Life sciences
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In prostate cancer development, the androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays a crucial role during both formation of early prostate lesions and progression to the lethal, incurable castration resistant stage. Accordingly, numerous approaches have been developed to inhibit AR activity including androgen deprivation therapy, application of the AR antagonists as well as the use of taxanes. However, these treatments, although effective initially, resistance inevitably occur for most of the patients within several years and limiting the therapeutic efficacy. ⋯ Accumulating evidences have suggested that synthesis of AR splicing variants, in particular, the constitutively active AR-V7, is one of the most important mechanisms that contribute to the abnormal AR signaling. In addition, clinical data also highlight the potential of using AR-V7 as a predictive biomarker and a therapeutic target in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In this review, we summarize the recent findings concerning the specific role of AR-V7 in CRPC progression, drug resistance and its potential value in clinical assessment.
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The activation of the angiotensin (Ang) II after acute kidney injury (AKI) triggers oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade which involved not only the kidneys but also the brain. Ang II through the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) may have deleterious effects on hippocampal synaptic transmission and cognitive functions under uremic encephalopathy. The present study was conducted to examine the effects of AT1R antagonist on AKI-induced cognitive and synaptic plasticity impairment. ⋯ The present study conclusively demonstrated a protective role of AT1R antagonist losartan in hippocampal complication and neurocognitive dysfunction after AKI via modulating oxidative stress.
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Treatment with immunotherapy has made a significant impact on the outcomes for those patients suffering from lung cancer and its usage is currently an established treatment modality. Immune checkpoint inhibition that has blocking antibodies which target cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) along with the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathway [programmed death - 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)] have shown promising results for numerous malignancies. ⋯ Despite such benefits, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with a unique pattern of immune-related adverse effects or side effects. Also, resistance is routinely developing in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The current review provides an overview of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in lung cancer, its resistance, and adverse effects.
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The prevalence of autoimmune diseases (ADs) has increased over the past few decades. Vitamin D deficiency is a common factor in many of these diseases, whose etiology remains poorly understood. ⋯ Most studies show that adequate supplementation can prevent and improve the development of some of these diseases, although the optimal vitamin D dose remains controversial. We highlight the importance of measuring serum vitamin D levels of the population and developing strategies to improve and maintain levels with no health risks.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the suppressor of activator protein-1 regulated by interferon (SARI), in the development and progression of prostate cancer. ⋯ In this study, high SARI expression was found to be negatively correlated with the development and progression of prostate cancer.