Identification of potential urinary protein biomarkers in colorectal cancer: a pilot study using a proteomic approach

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most diagnosed malignancies worldwide, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite recent progress in screening programs, noninvasive accurate biomarkers are still needed in the CRC field. In this study, we evaluated and compared the urinary proteomic profiles of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and patients without cancer, aiming to identify potential biomarker proteins. Urine samples were collected from 9 patients with CRC and 9 patients with normal colonoscopy results. Mass spectrometry (label-free LC—MS/MS) was used to characterize the proteomic profile of the groups. Ten proteins that were differentially regulated were identified between patients in the experimental group and in the control group, with statistical significance with a p value ≤ 0.05. The only protein that presented upregulation in the CRC group was beta-2-microglobulin (B2M). Subsequent studies are needed to evaluate patients through different analysis approaches to independently verify and validate these biomarker candidates in a larger cohort sample. (AU)

Efeito da acupuntura na qualidade de vida e no tratamento da dor em pacientes com fibromialgia / Effect of acupuncture on quality of life and the treatment of pain in patients with fibromyalgia

A fibromialgia é uma síndrome reumática caracterizada por dor musculoesquelética crônica, não inflamatória, associada à fadiga, distúrbio do sono, rigidez matinal, disfunção cognitiva, ansiedade e depressão. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da acupuntura na atividade eletrodermal, na qualidade de vida e na redução da dor em indivíduos fibromiálgicos. Trata-se de uma série de casos com pacientes do gênero feminino e idade compreendida entre 35 e 58 anos. Foram avaliados 3 desfechos: a intensidade da dor, por meio da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA); a qualidade de vida, investigada pelo Questionário Sobre o Impacto da Fibromialgia (QIF); e a atividade eletrodermal, verificada por Ryodoraku. Como resultado, observou-se redução percentual da dor entre 34% a 63% na EVA, melhora em 7 dos 10 itens do QIF e aumento da eletropermeabilidade média do Ryodoraku, de 34,95±11,12 para 46±11,66. Conclui-se que a acupuntura promoveu melhoria dos sintomas em todas as participantes do estudo.(AU)

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain, non-inflammatory origin, associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on electrodermal activity, quality of life and reduction of pain in fibromyalgia subjects. This research relates to a series of cases with patients of the feminine gender and aged between 35-58 years. We evaluated three clinical outcomes: pain intensity, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); quality of life through the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ); and electrodermal activity, verified by Ryodoraku. As a result it was observed percentage reduction in pain between 34% and 63% in VAS, improvement in 7 of the 10 items QIF, and increased electrodermal activity Ryodoraku average of 34.95 ± 11.12 to 46 ± 11.66. It is concluded that acupuncture promoted improvement of symptoms in all study participants.(AU)