Nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (2Nrf2) is an essential leucine zipper protein (bZIP) that is primarily located in the cytoplasm under physiological conditions. Nrf2 principally modulates endogenous defense in response to oxidative stress in the brain.In this regard, Nrf2 translocates into the nucleus and heterodimerizes with the tiny Maf or Jun proteins. It then attaches to certain DNA locations in the nucleus, such as electrophile response elements (EpRE) or antioxidant response elements (ARE), to start the transcription of cytoprotective genes. Many neoplasms have been shown to have over activated Nrf2, strongly suggesting that it is responsible for tumors with a poor prognosis. Exactly like curcumin, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound has been shown to induce Nrf2 activation. In the cancer cell lines analyzed, Zinc–curcumin Zn (II)–curc compound can also display anticancer effects via diverse molecular mechanisms, including markedly increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) p62/SQSTM1 and the Nrf2 protein levels along with its targets. It also strikingly decreases the levels of Nrf2 inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein.As a result, the crosstalk between p62/SQSTM1 and Nrf2 could be used to improve cancer patient response to treatments. The interconnected anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of curcumin resulted from its modulatory effects on Nrf2 signaling pathway have been shown to improve insulin resistance. Curcumin exerts its anti-inflammatory impact through suppressing metabolic reactions and proteins such as Keap1 that provoke inflammation and oxidation. A rational amount of curcumin-activated antioxidant Nrf2 HO-1 and Nrf2-Keap1 pathways and upregulated the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase involved in the production of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Enhanced expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a modifier subunit (GLCM), inhibited transcription of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a catalytic subunit (GCLC). A variety of in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies has been done so far to confirm the protective role of curcumin via Nrf2 regulation. This manuscript is designed to provide a comprehensive review on the molecular aspects of curcumin and its derivatives/analogs via regulation of Nrf2 regulation.
One of the most challenging aspects of treating patients facing primary ovarian insufficiency, especially those eligible for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), is the assessment of ovarian function and response to stimulatory protocols in terms of the number of oocytes retrieved. The lack of consistency between studies regarding the best parameter for response evaluation necessitates a comprehensive statistical analysis of the most commonly utilized ovarian reserve markers (ORM). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to establish the optimal metric for assessing ovarian reserve among COH candidates. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched until July 2024, with no date or language limitations. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the validity of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) in patients receiving controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Studies on the diagnostic accuracy of ovarian reserve markers in predicting ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted reproduction technology (ART) candidates were reviewed. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was determined using the Der Simonian-Laird random effects model meta-analysis to assess the likelihood of detecting low or high ovarian responses in COH candidates. Cochran’s Q, and I-squared, were used to analyze between-study heterogeneity. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 26 studies including 17 cohorts, 4 case controls, and 5 cross-sectional studies. AFC and AMH demonstrated significant diagnostic performance compared to FSH and E2 in poor and high response category. AMH slightly outperformed AMH and had the highest logarithm of DOR for detecting poor [2.68 (95% CI 1.90, 3.45)] and high ovarian response [2.76 (95% CI 1.57, 3.95)]. However, it showed a high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 95.65, Q = 189.65, p < 0.05). AFC and AMH were the most accurate predictors of poor and high ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. However, further research is needed to develop models assessing the combined impact of AMH and AFC on ovarian response prediction. PROSPERO CRD42021245380.
Aim. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common nonskin malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. The most common site of metastasis in PCa is the axial skeleton which may lead to back pain or pathological fractures. Hematogenous spread to the brain and involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) are a rare occurrence. However, failed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may facilitate such a spread resulting in an advanced metastatic stage of PCa, which carries a poor prognosis. Methods. In this systematic review, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science online databases based on the PRISMA guideline and used all the medical subject headings (MeSH) in terms of the following search line: (Brain Neoplasms OR Central Nervous System Neoplasms) and (Prostatic Neoplasms OR Prostate). Related studies were identified and reviewed. Results. A total of 59 eligible studies (902 patients) were included in this systematic review. In order to gain a deeper understanding, we extracted and presented the data from included articles based on clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and prognostic status of PCa patients having BMs. Conclusion. We have demonstrated the current knowledge regarding the mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and prognosis of BMs in PCa. These data shed more light on the way to help clinicians and physicians to understand, diagnose, and manage BMs in PCa patients better.
• Primary bone tumors (PBTs) have a low incidence, but cause significant patient burden. • CAR T-cell therapy has been used in treating hematological malignancies. • CAR T-cells may be used in solid tumors to improve survival in patients with PBTs. • This review summarizes findings on CAR T-cell therapy for PBTs.
1 December 2022 in Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Background. Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor that occurs more frequently in pediatric populations. It may originate from any part of the sympathetic nervous system, but it most commonly arises from the paraspinal sympathetic ganglia in the abdomen or mediastinum. Local lymphadenopathy and distant metastasis to the central nervous system, orbit, and liver might be detected; however, it rarely includes soft tissue or musculoskeletal involvement. Case Report. Here, we report a 10-month-old infant presented with a right thigh mass with an otherwise benign physical exam and medical history. MRI of the lower extremities suggested tumoral infiltration in the soft tissue of both thighs, predominantly on the right side. Surgical pathology of the lesion confirmed neuroblastoma. A large subhepatic mass and paraaortic lymphadenopathy in the abdominal CT scan and metaiodobenzylguanidine scan findings favored primary abdominal neuroblastoma that had spread to lower extremities. The patient has been in remission since the completion of chemotherapy. Conclusion. Neuroblastoma should be considered in infants with an abnormal mass in extremities. Due to its aggressive nature, most patients struggle with distant and local tumor spread at diagnosis. Therefore, any abnormal signs and symptoms, especially in younger pediatrics, warrant immediate evaluation to avoid tumor expansion.