory PAPP-A in pregnancy is proteolytically inactive due to covalent inhibition by proform of eosinophil major basic protein (proMBP), the activity of PAPP-A can also be covalently inhibited by another less characterized modulator, stanniocalcin-2 (STC2). However, the structural basis of PAPP-A proteolysis and the mechanistic differences between these two modulators are poorly understood. Here we present two cryo-EM structures of endogenous purified PAPP-A in complex with either proMBP or STC2. Both modulators form 2:2 heterotetramer with PAPP-A and establish extensive interactions with multiple domains of PAPP-A that are distal to the catalytic cleft. This exosite-binding property results in a steric hindrance to prevent the binding and cleavage of IGFBPs, while the IGFBP linker region-derived peptides harboring the cleavage sites are no longer sensitive to the modulator treatment. Functional investigation into proMBP-mediated PAPP-A regulation in selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) pregnancy elucidates that PAPP-A and proMBP collaboratively regulate extravillous trophoblast invasion and the consequent fetal growth. Collectively, our work reveals a novel covalent exosite-competitive inhibition mechanism of PAPP-A and its regulatory effect on placental function.
Florian Wanke, Simon Gutbier, Anna Rümmelin
et al.
Abstract Removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes (also called efferocytosis) is a crucial process for tissue homeostasis. Professional phagocytes express a plethora of surface receptors enabling them to sense and engulf apoptotic cells, thus avoiding persistence of dead cells and cellular debris and their consequent effects. Dysregulation of efferocytosis is thought to lead to secondary necrosis and associated inflammation and immune activation. Efferocytosis in primarily murine macrophages and dendritic cells has been shown to require TAM RTKs, with MERTK and AXL being critical for clearance of apoptotic cells. The functional role of human orthologs, especially the exact contribution of each individual receptor is less well studied. Here we show that human macrophages differentiated in vitro from iPSC-derived precursor cells express both AXL and MERTK and engulf apoptotic cells. TAM RTK agonism by the natural ligand growth-arrest specific 6 (GAS6) significantly enhanced such efferocytosis. Using a newly-developed mouse model of kinase-dead MERTK, we demonstrate that MERTK kinase activity is essential for efferocytosis in peritoneal macrophages in vivo. Moreover, human iPSC-derived macrophages treated in vitro with blocking antibodies or small molecule inhibitors recapitulated this observation. Hence, our results highlight a conserved MERTK function between mice and humans, and the critical role of its kinase activity in homeostatic efferocytosis.
The loss of muscle mass and force characterizes muscle atrophy in several different conditions, which share the expression of atrogenes and the activation of their transcriptional regulators. However, attempts to antagonize muscle atrophy development in different experimental contexts by targeting contributors to the atrogene pathway showed partial effects in most cases. Other master regulators might independently contribute to muscle atrophy, as suggested by our recent evidence about the co-requirement of the muscle-specific chaperone protein melusin to inhibit unloading muscle atrophy development. Furthermore, melusin and other muscle mass regulators, such as nNOS, belong to costameres, the macromolecular complexes that connect sarcolemma to myofibrils and to the extracellular matrix, in correspondence with specific sarcomeric sites. Costameres sense a mechanical load and transduce it both as lateral force and biochemical signals. Recent evidence further broadens this classic view, by revealing the crucial participation of costameres in a sarcolemmal “signaling hub” integrating mechanical and humoral stimuli, where mechanical signals are coupled with insulin and/or insulin-like growth factor stimulation to regulate muscle mass. Therefore, this review aims to enucleate available evidence concerning the early involvement of costamere components and additional putative master regulators in the development of major types of muscle atrophy.
