RIPK3 and RIPK1 gene expression in pterygium: unveiling molecular insights into pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Pterygium, characterized by the abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells, matrix remodeling, vascularization, and lesion migration, is a prevalent ocular surface disease involving the growth of fibrovascular tissue on the cornea. Despite the unclear underlying causes of pterygium, numerous investigations have indicated the involvement of cell death pathways in the regulation of cell cycle dynamics. Consequently, the objective of this study was to assess the expression levels of necroptosis markers in individuals diagnosed with pterygium, aiming to shed light on the potential role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of this condition. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) and receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) genes in pterygium tissues. 41 patients undergoing pterygium excision surgery were recruited. Resected pterygium samples and normal conjunctival tissues were collected, and RIPK3 and RIPK1 mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that the expression of RIPK3 is significantly increased in samples obtained from individuals with pterygium. However, no significant alterations were observed in the expression of RIPK1 in these samples. Results showed significantly higher RIPK3 expression in pterygium tissues compared to controls. Moreover, increased RIPK3 levels correlated negatively with pterygium recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest RIPK3 may play a protective role against pterygium recurrence through necroptosis.

Circulatory long noncoding RNAs (circulatory-LNC-RNAs) as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases: Implications for cardiovascular diseases complications.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders with major global health consequences. The prevalence of CVDs continues to grow due to population-aging and lifestyle modifications. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as key regulators of cell signaling pathways have gained attention in the occurrence and development of CVDs. Exosomal-lncRNAs (exos-lncRNAs) are emerging biomarkers due to their high sensitivity and specificity, stability, accuracy and accessibility in the biological fluids. Recently, circulatory and exos-based-lncRNAs are emerging and novel bio-tools in various pathogenic conditions. It is worth mentioning that dysregulation of these molecules has been found in different types of CVDs. In this regard, we aimed to discuss the knowledge gaps and suggest research priorities regarding circulatory and exos-lncRNAs as novel bio-tools and therapeutic targets for CVDs.

Non-invasive monitoring associated with B lymphoma cells in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients: Systematic review.

BACKGROUND: One of the most severe side effects of solid-organ transplantation is posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). People with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), an immunosuppressive disease comparable to HIV, have a higher chance of developing lymphoma when their peripheral blood contains elevated levels of the immunoglobulins kappa and lambda free light chains (FLCs). METHODS: This systematic review's objective was to monitor associated B lymphoma cells in PTLD patients. In order to find relevant studies published between 1/1/2000 and 1/9/2022, two independent researchers conducted searches (MT, AJ). A literature search of English language publications was conducted using MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASETM through Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and Trip. In addition to Magiran and SID, we searched KoreaMed and LILACS for literature published in other languages. sFLC or PTLD, transplant, or Electrophoresis are terms used in the search strategy. RESULTS: A total of 174 studies were selected. After analyzing their correspondence with the required criteria, a final review of five studies was conducted. The manuscript presents current findings on the potential benefits of the clinical applicability of sFLCs in PTLD. While the preliminary results appear promising, the only consistent result is that early-onset PTLD is predicted within the first two years after transplant, a biomarker that could be used to diagnose the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, PTLD has been predicted by using the sFLCs. There have been contradictory results to date. Future research could include assessing the quantity of sFLCs and their quality in transplant recipients. In addition to PTLD and complications after transplantation, sFLCs may provide insight into other diseases. To confirm the validity of sFLCs, more studies are needed.

Foam Cells as Therapeutic Targets in Atherosclerosis with a Focus on the Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs.

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of human cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality around the world. Various physiological and pathological processes are involved, including chronic inflammation, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, development of an environment characterized by oxidative stress and improper immune responses. Accordingly, the expansion of novel targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis is necessary. In this study, we focus on the role of foam cells in the development of atherosclerosis. The specific therapeutic goals associated with each stage in the formation of foam cells and the development of atherosclerosis will be considered. Processing and metabolism of cholesterol in the macrophage is one of the main steps in foam cell formation. Cholesterol processing involves lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification and cholesterol efflux, which ultimately leads to cholesterol equilibrium in the macrophage. Recently, many preclinical studies have appeared concerning the role of non-encoding RNAs in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Non-encoding RNAs, especially microRNAs, are considered regulators of lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of genes involved in the uptake (e.g., CD36 and LOX1) esterification (ACAT1) and efflux (ABCA1, ABCG1) of cholesterol. They are also able to regulate inflammatory pathways, produce cytokines and mediate foam cell apoptosis. We have reviewed important preclinical evidence of their therapeutic targeting in atherosclerosis, with a special focus on foam cell formation.