Exploring p53 protein expression and its link to TP53 mutation in myelodysplasia-related malignancies-Interpretive challenges and potential field of applications.

AIMS: TP53 alterations have a significant prognostic effect in myeloid neoplasms. Our objective was to investigate the TP53 gene mutation status, p53 protein expression and their relationship in dysplasia-related myeloid neoplasms with varying levels of myeloblast counts. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 76 bone marrow biopsy samples with different blast counts were analysed. Total and strong (3+) p53 expression was determined. Dual immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the cell population associated with p53 expression. NGS analysis was performed using the Accel-Amplicon Comprehensive TP53 panel. Both p53 expression and TP53 VAF showed a significant correlation with the myeloblast ratio (P < 0.0001); however, p53 expression was also present in other cell lineages. The VAF value exhibited a significant correlation with p53 expression. A high specificity (0.9800) was observed for TP53 mutation using the ≥ 10% strong (3+) p53 cut-off value, although the sensitivity (0.4231) was low. CONCLUSIONS: Strong (3+) p53 expression using a ≥ 10% cut-off value accurately predicts TP53 mutation but does not reveal the allelic state. The p53 expression is significantly influenced by myeloblast count, and histological interpretation should consider the presence of intermixed non-neoplastic marrow cells with varying physiological p53 expression.

Clinical, Pathological, and Immunohistochemical Predictors of Cause-Specific Mortality in Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Multivariate Analysis.

The association of clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer with cause-specific mortality was analyzed in a case-control study within a cohort of patients from the Altai Regional Oncology Center. According to multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of fatal outcome within 10 years after surgery in patients living in Altai region are nuclear pattern of Hsp70 expression, thyroid capsular invasion, Ki-67 expression index >7%, and patient's age >45 years for men and >50 years for women. The prognostic model based on these features contributes to a significant improvement in the individual prognostic performance for papillary thyroid cancer in the modeling sample. The model has high statistical significance (χ2=64.73; p<0.001) and discriminative power (AUC=0.950, prediction accuracy 88.5%).

TP53 mutation and abnormal p53 expression in endometrial cancer: Associations with race and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This multi-center cohort study assessed associations between race, TP53 mutations, p53 expression, and histology to investigate racial survival disparities in endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: Black and White patients with advanced or recurrent EC with Next Generation Sequencing data in the Endometrial Cancer Molecularly Targeted Therapy Consortium database were identified. Clinicopathologic and treatment variables were summarized by race and compared. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among all patients were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the association between race, TP53 status, p53 expression, histology, and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Black patients were more likely than White patients to have TP53-mutated (N = 727, 71.7% vs 49.7%, p < 0.001) and p53-abnormal (N = 362, 71.1% vs 53.2%, p = 0.003) EC. Patients with TP53-mutated EC had worse PFS (HR 2.73 (95% CI 1.88-3.97)) and OS (HR 2.20 (95% CI 1.77-2.74)) compared to those with TP53-wildtype EC. Patients with p53-abnormal EC had worse PFS (HR 2.01 (95% CI 1.22-3.32)) and OS (HR 1.61 (95% CI 1.18-2.19)) compared to those with p53-wildtype EC. After adjusting for TP53 mutation and p53 expression, race was not associated with survival outcomes. The most frequent TP53 variants were at nucleotide positions R273 (n = 54), R248 (n = 38), and R175 (n = 23), rates of which did not differ by race. CONCLUSIONS: Black patients are more likely to have TP53-mutated and p53-abnormal EC, which are associated with worse survival outcomes than TP53- and p53-wildtype EC. The higher frequency of these subtypes among Black patients may contribute to survival disparities.

Endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, grade 1, is more aggressive in the elderly than in the young.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to characterise grade 1 (G1) endometrioid carcinoma in the elderly, by using clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical features of surrogate markers of molecular subtypes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analysed tumour samples from 268 patients with G1 endometrioid carcinoma (<40 years, n = 24; 40-59 years, n = 169; ≥60 years, n = 75) for whom long-term clinical follow-up data were available. G1 endometrioid carcinoma in the elderly (≥60 years) was characterised by frequent deep myometrial invasion, less frequent endometrioid intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN), lack of benign hyperplasia (BH), less frequent squamous differentiation, and occasional aberrant p53 expression. In contrast, this condition in the young (<40 years) was characterised by frequent EIN, BH, and squamous differentiation. Univariate analysis revealed that elderly status (≥60 years), International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) 2009 stage and aberrant p53 expression were significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival, and multivariate analysis revealed that elderly status and FIGO 2009 stage were independently associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: G1 endometrioid carcinoma in the elderly is more aggressive than that in the young, and elderly status is an independent predictor of shorter progression-free survival in this condition. We propose that type 1 tumours can be subdivided into type 1a (young age at onset and indolent) and type 1b (old age at onset and relatively aggressive).

