Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product, Organ Crosstalk, and Pathomechanism Targets for Comprehensive Molecular Therapeutics in Diabetic Ischemic Stroke

Diabetes mellitus, a well-established risk factor for stroke, is related to higher mortality and poorer outcomes following the stroke event. Advanced glycation end products(AGEs), their receptors RAGEs, other ligands, and several other processes contribute to the cerebrovascular pathomechanism interaction in the diabetes-ischemic stroke combination. Critical reappraisal of molecular targets and therapeutic agents to mitigate them is required to identify key elements for therapeutic interventions that may improve patient outcomes. This scoping review maps evidence on the key roles of AGEs, RAGEs, other ligands such as Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) nuclear protein, brain-kidney-muscle crosstalk, alternate pathomechanisms in neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline related to diabetic ischemic stroke. RAGE, HMGB1, nitric oxide, and polyamine mechanisms are important therapeutic targets, inflicting common consequences of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Experimental findings on a number of existing-emerging therapeutic agents and natural compounds against key targets are promising. The lack of large clinical trials with adequate follow-up periods is a gap that requires addressing to validate the emerging therapeutic agents. Five therapeutic components, which include agents to mitigate the AGE-RAGE axis, improved biomarkers for risk stratification, better renal dysfunction management, adjunctive anti-inflammatory-antioxidant therapies, and innovative neuromuscular stimulation for rehabilitation, are identified. A comprehensive therapeutic strategy that features all the identified components is needed for outcome improvement in diabetic stroke patients.

Salivary C-Reactive Protein in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Subacute Thyroiditis

C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase reactant, has been identified as a saliva-based biomarker of inflammation. The objective of the study was to estimate and compare salivary CRP levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Subacute thyroiditis (SAT). The study included 30 HT patients who presented with clinical features of hypothyroidism, 15 SAT patients who presented with clinical features of hyperthyroidism, and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls. CRP levels in saliva were estimated using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay method with enhanced sensitivity. In HT, the mean salivary CRP levels did not differ significantly from controls. SAT patients had significantly elevated salivary CRP levels compared to HT patients and controls. The rise in salivary CRP levels in SAT patients conceivably reflects the presence of an inflammatory process. Saliva CRP levels appear to serve as inflammatory markers in SAT patients and may aid their clinical evaluation.

Comparison of MRI tumor volumetric and diameter measurements for predicting recurrence free survival in breast cancer patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy

Abstract #6053

Background: Assessment of tumor response to chemotherapy has traditionally relied on the bidimensional tumor measurement guidelines proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO, 1979) and more recently on the unidimensional Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST, Therasse et al., 2000). MRI is being used increasingly to monitor breast cancer response to preoperative chemotherapy and allows both linear and volumetric assessment of tumor size. The purpose of this study was to compare pre- and post-treatment RECIST, WHO, and volumetric measures of tumor size on MRI for predicting recurrence free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy.
 Materials & Methods: 56 patients with locally advanced breast cancer were imaged with MRI (1.5T GE scanner) before and after 4 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy. Tumor longest diameter (LD) at physical exam (ClinLD) was recorded before (N=56) and after (N=48) treatment. Fat suppressed, contrast enhanced, T1-weighted sagittal 3DFGRE images (TE/TR=8/4.2ms, flip=20°, 2mm thick, 18-20cm FOV, 256x192 matrix) were acquired for tumor size measurements.
 All MRI LD measurements were made manually following RECIST and WHO guidelines. Tumor volume was measured with a semi-automated tumor segmentation algorithm based on a specific enhancement ratio calculation. Univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the value of clinical, pathology, RECIST, WHO, and volume measurements for predicting RFS. Variables with p<0.15 were combined in a stepwise multivariate model to determine the greatest predictive value.
 Results: 23 patients have recurred since surgery (mean time 132 weeks). The mean RFS in the non-recurrent group is 330 weeks. Results for univariate and multivariate analysis are show in the Table. Final tumor volume was most predictive of recurrence free survival, and was the only variable found to be an independent significant predictor in the multivariate analysis. Age, tumor grade, and positive lymph node status were not significant predictors.
 Discussion: Post-chemotherapy tumor volume calculated via a semi-automatic algorithm was found to be a significant predictor of RFS for patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy, out-performing manual 1D RECIST, 2D WHO, and clinical measurements. The results support previous work demonstrating the value of MRI tumor volume for predicting patient outcome.
 


Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 6053.