Epstein-Barr Virus and the Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), defined as a group I carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is present in the tumour cells of patients with different forms of B-cell lymphoma, including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and, most recently, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Understanding how EBV contributes to the development of these different types of B-cell lymphoma has not only provided fundamental insights into the underlying mechanisms of viral oncogenesis, but has also highlighted potential new therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we describe the effects of EBV infection in normal B-cells and we address the germinal centre model of infection and how this can lead to lymphoma in some instances. We then explore the recent reclassification of EBV+ DLBCL as an established entity in the WHO fifth edition and ICC 2022 classifications, emphasising the unique nature of this entity. To that end, we also explore the unique genetic background of this entity and briefly discuss the potential role of the tumour microenvironment in lymphomagenesis and disease progression. Despite the recent progress in elucidating the mechanisms of this malignancy, much work remains to be done to improve patient stratification, treatment strategies, and outcomes.

Pharmaceuticals in environment: the effect of ivermectin on ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.).

The anthelmintic drug ivermectin (IVM), used frequently especially in veterinary medicine, enters the environment mainly via excrements in pastures and could negatively affect non-target organisms including plants. The present study was designed to follow up on our previous investigations into IVM metabolism and its effects in the common meadow plant ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) during long-term exposure of both cell suspensions and whole plant regenerants. IVM uptake, distribution, and biotransformation pathways were studied using UHPLC-MS analysis. In addition, the IVM effect on antioxidant enzymes activities, proline concentration, the content of all polyphenols, and the level of the main bioactive secondary metabolites was also tested with the goal of learning more about IVM-induced stress in the plant organism. Our results showed that the ribwort plantain was able to uptake IVM and transform it via demethylation and hydroxylation. Seven and six metabolites respectively were detected in cell suspensions and in the roots of regenerants. However, only the parent drug IVM was detected in the leaves of the regenerants. IVM accumulated in the roots and leaves of plants might negatively affect ecosystems due to its toxicity to herbivorous invertebrates. As IVM exposition increased the activity of catalase, the concentration of proline and polyphenols, as well as decreased the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and the concentration of the bioactive compounds acteoside and aucubin, long-term exposition of the ribwort plantain to IVM caused abiotic stress and might decrease the medicinal value of this herb.