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Correlation of serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor with disease severity and clinical outcome in dengue patients.

Dengue virus infection can cause mild dengue fever (DF) or severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Cytokines are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of dengue infection. However, the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in dengue infection is unclear. In this study, serum levels of MIF in adult dengue patients with different disease severity and clinical outcome were determined and compared with the levels of other cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), in the same patients. Serum levels of MIF, IL-6, and IL-10, but not IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha, were higher in all DHF patients who died than in DHF survivors and DF patients. We conclude that in addition to IL-6 and IL-10, elevated levels of serum MIF are a potential predictor of disease severity and clinical outcome in dengue patients.

Adult↗

A paraxial exclusion zone creates patterned cranial neural crest cell outgrowth adjacent to rhombomeres 3 and 5.

Cranial neural crest cell migration is patterned, with neural crest cell-free zones adjacent to rhombomere (R) 3 and R5. These zones have been suggested to result from death of premigratory neural crest cells via upregulation of BMP-4 and Msx-2 in R3 and R5, consequent to R2-, R4-, and R6-derived signals. We reinvestigated this model and found that cell death detected by acridine orange staining in avian embryos varied widely numerically and in pattern, but with a tendency for an elevated zone centered at the R2/3 boundary. In situ hybridization of BMP-4 mRNA resolved to centers at R3 and R5 but Msx-2 resolved to the R2/3 border with only a faint smear from R5 to R6. Outgrowth of neural crest cells was less in isolated R3 cultures than in R1+2, R2, and R4 cultures, but R3 showed neither a decrease in outgrowth of neural crest cells nor an increase in cell death when cocultured with R1+2, R2, or R4. In addition, in serum-free culture, exogenous BMP-4 strikingly reduced neural crest cell outgrowth from R1+2 and R4 as well as R3. Thus we cannot confirm the role of intraneural cell death in patterning rhombomeric neural crest outgrowth. However, grafting quail R2 or R4 adjacent to the chick hindbrain demonstrated a neural crest cell exclusion zone next to R3 and R5. We suggest that one important pattern determinant for rhombomeric neural crest cell migration involves the microenvironment next to the neural tube.

Animals↗

Rural-to-urban migration and cardiovascular disease risk factors in young Guatemalan adults.

BACKGROUND: Migration to cities may increase cardiovascular disease risk factors in developing countries. We examined rural and urban individuals who were born in the same villages and shared similar childhood experiences. METHODS: Blood lipids and glucose, blood pressure, anthropometry, body composition, physical activity, and food, tobacco and alcohol consumption were examined in 161 men and 193 women, 19-29 years old, living in their village of birth (76 commuted to work in Guatemala City), and in 76 men and 43 women living in the city. RESULTS: Rural and urban women had similar prevalence of overweight (28%), elevated body fat (29.8 +/- 6.1%) and low physical activity (83%). Compared to rural men, more urban men were sedentary (79 versus 27%), and they had higher body fat (15.3 +/- 5.3% versus 13.3 +/- 5.7%), serum cholesterol (4.27 +/- 0.75 versus 3.90 +/- 0.70 mmol/l [165 +/- 29 versus 151 +/- 27 mg/dl]), low density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol (2.66 +/- 0.72 versus 2.30 +/- 0.62 mmol/l [103 +/- 28 versus 89 +/- 24 mg/dl]) and total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol ratio (4.6 +/- 1.0 versus 4.1 +/- 0.9). Commuters showed intermediate values. Women had higher serum cholesterol (4.43 +/- 0.80 mmol/l [171 +/- 31 mg/dl]) than men in rural and urban areas. Urban residents ate/drank more saturated fats, red meat and sweetened beverages, and less legumes. CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of young Guatemalan women were overweight and sedentary. Migration to a city increased sedentarism and undesirable eating habits among men and women; men became fatter and their lipid profile worsened. Public health actions must address the prevention of emerging chronic diseases in countries still burdened by undernutrition and infections.