UVB Inhibits Proliferation, Cell Cycle and Induces Apoptosis via p53, E2F1 and Microtubules System in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines.

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure has been linked to skin damage and carcinogenesis, but recently UVB has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for cancer. Herein, we investigated the cellular and molecular effects of UVB in immortal and tumorigenic HPV positive and negative cells. Cells were irradiated with 220.5 to 1102.5 J/m2 of UVB and cell proliferation was evaluated by crystal violet, while cell cycle arrest and apoptosis analysis were performed through flow cytometry. UVB effect on cells was recorded at 661.5 J/m2 and it was exacerbated at 1102.5 J/m2. All cell lines were affected by proliferation inhibition, cell cycle ablation and apoptosis induction, with different degrees depending on tumorigenesis level or HPV type. Analysis of the well-known UV-responsive p53, E2F1 and microtubules system proteins was performed in SiHa cells in response to UVB through Western-blotting assays. E2F1 and the Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression decrease correlated with cellular processes alteration while p53 and Microtubule-associated Protein 1S (MAP1S) expression switch was observed since 882 J/m2, suggesting they were required under more severe cellular damage. However, expression transition of α-Tubulin3C and ß-Tubulin was abruptly noticed until 1102.5 J/m2 and particularly, γ-Tubulin protein expression remained without alteration. This study provides insights into the effect of UVB in cervical cancer cell lines.

Expression of p53 Protein Associates with Anti-PD-L1 Treatment Response on Human-Derived Xenograft Model of GATA3/CR5/6-Negative Recurrent Nonmuscular Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The possible involvement of p53 signaling, FGFR3 expression, and FGFR3 mutation rates in the prediction of the NMIBC anti-PD-L1 treatment response needs to be clarified. The main aim of our study was to explore predictive value of p53 expression, FGFR3 expression, and its gene mutation status for the therapeutic success of anti-PD-L1 treatment in the patient-derived murine model of recurrent high-PD-L1(+) GATA3(-)/CR5/6(-) high-grade and low-grade NMIBC. METHODS: twenty lines of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) of relapsed high-PD-L1(+) double-negative NMIBC were developed, of which 10 lines represented high-grade tumors and the other ones-low-grade bladder cancer. Acceptors of each grade-related branch received specific anti-PD-L1 antibodies. Animals' survival, tumor-doubling time, and remote metastasis were followed during the post-interventional period. PD-L1, GATA3, CR5/6, and p53 protein expressions in engrafted tumors were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The FGFR3 expression and FGFR3 mutations in codons 248 and 249 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression of p53 protein is an independent factor affecting the animals' survival time [HR = 0.036, p = 0.031] of anti-PD-L1-treated mice with low-grade high-PD-L1(+) double-negative NMIBC PDX. The FGFR3 expression and FGFR3 mutation rate have no impact on the anti-PD-L1 treatment response in the interventional groups. CONCLUSIONS: p53 expression may be considered as a prognostic factor for the anti-PD-L1 treatment efficacy of low-grade high-PD-L1-positive GATA3(-)/CR5/6(-)-relapsed noninvasive bladder cancer.

Regulation of the p53 expression profile by hnRNP K under stress conditions.

The p53 protein is one of the transcription factors responsible for cell cycle regulation and prevention of cancer development. Its expression is regulated at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. Recent years of research have shown that the 5' terminus of p53 mRNA plays an important role in this regulation. This region seems to be a docking platform for proteins involved in p53 expression, particularly under stress conditions. Here, we applied RNA-centric affinity chromatography to search for proteins that bind to the 5' terminus of p53 mRNA and thus may be able to regulate the p53 expression profile. We found heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K, hnRNP K, to be one of the top candidates. Binding of hnRNP K to the 5'-terminal region of p53 mRNA was confirmed in vitro. We demonstrated that changes in the hnRNP K level in the cell strongly affected the p53 expression profile under various stress conditions. Downregulation or overexpression of hnRNP K caused a decrease or an increase in the p53 mRNA amount, respectively, pointing to the transcriptional mode of expression regulation. However, when hnRNP K was overexpressed under endoplasmic reticulum stress and the p53 amount has elevated no changes in the p53 mRNA level were detected suggesting translational regulation of p53 expression. Our findings have shown that hnRNP K is not only a mutual partner of p53 in the transcriptional activation of target genes under stress conditions but it also acts as a regulator of p53 expression at the transcriptional and potentially translational levels.