Abstract Adverse myocardial remodeling, manifesting pathologically as myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, often follows myocardial infarction (MI) and results in cardiac dysfunction. In this study, an obvious epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was observed in the rat model of MI and the EAT weights were positively correlated with cardiomyocyte size and myocardial fibrosis areas in the MI 2- and 4-week groups. Then, rat cardiomyocyte cell line H9C2 and primary rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in conditioned media generated from EAT of rats in the MI 4-week group (EAT-CM). Functionally, EAT-CM enlarged the cell surface area of H9C2 cells and reinforced cardiac fibroblast activation into myofibroblasts by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Mechanistically, miR-134-5p was upregulated by EAT-CM in both H9C2 cells and primary rat cardiac fibroblasts. miR-134-5p knockdown promoted histone H3K14 acetylation of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase by upregulating lysine acetyltransferase 7 expression, thereby decreasing ROS level. An in vivo study showed that miR-134-5p knockdown limited adverse myocardial remodeling in the rat model of MI, manifesting as alleviation of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. In general, our study clarified a new pathological mechanism involving an EAT/miRNA axis that explains the adverse myocardial remodeling occurring after MI.
Background: Epidemiological studies observing inconsistent associations of telomere length (TL) with ischemic stroke (IS) are susceptible to bias according to reverse causation and residual confounding. We aimed to assess the causal association between TL, IS, and the subtypes of IS, including large artery stroke (LAS), small vessel stroke (SVS), and cardioembolic stroke (CES) by performing a series of two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approaches. Methods: Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were involved as candidate instrumental variables (IVs), summarized from a genome-wide meta-analysis including 37,684 participants of European descent. We analyzed the largest ever genome-wide association studies of stroke in Europe from the MEGASTROKE collaboration with 40,585 stroke cases and 406,111 controls. The weighted median (WM), the penalized weighted median (PWM), the inverse variance weighted (IVW), the penalized inverse variance weighted (PIVW), the robust inverse variance weighted (RIVW), and the Mendelian randomization-Egger (MR-Egger) methods were conducted for the MR analysis to estimate a causal effect and detect the directional pleiotropy. Results: No significant association between genetically determined TL with overall IS, LAS, or CES were found (all <i>p</i> > 0.05). SVS was associated with TL by the RIVW method (odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54⁻0.97, <i>p</i> = 0.028), after excluding rs9420907, rs10936599, and rs2736100. Conclusions: By a series of causal inference approaches using SNPs as IVs, no strong evidence to support the causal effect of shorter TL on IS and its subtypes were found.
Valeriya Vavilova, Irina Konopatskaia, Anastasia E. Kuznetsova
et al.
Abstract Background In rice, a variant of DEP1 gene results in erect panicle architecture, well-developed vascular bundles, an increase in the number of grains per panicle and a consequent increase in the grain yield. Interestingly, DEP1 homologs are present in the other cereals including species of wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare), even though they do not produce panicles but spikes. In barley, HvDEP1 alleles do not differ between strains of various ear types and geographic origins, while in at least three OsDEP1 variants have been described. Results In this work, we have studied the DEP1 gene from eight accessions which belong to four wheat species, T. monococcum, T. durum, T. compactum, and T. spelta, with either compact, compactoid or normal spike phenotypes. The nucleotide sequences of the 5th exon of DEP1 were determined for all eight accessions. Obtained sequences were species specific. Despite the interspecies diversity, all wheat sequences encoded polypeptides of the same size, similarly to the 5th exons of the DEP1 homologs in T. aestivum, T. urartu, and H. vulgare. For further study, the full-length sequences of the DEP1 gene for all four species were studied. The full-length DEP1 genomic copies were isolated from the genomic sequences of T. aestivum, T. urartu, and Aegilops tauschii. The genome of tetraploid wheat T. durum contains two variants of the DEP1 originating from A and B genomes. In the hexaploid wheats T. aestivum, T. compactum, and T. spelta, three variants of this gene originating from A, B, and D genomes were detected. DEP1 genes of the diploid wheats T. monococcum and T. urartu differ. It seems that a precursor of the DEP1 gene in T. monococcum originates from the wild progenitor T. boeoticum. Conclusion No DEP1-related differences of nucleotide sequences between the compact (or compactoid) and normal spike phenotypes in the tested wheat species were detected. Therefore, DEP1 gene does not directly participate in the control of the spike architecture in wheats.