With the advent rise is in urbanization and industrialization, heavy metals (HMs) such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination have increased considerably. It is among the most recalcitrant pollutants majorly affecting the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem like human well-being, animals, soil health, crop productivity, and diversity of prokaryotes (bacteria) and eukaryotes (plants, fungi, and algae). At higher concentrations, these metals are toxic for their growth and pose a significant environmental threat, necessitating innovative and sustainable remediation strategies. Bacteria exhibit diverse mechanisms to cope with HM exposure, including biosorption, chelation, and efflux mechanism, while fungi contribute through mycorrhizal associations and hyphal networks. Algae, especially microalgae, demonstrate effective biosorption and bioaccumulation capacities. Plants, as phytoremediators, hyperaccumulate metals, providing a nature-based approach for soil reclamation. Integration of these biological agents in combination presents opportunities for enhanced remediation efficiency. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into joint action of prokaryotic and eukaryotic interactions in the management of HM stress in the environment.

• MeSH
• Bacteria * metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• biodegradace * MeSH
• Eukaryota metabolismus   účinky léků   MeSH
• houby metabolismus   MeSH
• kadmium * metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * metabolismus   MeSH
• olovo * metabolismus   toxicita   MeSH
• rostliny mikrobiologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the design and endpoints of perioperative platforms in clinical trials for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). RECENT FINDINGS: The choice of clinical trial design in perioperative platforms for MIBC must align with specific research objectives to ensure robust and meaningful outcomes. Novel designs in perioperative platforms for MIBC integrate bladder-sparing approaches. Primary endpoints such as pathological complete response and disease-free survival are highlighted for their role in expediting trial results in perioperative setting. Incorporating patient-reported outcomes is important to inform healthcare decision makers about the outcomes most meaningful to patients. Given the growing body of evidence, potential biomarkers, predictive and prognostic tools should be considered and implemented when designing trials in perioperative platforms for MIBC. SUMMARY: Effective perioperative platforms for MIBC trials are critical in enhancing patient outcomes. The careful selection and standardization of study designs and endpoints in the perioperative platform are essential for the successful implementation of new therapies and the advancement of personalized treatment approaches in MIBC.

• MeSH
• cystektomie metody   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru * MeSH
• klinické zkoušky jako téma MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory močového měchýře * chirurgie   patologie   terapie   mortalita   MeSH
• perioperační péče metody   normy   MeSH
• stanovení cílového parametru MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• výzkumný projekt MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

The small-molecule alkaloid halofuginone (HF) is obtained from febrifugine. Recent studies on HF have aroused widespread attention owing to its universal range of noteworthy biological activities and therapeutic functions, which range from parasite infections and fibrosis to autoimmune diseases. In particular, HF is believed to play an excellent anticancer role by suppressing the proliferation, adhesion, metastasis, and invasion of cancers. This review supports the goal of demonstrating various anticancer effects and molecular mechanisms of HF. In the studies covered in this review, the anticancer molecular mechanisms of HF mainly included transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad-3/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), serine/threonine kinase proteins (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)/wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin, the exosomal microRNA-31 (miR-31)/histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) signaling pathway, and the interaction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells. Notably, HF, as a novel type of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent inhibitor that is often combined with prolyl transfer RNA synthetase (ProRS) and amino acid starvation therapy (AAS) to suppress the formation of ribosome, further exerts a significant effect on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the combination of HF with other drugs or therapies obtained universal attention. Our results showed that HF has significant potential for clinical cancer treatment.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Glioblastomas are aggressive brain tumors for which effective therapy is still lacking, resulting in dismal survival rates. These tumors display significant phenotypic plasticity, harboring diverse cell populations ranging from tumor core cells to dispersed, highly invasive cells. Neuron navigator 3 (NAV3), a microtubule-associated protein affecting microtubule growth and dynamics, is downregulated in various cancers, including glioblastoma, and has thus been considered a tumor suppressor. In this study, we challenge this designation and unveil distinct expression patterns of NAV3 across different invasion phenotypes. Using glioblastoma cell lines and patient-derived glioma stem-like cell cultures, we disclose an upregulation of NAV3 in invading glioblastoma cells, contrasting with its lower expression in cells residing in tumor spheroid cores. Furthermore, we establish an association between low and high NAV3 expression and the amoeboid and mesenchymal invasive phenotype, respectively, and demonstrate that overexpression of NAV3 directly stimulates glioblastoma invasive behavior in both 2D and 3D environments. Consistently, we observed increased NAV3 expression in cells migrating along blood vessels in mouse xenografts. Overall, our results shed light on the role of NAV3 in glioblastoma invasion, providing insights into this lethal aspect of glioblastoma behavior.

