Epidemiologic profile and outcome of primary pediatric brain tumors in Iran: retrospective study and literature review

Loc646329 sponges miR-21 to reduce RAS/MAP kinase signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of head and neck cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the development and progression of OSCC. In particular, miR-21 has been implicated in various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion; it could be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC. In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for OSCC (TCGA-OSCC) clinical information was used. Patient outcomes were analyzed through survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. The HSC-3cell line was used as the OSCC cell line, which is known for its aggressive characteristics. The expression of Loc646329, miR-21, PTEN, PDCD4, and SPRY2 was evaluated by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and scratch assay. Also, the effect of Loc646329 expression on OSCC was evaluated using the in vivo Xenograft Mouse Model. The results showed that overexpression of Loc646329 leads to the downregulation of miR-21, PDCD4, and SPRY2 genes while the PTEN gene is upregulated. In other words, the overexpression of Loc646329 by miR-21 inhibition (thorough targeting RAS/MAPK pathway) induces apoptosis and stops the cell cycle in OSCC cells. In vivo tests showed that elevated Loc646329 expression was linked to positive pathological outcomes, such as smaller tumor size, reduced lymph node metastasis, and enhanced overall survival in OSCC patients. In conclusion, the identification of Loc646329 as a sponge for miR-21 and its impact on the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway offers new opportunities for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for OSCC. Further investigations into this regulatory axis may uncover additional targets for precision medicine approaches in the treatment of OSCC.

Potential Player of Platelet in the Pathogenesis of Cardiotoxicity: Molecular Insight and Future Perspective

Cancer patients may encounter the onset of cardiovascular disease due to tumor advancement or chemotherapy, commonly known as "cardiotoxicity." In this respect, the conventional chemotherapy treatment protocol involves a mixture of different medications. These medications can be detrimental to cardiac tissue, consequently exposing the patient to the possibility of irreversible cardiac injury. The enhancement of oxidative stress and inflammation is an important mechanism of chemotherapeutic agents for developing cardiotoxicity. Regarding their dual pro- and anti-inflammatory functions, platelets can significantly influence the progression or suppression of cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the expression of platelet activatory markers can serve as valuable prognostic indicators for cardiotoxicity. The primary objective of this study is to examine the significance of platelets in cardiotoxicity and explore potential strategies that could effectively target malignant cells while minimizing their cytotoxic impact, such as cardiotoxicity and thrombosis.

Association of area deprivation index (ADI) with demographics and postoperative outcomes in pediatric brain tumor patients

PURPOSE

Although social determinants of health (SDOH) have been associated with adverse surgical outcomes, cumulative effects of multiple SDOH have never been studied. The area deprivation index (ADI) assesses cumulative impact of SDOH factors on outcomes. We analyzed the relationship between ADI percentile and postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients diagnosed with brain tumors.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was conducted on our consecutive series of pediatric brain tumor patients presenting between January 1, 1999, and May 31, 2022. Demographics and outcomes were collected, identifying SDOH factors influencing outcomes found in the literature. ADI percentiles were identified based on patient addresses, and patients were stratified into more (ADI 0-72%) and less (ADI 73-100%) disadvantaged cohorts. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were completed for demographics and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 272 patients were included. Demographics occurring frequently in the more disadvantaged group were Black race (13.1% vs. 2.8%; P = .003), public insurance (51.5% vs. 27.5%; P < .001), lower median household income ($64,689 ± $19,254 vs. $46,976 ± $13,751; P < .001), and higher WHO grade lesions (15[11.5%] grade III and 8[6.2%] grade IV vs. 8[5.6%] grade III and 5[3.5%] grade IV; P = .11). The more disadvantaged group required adjunctive chemotherapy (25.4% vs. 12.05%; P = .007) or radiation therapy (23.9% vs. 12.7%; P = .03) more frequently and had significantly greater odds of needing adjunctive chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.22; P = .03) in a multivariate model, which also identified higher WHO tumor grades at presentation (OR, 1.20; CI, 1.14-1.27; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

These findings are promising for use of ADI to represent potential SDOH disadvantages that pediatric patients may face throughout treatment. Future studies should pursue large multicenter collaborations to validate these findings.