Annals of medicine
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Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer stem-like cells form a special subpopulation of cells that are ubiquitous in tumors. These cells exhibit similar characteristics to those of normal stem cells in tissues; moreover, they are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as high tumorigenicity and drug resistance. In prostate cancer (PCa), it is difficult to kill these cells using androgen signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs. Consequently, the residual prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) mediate tumor recurrence and progression. ⋯ A deeper understanding of the regulatory network and molecular markers of PCSCs could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this treatment approach. In the future, this may offer alternative treatment options for PCa patients.
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Review
Effect of cold atmospheric plasma on common oral pathogenic microorganisms: a narrative review.
The oral microbiota is a diverse and complex community that maintains a delicate balance. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to acute and chronic infectious diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis, significantly affecting people's quality of life. Developing a new antimicrobial strategy to deal with the increasing microbial variability and resistance is important. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), as the fourth state of matter, has gradually become a hot topic in the field of biomedicine due to its good antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor capabilities. It is expected to become a major asset in the regulation of oral microbiota. ⋯ CAP is effective against various oral pathogenic microorganisms, and it is anticipated to offer a new approach to treating oral infectious diseases. The future objective is to precisely adjust the parameters of CAP to ensure safety and efficacy, and subsequently develop a comprehensive CAP treatment protocol. Achieving this objective is crucial for the clinical application of CAP, and further research is necessary.
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Review
Gut microbiota and endometrial cancer: research progress on the pathogenesis and application.
As one of the three major malignant tumors in women, the morbidity of endometrial cancer is second only to that of cervical cancer and is increasing yearly. Its etiological mechanism is not clear, and the risk factors are numerous and common and are closely related to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, etc. ⋯ In the last few years, research on the gut microbiota has been unprecedentedly popular, and it has been confirmed that the gut microbiota closely correlates with the occurrence and development of all kinds of benign and malignant diseases. In this article, the effects of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer is reviewed, and its application in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer is explored.
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A high recurrence rate is undesirable after treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. A major risk factor identified for recurrence is that invasive techniques, including surgical or endoscopic treatments, will impair the biliary tract system either by direct incision of the CBD or by cutting or dilating the ampulla of Vater. ⋯ In this review, the relationship between endoscopic lithotomy and structural impairment or functional abnormality of the SO will be summarized, and their relationship with the recurrence of CBD stones will also be analyzed. Further improvement of these endoscopic methods or exploration of some novel methods, such as endoscopic endoclip papilloplasty, temporary insertion of a self-expandable metal stent, and combined application of peroral cholangioscopy, may aid in providing more appropriate treatment for patients with choledocholithiasis, repair or protect the function and structure of SO, reduce or prevent the recurrence of bile duct stones, and improve patient outcomes.
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Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a significant clinical concern, with detection rates increasing due to advances in imaging technologies. However, precise mechanisms underlying their pathophysiology remain incompletely understood. Recent evidence suggests a pivotal role of oral microbiota dysbiosis, particularly periodontal pathogens, in systemic inflammation that may contribute to IA development and rupture. ⋯ The findings highlight the importance of maintaining oral microbiota homeostasis as a potential therapeutic target for preventing IAs. Interventions aimed at restoring oral microbial balance may represent a novel strategy for reducing the burden of IA formation and rupture, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to oral health and IAs prevention.