TP53 in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Recent Biological and Clinical Findings.

TP53 dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), identifying a subgroup of patients with peculiar features. In this review we report the recent biological and clinical findings of TP53-mutated MDS, focusing on the molecular pathways activation and on its impact on the cellular physiology. In MDS, TP53 mutational status is deeply associated with del(5q) syndrome and its dysregulation impacts on cell cycle, DNA repair and apoptosis inducing chromosomal instability and the clonal evolution of disease. TP53 defects influence adversely the MDS clinical outcome and the treatment response rate, thus new therapeutic approaches are being developed for these patients. TP53 allelic state characterization and the mutational burden evaluation can therefore predict prognosis and identify the subgroup of patients eligible for targeted therapy. For these reasons, in the era of precision medicine, the MDS diagnostic workup cannot do without the complete assessment of TP53 mutational profile.

Translational Control in p53 Expression: The Role of 5'-Terminal Region of p53 mRNA.

In this review, the latest research concerning the structure and function of the 5'-terminal region of p53 mRNA was discussed. Special attention was focused on defined structural motifs which are present in this region, as well as their conservation and plausible functional role in translation. It is known that the length of the 5'-terminal region and the structural environment of initiation codons can strongly modulate translation initiation. The ability of this region of p53 mRNA to bind protein factors was also described with special emphasis on general principles that govern, such RNA-protein interactions. The structural alterations within the 5'-terminal region of p53 mRNA and proteins that bind to this region have a strong impact on the rate of mRNA scanning and on translation efficiency in in vitro assays, in selected cell lines, and under stress conditions. Thus, the structural features of the 5'-terminal region of p53 mRNA seem to be very important for translation and for translation regulation mechanisms. Finally, we suggested topics that, in our opinion, should be further explored for better understanding of the mechanisms of the p53 gene expression regulation at the translational level.

In vitro anticancer activity evaluation of new cationic platinum(II) complexes based on imidazole moiety.

The development and the synthesis of cationic platinum(II) complexes were realized and their cytotoxic activity was tested on triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line and in two cell lines poorly responsive to cisplatin (DLD-1 and MCF-7). The complex 2c resulted the most potent cytotoxic agent in MDA-MB-231 (IC50=61.9µM) and more effective than cisplatin on both DLD-1 (IC50=57.4µM) and MCF-7 (IC50=79.9µM) cell lines. 2c showed different cellular uptake and pharmacodynamic properties than cisplatin, interfering with the progression of the M phase of the cell cycle. Thus, 2c represents a lead compound of a new class of cytotoxic agents with promising antitumor activity.

Vitamin E improved cypermethrin-induced damages in the ovary of rats; evidence for angiogenesis and p53 involvement.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of vitamin E (VitE) on cypermethrin (CPM)-induced damages in the ovary. Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n=6) including; control-sham (c), CPM-received (CPM, 75 mg/kg, i.p.), and CPM and VitE-treated (VitE, 150 mg/kg, orally) for 7, 14 and 24 days. The antioxidant status determination and hormonal assays along with histological and immunofluorescent assessments were performed. The expression of p53 at mRNA level was also examined. The CPM administration affected the ovarian structure and functions as it elevated the follicular atresia and significantly (P<0.05) lowered the estradiol level, time dependently. VitE administration enhanced the CPM-reduced antioxidant capacity, gonadotropins and estradiol levels. Co-administration of VitE and CPM remarkably attenuated the CPM-induced RNA damage in granulosa and theca cells and elevated the deranged angiogenesis. The CPM-reduced micro and macro vessels distribution was significantly (P<0.05) elevated in the VitE-received animals. Expression of p53 at mRNA level was down regulated in the VitE-treated groups completely and relatively following 7 and 14 days, respectively. Our data showed that the CPM-induced biochemical and histological damages could be prevented by VitE. Moreover, protective effects of VitE attribute to its potency in enhancing the antioxidant capacity and promoting the gonadotropins secretion, which resulted in down regulation of p53 overexpression and RNA damage in follicular cells accomplished with improved angiogenesis.

