Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which provides a broad field for investigation, while simultaneously reducing the chances for a universal treatment. Malignant gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors. The heterogeneity of gliomas regarding clinical presentation, pathology and response to treatment makes this type of tumor a challenging area of research. As the clinical symptoms may be unspecific (e.g., seizures and headaches) it is often difficult to diagnose a patient in the early stages of the disease. Thus far, there are no known genetic patterns of inheritance of this disease. Currently, the treatment of glioblastoma involves surgery, whenever possible, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Experimental procedures, such as passive and active immunotherapy, use of angiogenesis inhibitors in combination with chemotherapeutics and gene/antibody therapy, are additional treatment options. However, as the brain is difficult to access due to the presence of the blood‑brain barrier (BBB), none of the above‑mentioned therapies have been successful in curing this disease. The lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of gliomas further adds to the difficulties. Currently, investigations are focused on the development of novel methods for improving the outcome of this disease. however, despite the extensive investigations, 88% of all glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients succumb to the disease within 3 years. GBM remains one of the most challenging malignancies worldwide.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the main hematopoietic hormone acting on progenitor red blood cells via stimulation of cell growth, differentiation, and anti-apoptosis. However, its receptor (EPOR) is also expressed in various non-hematopoietic tissues, including endothelium. EPO is a pleiotropic growth factor that exhibits growth stimulation and cell/tissue protection on numerous cells and tissues. In this article we review the angiogenesis potential of EPO on endothelial cells in heart, brain, and leg ischemia, as well as its role in retinopathy protection and tumor promotion. Furthermore, the effect of EPO on bone marrow and adipose tissue is also discussed.

Since recombinant proteins are widely used in industry and in research, the need for their low-cost production is increasing. Escherichia coli is one of the best known and most often used host organisms for economical protein production. However, upon over-expression, protein aggregates called inclusion bodies (IBs) are often formed. Until recently IBs formation represented a bottleneck in protein production as they were considered as deposits of inactive proteins. However, recent studies show that by choosing the appropriate host strain and designing an optimal production process, IBs composed from properly folded and biologically active recombinant proteins can be prepared. Such active protein particles can be further used for the isolation of pure proteins or as whole active protein particles in various biomedical and other applications. Therefore interest in understanding the mechanisms of their formation as well as their properties is increasing.

Quercetin, catechins and proanthocyanidins are flavonoids that are prominently featured in foodstuffs and dietary supplements, and may possess anti-carcinogenic activity. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most dangerous form of glioma, a malignancy of the brain connective tissue. This review assesses molecular structures of these flavonoids, their importance as components of diet and dietary supplements, their bioavailability and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, their reported beneficial health effects, and their effects on non-malignant glial as well as glioblastoma tumor cells. The reviewed flavonoids appear to protect glial cells via reduction of oxidative stress, while some also attenuate glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and reduce neuroinflammation. Most of the reviewed flavonoids inhibit proliferation of glioblastoma cells and induce their death. Moreover, some of them inhibit pro-oncogene signaling pathways and intensify the effect of conventional anti-cancer therapies. However, most of these anti-glioblastoma effects have only been observed in vitro or in animal models. Due to limited ability of the reviewed flavonoids to access the brain, their normal dietary intake is likely insufficient to produce significant anti-cancer effects in this organ, and supplementation is needed.

Differentially expressed proteins in glioblastoma multiforme identified with a nanobody-based anti-proteome approach and confirmed by OncoFinder as possible tumor-class predictive biomarker candidates Differentially expressed proteins in glioblastoma multiforme identified with a nanobody-based anti-proteome approach and confirmed by OncoFinder as possible tumor-class predictive biomarker candidates