• MeSH
• fenotyp * MeSH
• glioblastom * patologie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru * genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránové proteiny MeSH
• mikrotubuly metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory mozku * patologie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• pohyb buněk genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Paliativní péče u dětských pacientů představuje klíčovou oblast zdravotní péče, která si žádá pozornost a podporu nejen ze strany zdravotnických pracovníků, ale také společnosti jako celku. Zaměřuje se na zlepšení kvality života pacientů, kteří čelí vážným onemocněním, a to bez ohledu na prognózu nebo fázi onemocnění. V případě dětských pacientů je péče obzvlášť citlivá, neboť zahrnuje jak zdravotní aspekty, tak emocionální a psychologické potřeby nejen samotných dětí, ale také jejich rodin. Iniciativa programu „Škola základ péče“ od Nadace rodiny Vlčkových reflektuje nutnost integrovat paliativní přístupy do vzdělávání budoucích zdravotníků a zajistit, aby děti a jejich rodiny dostaly tu nejlepší možnou péči v těžkých obdobích. Právě povědomí a dovednosti mladých odborníků mohou významně přispět ke zlepšení kvality života těch nejzranitelnějších pacientů.

Palliative care for pediatric patients is a key area of health care that requires attention and support not only from health care professionals, but also from society as a whole. It focuses on improving the quality of life of patients facing serious illnesses, regardless of the prognosis or stage of the disease. In the case of pediatric patients, care is particularly sensitive, as it includes both the health aspects and the emotional and psychological needs not only of the children themselves, but also of their families. The “School, Foundation of Care” initiative of the Vlček Family Foundation reflects the need to integrate palliative approaches into the education of future health professionals and to ensure that children and their families receive the best possible care in difficult times. It is the awareness and skills of young professionals that can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable patients.

The objective of our in vitro study was to quantify the biochemical profile where the total polyphenol, flavonoid and phenolic acid content was determined. The antioxidant potential of microgreen extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum L., was measured molybdenum reducing power assay. Specifically, the study assessed parameters such as metabolic activity (AlamarBlueTM assay), membrane integrity (CFDA-AM assay), mitochondrial potential (JC-1 assay), as well as reactive oxygen species generation (NBT assay). In addition, the steroid hormone release in TM3 murine Leydig cells after 12 h and 24 h exposures were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gained results indicate the highest value in total flavonoid content (182.59+/-2.13 mg QE) determination, supported by a significant (108.25+/-1.27 mg TE) antioxidant activity. The effects on metabolic activity, cell membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were found to be both time- and dose-dependent. Notably, a significant suppression in reactive oxygen species generation was confirmed at 150, 200 and 250 microg/ml after 24 h exposure. In addition, progesterone and testosterone release was stimulated up to 250 microg/ml dose of Trigonella, followed by a decline in both steroid production at 300 and 1000 microg/ml. Our results indicate, that Trigonella at lower experimental doses (up to 250 microg/ml) may positively affect majority of monitored cell parameters in TM3 Leydig cells. Overleaf, increasing experimental doses may negatively affect the intracellular parameters already after 12 h of in vitro exposure. Key words Microgreens, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Fenugreek, Leydig cells, Male reproduction.

• MeSH
• antioxidancia farmakologie   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• fytonutrienty farmakologie   MeSH
• Leydigovy buňky * účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• membránový potenciál mitochondrií účinky léků   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * farmakologie   MeSH
• testosteron metabolismus   MeSH
• Trigonella * chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by a spectrum of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disturbances. The etiology of PCOS encompasses a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative factors, though the precise pathological mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Despite considerable variability in the clinical characteristics and biochemical profiles among individuals with PCOS, abnormalities in follicular development are a hallmark of the condition. Granulosa cells, integral to follicular development, play a pivotal role in follicle maturation. Recent studies have established a strong correlation between granulosa cell programmed cell death and follicular atresia in PCOS. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of granulosa cell programmed cell death and its contribution to follicular atresia within the pathophysiology of PCOS, providing a foundation for future research endeavors. Key words Follicular atresia, Hyperandrogenism, Insulin resistance, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Programmed cell death of granulosa cells.

