Volume 2, 2023

ISSN 2816-8127 (Print)

Online first article

Cytokine Profile and the Correlation with miR-30a in Renal Fibrosis

Minhui Xi, Jingyuan Lu, Hualin Qi

Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Renal fibrosis, characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is a common final pathway shared by numerous chronic kidney diseases. Cytokines play a crucial role in the development and progression of renal fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that miR-30a played an important regulatory role in tissues and organs development. In this study, we examined cytokines levels and miR-30a in renal fibrosis patients. Data showed that levels of IL-1β, MCP-1 and TNF-α were elevated in renal fibrosis patients. Also, MCP-1 level was increased in patients with late stage. In addition, high MCP-1 and TNF-α levels were corelated with low level of miR-30a. Overall, these data suggest the role of proinflammatory cytokines in the development of renal fibrosis.

Key words

cytokines; miR-30a; renal fibrosis.

Pages: online first.

Online first article

Deficiency of Vitamin D may Cause Strepcococus-induced Respiratory Tract Infection in Children and Swimming Improves Vitamin D Level through Urine and Blood Metabolism

Fang Yang, Lei Zhang

Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Strepcococus-induced pneumonia belongs to respiratory tract infection and is one of the major problems in children. Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health, and may protect against bacteria infection. Swimming helps to increase vitamin absorption. In this study, we investigated deficiency of vitamin D and Strepcococus-induced pneumonia in children, and the mechanism how swimming improves vitamin D level. Data showed that the induction of antibody responses were marginally altered by serum levels of Vitamin D. Also, vitamin D deficiency reduced antibody functions against S.pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, swimming improved vitamin D level through urine and blood metabolism. In conclusion, these results suggest that deficiency of vitamin D may cause Strepcococus-induced pneumonia in children and swimming can be a method to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Key words

vitamin D; Strepcococus; swimming; urine and blood metabolism.

Pages: online first.

Online first article

Cancer Pathology and Treatment with Microbiota

Luz Mohn

Surrey Memorial Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in exploring alternative strategies for cancer management. The human microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms residing in the gut and various other body sites, has emerged as a key player in human health and disease. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate interplay between the microbiota and cancer pathogenesis, with microbiota dysbiosis being implicated in carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and response to therapy. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on the role of microbiota in cancer pathology and treatment. We discuss the mechanisms by which microbial communities influence tumor initiation and progression, as well as their potential to modulate the efficacy and toxicity of various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, we highlight the emerging therapeutic strategies that harness the power of microbiota to improve cancer outcomes. These include the use of probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and microbial-based therapies. Lastly, we address the challenges and future directions in this exciting field, emphasizing the need for precision microbiota-based interventions tailored to individual patients for optimized cancer care. Understanding the intricate relationship between microbiota and cancer holds great promise for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, leading to improved patient outcomes in the battle against cancer.

Keywords

Cancer; micorbiota.

Pages: online first.

Online first article

The Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors on Cardiology

Omobolanle Jaramillo

Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

Abstract

In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes across various malignancies. These novel immunotherapeutic agents target inhibitory receptors on T cells, effectively unleashing the immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. However, the clinical application of ICIs has not been limited to oncology, as emerging evidence suggests their potential in the field of cardiology. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of ICIs on cardiovascular health, focusing on both beneficial and adverse cardiovascular effects. We discuss the mechanistic basis behind ICIs’ impact on the cardiovascular system and explore their influence on inflammation, myocardial injury, and vascular function. Additionally, we delve into the role of ICIs in the management of immune-related adverse cardiovascular events, such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and vasculitis, as well as their potential impact on pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, we outline the challenges and considerations for cardiovascular monitoring during ICI therapy, including the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among oncologists and cardiologists. Finally, we highlight ongoing research and future directions for optimizing the use of ICIs in cardiology. The field of cardiovascular immunotherapy holds tremendous promise, and a comprehensive understanding of the cardiovascular effects of ICIs is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective integration of these agents into clinical practice.

Keywords

Immune checkpoint inhibitors; cardiology.

Pages: online first.

Online first article

LncRNA-NORAD Suppresses Gastric Cancer Progression via ROCK1 Signaling

Yijun Xu, Qi zhu, Zhe Wang, Shiyong Yu, Honggang Xiang

Department of General Surgery, Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and novel therapeutic targets are needed to improve patient outcomes. In recent years, the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer progression has been increasingly recognized. lncRNAs have emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression, playing a significant role in various biological processes, including cancer. Studies delve into the intriguing world of lncRNAs, focusing particularly on their involvement in cancer development and their potential as therapeutic targets. This research article aims to investigate the role of the lncRNA NORAD in inhibiting gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion through the ROCK1 pathway. The study utilized in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches to assess the potential of NORAD as a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Keywords

Gastric cancer, lncRNA, NORAD, ROCK1.

Pages: online first.

ISSN 2816-8127 (Print)

1. About this journal

The editorial office 

2. A novel machine learning system predicts CD4 T cells presenting IFN-γ-dependent cytotoxic capacity

Kirk Bell, Pauline Duarte

Department of Immunology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.

7. Understanding the mechanism of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders

Shufeng Li, Shuai Han, Haihan Song, Dapeng Feng, Hualin Qi, Jian Wang

Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.

12. Regulatory B cells during the third trimester in healthy subjects and patients with pre-eclampsia

Maxine Kemp

Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia 

16. Tr1 cells and CD8 T cell effector functions in cervical cancer patients

Linda F. Green

Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 

21. Insulin-like growth factor-2 and bone metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

Tatuso Nakata

Department of Medicine, Kyushu University, Kyushu, Japan.

23. Immunopathology and gene therapy of osteoarthritis

Shufeng Li (1), Dapeng Feng, Jian Wang

1. Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.

27.  The Possibility and Feasibility of Integrating Social Prescribing into the Medical System: a Potential Approach for Holistic Healthcare 

Xiaoting Qiu (1), Rui Huang, Zhaochen Qian, Yunrui Huo,Ying Yang, Fei Sun

1. Department of Social Work, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China.