Evaluation of prognostic utility of MIB-1 and p53 expression in pituitary adenomas: correlations with clinical behaviour and follow-up results.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) show a broad clinicomorphological spectrum. The proliferation activity, evaluated by MIB-1 labelling index (LI), and p53 expression have been pointed as predictive markers for invasiveness and progression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferation rate and p53 expression and to look for any relationships with the clinical behaviour and follow-up results in a series of Bulgarian patients with PAs. A total of 93 patients with PAs (81 hormone-secreting, 12 non-functioning), who were operated on and followed up for a period of five years, were included. The MIB-1 LI and p53 expressions were determined by immunohistochemistry and correlated with various clinical and tumour variables. The whole group of PAs showed a low proliferation rate with evident variations in a small number of cases (MIB-1 LI - 0.50 ± 0.56, from 0.1 to 3.30). MIB-1 LI correlated with tumour size (p = 0.012) and was positively related with male gender (p = 0.23) and partial surgical resection (p = 0.036). We found no significant differences regarding the age, functional activity, invasion (n = 33), expansion (n = 37) and tumour recurrences (seven cases). Only 10 cases (10.8%) showed a focal, nuclear p53 immunoreactivity. The p53 positive tumours had higher proliferation rate (p = 0.0001) but no relationship with the other clinical and tumour variables. Among all cases, there was only one case with higher MIB-1 LI (3.3%), positive p53 expression and tumour recurrence after surgery. Our results show that most PAs have a low proliferation rate and lack of p53 expression, as well as no relationship with tumour invasion or postsurgical progression.

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition in arsenic-transformed cells promotes angiogenesis through activating ß-catenin-vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.

Arsenic exposure represents a major health concern increasing cancer risks, yet the mechanism of arsenic carcinogenesis has not been elucidated. We and others recently reported that cell malignant transformation by arsenic is accompanied by epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of EMT in arsenic carcinogenesis is not well understood. Although previous studies showed that short term exposure of endothelial cells to arsenic stimulated angiogenesis, it remains to be determined whether cells that were malignantly transformed by long term arsenic exposure have a pro-angiogenic effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of arsenic-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells that underwent EMT on angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism. It was found that the conditioned medium from arsenic-transformed cells strongly stimulated tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, enhanced angiogenesis was detected in mouse xenograft tumor tissues resulting from inoculation of arsenic-transformed cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that ß-catenin was activated in arsenic-transformed cells up-regulating its target gene expression including angiogenic-stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Stably expressing microRNA-200b in arsenic-transformed cells that reversed EMT inhibited ß-catenin activation, decreased VEGF expression and reduced tube formation by HUVECs. SiRNA knockdown ß-catenin decreased VEGF expression. Adding a VEGF neutralizing antibody into the conditioned medium from arsenic-transformed cells impaired tube formation by HUVECs. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of canonical Wnt ligands were not increased in arsenic-transformed cells. These findings suggest that EMT in arsenic-transformed cells promotes angiogenesis through activating ß-catenin-VEGF pathway.

Implication of Lupeol in compensating Sorafenib-induced perturbations of redox homeostasis: A preclinical study in mouse model.

AIMS: Cancer chemotherapeutic drugs can potentially cause several adverse effects that influence a patient's general well-being. Sorafenib, an approved drug used in clinics against multiple cancers whose overall efficacy suffered a serious setback due to various side effects, leading to its frequent discontinuation. Lupeol has recently been considered an important prospective therapeutic agent due to its low toxicity and enhanced biological efficacy. Hence, our study aimed to evaluate whether Lupeol can perturb the Sorafenib-induced toxicity. MAIN METHODS: To test our hypothesis, we studied DNA interaction, level of cytokines, LFT/RFT, oxidant/antioxidant status, and their influences on genetic, cellular, and histopathological changes using both in vitro and in vivo models. KEY FINDINGS: The Sorafenib-treated group showed a marked increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), an increase in liver and renal function marker enzymes, serum cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß) macromolecular damages (protein, lipid, and DNA), and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, TrxR, GPx, GST). Moreover, Sorafenib-induced oxidative stress caused marked cytoarchitectural damage in the liver and kidney and increased p53 and BAX expression. Interestingly, combining Lupeol with Sorafenib improves all the examined toxic insults caused by Sorafenib. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Lupeol can be used in combination with Sorafenib to reduce ROS/RNS-induced macromolecule damage, which might result in hepato-renal toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents the possible protective effect of Lupeol against Sorafenib-induced adverse effects by perturbing redox homeostasis imbalance and apoptosis leading to tissue damage. This study is a fascinating finding that warrants further in-depth preclinical and clinical studies.

Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma of the Vagina Harboring TP53 Mutation.

Mesonephric adenocarcinoma (MA) of the female genital tract is a rare but distinct entity, exhibiting unique morphological, immunophenotypical, and molecular characteristics. Vaginal MA is hypothesized to arise from the mesonephric remnants located in the lateral vaginal wall. A 52-year-old woman presented with vaginal bleeding. Physical examination revealed a protruding mass in the left vaginal wall. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.5-cm mass arising from the left upper vagina and extending posterolaterally to the extravaginal tissue. The punch biopsy was diagnosed as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. She received radical surgical resection. Histologically, the tumor displayed various architectural patterns, including compactly aggregated small tubules, solid cellular sheets, endometrioid-like glands and ducts, intraluminal micropapillae, cribriform structure, and small angulated glands accompanied by prominent desmoplastic stroma. The tubules and ducts possessed hyaline-like, densely eosinophilic intraluminal secretions. The tumor extended to the subvaginal soft tissue and had substantial perineural invasion. Immunostaining revealed positivity for the mesonephric markers, including GATA3, TTF1, and PAX2, while showing very focal and weak positivity for estrogen receptor and negativity for progesterone receptor. Additionally, we observed a complete absence of p53 immunoreactivity. Targeted sequencing analysis revealed that the tumor harbored both activating KRAS p.G12D mutation and truncating TP53 p.E286* mutation. A thorough review of the previous literature revealed that 4.5% (3/67) of vaginal/cervical MAs and 0.9% (1/112) of uterine/ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinomas harbor TP53 mutations, indicating that this is very uncommon in malignant mesonephric lesions. In summary, we presented a rare case of vaginal MA uniquely harboring pathogenic TP53 mutation, resulting in p53 aberration.

Cytological Changes and Immunocytochemistry Expression of P53 in Oral Mucosa Among Waterpipe Users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objective In this study, we aimed to assess cytological changes and p53 expression in oral mucosa among waterpipe users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology A case-control study was conducted in KSA from January to October 2022. Two cytologic oral smear samples each were taken from 500 volunteers; 300 were waterpipe users (case) while 200 did not use a waterpipe (control). They were then stained using the Papanicolaou staining procedure and immunocytochemical method to show the expression of P53. Results The interpretation of the Papanicolaou staining outcomes showed the presence of four results with different proportions: inflammation, infection, atypia, and keratinization. Cytological inflammation was identified among 77/300 (25.6%) waterpipe smokers, which was higher than that among non-users (12/200, 6%). The reverse cytological infection and atypia were also higher in waterpipe smokers compared with controls (9% vs. 4.5% and 4.3% vs. 0.5%, respectively), and keratinization was detected only in waterpipe users (3.6%) compared with controls. Waterpipe users had higher p53 protein expression than non-users. Conclusion Using a waterpipe is an effective way to change the oral mucosa. In atypia and keratinization, there was high p53 expression. These results could indicate that p53 is involved in both the change from normal to cancerous cells and the growth of new cells, but the presence or absence of p53 staining could not be used to predict the outcome of potentially cancerous oral mucosal lesions.

Addition of Chromosome 17 Polysomy and HER2 Amplification Status Improves the Accuracy of Clinicopathological Factor-Based Progression Risk Stratification and Tumor Grading of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) to muscle-invasive disease (MIBC) significantly worsens life expectancy. Its risk can be assessed by clinicopathological factors according to international guidelines. However, additional molecular markers are needed to refine and improve the prediction. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to predict the progression of NMIBCs to MIBC by assessing p53 expression, polysomy of chromosome 17 (Chr17) and HER2 status in the tissue specimens of the tumors of 90 NMIBC patients. Median follow-up was 77 months (range 2−158). Patients with Chr17 polysomy or HER2 gene amplification had a higher rate of disease progression (hazard ratio: 7.44; p < 0.001 and 4.04; p = 0.033, respectively; univariate Cox regression). Multivariable Cox regression models demonstrated that the addition of either Chr17 polysomy or HER2 gene amplification status to the European Association of Urology (EAU) progression risk score increases the c-index (from 0.741/EAU/ to 0.793 and 0.755, respectively), indicating that Chr17 polysomy/HER2 amplification status information improves the accuracy of the EAU risk table in predicting disease progression. HER2/Chr17 in situ hybridization can be used to select non-progressive cases not requiring strict follow-up, by reclassifying non-HER2-amplified, non-polysomic NMIBCs from the high- and very high-risk groups of EAU to the intermediate-risk group.

