RESUMO
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells' EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.
RESUMO
The quality of life of patients with certain diseases may be improved through the development of technologies and advancements in pharmacology, with the aim of prolonging their life. However, congestive heart failure (CHF), as well their complications, continue to be the leading cause of disease-associated death. The mechanisms underlying the development and progression of diabetes and CHF have been uncovered in a stepwise manner and the understanding of these mechanisms has improved the management of these diseases, resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity rates; however, CHF remains the leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in developed countries. In the past decades, research has indicated that several supplements and naturally occurring compounds may be used to treat muscle weakness, for cardiac failure management, rehabilitation following myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and various complications of diabetes. D-ribose is an essential component of the respiratory, skeletal and nervous systems and is a popular compound, as its supplementation may have beneficial effects. In the present review, the physiological roles, toxic reactions and the potential use of D-ribose in the management of clinical diseases are summarized.
RESUMO
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of proteolytic enzymes, which perform a crucial role in the metastatic spread of cancer. MMP2 and MMP9 are important cancer-associated MMPs in the invasion and metastasis of the majority of carcinomas. As a new member of the membrane-type MMPs, the function of MMP16 associated with invasion and metastasis of cancer remains unclear. In the present study, MMP16 expression in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues and cells was examined, and the high expression of MMP16 was revealed to be associated with advanced prostate tumor stage and PCa cell metastasis. The membrane localization of MMP16 is required for its function. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that MMP16 is associated with advanced prostate tumor stage. As an important mediator of PCa cell metastasis, the membrane localization of MMP16 is required, and MMP16 may be an ideal target candidate for preventing PCa cell metastasis.