Prognostic Value of Histone Acetyl Transferase 1 (HAT-1) and Inflammatory Signatures in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a type of gastrointestinal tumor with a growing incidence and mortality worldwide. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes 90% of cases, and late-stage diagnosis is common, leading to a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% in high-income countries. The use of biomarkers has different proven translational applications, facilitating early diagnosis, accurate prognosis and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Several studies have shown a correlation between the tissue expression levels of various molecules, measured through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and survival rates in PDAC. Following the hallmarks of cancer, epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming, together with immune evasion and tumor-promoted inflammation, plays a critical role in cancer initiation and development. In this study, we aim to explore via IHC and Kaplan-Meier analyses the prognostic value of various epigenetic-related markers (histones 3 and 4 (H3/H4), histone acetyl transferase 1 (HAT-1), Anti-Silencing Function 1 protein (ASF1), Nuclear Autoantigenic Sperm Protein (NASP), Retinol Binding Protein 7 (RBBP7), importin 4 (IPO4) and IPO5), metabolic regulators (Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM)) and inflammatory mediators (allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-12A and IL-18) in patients with PDAC. Also, through a correlation analysis, we have explored the possible interconnections in the expression levels of these molecules. Our results show that higher expression levels of these molecules are directly associated with poorer survival rates in PDAC patients, except in the case of IL-10, which shows an inverse association with mortality. HAT1 was the molecule more clearly associated with mortality, with a hazard risk of 21.74. The correlogram demonstrates an important correlation between almost all molecules studied (except in the case of IL-18), highlighting potential interactions between these molecules. Overall, our study demonstrates the relevance of including different markers from IHC techniques in order to identify unexplored molecules to develop more accurate prognosis methods and possible targeted therapies. Additionally, our correlation analysis reveals potential interactions among these markers, offering insights into PDAC's pathogenesis and paving the way for targeted therapies tailored to individual patient profiles. Future studies should be conducted to confirm the prognostic value of these components in PDAC in a broader sample size, as well as to evaluate the possible biological networks connecting them.

Autophagy in Its (Proper) Context: Molecular Basis, Biological Relevance, Pharmacological Modulation, and Lifestyle Medicine.

Autophagy plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to various stress conditions by the degradation of intracellular components. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of autophagy's cellular and molecular basis, biological significance, pharmacological modulation, and its relevance in lifestyle medicine. We delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms that govern autophagy, including macroautophagy, microautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Moreover, we highlight the biological significance of autophagy in aging, immunity, metabolism, apoptosis, tissue differentiation and systemic diseases, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We also discuss the latest advancements in pharmacological modulation of autophagy and their potential implications in clinical settings. Finally, we explore the intimate connection between lifestyle factors and autophagy, emphasizing how nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns and environmental factors can significantly impact the autophagic process. The integration of lifestyle medicine into autophagy research opens new avenues for promoting health and longevity through personalized interventions.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): State of the Art and Future Directions.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a type of death that occurs suddenly and without any apparent explanation, affecting infants between 28 days of life and up to a year. Recognition of this entity includes performing an autopsy to determine if there is another explanation for the event and performing both an external and internal examination of the different tissues to search for possible histopathological findings. Despite the relative success of awareness campaigns and the implementation of prevention measures, SIDS still represents one of the leading causes of death among infants worldwide. In addition, although the development of different techniques has made it possible to make significant progress in the characterization of the etiopathogenic mechanisms underlying SIDS, there are still many unknowns to be resolved in this regard and the integrative consideration of this syndrome represents an enormous challenge to face both from a point of view scientific and medical view as humanitarian. For all these reasons, this paper aims to summarize the most relevant current knowledge of SIDS, exploring from the base the characterization and recognition of this condition, its forensic findings, its risk factors, and the main prevention measures to be implemented. Likewise, an attempt will be made to analyze the causes and pathological mechanisms associated with SIDS, as well as potential approaches and future paths that must be followed to reduce the impact of this condition.

Connecting epigenetics and inflammation in vascular senescence: state of the art, biomarkers and senotherapeutics.

Vascular diseases pose major health challenges, and understanding their underlying molecular mechanisms is essential to advance therapeutic interventions. Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, is a cellular state characterized by cell-cycle arrest, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype macromolecular damage, and metabolic dysregulation. Vascular senescence has been demonstrated to play a key role in different vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic venous disease, and venous ulcers. Even though cellular senescence was first described in 1961, significant gaps persist in comprehending the epigenetic mechanisms driving vascular senescence and its subsequent inflammatory response. Through a comprehensive analysis, we aim to elucidate these knowledge gaps by exploring the network of epigenetic alterations that contribute to vascular senescence. In addition, we describe the consequent inflammatory cascades triggered by these epigenetic modifications. Finally, we explore translational applications involving biomarkers of vascular senescence and the emerging field of senotherapy targeting this biological process.

