Unlocking protein-based biomarker potential for graft-versus-host disease following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplants.

Despite the numerous advantages of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCT), there exists a notable association with risks, particularly during the preconditioning period and predominantly post-intervention, exemplified by the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Risk stratification prior to symptom manifestation, along with precise diagnosis and prognosis, relies heavily on clinical features. A critical imperative is the development of tools capable of early identification and effective management of patients undergoing allo-HSCT. A promising avenue in this pursuit is the utilization of proteomics-based biomarkers obtained from non-invasive biospecimens. This review comprehensively outlines the application of proteomics and proteomics-based biomarkers in GVHD patients. It delves into both single protein markers and protein panels, offering insights into their relevance in acute and chronic GVHD. Furthermore, the review provides a detailed examination of the site-specific involvement of GVHD. In summary, this article explores the potential of proteomics as a tool for timely and accurate intervention in the context of GVHD following allo-HSCT.

Unveiling Distinct Proteomic Signatures in Complicated Crohn's Disease That Could Predict the Disease Course.

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by a chronic, progressive inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract often leading to complications, such as strictures and fistulae. Currently, there are no validated tools anticipating short- and long-term outcomes at an early stage. This investigation aims to elucidate variations in protein abundance across distinct CD phenotypes with the objective of uncovering potential biomarkers implicated in disease advancement. Serum samples collected from 30 CD patients and 15 healthy age-matched controls (HC) were subjected to depletion of highly abundant proteins and to a label-free mass spectrometry analysis. Twenty-four proteins were shown to be significantly different when comparing CD with HC. Of these, WD repeat-containing protein 31 (WDR31), and proteins involved in the acute inflammatory response, leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1) and serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), were more abundant in the aggressive subgroup. Against standard biomarkers, a positive correlation between SAA1 and WDR31 and C-reactive protein (CRP) was found. In this study, a unique serum biomarker panel for aggressive CD was identified, which could aid in predicting the disease course.

Phytochemicals as Regulators of Tumor Glycolysis and Hypoxia Signaling Pathways: Evidence from In Vitro Studies.

The full understanding of the complex nature of cancer still faces many challenges, as cancers arise not as a result of a single target disruption but rather involving successive genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to multiple altered metabolic pathways. In this light, the need for a multitargeted, safe and effective therapy becomes essential. Substantial experimental evidence upholds the potential of plant-derived compounds to interfere in several important pathways, such as tumor glycolysis and the upstream regulating mechanisms of hypoxia. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the natural compounds which demonstrated, in vitro studies, an effective anticancer activity by affecting key regulators of the glycolytic pathway such as glucose transporters, hexokinases, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase or lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, we assessed how phytochemicals could interfere in HIF-1 synthesis, stabilization, accumulation, and transactivation, emphasizing PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways as important signaling cascades in HIF-1 activation. Special consideration was given to cell culture-based metabolomics as one of the most sensitive, accurate, and comprising approaches for understanding the response of cancer cell metabolome to phytochemicals.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity and Oxidative Stress Reduction of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Shoots Tincture in Rats with Experimentally Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a widely known species for its medicinal uses, that is also used as raw material for the food and cosmetic industry. The aim of the present study was to offer a novel perspective on the medicinal product originating from this species and to test its hepatoprotective activity. The tested sample consisted in a tincture obtained from the fresh young shoots. Compounds that are evaluated for this activity are polyphenols and terpenoids, that are identified and quantified by HPLC-UV-MS and GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro, using the DPPH, FRAP and SO assays. Hepatoprotective activity was tested in rats with experimentally-induced hepatotoxicity. In the chemical composition of the tincture, phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmanol, rosmadial) and rosmarinic acid were found to be the majority compounds, alongside with 1,8-cineole, camphene, linalool, borneol and terpineol among monoterpenes. In vitro, the tested tincture proved significant antioxidant capacity. Results of the in vivo experiment showed that hepatoprotective activity is based on an antioxidant mechanism. In this way, the present study offers a novel perspective on the medicinal uses of the species, proving significant amounts of polyphenols and terpenes in the composition of the fresh young shoots tincture, that has proved hepatoprotective activity through an antioxidant mechanism.

Drinking Behavior, Taste Preferences and Special Beer Perception among Romanian University Students: A Qualitative Assessment Research.

