RESUMO
This report analyzes nuclear receptor (NR) subfamily 4A's potential role in treating those diagnosed with breast cancer. Here we reviewed the current literature on NR4 family members. We also examined the relative gene expression of the NR4A receptor subfamily in the basal, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive, luminal A, and luminal B subtypes using data from tumor samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). These data showed a positive link between NR4A1-NR4A3 expression and increased overall survival and relapse-free survival in breast cancer patients. In addition, we observed that high expression of NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 led to better survival. Furthermore, NR4A family genes seem to play an essential regulatory role in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in breast cancer. The novel prognostic role of the NR4A1-NR4A3 receptors implicates these receptors as important mediators controlling breast cancer metabolic reprograming and its progression. The review establishes a strong clinical basis for the investigation of the cellular, molecular, and physiological roles of NR4A genes in breast cancer.
RESUMO
The 2019-2020 SARS-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare sectors around the world. As of November 2020, there have been over 64 million confirmed cases and approaching 2 million deaths globally. Despite the large number of positive cases, there are very limited established standards of care and therapeutic options available. To date, there is still no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine for COVID-19, although there are several options in various clinical trial stages. Herein, we have performed a global review evaluating the roles of age and sex on COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admissions, deaths in hospitals, and deaths in nursing homes. We have identified a trend in which elderly and male patients are significantly affected by adverse outcomes. There is evidence suggesting that sex hormone levels can influence immune system function against SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus reducing the adverse effects of COVID-19. Since older adults have lower levels of these sex hormones, we therefore speculate, within rational scientific context, that sex steroids, such as estrogen and progesterone, needs further consideration for use as alternative therapeutic option for treating COVID-19 elderly patients. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive article evaluating the significance of sex hormones in COVID-19 outcomes in older adults.