Exploring the Importance of Differential Expression of Autophagy Markers in Term Placentas from Late-Onset Preeclamptic Pregnancies.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious hypertensive disorder affecting 4-5% of pregnancies globally, leading to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and reducing life expectancy in surviving women post-gestation. Late-onset PE (LO-PE) is a clinical type of PE diagnosed after 34 weeks of gestation, being less severe than the early-onset PE (EO-PE) variant, although both entities have a notable impact on the placenta. Despite the fact that most studies have focused on EO-PE, LO-PE does not deserve less attention since its prevalence is much higher and little is known about the role of the placenta in this pathology. Via RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry methods, we measured the gene and protein expressions of several macroautophagy markers in the chorionic villi of placentas from women who underwent LO-PE (n = 68) and compared them to normal pregnancies (n = 43). We observed a markedly distinct expression pattern, noticing a significant drop in NUP62 expression and a considerable rise in the gene and protein expressions of ULK1, ATG9A, LC3, ATG5, STX-17, and LAMP-1 in the placentas of women with LO-PE. A major induction of autophagic processes was found in the placental tissue of patients with LO-PE. Abnormal signaling expression of these molecular patterns in this condition aids in the understanding of the complexity of pathophysiology and proposes biomarkers for the clinical management of these patients.

Histopathological Clues of Enhanced Inflammation in the Placental Tissue of Women with Chronic Venous Disease in Lower Limbs during Pregnancy.

It is estimated that approximately one in three women develop chronic venous disease (CVD) during pregnancy, a broad spectrum of morphofunctional disorders affecting the venous system in different regions of the body, including the lower limbs. A growing body of evidence supports the diverse maternofetal consequences derived from this condition, with the placenta being an organ particularly affected. Among other consequences, having CVD during pregnancy has been associated with systemic inflammation and altered cytokines and chemokine profiles in the maternal and fetal serum related to this condition. In the present work, we aimed to analyze if these inflammatory changes also occurred in the placental tissue of women with CVD, exploring by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) gene and protein expression of critical inflammatory markers like allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), interleukin 10 (IL-10), IL-12A, and IL-18. Our results demonstrate an enhanced tissue expression of AIF-1, IL-12A, and IL-18, accompanied by a decrease in IL-10 in the placentas of women who had undergone CVD during pregnancy. Overall, our results suggest a possible pathophysiological role of inflammation in the placental tissue of women with CVD during pregnancy, although the precise consequences of this feature remain to be deeply analyzed.

Exploring Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: Hallmarks of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-Up in Clinical Practice.

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy in the present day, particularly affecting women as one of the most common forms of cancer. A significant portion of patients initially present with localized disease, for which curative treatments are pursued. Conversely, another substantial segment is diagnosed with metastatic disease, which has a worse prognosis. Recent years have witnessed a profound transformation in the prognosis for this latter group, primarily due to the discovery of various biomarkers and the emergence of targeted therapies. These biomarkers, encompassing serological, histological, and genetic indicators, have demonstrated their value across multiple aspects of breast cancer management. They play crucial roles in initial diagnosis, aiding in the detection of relapses during follow-up, guiding the application of targeted treatments, and offering valuable insights for prognostic stratification, especially for highly aggressive tumor types. Molecular markers have now become the keystone of metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, given the diverse array of chemotherapy options and treatment modalities available. These markers signify a transformative shift in the arsenal of therapeutic options against breast cancer. Their diagnostic precision enables the categorization of tumors with elevated risks of recurrence, increased aggressiveness, and heightened mortality. Furthermore, the existence of therapies tailored to target specific molecular anomalies triggers a cascade of changes in tumor behavior. Therefore, the primary objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive review of the clinical, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility of the principal biomarkers currently in use, as well as of their clinical impact on metastatic breast cancer. In doing so, our goal is to contribute to a more profound comprehension of this complex disease and, ultimately, to enhance patient outcomes through more precise and effective treatment strategies.

Increased Expression of Tetraspanins, ALIX and HSP-70 in the Placenta Tissue of Women with Chronic Venous Disease during Pregnancy.

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a complex and common vascular disorder characterized by increased blood pressure and morpho-functional changes in the venous system like varicose veins. Pregnancy is one of the main risk factors for suffering from this condition. Despite the consequences of CVD during pregnancy remains to be fully understood, compelling evidence support that this condition represents an important stress for the mother and the fetus, leading to significant histopathological changes in the placenta. Tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81), ALG-2-interacting protein X (Alix), and heat-shock protein (HSP-70) are cellular components involved in multiple biological processes under homeostatic and disease conditions. Despite some studies that have evidence of their relevance in the placenta tissue and pathological pregnancies, there is limited knowledge regarding their role in pregnancy-associated CVD. In this sense, the present work aims to analyze gene and protein expression of these components in the placenta of women with CVD (n=62) in comparison to healthy women (n=52) through RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Our results show an increased gene and protein expression of the different studied markers, suggesting their potential involvement in the pathological environment of the placenta of women who undergo CVD during pregnancy. In this sense, further studies should be directed to deep into the potential implications of these changes to understand the effects and consequences of this condition in maternofetal wellbeing.