Adult↗

Characterization of CD44v3-containing isoforms in head and neck cancer.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating and deadly disease that is only cured 50% of the time. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in HNSCC progression may lead to earlier detection and improved cure rates. CD44 is a ubiquitous transmembrane glycoprotein comprising a family of alternatively spliced isoforms involved in cell migration and cell proliferation. CD44 isoforms containing the variant 3 (v3) exon include a growth factor binding site and may be involved in tumor progression. To characterize CD44v3-containing isoforms expression in HNSCC we purified RNA from four HNSCC cell lines and performed RT-PCR using junction primer strategies followed by gel elecrophoresis. Cloning and sequencing of HNSCC cell line PCR products revealed two isoforms. One of these, CD44v3-10, has been previously described. The other isoform, CD44v3, has not been characterized in HNSCC tissues. To further study this isoform, we purified RNA from 19 HNSCC tissues, 7 normal margin tissues and 5 true normal tissues. Following reverse-transcription, we performed quantitative PCR using junction primers specific for CD44v3. Results show that HNSCC tumor tissues expressed mean CD44v3 levels that were elevated 4.5 times more than true normal tissues (p < 0.01). Mean CD44v3 values for HNSCC tumors were 0.43 +/- 0.44 while mean levels for true normal tissues were 0.10 +/- 0.11. Levels in tumor tissue did not vary significantly with tumor characteristics such as site, stage, prior treatment, or nodal status. In addition, to characterize the role of this molecule plays in tumor progression, we overexpressed CD44v3 in a HNSCC cell line. Our results indicate that although higher levels of CD44v3 did not affect the rate of proliferation, a significant increase in migration was observed. CD44v3 may provide a target for future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for HNSCC.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Leukotriene B4, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and inflammatory exudates in the rat.

Leukocyte numbers and Leukotriene B4- (LTB4-) and LTC4-immunoreactivity were measured in inflammatory exudates obtained from sponges impregnated with several irritants implanted subcutaneously in the rat. Sponges containing 1% uric acid, carrageenan or zymosan were implanted for 5h and compared to saline sponges. Increases in leukocyte numbers and LTB4-immunoreactivity were found in the presence of irritants, the highest concentrations being observed in the presence of zymosan. The presence of LTB4 was confirmed by liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis. A time course study was carried out with zymosan-impregnated sponges and the maximal rate of leukocyte infiltration was found to coincide with the maximal levels of LTB4-immunoreactivity. The LTC4-immunoreactivity was low and following analysis by HPLC was concluded to be unrelated to leukotrienes. The levels of LTB4-immunoreactivity, but not the numbers of leukocytes, were elevated compared to corresponding controls in sponges containing 0.01% ionophore A23187 (untreated rats) or in sponges containing zymosan (rats pretreated with indomethacin; 3 and 10 mg/kg p.o.). Impregnation of sponges with 3 X 10(-6)M LTB4 but not 3 X 10(-5) and 3 X 10(-7)M LTB4 induced a significant leukocyte migration. It was concluded that LTB4 can induce leukocyte migration into sponge exudates in the rat but that measurements of LTB4 in such exudates can not be correlated with the degree of leukocyte infiltration.

Animals↗

ADAM15 decreases integrin alphavbeta3/vitronectin-mediated ovarian cancer cell adhesion and motility in an RGD-dependent fashion.

We have recently described that integrin alphavbeta3 upon interaction with its major extracellular matrix ligand vitronectin induces adhesion, motility, and proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells. Due to the important function of alphavbeta3 in cancer cell biology, it has been the effort of many scientific approaches to specifically target alphavbeta3-mediated cell adhesion and tumorbiological effects arising thereof by synthetic integrin antagonists. More recently, proteins of the ADAM family have been recognized as naturally occurring integrin ligands. Among those, human ADAM15 which encompasses the integrin binding RGD motif was shown to interact with integrin alphavbeta3. Thus, we investigated in human ovarian OV-MZ-6 cancer cells, expressing both ADAM15 and alphavbeta3, whether ADAM15 might affect alphavbeta3-mediated tumorbiological effects. We stably (over)expressed ADAM15 or its extracellular domain in OV-MZ-6 cells as well as respective ADAM15 mutants containing the tripeptide SGA instead of RGD. Cells (over)expressing ADAM15-RGD exhibited a significantly reduced alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion to vitronectin. Also, a significant time-dependent decline in numbers of cells cultivated on vitronectin was noticed. This effect was found to be rather due to impaired alphavbeta3-mediated cell adhesion than decreased cell proliferation rates, since de novo DNA synthesis was not significantly altered by elevated ADAM15 expression. Moreover, a substantially decreased random cellular motility was noticed as a function of ADAM15 encompassing an intact RGD motif. In conclusion, our results point to a physiological role of ADAM15 as a natural binding partner of integrin alphavbeta3 thereby loosening tumor cell adhesion to the underlying matrix and regulating tumor cell migration and invasion.

ADAM Proteins↗

An enzyme that regulates ether lipid signaling pathways in cancer annotated by multidimensional profiling.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of uncharacterized enzymes currently populate the human proteome. Assembly of these proteins into the metabolic and signaling pathways that govern cell physiology and pathology constitutes a grand experimental challenge. Here, we address this problem by using a multidimensional profiling strategy that combines activity-based proteomics and metabolomics. This approach determined that KIAA1363, an uncharacterized enzyme highly elevated in aggressive cancer cells, serves as a central node in an ether lipid signaling network that bridges platelet-activating factor and lysophosphatidic acid. Biochemical studies confirmed that KIAA1363 regulates this pathway by hydrolyzing the metabolic intermediate 2-acetyl monoalkylglycerol. Inactivation of KIAA1363 disrupted ether lipid metabolism in cancer cells and impaired cell migration and tumor growth in vivo. The integrated molecular profiling method described herein should facilitate the functional annotation of metabolic enzymes in any living system.

Carbamates↗

DPPIV inhibitors extend GLP-2 mediated tumour promoting effects on intestinal cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: The glucagon-like peptides-1 and -2 (GLP-1 and -2) are co-secreted after food intake from intestinal L cells. Since both peptides are rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPPIV), research is focused on the development of DPPIV inhibitors or DPPIV resistant. AIMS: In this study we investigated, whether the inhibition of DPPIV activity and the resulting increased half-life of DPPIV substrates may influence cancer development and progression. METHODS: We examined proliferation and migratory activity of two human colon cancer cell lines (SW480, HT29) after stimulation with GLP-2 in combination with or without DPPIV inhibitors. RESULTS: Migratory activity was increased by 25% from 20% matrix induced activity to a maximum of 45% (100 nM GLP-2). In cells expressing CD26, migration was prolonged by addition of DPPIV inhibitors in a concentration dependent manner. After treatment with GLP-2 doubling time decreased from 2.4 to 1.5 days - and addition of DPPIV inhibitors enhanced the effect of GLP-2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of DPPIV inhibitors together with GLP-2 led to increased proliferation as well as elevated migratory activity. Therefore, the use of DPPIV inhibitors could increase the risk of promoting an already existing intestinal tumour and may support the potential of colon cancer cells to metastasize.

Adenosine Deaminase Inhibitors↗

Impairment of leukocyte trafficking in a murine pleuritis model by IL-4 and IL-10.

We have characterized leukocyte migration to the pleural cavity in a methylated-BSA (mBSA)-induced model of murine delayed-type hypersensitivity and evaluated the ability of IL-4 and IL-10 to modulate this response. Neutrophils, macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells migrated to the pleural cavity in a time-dependent fashion following direct intrapleural antigen challenge, with neutrophils comprising the majority of exudate leukocytes in the cavity within the first 24 h and the number of mononuclear cells increasing at later times. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of infiltrating leukocytes revealed a marked elevation of steady-state mRNA levels of IL-1beta and TNFalpha and the chemokines KC, MIP-2, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 at 6 h postchallenge, which diminished over time. In contrast, gammaIFN mRNA levels were maximal at 24 h and CCL5 expression was sustained throughout 72 h. ELISA analysis of pleural exudate fluid revealed significant elevations of KC and CCL2 protein levels at 6 h postantigen challenge and a peak increase in gammaIFN protein at 24 h, confirming our mRNA observations. Administration of recombinant murine IL-4 or IL-10 prior to challenge significantly blocked cell trafficking to the pleural cavity as well as peak levels of exudate gammaIFN, with IL-4 being more potent in impairing these responses. IL-4 administration also increased the proportion of naive T cells in the pleural cavity, as judged by CD62L and CD45RB expression. These results indicate that this in vivo model demonstrates a pattern of events associated with Th1-mediated leukocyte trafficking and underscore the potential utility of this in vivo model for evaluating therapeutic inhibitors of leukocyte trafficking.