• MeSH
• apoptóza * MeSH
• folikulární atrézie * metabolismus   MeSH
• folikulární buňky * metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ovariální folikul metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• syndrom polycystických ovarií * patologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Východiská: Z hľadiska epidemiológie predstavuje kolorektálny karcinóm (KRK) celosvetovo jeden z najčastejšie sa vyskytujúcich nádorov. Pokrok vo výskume sa premietol do zníženia úmrtnosti na toto ochorenie, avšak zníženie veku vzniku KRK vytvára obavy vo väčšine rozvinutých krajín. Identifikácia a validácia účinných prognostických biomarkerov sú kľúčové pre zvýšenie presnosti diagnostiky a individualizáciu liečby. Cieľ: Cieľom práce je analyzovať najnovšie údaje o epidemiológii a rizikových faktoroch KRK. Naratívny prehľad sa zameriava aj na zhrnutie súčasných poznatkov o rôznych prognostických biomarkeroch pri liečbe KRK, vrátane ukazovateľov výkonnostného stavu, nutričných a zápalových markerov. Záver: KRK predstavuje závažný zdravotný problém vo väčšine krajín a nádorové biomarkery, ako aj stav pacienta pred liečbou, sú rozhodujúce pre určenie prognózy ochorenia. Ukazovatele nutričného a výkonnostného stavu zohrávajú zásadnú úlohu pri hodnotení stavu pacienta a ovplyvňujú rozhodnutia o liečbe, s potenciálnym dopadom na jej výsledky. Zápalové markery sa javia ako významný prognostický faktor, korelujúc s imunitnou odpoveďou pacienta na nádor a zápalovými procesmi, ktoré môžu viesť k progresii ochorenia. Napriek ich sľubnej prediktívnej sile sa tieto biomarkery zatiaľ bežne nepoužívajú v klinickej praxi z dôvodu potreby ďalšej vedeckej validácie. Integrácia nových biomarkerov do klinickej praxe by však mohla viesť k personalizovanejším liečebným stratégiam a tým k zlepšeniu prežívania pacientov. Pre komplexnejšie posúdenie validity týchto biomarkerov a ich aplikácie v bežnej klinickej praxi je potrebný ďalší výskum.

Background: In terms of epidemiology, colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide. Progress in research has translated into reduced mortality of the disease, but the trend of early onset CRC troubles most of the developed countries. Identification and validation of effective prognostic biomarkers are crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. Purpose: The objective of the work is to analyze the latest data on the epidemiology and risk factors of CRC. A narrative review also aims to summarize current knowledge about various prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of CRC, including indicators of performance status, nutritional, and inflammatory markers. Conclusion: CRC pose major health problem in most of the countries and the tumor biomarkers as well as patients pre-treatment condition are crucial to establish prognosis of the disease. Nutritional and performance status indicators play an essential role in assessing the patient’s condition and influence treatment decisions, with a potential impact on treatment outcomes. Inflammatory markers have demonstrated significant prognostic value, correlating with the patient’s immune response to the tumor and inflammatory processes that may promote disease progression. Despite promising predictive capabilities, these biomarkers are not yet routinely used in clinical practice due to the need for further research validation. The integration of new biomarkers into clinical practice could lead to more personalized treatment decisions and improved treatment outcomes. For a more comprehensive assessment of the validity of these biomarkers and their application in regular clinical practice, further research is necessary.

• MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• fyziologie výživy MeSH
• genetické testování MeSH
• geny ras genetika   MeSH
• kolorektální nádory * epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrosatelitní nestabilita MeSH
• prognóza * MeSH
• protoonkogenní proteiny B-Raf genetika   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• rizikové faktory * MeSH
• staging nádorů metody   MeSH
• zánět komplikace   patofyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

