The role and clinical relevance of long non-coding RNAs in glioma.

Glioma represents a complex and heterogeneous disease, posing significant challenges to both clinicians and researchers. Despite notable advancements in glioma treatment, the overall survival rate for most glioma patients remains dishearteningly low. Hence, there is an urgent necessity to discover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets specifically tailored for glioma. In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression and have garnered attention for their involvement in the development and progression of various cancers, including glioma. The dysregulation of lncRNAs plays a critical role in glioma pathogenesis and influences clinical outcomes. Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. By understanding the functions and dysregulation of lncRNAs in glioma, researchers aim to unlock new avenues for the development of innovative treatment strategies catered to glioma patients. The identification and thorough characterization of lncRNAs hold the promise of novel therapeutic approaches that could potentially improve patient outcomes and enhance the management of glioma, ultimately striving for better prospects and enhanced quality of life for those affected by this challenging disease. The primary objective of this paper is to comprehensively review the current state of knowledge regarding lncRNA biology and their intricate roles in glioma. It also delves into the potential of lncRNAs as valuable diagnostic and prognostic indicators and explores their feasibility as promising targets for therapeutic interventions.

MiRNAs and lncRNAs in the regulation of innate immune signaling.

The detection and defense against foreign agents and pathogens by the innate immune system is a crucial mechanism in the body. A comprehensive understanding of the signaling mechanisms involved in innate immunity is essential for developing effective diagnostic tools and therapies for infectious diseases. Innate immune response is a complex process involving recognition of pathogens through receptors, activation of signaling pathways, and cytokine production, which are all crucial for deploying appropriate countermeasures. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are vital regulators of the immune response during infections, mediating the body's defense mechanisms. However, an overactive immune response can lead to tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis is a complex process in which ncRNAs play a significant role. Recent studies have identified microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as key players in controlling gene expression in innate immune pathways, thereby participating in antiviral defenses, tumor immunity, and autoimmune diseases. MiRNAs act by regulating host defense mechanisms against viruses, bacteria, and fungi by targeting mRNA at the post-transcriptional level, while lncRNAs function as competing RNAs, blocking the binding of miRNAs to mRNA. This review provides an overview of the regulatory role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in innate immunity and its mechanisms, as well as highlights potential future research directions, including the expression and maturation of new ncRNAs and the conservation of ncRNAs in evolution.

Three-Dimensional Endoscopy-Assisted Excision and Reconstruction for Metastatic Disease of the Dorsal and Lumbar Spine: Early Results.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the role of three-dimensional (3D) endoscopy in surgical management of metastatic disease of the dorsal and lumbar spine. METHODS: This is a prospective study on 33 patients (15 men and 18 women, mean age of 61.6 ± 8.9 years) with biopsy-proven metastatic disease of the spine managed by sequential/staged posterior decompression-stabilization, followed by 3D endoscopy-assisted anterior corpectomy and stabilization with a mesh cage. All patients had significant extradural compression or spinal instability or both. Sixteen patients had neurological deficits. Visual analog scale (VAS), Frenkel grade (neurological deficits), Karnofsky performance status scale, and the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) were used for assessment preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months from surgery. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 1.7 ± 0.7 years from surgery, 18 patients were alive. VAS showed significant improvement at the latest follow-up compared to preoperative levels (4.39 vs. 6.61, p = 0.001). Karnofsky status did not show any significant improvement. Frenkel grade improved in 5 patients, deteriorated in 4 patients, and remained unchanged in 24 patients. Regarding SF-36 parameters, general health showed deterioration, but role functioning-physical, role functioning-emotional, social functioning, and body pain showed statistically significant improvement. There was no change in physical health, viability, and mental health. Subjectively the surgeons felt better depth perception and smoother surgical experience with the 3D optics technology. The only complication was delayed wound healing in three patients who had a previous history of radiotherapy to the surgical site. CONCLUSIONS: 3D endoscopy is a valuable tool in the management of metastatic spinal disease requiring excision and reconstruction using the combined posterior and anterior approaches. These early results warrant confirmation with more data and longer follow-ups.