J Formos Med Assoc
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Various microRNAs (miRs) have been found to be associated with the development of the precancerous condition of the oral cavity, oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). The expression of miR-29c is dysregulated in oral cancer, but its role in OSF has not been investigated. The purpose of the study is to investigate the functional role of miR-29c and its target in OSF. ⋯ MiR-29c seems to exert an inhibitory effect on myofibroblast activation, such as collagen gel contractility and migration ability, via suppressing TPM1. These results suggested that approaches to upregulate miR-29c may be able to ameliorate the progression of OSF.
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Unresectable anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have limited effects on it. Here, we present four cases who underwent immunotherapy for ATC. ⋯ The patient subsequently received dabrafenib (a BRAF inhibitor) and trametinib (a MEK inhibitor) treatment, which was continued for 10.2 months with a best response of partial remission. She died 18 months after the initial diagnosis (11.4 months after treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib). In conclusion, the treatment responses of immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with other therapies, were highly variable in patients with ATC and should be carefully monitored along with the side effects.
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Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor plus aspirin versus aspirin alone treated within 24 h after acute noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA. ⋯ CRD42020203730.
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The recent advance in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has significantly improved the prognosis of RA patients. However, these novel therapies do not work well for all RA patients. The unmet need suggests that the current understanding about how inflammatory response arises and progresses in RA is limited. ⋯ Moreover, in-depth analysis of tissue microenvironment will allow us to identify potential therapeutic targets. Research is now undertaken to explore potential candidates, both cellular and ECM molecules, to develop novel therapies. This article reviews recent advances in knowledge about how changes in cellular and ECM factors within the tissue microenvironment result in propagation of chronic inflammation in RA.