The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a challenging period for many students. This period is associated with an increase in alcohol consumption (AC) which can develop a drinking behavior or shape the preferences for certain alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this study was to analyze the AC pattern among Romanian university students, by investigating the association between taste and consumption, including preferences for special beer. A 30-item omnibus-type questionnaire was distributed to undergraduate students and used to gather sociodemographic data, alcohol expectancies, drinking motives and consequences, and special beer consumption. Results showed a statistically significant relationship between the age of first alcohol use and the existence of an alcoholic family member. The main reasons for AC are taste, sensation, relaxation, and socialization. Both female and male students tend to drink occasionally, with a preference for public places. Female students prefer a sweet taste, choosing special beers over the regular ones. The students' residence may also influence the choice of special beers. Understanding the students' drinking behavior and taste preferences is essential to create useful strategies to discourage excessive AC. Special beer, a growing segment in the beverage industry, could represent a healthier and safety alternative to AC.

From Proteomics to Personalized Medicine: The Importance of Isoflavone Dose and Estrogen Receptor Status in Breast Cancer Cells.

Continuing efforts are directed towards finding alternative breast cancer chemotherapeutics, with improved safety and efficacy profiles. Soy isoflavones represent promising agents but, despite extensive research, limited information exists regarding their impact on the breast cancer cell proteome. The purpose of this study was to compare the proteomic profiles of MCF-7 (estrogen responsive) and MDA-MB-231 (estrogen non-responsive) breast cancer cells exposed to different concentrations of genistein, daidzein, and a soy seed extract, using a high throughput LC-UDMSE protein profiling approach. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay confirmed the dual activity of soy isoflavones on MCF-7 cells and the inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Proteome profiling of paramagnetic beads prepared peptides by nano-LC UDMSE and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that isoflavones affected distinct molecular pathways in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, such as tyrosine kinases signaling pathway, cytoskeleton organization, lipid and phospholipid catabolism, extracellular matrix degradation and mRNA splicing. Also, in MCF-7 cells, low and high isoflavone doses induced different changes of the proteome, including cell cycle alterations. Therefore, the expression of estrogen receptors and the isoflavone dose are determinant factors for the molecular impact of isoflavones and must be taken into account when considering adjuvant breast cancer therapy towards personalized medicine.

From Extraction to Advanced Analytical Methods: The Challenges of Melanin Analysis.

The generic term "melanin" describes a black pigment of biological origin, although some melanins can be brown or even yellow. The pigment is characterized as a heterogenic polymer of phenolic or indolic nature, and the classification of eu-, pheo- and allo- melanin is broadly accepted. This classification is based on the chemical composition of the monomer subunit structure of the pigment. Due to the high heterogeneity of melanins, their analytical characterization can be a challenging task. In the present work, we synthesized the current information about the analytical methods which can be applied in melanin analysis workflow, from extraction and purification to high-throughput methods, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass-spectrometry or pyrolysis gas chromatography. Our thorough comparative evaluation of analytical data published so far on melanin analysis has proven to be a difficult task in terms of finding equivalent results, even when the same matrix was used. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of prior knowledge of melanin types and properties in order to select a valid experimental design using analytical methods that are able to deliver reliable results and draw consistent conclusions.

Concepts and Challenges of Biosimilars in Breast Cancer: The Emergence of Trastuzumab Biosimilars.

With the development of anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab-based therapy has become the standard of care among patients with early or advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. However, real-world data have shown that up to a half of patients do not receive trastuzumab or any other HER2-targeted agent, mainly due to high treatments costs. The prospect of a more enlarged access to trastuzumab treatment lies in the use of biosimilars, as the European and the US patent of the reference products has or will soon expire. Biosimilars are biologics highly similar in terms of quality characteristics, biological activity, safety and efficacy to already approved biologics. The biosimilarity of any European Union (EU)-approved biosimilar is guaranteed based on the comprehensive comparability exercise which includes comparative analytical, non-clinical and clinical studies. In the matter of biosimilars' interchangeability and substitution, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have adopted different positions, triggering various discussions on the potential immunogenicity and efficacy in individual patients. As more biosimilars are gaining approval, the present review aims to offer concise information for oncologists and pharmacists about the production, approval, interchangeability, and substitution policies of biosimilars used in breast cancer therapy, with a special focus on trastuzumab.

