Multi-Layered Analysis of TGF-β Signaling and Regulation via DNA Methylation and microRNAs in Astrocytic Tumors.

Astrocytic tumors are a heterogeneous group of glial neoplasms characterized by marked differences in biological behavior and patient prognosis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling plays a pivotal role in astrocytoma pathogenesis; however, the extent and mechanisms of its epigenetic regulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how promoter methylation and microRNA-mediated mechanisms regulate key genes within the TGF-β signaling pathway across various astrocytoma grades.

Molecular crossroads: identifying MAPK proteins bridging SMAD and dopamine pathways in breast cancer.

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, and dopamine receptor activity are all implicated in tumor progression. This study investigates molecular interactions among these pathways, identifying MAPK proteins that bridge SMAD and dopamine signaling in the context of breast cancer pathogenesis. A cohort of 405 breast cancer patients was categorized into molecular subtypes: luminal A ( = 130), luminal B HER2-negative ( = 100), luminal B HER2-positive ( = 96), non-luminal HER2-positive ( = 36), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC;  = 43).

Quality of Life Enhancement After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Keratoconus: A Vision-Related Functional Perspective.

: Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral asymmetric corneal ectasia characterized by progressive corneal thinning, irregular astigmatism, and impaired visual acuity. The National Eye Institute (NEI) developed the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) to assess the impact of visual impairment on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) on quality of life and visual acuity in KC patients one year postoperatively.

Lifestyle and Clinical Predictors of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Lumbosacral Stenosis-Related Ligamentum Flavum Degeneration.

: Degenerative spinal conditions, such as degenerative stenosis, have been linked to metabolic and lifestyle factors, including obesity, smoking, and diabetes. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a crucial role in neuroprotection, but its relationship with these risk factors remains unclear. : This study aims to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetes, and GDNF levels in patients with degenerative spine conditions.

Evaluation of Gene Expression and the Regulatory Role of microRNAs Related to the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Treated With Lipopolysaccharide A and Tacrolimus.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is central to retinal health and immune regulation. In diseases, such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), dysregulated RPE function, driven by aberrant signaling pathways like mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), contributes to fibrotic membrane formation and retinal detachment. Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive agent, has shown potential to modulate signaling beyond immune cells, but its effect on MAPK signaling in RPE cells remains unclear.

Multi-omics profiling of TGF-β isoforms and regulatory miRNAs in astrocytic tumors reveals TGF-β-3 as a prognostic biomarker.

Background: Astrocytic tumors, particularly glioblastomas, are aggressive brain malignancies with poor prognosis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms-TGF-β-1, TGF-β-2, and TGF-β-3-play critical roles in glioma progression, yet their isoform-specific expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to evaluate the differential expression of TGF-β isoforms and their regulation by epigenetic mechanisms and microRNAs (miRNAs) across astrocytic tumor grades.

Impact of Antiglaucoma Drug Number and Class on Corneal Epithelial Thickness Measured by OCT.

The corneal epithelium plays a vital role in maintaining corneal transparency and ocular surface integrity. Chronic topical use of antiglaucoma medications may induce epithelial changes, especially with the concurrent use of multiple agents. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the number and class of antiglaucoma medications and central corneal epithelial thickness (CET), measured using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) device.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes in 71 Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery at a Single Center with and Without Preoperative Keratostill Moisturizing Eye Drops.

: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition that can significantly impact cataract surgery outcomes. Preoperative management strategies, including the use of moisturizing eye drops, may improve ocular surface health and postoperative recovery. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes in 71 patients undergoing cataract surgery between June 2022 and May 2023 at a single center with and without preoperative keratostill moisturizing eye drops (sterile aqueous 0.

Analysis of the Expression Patterns of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Signaling Pathways and Regulatory MicroRNAs in Astrocytic Tumors.

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a driver of glioma progression, with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) playing a central role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles and regulatory mechanisms of TNF-α and its downstream mediators-including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 8 (MAP3K8), and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAP2K7)-in astrocytic tumors of varying malignancy. We conducted an integrative molecular analysis of 60 human astrocytic tumor samples (20 G2, 12 G3, 28 G4) using transcriptomic microarrays, Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, methylation-specific PCR, and miRNA profiling.

Tacrolimus Modulates TGF-β Signaling-Related Genes and MicroRNAs in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Activated by Lipopolysaccharide.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial role in maintaining retinal homeostasis, and dysregulation of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways contributes to retinal fibrosis and inflammatory diseases, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Tacrolimus (FK506), an immunosuppressant, has shown potential antifibrotic properties, but its effects on TGF-β-related genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) in RPE cells remain unclear. Human RPE (H-RPE) cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and subsequently exposed to tacrolimus.

Modulation of Neurturin Expression by Lumbosacral Spinal Stenosis, Lifestyle Factors, and Glycemic Dysregulation.