Východiska: Kvalita života pacienta je nedílnou součástí hodnocení protinádorové léčby. S jejím hodnocením se můžeme setkat zejména v rámci klinických studií a výzkumných projektů, ale stále častěji je zařazováno také do rutinního provozu. V radioterapii je třeba tento ukazatel hodnotit zejména s nástupem nových frakcionačních režimů, které mají zajistit lepší klinické výsledky, ale rovněž stejnou či lepší kvalitu života pacientů oproti jinému frakcionačnímu schématu. Způsobů, jak kvalitu života měřitelně zhodnotit, je několik. Nejčastěji jsou využívány dotazníky vyplňované pacienty, a jedná se tedy o subjektivní přístup. Nezbytné je zvolit správnou metodiku, zejména typ a formu dotazníků s ohledem na specifickou situaci (diagnózu, léčbu apod.). Cíl: V tomto edukačním přehledovém článku je definována kvalita života a její role v léčbě pacienta radioterapií. Dále jsou podrobně popsány vybrané způsoby hodnocení kvality života v radioterapii. Důraz je pak kladen zejména na dostupná dotazníková šetření, generická či specifická. Mezi nejběžněji používané dotazníky kvality života patří dotazníky od skupiny EORTC, FACIT dotazníky a dotazníky EQ-5D, SF-36, WHOQOL-100 a WHOQOL-BREF. Všeobecný dotazník EORTC QLQ-C30, který je také často používán v radioterapii, je použit pro demonstraci vyhodnocení dotazníku na jednom vyplněném dotazníku konkrétním pacientem. Závěr: Kvalita života onkologického pacienta se řadí mezi nejdůležitější hodnocení výstupů péče (Patient Reported Outcomes Measures – PROMs) a sběr dat k jejímu hodnocení by měl být součástí běžné praxe také v radiační onkologii, zejména pak u zavádění nového frakcionačního režimu. Tento přehledový článek má za cíl poukázat na různorodé možnosti hodnocení kvality života, různé typy generických a specifických dotazníků a také zdůraznit určitá doporučení a postupy nutné pro kvalitní vyhodnocení těchto dotazníků.

Background: The patient‘s quality of life is an integral part of the evaluation of anticancer treatment. We can meet its evaluation mainly within the framework of clinical studies and research projects, but it is increasingly included in routine clinical practice as well. In radiotherapy, this indicator needs to be evaluated especially with the advent of new fractionation regimes, which are supposed to ensure better clinical results, but also the same or better quality of life for patients compared to another fractionation scheme. There are several ways to measurably evaluate the quality of life. Questionnaires filled in by patients are most often used, so this is a subjective approach. It is essential to choose the right methodology, especially the type and form of questionnaires with regard to the specific situation (diagnosis, treatment, etc.). Aim: In this educational review article, quality of life and its role in the treatment of a patient with radiotherapy are defined. Next, selected methods of quality of life assessment in radiotherapy are described in detail. Emphasis is placed especially on available questionnaire surveys, generic or specific. Among the most commonly used quality of life questionnaires are those from the EORTC group, FACIT questionnaires and the EQ-5D, SF-36, WHOQOL-100 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The general EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, which is also often used in radiotherapy, is used to demonstrate the assessment on one specific example of a questionnaire completed by a patient. Conclusion: The quality of life of an oncology patient ranks among the most important evaluations of care outcomes (patient reported outcomes measures), and data collection for its evaluation should be part of routine clinical practice in radiation oncology as well, especially when introducing a new fractionation regimen. The purpose of this educational review article is to point out the various possibilities for evaluating the quality of life, different types of generic and specific questionnaires, and also to emphasize certain recommendations and procedures necessary for quality evaluation of questionnaires.

• MeSH
• diagnostické sebehodnocení MeSH
• kvalita života * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nádory * psychologie   radioterapie   MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky * MeSH
• radioterapie psychologie   MeSH
• stupnice dopadu nemoci na kvalitu života MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

While two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, such as Caco-2 and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are widely used in a variety of biological models, these two-dimensional in vitro systems present inherent limitations in replicating the complexities of in vivo biology. Recent progress in three-dimensional organoid technology has the potential to address these limitations. In this study, the characteristics of conventional 2D cell culture systems were compared to those of canine intestinal organoids (enteroids, ENT, and colonoids, COL). Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the microanatomy of ENT, COL, Caco-2, and MDCK cell monolayers, while transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values were measured to assess monolayer integrity. The TEER values of canine ENT monolayers more closely approximated reported TEER values for human small intestines compared to Caco-2 and MDCK monolayers. Additionally, canine ENT demonstrated greater monolayer stability than Caco-2 and MDCK cells. Notably, while all systems displayed desmosomes, canine ENT and COL exclusively produced mucus. These findings highlight the potential of the canine organoid system as a more biologically relevant model for in vitro studies, addressing the limitations of conventional 2D cell culture systems.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH