Homodimerization of CB2 cannabinoid receptor triggered by a bivalent ligand enhances cellular signaling

Licochalcone B attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting ZBP1-dependent PANoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal interstitial lung disease. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb, has long been used for respiratory disorders due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Licochalcone B (LCB), a chalcone derivative isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, shows therapeutic potential in airway inflammation and alveolar injury, making it a promising candidate for fibrotic lung diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study evaluates the anti-fibrotic efficacy of LCB against PF progression and elucidates its potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PF was induced in mice by intratracheal administration of bleomycin (BLM, 1.25 mg/kg). After disease model induction, the mice were treated with LCB (3.13 or 6.25 mg/kg per day) or pirfenidone (PFD, 300 mg/kg per day) for 14 days. Histopathological changes, collagen deposition, fibrosis-related factor levels, and PANoptotic marker protein in lung tissue were evaluated. Two TGF-β1-induced PF cell models (NIH-3T3 and BEAS-2B) were utilized to simulate fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition processes. The effects of LCB intervention on cell proliferation, migration, and the expression of vimentin, fibronectin (FN), and type I collagen (COL1A1) were assessed through wound healing assays, colony formation assays, Western blotting (WB), and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS

LCB significantly alleviates BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, reduces collagen deposition in lung tissues of fibrotic mice, and downregulates FN expression while upregulating E-cadherin (E-Cad) levels. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that LCB downregulates the expression of ZBP1 and apoptotic marker proteins in the lung tissues of PF mice. Additionally, LCB inhibits TGF-β1-induced abnormal migration of BEAS-2B cells and aberrant proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells while suppressing the expression of fibrosis-related factors, including COL1A1, FN, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Our findings demonstrate that ZBP1 overexpression in epithelial cells attenuates the anti-fibrotic efficacy of LCB through the activation of PANoptosis and identify the inhibition of IRF1 binding to the ZBP1 promoter as a pivotal mechanism underlying the therapeutic potential of LCB in PF.

CONCLUSION

This study found that LCB exerts pleiotropic antifibrotic effects by targeting ZBP1-mediated PANoptosis, thereby identifying ZBP1 as a critical therapeutic target for PF and highlighting LCB's potential in anti-fibrotic therapy.

O-derivatization of natural tropolone and β-thujaplicin leading to effective inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrases IX and XII

Herein we report the chemical derivatization of the naturally occurring Tropolone (TRP) and its related compound β-Thujaplicin (β-TJP) as well as their in vitro assessment for inhibition of the physio/pathologically relevant hCAs isoforms I, II, VA; VII, IX and XII to obtain a first set of inhibition data useful for driving selected derivatives towards appropriate biomedical exploitation. The selected compound 17β was characterized for its chemical stability and assessed for its antiproliferative activity on a multiple myeloma model and showed potent pro-apoptotic features jointly with a safe toxicity profile on healthy cells. The binding mode of β-TJP within the hCA II was assessed by means of X-ray crystallography of the hCA II/β-TJP complex and showed almost complete superposition with the hCA II/TRP adduct reported in the literature. The data produced were used to elaborate a binding prediction model of such compounds on the hCAs VA, IX, and XII which are directly connected to important diseases. Overall, the achievements reported in this work are in the sustainment of the exploitation of naturally occurring troponoloid-based structures for biomedical purposes and thus contribute to the field in extending the variety of available chemical features.

Outcomes and Cost of Major Liver Resection Using Combined LigaSure and Stapler: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Background: Bile leakage remains a significant challenge following major liver resection, with potential for improvement depending on the transection technique used. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of our hybrid resection technique-utilizing both LigaSure and stapler devices-in reducing bile leakage after major liver resection compared to our conventional stapler-only technique. As a secondary aim, we compared overall morbidity, costs, and reimbursements. Method: Patients who underwent major hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction using either the hybrid or stapler technique between August 2014 and December 2021 were included in the study. Propensity score matching was performed using a one-to-two algorithm. Perioperative data, bile leakage rates, and cost and reimbursement information based on the diagnosis-related group (DRG) system were analyzed. Results: In total, data from 492 patients were evaluated (hybrid = 152; stapler = 340). After one-to-two propensity score matching, the operation time was significantly longer in the hybrid group (p = 0.005). A cost analysis showed no significant difference in total operative costs between the two techniques (p = 0.092). However, the hybrid group had a significantly lower rate of bile leakage (p = 0.002), as well as shorter intensive care unit (ICU) and overall hospital stays (p = 0.034 and p = 0.007, respectively). Consequently, ICU and ward costs were significantly lower in the hybrid group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.014, respectively) compared to the stapler group. The financial difference calculated as DRG reimbursement minus costs was two-fold higher in the hybrid group (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Although the hybrid technique resulted in a longer operating time, it proved superior to the stapler technique in reducing postoperative bile leakage and shortening ICU and hospital stays. Furthermore, the use of the hybrid technique was more cost efficient and resulted in a greater positive financial margin.

Rhamnosidase from Parabacteroides distasonis exhibit the catabolism of epimedin C in the human gut microbiota

Epimedin C, an anti-cardiovascular disease natural compound derived from Herba Epimedii, exhibits low oral bioavailability, with its metabolism closely related to the gut microbiota. In this study, we investigated the roles of intestinal bacteria in the catabolism of epimedin C. We discovered that a strain of Parabacteroides distasonis QZH 1201 (P. distasonis) from human fecal samples can convert epimedin C to 2"-O-rhamnosylicariside II and baohuoside I. More importantly, we identified an α-L-rhamnosidase enzyme from P. distasonis (PdRha), which plays a crucial role in this process by efficiently transforming epimedin C into icariside I. PdRha showed optimal activity at pH 6 and a temperature of 50 °C. Under the condition that the final concentration of epimedin C was 0.5 mM, its conversion efficiency reached 78.72 %. Additionally, we investigated the substrate profile of PdRha and discovered that it can hydrolyze rutin, naringin, and icariin, releasing isoquercitrin, prunin, and icariside I. Molecular docking was performed to gain insights into the enzymatic mechanism. This study provides valuable insights into how a common intestinal symbiotic bacterium processes an important natural flavonoid.

Global, regional, and national burden and risk factors of ischemic heart disease, 1990-2021: an analysis of the global burden of disease study

Background

With a rapidly growing and aging world population, ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a major burden. This study aimed to reassess the prevalence trend of IHD from 1990 to 2021 from multiple dimensions to improve the shortcomings of the existing studies and provide a solid scientific basis for policymakers.

Methods

This study extracted data on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and associated risk factors of IHD from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2021 study. Descriptive, decomposition, and risk factor analyses were used to provide insights into the epidemiologic patterns of IHD from 1990 to 2021 and project the burden of IHD from 2022 to 2045. Potential differences in burden and risk factors based on age, sex, 21 GBD geographic regions, five social development index (SDI) regions, and 204 countries are highlighted.

Results

Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of IHD is increasing, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (ASDR) are decreasing. ASPR, ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR were highest in the low-middle SDI regions and lowest in the high SDI regions. ASMR and ASDR were highest in Nauru and lowest in Portugal. Men had an overall heavier burden of IHD than women; the 65-69 age group had the largest burden, and those aged >95 years had the highest crude incidence rate. In addition, the burden of IHD was negatively correlated with SDI across regions and countries, while decomposition analyses suggest that the main reasons for the current increase in the burden of IHD are aging and population growth. Risk factors have changed relatively little over the 32 years, with metabolic risk still ranking first. We forecast that the absolute burden of IHD will continue to increase till 2045; however, ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR will gradually decline.

Conclusion

From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of IHD generally increased and varied across regions, sex, and age groups. Due to increasing population growth and aging, there is an urgent need for strategically directed measures to reduce the burden of IHD.

Research trends in essential thrombocythemia from 2001 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of ET research, focusing on contributions from authors, institutions, and countries or regions, while mapping collaboration networks. Furthermore, it identifies development trends to provide insights for future research.

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis of ET-related publications (2001-2024) was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on publication trends, co-authorship networks, co-citation relationships, and citation bursts.

RESULTS

A total of 4,297 studies published in 778 journals were included in the analysis. ET research has grown rapidly, with major contributions from researchers in the United States and Europe, particularly through extensive collaborations. Leading figures such as Ayalew Tefferi and Alessandro M. Vannucchi have driven advances in ET classification, molecular mechanisms, and targeted therapies. The discovery of driver mutations, such as JAK2, has revolutionized the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to ET. Research focus has shifted from clinical morphological diagnosis to molecular diagnostics, with the field now entering the era of targeted therapies. However, the heterogeneity of ET, the limitations of targeted therapies, particularly the lack of management experience and data for high-risk and special populations, as well as the incomplete understanding of the role of inflammation in the disease mechanism, continue to hinder both clinical and scientific progress in ET research.

CONCLUSIONS

Bibliometric analysis demonstrates significant advances in ET research, particularly in molecular pathology and targeted therapies. Future research should address ET heterogeneity, optimize management of high-risk and special populations, overcome the limitations of targeted therapies, and further elucidate the role of inflammation to achieve individualized precision therapy.

ITGA8 deficiency in hepatic stellate cells attenuates CCl4-Induced liver fibrosis via suppression of COL11A1

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process driven by chronic liver injury, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition due to hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Integrins are critical regulators of ECM remodeling and HSC activation, yet the role of integrin α8(ITGA8) in liver fibrosis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function and underlying mechanisms of HSC-derived ITGA8 in liver fibrosis and evaluate the therapeutic potential of ITGA8-targeted intervention.

METHODS

A CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis model and public database analysis were used to assess ITGA8 expression and localization in liver fibrosis. AAV2/6-shItga8 was utilized to selectively silence HSC-derived ITGA8, and its effects on HSC activation and ECM accumulation were examined. In addition, in vitro ITGA8 knockdown combined with proteomic analysis was performed to explore the molecular mechanisms linking ITGA8 to ECM remodeling.

RESULTS

ITGA8 expression was significantly upregulated in fibrotic liver tissues across different etiologies, with a strong colocalization with HSCs. Silencing ITGA8 using AAV2/6-shItga8 effectively reduced liver fibrosis, as indicated by decreased hepatic inflammation, lower serum ALT levels, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Fibrosis markers, including Sirius Red staining, type I collagen deposition, and α-SMA expression, were all reduced upon Itga8 silencing. Proteomic analysis revealed that ITGA8 regulates liver fibrosis through the ECM-receptor interaction pathway, with COL11A1 identified as a key downstream target. ITGA8 knockdown significantly suppressed COL11A1 expression, and reduced HSC-mediated collagen contraction, suggesting that ITGA8 contributes to ECM cross-linking and fibrosis progression via COL11A1 regulation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that HSC-derived ITGA8 promotes ECM accumulation and liver fibrosis progression by regulating COL11A1. Targeted silencing of ITGA8 via AAV2/6-shItga8 effectively alleviates liver fibrosis, providing new insights into ITGA8 as a potential therapeutic target for antifibrotic treatment.

Deficiency of MTAP Is Frequent and Mostly Homogeneous in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas

BACKGROUND

The complete loss of S-methyl-5'-thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) expression, often due to homozygous 9p21 deletion, creates a druggable vulnerability in cancer cells.

METHODS

A total of 769 primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas were analyzed on tissue microarrays with MTAP immunohistochemistry (IHC) and 9p21 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Intratumoral heterogeneity was assessed on a "heterogeneity" TMA containing up to nine samples from different areas of 236 primary tumor and nodal metastases, and whole sections of all tumor blocks from 19 cancers.

RESULTS

MTAP expression loss was found in 181 (37.9%) of 478 interpretable primary tumors and was unrelated to pT, pN, grade, and tumor size. MTAP expression loss was homogenous in 37.6% and heterogeneous in 1.1% of the 181 tumors, with at least three evaluable samples on the heterogeneity TMA. On whole sections, 1 of 19 tumors showed heterogeneous MTAP loss. The correlation between IHC and FISH was nearly perfect, with 98.8% of MTAP-deficient samples showing a 9p21 deletion.

CONCLUSIONS

MTAP expression loss is frequent, caused by homozygous deletion, and mostly homogeneous in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Considering also their aggressive clinical behavior, pancreatic adenocarcinomas may represent an ideal cancer type for studying new drugs targeting MTAP-deficient cancer cells in clinical trials.

[Ultrasound of muscles for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases]

AIM

To assess the muscle mass of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using ultrasound.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

102 IBD patients hospitalized in gastroenterology department of Republican Clinical Hospital (Kazan) were involved in the study. Among them, 49% of patients with ulcerative colitis, 51% with Crohn's disease, 10 people made up the control group (CG). The median age in the IBD group was 39.5 [28.5; 50] years, in the CG - 37 [26; 38] years. There were 52 (51%) women in the IBD group and 5 (50%) in the CG group. Patients were examined to assess body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC, cm) and mid-thigh circumference (MTC, cm) of the dominant side; bioimpedance analysis of body composition using the ABC-02 "MEDASS" device; ultrasound examination of muscle thickness at two points on the leading side: ultrasound thickness of the middle of the shoulder (US-MUAC), ultrasound thickness of the middle of the thigh (US-MTC), dynamometry using a wrist dynamometer, assessment of nutritional status.

RESULTS

According to BMI, patients were distributed as follows: normal in 57 (55.9%) patients; deficiency - in 12 (11.8%); overweight - 25 (24.5%); obesity - 8 (7.8%). Median MUAC in women with IBD was 28 [24.9; 31] cm, in CG - 28 [27; 28.5] cm (p>0.05); in men with IBD 29.8 [27; 32] cm, in CG - 33 [31; 34] cm (p<0.05). The median MTC in women with IBD was 54.25 [48.15; 58.10] cm, in CG - 61.5 [56; 67] cm (p<0.05); in men with IBD 48 [46; 51.4] cm, in GC - 54 [53; 54] cm (p<0.05). The median US-MUAC in women with IBD was 19.60 [18.23; 22.84] mm, CG 22.49 [20.41; 22.66] (p>0.05); in men with IBD 26.45 [22.87; 29.24] mm, in CG 21.54 [21.18; 25.13] mm (p>0.05). Median US-MTC in women with IBD was 31.05 [23.21; 37.11] mm, CG 41.30 [35.55; 41.74] mm (p<0.05), in men with IBD 30.90 [25.64; 39.99] mm, in CG 40.67 [39.10; 41.84] (p<0.05). According to the results of bioimpedansometry, the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was low in 32% of patients, normal in 65%, and above normal in 3%. US-MUAC correlated with MUAC (r=0.557; p<0.05), with BMI (r=0.448; p<0.05), with SMI (r=0.666; p<0.05). US-MTC correlated with MTC (r=0.505; p<0.05), with BMI (r=0.376; p<0.05), with SMI (r=0.373; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients with IBD, MTC was lower than in CG. US-MTC in women and men with IBD was lower than in CG, which correlated with MTC, BMI, skeletal muscle mass according to bioimpedance measurements and grip strength according to dynamometry.

Anti-Steatotic Effect of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Prickly Pear Extracts on Murine and Human Hepatocytes

Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts exhibit anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are of significant interest for the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The present study is the first to investigate the potential anti-steatotic effect of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii extracts. The aim is to evaluate the anti-steatotic effect of extracts from various parts of the plant (whole fruit, peel, pulp, and the industrial by-product, bagasse) in an in vitro model using both murine AML12 and human HepG2 hepatocytes. Results have demonstrated that all tested extracts, including those from the whole fruit, peel, pulp, and bagasse, exert an anti-steatotic effect. In murine hepatocytes, the whole fruit extract at 100 μg/mL and the peel extract at 10 μg/mL presented the highest capacity to reduce PA-induced triglyceride accumulation. In fact, the peel was the most potent extract, preventing lipid accumulation at the lowest dose used. In human HepG2 hepatocytes, the peel, pulp, and bagasse extracts at 100 μg/mL demonstrated the greatest triglyceride reduction, suggesting that the human model is less responsive. Regarding the main mechanism of action, the peel and pulp extracts seem to inhibit de novo lipogenesis. Additionally, the downregulation of the fatty acid transporter CD36 appears to contribute to the prevention of triglyceride accumulation in both extracts.

Responsive Microneedles for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications of Ocular Diseases

Traditional ophthalmic formulations are characterized by low bioavailability, short intraocular retention time, strong irritation, and failure to achieve the expected therapeutic effect due to the special physiological structure of the eye and the existence of many barriers. Microneedle drug delivery is a novel transdermal drug delivery modality. Responsive microneedles are defined as controllably releasing the drug payloads in response to physiological stimuli, including pH levels, temperature, enzymes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as external stimuli such as magnetic fields and light. In addition to inheriting the advantages of traditional microneedles, which include enhanced targeting and permeability, non-invasiveness, and painless application, the integration with stimulus-responsive materials enables responsive microneedles to achieve a personalized precision drug delivery process, which further increases the accuracy and efficiency of ocular treatments, making on-demand drug delivery possible. This article systematically reviews the classification, mechanisms, and characteristics of responsive microneedles and provides a detailed introduction to their diagnostic and therapeutic applications as well as real-time monitoring potential in ocular diseases, aiming to offer insights for the precision treatment of ocular diseases in the future.

Multi-omics and machine learning-driven CD8+ T cell heterogeneity score for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) poses a significant challenge to treatment, underscoring the urgent need for more precise and personalized therapeutic approaches. CD8+ T cells, integral components of the tumor immune microenvironment, have emerged as key targets for immunotherapy. Our research has established a correlation between a decrease in CD8+ T cell score and a poor clinical prognosis, highlighting the prognostic value of this biomarker. By analyzing the gene expression related to CD8+ T cells, we have differentiated HNSCC into cold and hot tumor subtypes, uncovering disparities in clinical prognosis and responses to immunotherapy. Utilizing eight machine learning methods, we identified the key gene OLR1. Single-cell analysis of HNSCC tissues and peripheral blood, along with spatial transcriptome analysis, revealed that OLR1 predominantly functions in macrophages, modulating the immune microenvironment of HNSCC. The expression level of OLR1 may serve as a predictive marker for immunotherapy responses. Moreover, drug sensitivity analysis and molecular docking studies have indicated that simvastatin and pazopanib are potential inhibitors of OLR1. These findings suggest that simvastatin and pazopanib could open up innovative potential therapeutic avenues for individuals with HNSCC.

Crafting the future of bone regeneration: the promise of supramolecular peptide nanofiber hydrogels

Bone tissue engineering has rapidly emerged as an ideal strategy to replace autologous bone grafts, establishing a comprehensive system centered on biomaterial scaffolds, seeding cells, bioactive factors, and biophysical stimulation, thus paving the way for new horizons in surgical bone regeneration. However, the scarcity of suitable materials poses a significant challenge in replicating the intricate multi-layered structure of natural bone tissue. Supramolecular peptide nanofiber hydrogels (SPNHs) have shown tremendous potential as novel biomaterials due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, tunable mechanical properties, and multifunctionality. Various supramolecular peptides can assemble into nanofiber hydrogels, while bioactive sequences and factors can be embedded through physical adsorption or covalent binding, endowing the hydrogels with diverse biochemical properties. Finally, this review explored the future challenges and prospects of SPNHs in bone tissue engineering, with the aim of providing insights for further advancements in this field.

T cells in the microenvironment of solid pediatric tumors: the case of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an immunologically "cold" tumor with poor or no inflamed substrates as most of solid pediatric tumors (SPT). Consistent data indicate that NB tumor microenvironment (TME) is dominated by myeloid cells, with little (but variable) T cell infiltration. The obstacles to lymphocyte infiltration and to their anti-tumor activity are due to different tumor immune evasion strategies, including loss of HLA Class I molecules, high expression of immune checkpoint molecular ligands leading to exhaustion of T effector (and NK) cells, induction of T regulatory, myeloid and stromal cells and secretion of immunosuppressive mediators. In odds with adult solid tumors, NB displays weak immunogenicity caused by intrinsic low mutational burden and scant expression of neoepitopes in the context of MHC-class I antigens which, in turn, are particularly poorly expressed on NB cells, thus inducing low anti-tumor T cell responses. In addition, NB is generated from embryonal cells and is the result of transcriptional abnormalities and not of the accumulation of genetic mutations over time, thus further explaining the low immunogenicity. The poor expression of immunogenic molecules on tumor cells is associated with the high production of immunosuppressive factors which further downregulate lymphocyte infiltration and activity, thus explaining the limited efficacy of new drugs in NB, as immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review is focused on examining the role of T effector and regulatory cells infiltrating TME of NB, taking into account their repertoire, phenotype, function, plasticity and, importantly, predictive value for defining novel targets for therapy.

Targeting cryptic allosteric sites of G protein-coupled receptors as a novel strategy for biased drug discovery

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest family of membrane receptors and are highly effective targets for therapeutic drugs. GPCRs couple different downstream effectors, including G proteins (such as Gi/o, Gs, G12, and Gq) and β-arrestins (such as β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2) to mediate diverse cellular and physiological responses. Biased signaling allows for the specific activation of certain pathways from the full range of receptors' signaling capabilities. Targeting more variable allosteric sites, which are spatially different from the highly conserved orthosteric sites, represents a novel approach in biased GPCR drug discovery, leading to innovative strategies for targeting GPCRs. Notably, the emergence of cryptic allosteric sites on GPCRs has expanded the repertoire of available drug targets and improved receptor subtype selectivity. Here, we conduct a summary of recent progress in the structural determination of cryptic allosteric sites on GPCRs and elucidate the biased signaling mechanisms induced by allosteric modulators. Additionally, we discuss means to identify cryptic allosteric sites and design biased allosteric modulators based on cryptic allosteric sites through structure-based drug design, which is an advanced pharmacotherapeutic approach for treating GPCR-associated diseases.

Targeting extracellular matrix stiffness for cancer therapy

The physical characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) include solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, tissue stiffness and microarchitecture. Among them, abnormal changes in tissue stiffness hinder drug delivery, inhibit infiltration of immune killer cells to the tumor site, and contribute to tumor resistance to immunotherapy. Therefore, targeting tissue stiffness to increase the infiltration of drugs and immune cells can offer a powerful support and opportunities to improve the immunotherapy efficacy in solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the mechanical properties of tumors, the impact of a stiff TME on tumor cells and immune cells, and the strategies to modulate tumor mechanics.

The Role of Photobiomodulation to Modulate Ion Channels in the Nervous System: A Systematic Review

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a safe and effective neurotherapy that modulates cellular pathways by altering cell membrane potentials, leading to beneficial biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative responses. This review compiles studies from PubMed up to March 2024, investigating the impact of light at wavelengths ranging from 620 to 1270 nm on ion channels. Out of 330 articles screened, 19 met the inclusion criteria. Research indicates that PBM can directly affect various ion channels by influencing neurotransmitter synthesis in neighboring cells, impacting receptors like glutamate and acetylcholine, as well as potassium, sodium channels, and transient receptor potential channels. The diversity of studies hampers a comprehensive meta-analysis for evaluating treatment strategies effectively. This systematic review aims to explore the potential role of optoelectronic signal transduction in PBM, studying the neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic significance of PBM on ion channels. However, the lack of uniformity in current treatment methods underscores the necessity of establishing standardized and reliable therapeutic approaches.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies as Key Players in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Relationship with Cytokines and Immune Dysregulation

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an overproduction of cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, contributing to systemic inflammation and tissue damage. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a thrombo-inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting a third of SLE patients. We performed an in-depth analysis of the available literature, and we highlighted the complex interplay between immunity, inflammation, and thrombosis, the three major pathogenic pathways that are trapped in a mutually reinforcing destructive loop.