Shining a Light on Selenium: a Meta-analysis of Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Selenium is a trace element with significant antioxidant activity. This study aimed to seek evidence concerning selenium supplementation in MS. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify the studies assessing the consumption rate, efficacy, and safety of selenium and selenium-containing supplementations in MS patients. The meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools. A total of 9 studies were included, which consisted of six studies regarding the rate of selenium supplement consumption in MS patients, with a total sample size of 2381 patients. Based on the quantitative synthesis, 14.3% (95% CI, 12.8-16.0%; I2, 3.58%) of MS patients had current selenium supplements usage, and 11.3% (95% CI, 7.6-16.6%; I2, 81.40%) of patients had used selenium supplements previously. Although there is no evidence regarding supplementation with selenium alone, three RCT studies reported the safety of selenium-containing supplementation use in MS with improved inflammation and oxidative stress conditions. The findings of this study show that over 10% of patients with MS used selenium supplements, with no clinical significance supporting the benefits. There is a lack of evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of selenium supplements in MS patients. Due to the limited number of included studies and the lack of comprehensive and specific studies regarding selenium supplements in MS, the results must be interpreted with caution, and future clinical trials are required.

A novel mutation in the ALS2 gene in an iranian kurdish family with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare disorder that affects both upper and lower motor neurons. Mutations in Alsin Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor (ALS2) correlates with three similar but distinctive syndromes, including the juvenile form of ALS. An Iranian Kurdish family was involved in this study and all members were evaluated with relevant clinical guidelines. Whole exome sequencing and sanger sequencing were applied to all family members to undermine the possible genetic factors. A substitution c. 2110 C>T (p. Arg704X) identified in the ALS2 gene. Bioinformatics analysis indicated the mutation is located in the well-conserved and functional domain of the protein. This study recognized a novel mutation in the ALS2 gene in a proband with the juvenile form of ALS. To our knowledge, this is the first identified ALS2 mutation among the Iranian population.

Anoikis in cancer: The role of lipid signaling.

Malignantly transformed cells must alter their metabolic status to stay viable in a harsh microenvironment and maintain their ability to invade and spread. Anoikis, a specific detachment-related form of apoptotic cell death, is a potential barrier to cancer cell metastasis. Several molecular/pathway alterations have been implicated in preventing anoikis in metastatic cancers. Specific alterations in the lipid metabolism machinery (such as an increase in fatty acid uptake and synthesis) and modifications in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism are partially identified mechanisms associated with the anoikis resistance in various types of cancers, among other survival benefits. Following a summary of the molecular basis of the anoikis pathway, its resistance mechanisms, and the fundamentals of lipid metabolism in cancer, this article aims to elucidate the impact of lipid metabolism deviations recruited by cancer cells to escape anoikis.

Porcn as a novel therapeutic target in cancer therapy: A review.

Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the main oncogenic pathways in different malignancies. Therefore, targeting this pathway has been considered an exciting strategy in cancer treatment. Porcn is among the central enzymes in this pathway that has recently been considered for cancer-targeted therapy. As a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, Porcn plays a critical role in wnt ligand palmitoylation and its subsequent secretion. In addition to Porcn's role in stem cell signaling and differentiation, recent findings have shown its role in developing and progressing colorectal, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. Developed small molecule inhibitors have also opened a promising window toward cancer treatment strategies. In this review, the structure and biological role of Porcn in different cancer-related signaling pathways and inhibitors used for inhibiting this enzyme are discussed.