Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University

This study aimed to clarify the expression of a gene associated with Retinoid- Interferon-Induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UUTUC) and its prognostic significance for UUTUC patients.

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to determine the GRIM-19 expression in 70 paired samples. Progression-Free Survival (PFS) and Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The independent prognostic factors for PFS and CSS were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression models.

IHC staining showed that GRIM-19 expression was significantly decreased in UUTUC, and its cellular location changed from being both cytoplasmic and nuclear to only cytoplasmic. Kaplan- Meier analysis revealed that the patients with tumors expressing low GRIM-19 had a significantly higher risk for tumor progression (P = 0.002) and cancer-specific mortality (P < 0.001) compared to those with high GRIM-19 levels. The Cox regression showed that both GRIM-19 expression (P = 0.025) and lymph node metastasis (LN) (P = 0.007) were independent predictors of progression in the muscle-invasive (MIC) subgroup. GRIM-19 expressions (entire cohort: P = 0.011; MIC subgroup: P = 0.025), LN (entire cohort: P = 0.019; MIC subgroup: P = 0.007), and progression (entire cohort: P < 0.001; MIC subgroup: P < 0.001) were independent predictors of cancer-specific survival.

Low expression of GRIM-19 in patients with UUTUC had significantly shorter PFS or CSS compared to those with high GRIM-19-expressing tumors. High GRIM-19 expression was also strongly associated with longer PFS in MIC patients. It indicates that GRIM-19 might serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for UUTUC patients.

The pervasive global health concern of breast cancer necessitates the development of innovative therapeutic interventions to enhance efficacy and mitigate adverse effects. Chitosan and hyaluronic acid, recognized for their biocompatibility and biodegradability, present compelling options for novel drug delivery systems and therapeutic platforms in the context of breast cancer management. This discourse will delineate the distinctive attributes of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, encompassing their inherent anticancer properties, targeting capabilities, and suitability for chemical modifications. These characteristics render them exceptionally well-suited for the fabrication of nanoparticles and hydrogels. The intrinsic anticancer potential of chitosan, in conjunction with its mucoadhesive properties, and the robust binding affinity of hyaluronic acid to CD44 receptors, facilitate precise and efficacious drug delivery to malignant cells, thus circumventing the limitations inherent in conventional treatment modalities. The incorporation of these materials into nanocarriers allows for the concurrent delivery of therapeutic agents, thereby potentiating synergistic effects, while hydrogel systems provide localized, controlled drug release and facilitate tissue regeneration. An analysis of advancements in their synthesis, functionalization, and application is presented, while also acknowledging challenges pertaining to scalability and clinical translation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic, recurrent intestinal inflammatory conditions with a complex cause and unclear underlying mechanisms. It includes two main types: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The conventional treatment of IBD mainly includes 5-aminosalicylates, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive drugs, which have their limitations. Recent advancements in IBD research have expanded treatment options, with biological agents playing a key role. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha has emerged as the first-line therapy for moderate to severe IBD. Anti-integrin antibodies have also become important for the treatment, and vedolizumab is often used in cases of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha failure and intolerance to other treatments. Other biological agents are being tested in clinical trials at different stages. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of the primary biological therapies for IBD and provides a comprehensive analysis of the current clinical challenges associated with the disease.