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Topic Review
Inflammation and Cancer
Chronic inflammation exerts a pivotal role in cancer development, progression, and prognosis. This entry delves into the intricate association between inflammation and cancer, elucidating its triggers, mechanisms, and far-reaching consequences. Chronic infections, environmental pollutants, and lifestyle factors can initiate and sustain inflammation, while inflammatory cells, mediators, and pathways orchestrate cancer-related processes. This interplay molds the tumor microenvironment, fosters therapeutic resistance, and negatively impacts prognosis. Understanding inflammation's role in cancer not only enhances our comprehension of tumorigenesis but also offers potential avenues for novel prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately promising a brighter future in the fight against this formidable disease.
  • 336
  • 11 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Fertility Preservation in Transgender Men Patients
Fertility preservation (FP) is becoming a critical issue in transgender men who desire biological offspring in the future. The prevalence of transgender individuals in the United States is increasing, and as a result, the demand for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) and associated FP techniques is rising.
  • 334
  • 08 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Krüppel-like Factor 10 for Prognostic and Predictive Biomarker
Despite recent improvement in chemotherapy regimens for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the clinical outcomes are still unsatisfactory compared to other solid tumors. Radiotherapy was demonstrated to improve locoregional control of PDAC; however, the survival benefit of radiotherapy in localized PDAC is undefined due to early distant progression in the majority of patients. Upfront chemotherapy for localized PDAC was suggested recently to avoid radical local therapy for patients of localized PDAC high risk of distant metastasis. Potential tissue biomarkers were developed to select PDAC patients who will benefit from local radiotherapy. 
  • 332
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Epigenetics and the Production of Cultivars
As the global population continues to grow, food demand will be reaching levels which current agricultural practices cannot meet. This projected demand combined with the negative impacts of climate change on crop production calls for more careful breeding efforts to develop better adapted plants more tolerant to climate fluctuations. Fortunately, the development of molecular biology techniques like genome, transcriptome and epigenome sequencing now offer new approaches to help classical breeding meet these challenges.
  • 330
  • 15 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The Beta-Globin Locus and the Hemoglobin Switching
Beta-hemoglobinopathies are the most common genetic disorders worldwide, caused by a wide spectrum of mutations in the β-globin locus, and associated with morbidity and early mortality in case of patient non-adherence to supportive treatment. Allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (allo-HSCT) used to be the only curative option, although the indispensable need for an HLA-matched donor markedly restricted its universal application. Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), a syndrome characterized by increased γ-globin levels, when co-inherited with β-thalassemia or SCD, converts hemoglobinopathies to a benign condition with mild clinical phenotype.The evolution of gene therapy approaches made possible the ex vivo delivery of a therapeutic β- or γ- globin gene into patient-derived hematopoietic stem cells followed by the transplantation of corrected cells into myeloablated patients, having led to high rates of transfusion independence (thalassemia) or complete resolution of painful crises (sickle cell disease-SCD).  
  • 330
  • 29 Jun 2023
Topic Review
ROS in External Digestion by Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants attract animals, trap and kill them, and absorb nutrients from the digested bodies. This unusual (for autotrophs) type of nutrient acquisition evolved through the conversion of photosynthetically active leaves into specialised organs commonly called traps. The genus Nepenthes (pitcher plants) consists of approximately 169 species belonging to the group of carnivorous plants. Pitcher plants are characterised by specialised passive traps filled with a digestive fluid. The digestion that occurs inside the traps of carnivorous plants depends on the activities of many enzymes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) also participate in the digestive process.
  • 327
  • 10 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Risks
Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) with pharmacological potential can be rapidly taken up by a variety of cell types and have the potential to traverse intracellular and intercellular barriers. NPs can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species, activate the complement system, or impair the functionality of membranes and cellular barriers, depending on the kind, dose, and incubation period. These acts cause immediate or persistent damage to the organism, which can result in catastrophic consequences such as inflammation, gene mutations, and severe organ damage.
  • 326
  • 28 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Relevance of Genetic Identification in Natural Catastrophes
Different types of catastrophes, including from natural causes, armed conflicts and different acts of terrorism, lead not only to movement and disappearance but also to the death of civilians, demanding a prompt and effective response concerning the identification and delivery of individuals to their families.
  • 326
  • 14 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Autophagy in Brief
This comprehensive entry delves into the multifaceted world of autophagy, a cellular process with profound implications for health and disease. Beginning with an exploration of the autophagic machinery, we uncover the intricate roles played by autophagosomes, autophagy-related proteins (ATGs), and lysosomes in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The regulatory mechanisms orchestrating autophagy, from mTOR to cellular stresses and post-translational modifications, are dissected, highlighting the precise control of this essential process. Autophagy's dual nature in health is unraveled, showcasing its role as a protector, eliminating toxic aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, bolstering immunity, regulating metabolism, and potentially promoting healthy aging. Conversely, its dark side emerges in diseases, where dysregulation contributes to cancer cell survival, neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and pathogen exploitation.The therapeutic potential of autophagy is unveiled, as researchers explore autophagy modulators in cancer therapy, neurodegenerative disease treatments, and metabolic disorder management, with a promising avenue for anti-aging interventions. Yet, navigating autophagy's complexities presents challenges: contextual effects, safety concerns, the need for biomarkers, and the integration of autophagy-targeting therapies with existing treatments. In this ever-evolving field, understanding autophagy's intricacies is a captivating journey with far-reaching implications for human health.
  • 326
  • 14 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are caused by disorders in the mitochondria, which are organelles present in the eukaryotic cells of animals, plants and fungi, and their function is to produce energy.
  • 325
  • 19 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Oxytocin in Early-Life-Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Early-life stress during critical periods of brain development can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. Oxytocin is a critical social regulator and anti-inflammatory hormone that modulates stress-related functions and social behaviors and alleviates diseases. Oxytocin-related neural systems show high plasticity in early postpartum and adolescent periods. Early-life stress can influence the oxytocin system long term by altering the expression and signaling of oxytocin receptors. Deficits in social behavior, emotional control, and stress responses may result, thus increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other stress-related neuropsychiatric diseases. Oxytocin is regarded as an important target for the treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. 
  • 325
  • 21 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Animal Models of Crohn Disease
Animal models are essential tools in Crohn's disease (CD) research. Mouse models, with their genetic tractability, and rat models, with physiological similarities to humans, allow researchers to explore CD's immunological aspects. Non-human primates, particularly rhesus macaques, provide insights into CD's complex immune interactions and allow for therapeutic testing. Zebrafish models offer optical transparency during development and a simplified gut structure for studying early CD pathogenesis. Porcine models, resembling humans more closely, enable investigations into mucosal healing, microbiota interactions, and surgical interventions. Humanized mouse models bridge the gap between animals and humans, offering a platform to study human-specific immune responses in CD research.
  • 325
  • 11 Sep 2023
Topic Review
CDK4/6 Inhibitors’ Resistance Mechanisms
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and its functional homolog CDK6 are two structurally related kinases with biochemical and biological similarities. Despite having few differences in some of their activities, these enzymes are constantly expressed throughout the cell cycle and, with their partners, D-cyclins, are fundamental for integrating mitogenic and antimitogenic extracellular signals, among which stimulating factors, cytokines, cell–cell contacts and other factors are included, representing a boundary between the environment and the cell cycle machinery. The cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex is a driving force that controls the transition from the G1 to the S phases. Also, the INK4 (the cyclin D-CDK4/6 inhibitor molecule) retinoblastoma protein (pRb) pathway regulates cellular proliferation by controlling the G1 to the S cell cycle checkpoint. The dysregulation of this pathway is frequently observed in cancer and contributes to cell cycle progression and persistent growth. CDK4/6 mediates the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase by associating with D-type cyclins and regulating the phosphorylation state of pRb. Unphosphorylated pRb binds and represses the functions of the E2 family (E2F) transcription factors; upon phosphorylation, pRb dissociates from the E2F transcription factors, freeing them to be able to participate in DNA replication and cell division.
  • 325
  • 09 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Biological Activities of Naringin
Naringin (NG), a natural flavanone glycoside, possesses a multitude of pharmacological properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis, and lipid-lowering functions, and serves as a facilitator for the absorption of other drugs. 