Evaluation of Cyclooxygenase-2 and p53 Expression in Pterygium Tissue Following Preoperative Intralesional Ranibizumab Injection.

Introduction: Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and p53 are the postulated aetiopathogenesis in pterygium. VEGF is responsible for the induction of COX-2 expression, whereas p53 plays an important role in the regulation of VEGF. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemistry of COX-2 and p53 expressions from excised pterygium tissue from patients who received intralesional ranibizumab (anti-VEGF) injection 2 weeks prior to pterygium surgery. Materials and Methods: An interventional comparative study involving patients presenting with primary pterygium was conducted between September 2015 and November 2017. The patients were randomized into either the intervention or control group. Patients in the intervention group were injected with intralesional ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 ml) 2 weeks prior to surgery. Both groups underwent pterygium excision followed by conjunctival autograft. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate COX-2 and p53 expressions in the excised pterygium tissue. Results: A total of 50 patients (25 in both the intervention and control groups) were recruited. There were 34 (68%) patients with grade III pterygium and 16 (32%) patients with grade IV pterygium. There was statistically significant difference in reduction of COX-2 expression in the epithelial layer [84.0% (95% CI: 63.9, 95.5)] (p = 0.007) and stromal layer [84.0% (95% CI: 63.9, 95.5)] (p < 0.001) between intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference in the reduction of p53 expression between the two groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the possible use of intralesional anti-VEGF treatment prior to pterygium excision as a potential future modality of adjunctive therapy for pterygium surgery.

2-Methoxy-estradiol Loaded Alpha Lipoic Acid Nanoparticles Augment Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

The therapeutic effectiveness of anticancer drugs with a selective target for the nucleus of cancer cells may be improved by experimental approaches. In this regard, the formulation of anticancer drugs is considered one of the best ways to improve their effectiveness in targeting cancerous tissues. To enhance the anticancer activity of 2-methoxy-estradiol (2 ME) for breast cancer, 2-methoxyestradiol loaded alpha lipoic acid nanoparticles have been formulated. The prepared formula was observed to be spherical with a nanometer-scale and low PDI size (.234). The entrapment efficiency of the 2ME-ALA NPs was 87.32 ± 2.21% with > 85% release of 2 ME within 24 h. There was a 1.2-fold increase in apoptosis and a 3.46-fold increase in necrosis of the MCF-7 cells when incubated with 2ME-ALA NPs when compared to control cells. This increased apoptosis was also associated with increased ROS and increased p53 expression in 2ME-ALA NPs treated cells compared to the raw-2 ME group. Evaluation of cell-cycle data showed a substantial arrest of the G2-M phase of the MCF-7 cells when incubated with 2ME-ALA NPs. At the same time, a dramatically increased number of pre-G1 cells showed the increased apoptotic potential of the 2 ME when administered via the proposed formulation. In the end, the differential upregulation of caspase-3, p53, and ROS in MCF-7 cells established the superiority of the 2ME-ALA-Ms approach in targeting breast cancer. In summary, these results demonstrate that 2ME-ALA NPs are an efficient delivery tool for controlling the growth of breast cancer cells.

Hyptis mociniana: phytochemical fingerprint and photochemoprotective effect against UV-B radiation-induced erythema and skin carcinogenesis.

Skin cancer is a public health problem due to its high incidence. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the main etiological agent of this disease. Photochemoprotection involves the use of substances to avoid damage caused by UV exposure. The aim of this work was to determine the phytochemical fingerprint and photochemoprotective effect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage such as erythema and carcinogenesis of H. mociniana methanolic extract (MEHm). The chemical composition of the MEHm was analysed by LC/ESI-MS/MS. Three quercetin derivatives, two pectinolides, and two caffeic acid derivatives were identified in the methanolic extract. MEHm has antioxidant effect and it is not cytotoxic in HaCaT cells. Phytochemicals from H. mociniana have a photochemopreventive effect because they absorb UV light and protect HaCaT cells from UVR-induced cell death. Also, in SKH-1 mice -acute exposure-, it decreased erythema formation, modulating the inflammatory response, reduced the skin damage according to histological analysis and diminished p53 expression. Finally, MEHm protects from photocarcinogenesis by reducing the incidence and multiplicity of skin carcinomas in SKH-1 mice exposed chronically to UVB radiation.