Function and mechanism of neurotensin (NTS) and its receptor 1 (NTSR1) in occurrence and development of tumors.

As a neuropeptide, neurotensin (NTS) is widely expressed in central and peripheral nervous system, which is mainly mediated byneurotensin receptor1 (NTSR1) to activate the related downstream signaling pathways. After summarized the function and mechanism of NTS/NTSR1 in various malignant tumors, we found that NTS/NTSR1 played essential roles during tumor initiation and development. NTS/NTSR1 regulates tumor initiation, proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and differentiation mainly through three pathways, including IP3/Ca2+ /PKC/MAPKs pathway, MMPs/EGFR/MAPKs (PI3K/Akt) pathway, or Rho-GTPsaes and non-receptor tyrosine kinase pathway. Besides, NTS/NTSR1 is also regulated by some upstream pathways and some traditional Chinese medicine preparations and traditional Chinese medicine therapies. In this article, we summarized the function of NTS/NTSR1 and its mechanisms, and discussed the prospective in its application to clinical diagnosis and drugs targeting.

Fatal Vitamin K-Dependent Coagulopathy Associated with Cefoperazone/Sulbactam: A Case Report.

This case report describes a suspected and fatal adverse reaction involving vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy that might be associated with cefoperazone/sulbactam (CPZ/SAM), a combined antimicrobial formulation. We reported a patient diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction and secondary pulmonary infection who was treated with an intravenous infusion of CPZ/SAM at 3 g twice daily. After receiving treatment with CPZ/SAM, the patient developed a fatal adverse reaction of CPZ-induced hemorrhage. The Naranjo assessment score in this report was 5, suggesting that the patient's coagulation function disorder was potentially associated with the use of CPZ/SAM. To prevent vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy caused by CPZ/SAM, it is suggested to avoid cephalosporins in patients with a high risk of bleeding unless the need for cephalosporins is compelling.