European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewCDK 4/6 and PI3K inhibitors: a new promise for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer represents a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, including both oestrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative tumours. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between ER and HER2 receptor pathways has led to the development of treatment strategies consisting of a simultaneous blockade of both signalling pathways, as a reasonable approach to prevent the onset of mechanisms of resistance. ⋯ Treatment landscape for HER2+ breast cancer is rapidly changing, and CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors represent a new promising strategy to improve patients' outcomes.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
Age-dependent messenger-RNA Expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.
Inflammation plays an important role in the ageing process in which monocytes/macrophages are important players. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are well-known inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age and the expression and correlation of ICAM-1, TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ⋯ The mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are higher in older adults than those in younger adults. TLR4 is an independent factor affecting ICAM-1 expression in PBMCs, especially in older adults. This may suggest that ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are potential biomarkers and their relationship may shed some light on the ageing process.
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We analyse the cardiovascular risk factors in patients undergoing screening for Isolated Iliac Aneurysm (IIA) and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and propose a logistic regression model to indicate patients at risk of IIA and/or AAA. ⋯ The proposed regression model can represent a valid aid to predict IIA and AAA presence and to select patients to be screened.
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During ageing, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and of cardiovascular disease CVD) increases. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between AD and CVD and its risk factors, with a view to explaining the underlying mechanisms of this association. This review is based on the material obtained via MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Clinical Trials databases, from January 1980 until May 2019. ⋯ Further research will help to clarify the real impact of CVD and its risk factors on AD, in order to better comprehend the effects of subclinical and clinical cardiovascular diseases on the brain. It may be hypothesized that there are various mechanisms underlying the association between AD and CVD, the main ones being: hypoperfusion and emboli, atherosclerosis, furthermore in both the heart and brain of AD patients, amyloid deposits may be present, thus causing damage to these organs. We need to clarify the real impact of these underlying hypothesized mechanisms and to investigate gender issues.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewInfluenza vaccination in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review.
There is a concern that influenza vaccination may increase the incidence of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available data on the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in cancer patients receiving ICIs. ⋯ The results of this systematic review support the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccination in cancer patients receiving ICIs. These results are particularly relevant in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.