: Lumbosacral spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal and associated neuropathic pain. While mechanical compression is well-characterized, the molecular mechanisms contributing to symptom severity remain poorly understood. Neurturin (NRTN), a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family, has emerged as a potential mediator of neural plasticity and nociception, but its role in spinal stenosis is largely unexplored.

Subtype-specific dysregulation of biogenic amine-related genes and miRNAs in breast cancer: identification of DRD2, HRH2, and HRH4 as potential therapeutic targets in TNBC and HER2+ subtypes.

Purpose: Biogenic amines (BAs) are known to influence tumorigenesis, yet their precise role in breast cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of BA-related genes, proteins, and their regulatory miRNAs across different breast cancer subtypes to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods: A cohort of 501 breast cancer patients was classified into luminal A (n = 130), luminal B HER2- (n = 100), luminal B HER2+ (n = 96), non-luminal HER2+ (n = 36), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; n = 43).

Impact of MiRNAs on Wnt-related gene activity in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The Wnt pathway is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration. Its disruption may promote the induction of breast cancer and its further development.

Corrigendum: Distinct mRNA expression profiles and miRNA regulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in breast cancer: insights into tumor progression and therapeutic targets.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.

Reply to Mikhail et al. Comment on "Krysik et al. Clinical Outcomes and Early Postoperative Complications in Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis Implantation: A Retrospective Study. . 2024, , 6710".

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Changes in the Concentration Profile of Selected Micro- and Macro-Elements in the Yellow Ligament Obtained from Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbo-Sacral Spine.

: Degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis is characterized by spinal canal narrowing, often linked to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This study evaluated the elemental composition of ligamentum flavum tissue in DLSS patients compared to healthy controls. : This study involved 180 patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis and 102 healthy controls.

Changes in the Expression Profile of Growth-Associated Protein 43 in Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis.

Degenerative spinal stenosis is a common condition associated with structural degeneration and pain, yet its molecular underpinnings remain incompletely understood. Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), a key player in neuronal plasticity and regeneration, may serve as a biomarker for disease progression and pain severity. This study investigates the expression of GAP-43 at the mRNA and protein levels in the ligamentum flavum of affected patients.

The Response of Patients' Immune System After Facial Mesotherapy.

Background: Facial mesotherapy is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involving the injection of active substances into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Although generally considered safe, complications such as granulomatous inflammation can arise due to improper techniques or unregulated products. This case report highlights the immune response to facial mesotherapy and its clinical management.

Distinct mRNA expression profiles and miRNA regulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in breast cancer: insights into tumor progression and therapeutic targets.

Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women, driven by the molecular complexity of its various subtypes. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of genes and miRNAs involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, a critical regulator of cancer progression.

Methods: We analyzed tumor tissues from five breast cancer subtypes-luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative, luminal B HER2-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-and compared them with non-cancerous tissues.

Comparison of a Scheimpflug Camera and Optical Coherence Tomography in Evaluating Keratoconic Eyes Post Keratoplasty.

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare corneal parameters and compliance using a Pentacam HR-Scheimpflug (Pentacam HR) and a swept-source OCT Casia (Casia) in keratoconus (KC) patients post penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and KC patients without PKP, as well as a control group. Pachymetry measurements were also analyzed using a spectral domain OCT Solix (OCT Solix), Pentacam HR, and Casia. The study included 71 patients (136 keratoconic eyes; group A), 86 eyes with KC post-PKP (group B), 50 eyes with KC without PKP (group C), and 52 control participants (104 eyes).

Evaluating Anesthesia Guidance for Rescue Analgesia in Awake Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy with Cervical Plexus Blocks: Preliminary Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in awake patients is performed using cervical plexus blocks (CPBs) with or without carotid artery sheath infiltration (CASI) under ultrasound guidance. Although adequacy of anesthesia (AoA) guidance monitors nociception/antinociception balance, its impact on intraoperative analgesia quality and perioperative outcomes in awake CEA remains unexplored. Existing literature lacks evidence on whether AoA-guided anesthesia enhances clinical outcomes over standard techniques.

Comparison of Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy Using Samples Derived from the Same Embryo Culture.

: To assess the ploidy status of embryos via preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), a biopsy of trophectoderm (TE) cells can be performed. However, this approach is considered invasive, and therefore the aim of this study was to identify the optimal sample type and sampling day for non-invasive or minimally invasive PGT-A (ni/miPGT-A) in terms of data quality and concordance rates with TE biopsies derived from the same embryos. : This study was performed using 239 embryo cultures.

Effects of pain in lumbosacral stenosis and lifestyle-related factors on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression profiles.

This study investigated the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis, focusing on its expression and correlation with pain intensity. The study examined 96 patients with lumbar stenosis and 85 control participants. BDNF levels in the yellow ligamentum flavum were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot analysis.