Influence of soy isoflavones in breast cancer angiogenesis: a multiplex glass ELISA approach.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-angiogenic properties of soy isoflavones using two breast cancer cell lines, by measuring the concentration of 30 cytokines involved in angiogenesis using a multiplex glass slide ELISA-based array. METHODS: Estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to genistein (Gen), daidzein (Dai) and a soy seed extract (Ext) for 72 hrs, at selected concentration levels. The conditioned medium was analyzed using a glass slide, multiplex sandwich ELISA-based platform with fluorescent detection which allowed the identification and the quantification of 30 angiogenesis-related cytokines. RESULTS: In MCF-7 cells, low, stimulatory concentrations of test compounds determined the increase of CXCL16 and VEGF-A level. Gen induced the greatest effect, with 1.5-fold change compared to control. When MDA-MB-231 cells were exposed to inhibitory concentrations, all test compounds determined a reduction of CXCL16 and VEGF-A level with approximately 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble CXCL16 and VEGF-A are two promoters of angiogenesis and metastasis in breast cancer. The stimulation of these two angiogenesis-related cytokines could represent one of the mechanisms explaining the proliferative effects of low isoflavone doses in estrogen-dependent cells. In estrogen-independent cells, soy isoflavones inhibited their secretion, demonstrating promising anti-angiogenic properties.

The Impact of Soy Isoflavones on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells Using a Global Metabolomic Approach.

Despite substantial research, the understanding of the chemopreventive mechanisms of soy isoflavones remains challenging. Promising tools, such as metabolomics, can provide now a deeper insight into their biochemical mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to offer a comprehensive assessment of the metabolic alterations induced by genistein, daidzein and a soy seed extract on estrogen responsive (MCF-7) and estrogen non-responsive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), using a global metabolomic approach. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that all test compounds induced a biphasic effect on MCF-7 cells and only a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) profiling of extracellular metabolites and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling of intracellular metabolites confirmed that all test compounds shared similar metabolic mechanisms. Exposing MCF-7 cells to stimulatory concentrations of isoflavones led to increased intracellular levels of 6-phosphogluconate and ribose 5-phosphate, suggesting a possible upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway. After exposure to inhibitory doses of isoflavones, a significant decrease in glucose uptake was observed, especially for MCF-7 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, the glutamine uptake was significantly restricted, leading to alterations in protein biosynthesis. Understanding the metabolomic alterations of isoflavones represents a step forward in considering soy and soy derivates as functional foods in breast cancer chemoprevention.

Soy Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Cell Lines: Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives.

The potential benefit of soy isoflavones in breast cancer chemoprevention, as suggested by epidemiological studies, has aroused the interest of numerous scientists for over twenty years. Although intensive work has been done in this field, the preclinical results continue to be controversial and the molecular mechanisms are far from being fully understood. The antiproliferative effect of soy isoflavones has been commonly linked to the estrogen receptor interaction, but there is growing evidence that other pathways are influenced as well. Among these, the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation and survival, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis or antioxidant properties have been recently explored using various isoflavone doses and various breast cancer cells. In this review, we offer a comprehensive perspective on the molecular mechanisms of isoflavones observed in in vitro studies, emphasizing each time the dose-effect relationship and estrogen receptor status of the cells. Furthermore, we present future research directions in this field which could provide a better understanding of the inner molecular mechanisms of soy isoflavones in breast cancer.

Assessment of isoflavone aglycones variability in soy food supplements using a validated HPLC-UV method.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Soy supplements are often recommended in the management of menopause symptoms. The declared content of soy supplements is commonly expressed as total isoflavones per dosage form. Given that soy isoflavones have different estrogenic potencies, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, the aim of this study was to evaluate the total isoflavone content and the aglycone profile of seven soy supplements and one soy seed extract. Label accuracy was assessed, in relation to the precise content and the recommended posology for estimating whether the optimal dose is achieved for alleviating menopause symptoms. METHODS: A high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for evaluating the aglycone content (genistein, daidzein, glycitein). After extraction and acidic hydrolysis, the aglycones were separated on a C18 column, using 0.1% acetic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phases. The flow rate was 1.5mL min(-1) and the UV detector wavelength was set at 260nm. A linear relationship was found in the range 5-80µg mL(-1). The method was validated using the accuracy profile methodology. RESULTS: The total isoflavone content ranged from 6.07 to 41.68mg dosage form(-1). Various aglycone profiles were obtained for each supplement which can result in a different estrogenic activity, bioavailability and finally, in a different efficiency in alleviating menopause symptoms. In most clinical trials where soy isoflavones were evaluated, little attention was paid to determining the exact aglycone profile of the employed soy extracts. CONCLUSIONS: As clinical outcomes continue to be controversial, this study highlights the need of standardization in genistein, rather than total isoflavones and labeling accuracy for soy supplements.