Exploring the Role of Mediterranean and Westernized Diets and Their Main Nutrients in the Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the Placenta: A Narrative Review.

Oxidative stress is a major cellular event that occurs in the placenta, fulfilling critical physiological roles in non-pathological pregnancies. However, exacerbated oxidative stress is a pivotal feature of different obstetric complications, like pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and other diseases. Compelling evidence supports the relevant role of diet during pregnancy, with pleiotropic consequences for maternal well-being. The present review aims to examine the complex background between oxidative stress and placental development and function in physiological conditions, also intending to understand the relationship between different dietary patterns and the human placenta, particularly how this could influence oxidative stress processes. The effects of Westernized diets (WDs) and high-fat diets (HFDs) rich in ultra-processed foods and different additives are compared with healthy patterns such as a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) abundant in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Although multiple studies have focused on the role of specific nutrients, mostly in animal models and in vitro, further observational and intervention studies focusing on the placental structure and function in women with different dietary patterns should be conducted to understand the precise influence of diet on this organ.

Emerging histological and serological biomarkers in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Applications in diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and personalized therapeutics (Review).

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity and accounts for >90% of all oral cancers. Despite advances in diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions, overall survival has not improved significantly in recent decades, primarily due to late diagnosis, locoregional recurrence and treatment resistance. Identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection, prognosis evaluation and treatment response prediction is critical for improving clinical outcomes in patients with OSCC. In the present review, the prognostic and predictive utility of circulating biomarkers, such as circulating tumour cells, serological biomarkers and histological and genetic biomarkers, were explored in the context of OSCC. In addition, the potential role of immune checkpoints in the treatment of OSCC was highlighted and the rapidly evolving field of liquid biopsy and its potential to revolutionize diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and treatment were examined. The existing evidence for the clinical utility of these biomarkers was critically evaluated and the challenges and limitations associated with their introduction into routine clinical practice were addressed. In conclusion, the present review highlights the promising role of biomarkers in improving the current understanding of the pathogenesis of OSCC and offers potential avenues for improving patient care through personalized medicine approaches.

Reframing the link between metabolism and NLRP3 inflammasome: therapeutic opportunities.

Inflammasomes are multiprotein signaling platforms in the cytosol that senses exogenous and endogenous danger signals and respond with the maturation and secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18 and pyroptosis to induce inflammation and protect the host. The inflammasome best studied is the Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. It is activated in a two-step process: the priming and the activation, leading to sensor NLRP3 oligomerization and recruitment of both adaptor ASC and executioner pro-caspase 1, which is activated by cleavage. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome activation is regulated by posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination/deubiquitination, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, SUMOylation and nitrosylation, and interaction with NLPR3 protein binding partners. Moreover, the connection between it and metabolism is receiving increasing attention in this field. In this review, we present the structure, functions, activation, and regulation of NLRP3, with special emphasis on regulation by mitochondrial dysfunction-mtROS production and metabolic signals, i.e., metabolites as well as enzymes. By understanding the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, specific inhibitors can be rationally designed for the treatment and prevention of various immune- or metabolic-based diseases. Lastly, we review current NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and their mechanism of action.

Assessment of Tissue Expression of the Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Placenta of Women with a First-Episode Psychosis during Pregnancy.

Psychosis refers to a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality, comprising delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, catatonia, and negative symptoms. A first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a rare condition that can trigger adverse outcomes both for the mother and newborn. Previously, we demonstrated the existence of histopathological changes in the placenta of pregnant women who suffer an FEP in pregnancy. Altered levels of oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been detected in patients who manifested an FEP, whereas abnormal placental expression of these hormones and their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1A) has been proven in different obstetric complications. However, the precise role and expression of these components in the placenta of women after an FEP have not been studied yet. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the gene and protein expression, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a in the placental tissue of pregnant women after an FEP in comparison to pregnant women without any health complication (HC-PW). Our results showed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A in the placental tissue of pregnant women who suffer an FEP. Therefore, our study suggests that an FEP during pregnancy may be associated with an abnormal paracrine/endocrine activity of the placenta, which can negatively affect the maternofetal wellbeing. Nevertheless, additional research is required to validate our findings and ascertain any potential implications of the observed alterations.