  • 324
  • 20 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Systems Immunology Approach for Tumor Microenvironment
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic system that plays a critical role in cancer development and progression. It consists of a variety of cell types, including cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells (fibroblasts and endothelial cells), as well as extracellular matrix components and signaling molecules.
  • 323
  • 08 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Polyamines and Physical Activity in Musculoskeletal Diseases
Autophagy dysregulation is commonplace in the pathogenesis of several invalidating diseases, such as musculoskeletal diseases. Polyamines are emerging as natural autophagy regulators with strong anti-aging effects. Recent studies indicate that spermidine reverses dysfunctional autophagy and stimulates mitophagy in muscles and heart, preventing senescence. Physical exercise, as polyamines, regulates skeletal muscle mass inducing proper autophagy and mitophagy. In addition, the combination of spermidine supplementation and regular physical exercise could have positive effects on reactivating the autophagic process flux, maintaining the skeletal muscle mass, and delaying its senescence. This suggests that exercise and spermidine may share mediators acting on similar pathways in autophagy and related processes involved in muscle maintenance. Therefore, the established geroprotective effect of spermidine supplementation and regular practice of exercise might also be promising to prevent or improve age-related musculoskeletal diseases. 
  • 321
  • 25 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Therapeutic Potential of Ganoderma lucidum in Cancer
Triterpenoids, such as ganoderic acid, and polysaccharides, including β-D-glucans, α-D-glucans, and α-D-mannans, are the main secondary metabolites of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum. There is evidence of the effects of ganoderic acid in hematological malignancies, whose mechanisms involve the stimulation of immune response, the macrophage-like differentiation, the activation of MAP-K pathway, an IL3-dependent cytotoxic action, the induction of cytoprotective autophagy, and the induction of apoptosis. In fact, this compound has been tested in twenty-six different human cancer cell types and has shown an anti-proliferative activity, especially in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma lines. 
  • 321
  • 01 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Small Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiac Diseases
Effective intercellular communication is essential for cellular and tissue balance maintenance and response to challenges. Cellular communication methods involve direct cell contact or the release of biological molecules to cover short and long distances.
  • 320
  • 04 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Physiological Contributors to Sensitive Skin Syndrome
Sensitive Skin Syndrome (SSS) has been the subject of intense research. Although certain phenotypes are more susceptible, anyone can suffer from SSS and this condition can manifest in all anatomic sites. A number of physiological differences have been identified in individuals with SSS.
  • 319
  • 10 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Keap1-Nrf2 Heterodimer in Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic inheritable disease characterized by severe anemia, increased hemolysis, and recurrent, painful vaso-occlusive crises due to the polymerization of hemoglobin S (HbS)-generated oxidative stress. Only four drugs are approved for SCD in the US. However, each of these drugs affects only a limited array of SCD pathologies. Importantly, curative therapies, such as gene therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are not available for every patient because of their high costs, availability of donor matching, and their serious adverse effects. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need for novel therapeutic strategies that target broader SCD sequelae. SCD phenotypic severity can be alleviated by increasing fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression. This results in the inhibition of HbS polymerization and thus sickling, and a reduction in oxidative stress. The efficacy of HbF is due to its ability to dilute HbS levels below the threshold required for polymerization and to influence HbS polymer stability in RBCs. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1)-complex signaling is one of the most important cytoprotective signaling controlling oxidative stress. Nrf2 is present in most organs and, after dissociation from Keap1, it accumulates in the cytoplasm, then translocates to the nucleus where it binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) sequences and increases the expression of various cytoprotective antioxidant genes. Keeping this in mind, various researchers have proposed a role of multiple agents, more importantly tert-Butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), curcumin, etc., (having electrophilic properties) in inhibiting keap1 activity, so that Nrf2 can translocate to the nucleus to activate the gamma globin gene, thus maintaining alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein (AHSP) and HbF levels. This leads to reduced oxidative stress, consequently minimizing SCD-associated complications. 
  • 317
  • 29 Mar 2023
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