Animals↗

Identification of ECE2 signaling in promoting non-small lung cancer progression through ET1/YAP1/MAGEA3 axis.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide with high heterogeneity. However, the molecular basis for NSCLC development remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed endothelin converting enzyme 2 (ECE2) expression in NSCLC using transcriptome data from 59 normal and 515 NSCLC tissues obtained from The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Additionally, we investigated the role of ECE2 in metastasis using 30 clinical NSCLC specimens. In vitro cell proliferation and migration assays were conducted using CCK8 and Transwell assays in NSCLC cells overexpressing ECE2. We employed Western blotting and immunostaining to assess activation of the endothelin-1 (ET1)/YAP1/MAGEA3 pathway. Furthermore, in vivo studies using subcutaneous xenograft mouse models with vector and ECE2-overexpressing A549 cells evaluated the anticancer effects. Our findings revealed elevated ECE2 expression in NSCLC tissues associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, overexpression of ECE2 enhanced both the proliferative and metastatic potential of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, ECE2 promoted the production of ET1 in NSCLC cells. Subsequently, increased ET1 levels activated the YAP1/MAGEA3 pathway, thereby facilitating tumor progression. Our study uncovered the oncogenic role of ECE2 in promoting NSCLC growth through the ET1/YAP1/MAGEA3 pathway. Inhibiting ET1 signaling markedly enhanced the anticancer effectiveness of paclitaxel (PTX), providing a promising approach for managing NSCLC.

Humans↗

Lysophosphatidic acid downregulates tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, which are negatively involved in lysophosphatidic acid-induced cell invasion.

Ovarian cancer is a highly metastatic disease. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels are elevated in ascites from ovarian cancer patients, but its potential role in ovarian cancer metastasis has just begun to be revealed. In this work, we show that LPA stimulates invasion of primary ovarian cancer cells, but not ovarian epithelial or borderline ovarian tumor cells, although these benign cells indeed respond to LPA in cell migration. We have found that LPA downregulates tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). TIMP2 and TIMP3 play functional role in LPA-induced invasion as negative regulators. G(i) protein, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cytosolic phospholipase A(2) and urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) are required for LPA-induced cells invasion. TIMP3 may affect two independent downstream targets, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and p38 MAPK. In vivo, LPA stimulates tumor metastasis in an orthotopic ovarian tumor model, which can be inhibited by a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. In summary, LPA is likely a key component for promoting ovarian metastasis in vivo. LPA downregulates TIMP3, which may have targets other than metalloproteinases. Our in vivo metastasis mouse model is useful for studying the efficacy of therapeutic regimes of ovarian cancer.

Animals↗

Activity-dependent regulation of Neu differentiation factor/neuregulin expression in rat brain.

Neu differentiation factor (NDF/neuregulin) is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it functions as a mediator of the interactions between nerve cells and Schwann, glia, oligodendrocyte, and muscle cells, to control cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration. NDF binds to two receptor tyrosine kinases, ErbB-3 and ErbB-4. Here we demonstrate that NDF and its ErbB-4 receptor are highly reactive to changes in ambient neuronal activity in the rodent brain in a region-selective manner. Generation of epileptic seizures by using kainic acid, a potent glutamate analog, elevated levels of NDF transcripts in limbic cortical areas, hippocampus, and amygdala. Concomitantly, ErbB-4 mRNA was increased with a similar spatial distribution, but transcription of the other NDF receptor, ErbB-3, did not change. A more moderate stimulation, forced locomotion, was accompanied by an increase in NDF transcripts and protein in the hippocampus and in the motor cortex. Similar changes were found with ErbB-4, but not ErbB-3. Last, a pathway-specific tetanic stimulation of the perforant path, which produced long-term potentiation, was followed by induction of NDF expression in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus and CA3 area of the hippocampus. Taken together, these results indicate that NDF is regulated by physiological activity and may play a role in neural plasticity.

Animals↗

Migration and sensory properties of plastics-based nets used as food-contacting materials under ambient and high temperature heating conditions.

Overall migration from a wide range of commercial plastics-based netting materials destined to be used as either meat or vegetable packaging materials into the fatty food simulant isooctane or the aqueous simulant distilled water, respectively, was studied. In addition, sensory tests of representative netting materials were carried out in bottled water in order to investigate possible development of off-odour/taste and discoloration in this food simulant as a result of migration from the netting material. Sensory tests were supplemented by determination of the volatile compounds' profile in table water exposed to the netting materials using SPME-GC/MS. Test conditions for packaging material/food simulant contact and method of overall migration analysis were according to European Union Directives 90/128 (EEC, 1990) and 2002/72 (EEC, 2002). The results showed that for both PET and polyethylene-based netting materials, overall migration values into distilled water ranged between 11.5 and 48.5 mg l(-1), well below the upper limit (60 mg l(-1)) for overall migration values from plastics-packaging materials set by the European Union. The overall migration values from netting materials into isooctane ranged between 38.0 and 624.0 mg l(-1), both below and above the European Union upper limit for migration. Sensory tests involving contact of representative samples with table water under refluxing (100 degrees C/4 h) conditions showed a number of the netting materials produced both off-odour and/or taste as well as discoloration of the food simulant rendering such materials unfit for the packaging of foodstuffs in applications involving heating at elevated temperatures. GC/MS analysis showed the presence of numerous volatile compounds being produced after netting materials/water contact under refluxing conditions. Although it is extremely difficult to establish a clear correlation between sensory off-odour development and GC/MS volatile compounds' profile, it may be postulated that plastics oxidation products such as hexanal, heptanal, octanal and 2,6 di-tert-butylquinone may contribute to off-odour development using commercially bottled table water as a food simulant. Likewise, compounds such as carbon disulfide, [1,1'-biphenyl]-2-ol and propanoic acid, 2 methyl 1-(1,1-dimethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediyl ester probably originating from cotton and rubber components of netting materials may also contribute to off-odour/taste development.

Color↗

Signal transduction cross-talk during colorectal tumorigenesis.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States in the general population (men and women combined). Epidemiologic data obtained over the last several decades shows convincing evidence for the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the reduction of risk of CRC through the inhibition of cycloxygenase (COX). Recent research has also demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a predominant product of COX, plays a critical role in tumorigenesis of CRCs through its guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptors (GPCRs), EP2, and EP4. Molecular analysis of CRC and its precursor lesions have shown that mutation of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), a gene involved in the wingless type signaling pathway, is an early event during the neoplastic progression in the majority of sporadic CRCs. The fundamental questions are: why is wild type APC so important in adult colorectal tissues in preventing this tumorigenesis, and what are the mechanisms by which NSAIDs prevent colorectal tumorigenesis? We reviewed the recent literature concerning the PGE2-GPCR signaling pathway and the APC-beta-catenin (wingless type) pathway in CRC cells and propose a unifying schema regarding the tumorigenesis of CRC. Colorectal epithelia are continuously exposed to various extracellular agonists (including low levels of PGE2). The binding of these agonists to their corresponding GPCRs leads to formation of activated Galphas, which in turn activates beta-catenin. In normal colorectal epithelia, wild type APC blocks the Galphas-induced activation of beta-catenin, and therefore maintains homeostasis and prevents tumorigenesis. In contrast, in the absence of functional APC, continuous formation of activated Galphas by the binding of various extracellular agonists to their receptors leads to the activation and nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. This elevated nuclear beta-catenin in turn increases transcription of many genes (COX-2, C-myc, Cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor, T cell factor, etc.) involved in tumorigenesis. Increased transcription of COX-2 also leads to excessive production of PGE2 that in turn forms a stimulatory loop with many biologic functions (proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis), which may result in the development of CRC. Because NSAIDs inhibit COX and decrease the production of PGE2, interruption of the cycle helps prevent colorectal tumorigenesis.

Adult↗

Immune responses following experimental human hookworm infection.

To characterize the immune response following primary human hookworm infection, an adult volunteer was infected with 50 L3 larvae of Necator americanus, reinfected 27 months later and followed for a further 6 months. Clinical signs, blood picture, ex-vivo peripheral blood cytokine production (IFN-gamma, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10 to mitogen and hookworm antigen), acute phase proteins (APP) (C-reactive protein, CRP and alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha1-AT) and antibody levels were determined. Dermatitis, oedema, mild nausea and abdominal discomfort followed the primary infection. Eosinophil counts peaked early during both infections but remained elevated ( approximately 18%) throughout. Transient production of IL-5, IL-13 and APP also followed infection but there were negligible levels of IFN-gamma or IL-10. The onset of nausea, oedema and the initial rise in CRP, alpha1-AT, eosinophilia and IL-5 coincided (days 13-27) with the late larval migration and early establishment of the preadult worms in the intestine. Apart from the eosinophilia these responses declined to baseline levels within 4 months and were less pronounced on re-infection.

Animals↗

Relationship of postprandial motilin, gastrin, and pancreatic polypeptide release to intestinal motility during vagal interruption.

Experiments were performed to determine how postprandial motilin, gastrin, and pancreatic polypeptide plasma concentrations measured during vagal blockade relate to coincident small intestinal motility patterns. Feeding produced a postprandial pattern of intestinal motility coincident with a sustained increase in gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide and a decline in motilin plasma concentrations. Vagal blockade replaced the fed pattern with one similar to migrating motor complex (MMC) activity. Highest motilin plasma concentrations were observed during phase III of this MMC-like activity, as occurs in the fasted state. Vagal blockade reduced but did not abolish the postprandial increase in plasma gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations. Termination of vagal cooling produced a decline in motilin and an elevation in gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations, coincident with the return of the fed pattern. In conclusion, during vagal blockade in the fed state (i) motilin, but not gastrin or pancreatic polypeptide plasma concentrations, fluctuate with the MMC-like activity, and any measurement of motilin concentration under these circumstances must be interpreted on the basis of gut motility patterns, and (ii) gastrin and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations are marginally elevated, but these changes are not enough to disrupt the MMC or have any motor effect. Lastly, the fed pattern and the postprandial changes in motilin, gastrin, and pancreatic polypeptide concentrations are in part dependent upon intact vagal pathways.

Animals↗

Soluble ICAM-1 serum levels in multiple sclerosis and viral encephalitis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 has a crucial role in the induction of an immune response and is instrumental in migration of T cells into inflamed tissue. We studied soluble ICAM-1 concentrations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), viral encephalitis, and other immunologic diseases, and compared results with those in other noninflammatory, nondemyelinating neurologic disorders as well as in healthy controls. MS patients with clinically active disease or enhancing lesions on MRI had elevated serum levels of soluble ICAM-1. Concentrations of soluble ICAM-1 were also increased in some patients with viral encephalitis. These findings raise the possibility that circulating ICAM-1 serves as a marker of acute inflammatory events in the brain and add to evidence implicating this adhesion molecule in the pathogenesis of MS.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗

Crucial role of telomere maintenance-related genes in survival prediction and subtype identification in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Telomere maintenance-related genes (TMRGs) are implicated in Colorectal cancer (CRC) development, but their prognostic value and clinical relevance remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to develop a TMRG-based prognostic model and elucidate its clinical utility in CRC management. METHODS: The Cancer Genome Atlas database was utilized to download RNA-seq data from 638 CRC and 51 control samples. Differential expressed genes were screened and intersected with 2086 TMRGs, resulting in the identification of 976 TMRGs. Through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, a prognostic model comprising three telomere maintenance-related biomarkers (PDE1B, TFAP2B, and HSPA1A) was developed and validated using an external dataset. By integrating the model risk score with clinical features, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival outcomes of CRC patients. Additionally, an in-depth investigation of the immuno-infiltration, functional variation and drug sensitivity analysis were performed in two risk subgroups defined by the prognostic model. Finally, the functional significance of PDE1B in CRC cell lines was investigated through MTT assays, cell colony formation assays, transwell assays and flow cytometry. RESULTS: A total of 976 DE-TMRGs were enriched in telomere/DNA replication pathways. A three-gene signature (PDE1B, TFAP2B, and HSPA1A) stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with divergent survival (AUC >0.60, validated externally). High-risk patients had advanced N/M stages, elevated M0/M2 macrophages, reduced CD4+ memory T cells, and upregulated immune checkpoints. Nomogram integrating risk score, age, and N/M stage accurately predicted 1-/3-/5-year survival. Low-risk patients showed greater 5-fluorouracil sensitivity. PDE1B expression was significantly reduced in CRC tissues and correlated with advanced stages. Functional assays confirmed PDE1B overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis in CRC cells. CONCLUSION: This study identifies a moderately predictive telomere maintenance-related gene signature as an independent prognostic predictor in CRC. The risk stratification model effectively discriminates patients with distinct survival patterns, tumor microenvironments, and therapeutic responses, while the integrated nomogram offers additional reference information for survival analysis, albeit with only moderate predictive accuracy. These findings indicate telomere maintenance-related gene signature could serve as a preliminary auxiliary risk stratification tool for postoperative CRC patients, PDE1B may also serve as a potential epithelial tumor-suppressor target for future preclinical studies.

PDE1B↗