Clinical and Translational Applications of Serological and Histopathological Biomarkers in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most common form of cancer in women. A large proportion of patients begin with localized disease and undergo treatment with curative intent, while another large proportion of patients debuts with disseminated metastatic disease. In the last subgroup of patients, the prognosis in recent years has changed radically, given the existence of different targeted therapies thanks to the discovery of different biomarkers. Serological, histological, and genetic biomarkers have demonstrated their usefulness in the initial diagnosis, in the follow-up to detect relapses, to guide targeted treatment, and to stratify the prognosis of the most aggressive tumors in those with breast cancer. Molecular markers are currently the basis for the diagnosis of metastatic disease, given the wide variety of chemotherapy regions and existing therapies. These markers have been a real revolution in the therapeutic arsenal for breast cancer, and their diagnostic validity allows the classification of tumors with higher rates of relapse, aggressiveness, and mortality. In this sense, the existence of therapies targeting different molecular alterations causes a series of changes in tumor biology that can be assessed throughout the course of the disease to provide information on the underlying pathophysiology of metastatic disease, which allows us to broaden our knowledge of the different mechanisms of tissue invasion. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to review the clinical, diagnostic, predictive, prognostic utility and limitations of the main biomarkers available and under development in metastatic breast cancer.

An Overview of the Role of MicroRNAs on Carcinogenesis: A Focus on Cell Cycle, Angiogenesis and Metastasis.

In recent years, the importance of epigenetic markers in the carcinogenesis of different malignant neoplasms has been demonstrated, also demonstrating their utility for understanding metastatic spread and tumor progression in cancer patients. Among the different biomarkers, microRNAs represent a set of non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, having been involved in a wide variety of neoplasia acting in different oncogenic pathways. Both the overexpression and downregulation of microRNAs represent a complex interaction with various genes whose ultimate consequence is increased cell proliferation, tumor invasion and interaction with various driver markers. It should be noted that in current clinical practice, even though the combination of different microRNAs has been shown to be useful by different authors at diagnostic and prognostic levels, there are no diagnostic kits that can be used for the initial approach or to assess recurrences of oncological diseases. Previous works have cited microRNAs as having a critical role in several carcinogenic mechanisms, ranging from cell cycle alterations to angiogenesis and mechanisms of distant metastatic dissemination. Indeed, the overexpression or downregulation of specific microRNAs seem to be tightly involved in the modulation of various components related to these processes. For instance, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, transcription factors, signaling molecules and angiogenic/antiangiogenic products, among others, have been recognized as specific targets of microRNAs in different types of cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to describe the main implications of different microRNAs in cell cycle alterations, metastasis and angiogenesis, trying to summarize their involvement in carcinogenesis.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation in the Carotid Triangle: An Effective Method for Monitoring the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is the description of the technique of vagus nerve stimulation in carotid triangle in order to monitor the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. METHODS: We stimulated the vagus nerve in the carotid triangle during 150 thyroid or parathyroid surgeries using a monopolar electromyography electrode inserted under the mastoid process towards the jugular foramen as a cathode, and using another subdermal electrode in the mastoid as an anode. Another complementary method of vagus stimulation was achieved with a pair of subdermal electrodes, placing the cathode at the mandibular angle and the anode at the mastoid. RESULTS: In all patients, compound muscle action potential (CMAP) was recorded in the vocal cords with both stimulation techniques, allowing semi-continuous monitoring to be carried out. Intraoperative lesions were detected in 16 of the cases; 9 of them were transient with CMAP recovery achieved when modifying surgical maneuvers. CONCLUSIONS: Vagus nerve stimulation in the carotid triangle is a reliable technique for monitoring the RLN in thyroid surgery. Vagus nerve stimulation in the carotid triangle is effective and safe for RLN monitoring, and it is a clear alternative to direct continuous stimulation of the nerve that by contrast requires its dissection in the carotid sheath.

Elevated tissue expression of RANKL and RANK is associated with poorer survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy with a growing incidence reported worldwide. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed at advanced stages, making its prognosis and medical management difficult. The identification of histopathological biomarkers has allowed a more precise stratification of pancreatic cancer patients, providing additional information about their prognosis and offering possible therapeutic targets to be explored. The prognostic value of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) has been evaluated in breast and prostate tumors, however, their usefulness has not been assessed in pancreatic cancer. In the present work, we analyzed the relationship between the protein expression of RANK and RANKL with the survival of 41 patients with pancreatic cancer followed for 60 months, by performing immunohistochemistry and Kaplan-Meier curves. Our results demonstrate a direct association of high expression levels of RANK and RANKL with poorer survival of pancreatic cancer patients in comparison to those with low/medium and null expression levels of both markers. Further studies should be conducted to explore the carcinogenic role of both components in this type of tumor, as well as additional promising translational uses.