Identification of inflammatory factor-related genes associated with the prognosis and immune cell infiltration in colorectal cancer patients.

This study aims to identify the inflammatory factor-related genes which help to predict the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) was used to acquire inflammation-related genes and the corresponding expression information was collected from TCGA database to determine the DEGs (differentially-expressed genes) in CRC patients. We conducted enrichment analysis and PPI (protein-protein interaction) of these DEGs. Besides, key genes that are both differentially-expressed and prognosis-related were screened out, which were used to establish the prognostic model. We obtained 79 DEGs and 19 prognostic genes, 10 prognostic-related differential genes were eventually screened. These genes were used to construct the prognostic model. We also identified that the immune infiltration score of macrophages between different risk groups was significantly different and similar distinction was witnessed in immune function score of APC (antigen-presenting cell) co-stimulation and type I IFN (interferon) response.

The role of platelets in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis: the mechanisms and targeted therapy.

Platelets are a class of pluripotent cells that, in addition to hemostasis and maintaining vascular endothelial integrity, are also involved in tumor growth and distant metastasis. The tumor microenvironment is a complex and comprehensive system composed of tumor cells and their surrounding immune and inflammatory cells, tumor-related fibroblasts, nearby interstitial tissues, microvessels, and various cytokines and chemokines. As an important member of the tumor microenvironment, platelets can promote tumor invasion and metastasis through various mechanisms. Understanding the role of platelets in tumor metastasis is important for diagnosing the risk of metastasis and prolonging survival. In this study, we more fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which platelets promote tumor growth and metastasis by modulating processes, such as immune escape, angiogenesis, tumor cell homing, and tumor cell exudation, and further summarize the effects of platelet-tumor cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment and possible tumor treatment strategies based on platelet studies. Our summary will more comprehensively and clearly demonstrate the role of platelets in tumor metastasis, so as to help clinical judgment of the potential risk of metastasis in cancer patients, with a view to improving the prognosis of patients.