Penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) represents an uncommon malignancy characterized by stagnant mortality, psychosexual distress, and a highly variable prognosis. Currently, the World Health Organization distinguishes between human papillomavirus (HPV)-related and HPV-independent pSCC. Recently, there has been an evolving line of research documenting the enrichment of HPV-independent pSCC with a high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and programmed death ligand-1 expression, as well as clusters of genes associated with HPV status. In this study, we conducted comprehensive next-generation sequencing DNA profiling of 146 pSCC samples using a panel consisting of 355 genes associated with tumors. This profiling was correlated with immunohistochemical markers and prognostic clinical data. A survival analysis of recurrent genomic events (found in ≥10 cases) was performed. TP53, CDKN2A, ATM, EPHA7, POT1, CHEK1, GRIN2A, and EGFR alterations were associated with significantly shortened overall survival in univariate and multivariate analysis. HPV positivity, diagnosed through both p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV DNA analysis, displayed no impact on survival but was associated with high-grade, lymphatic invasion, programmed death ligand-1 negativity/weak expression, and low TMB. FAT1, TP53, CDKN2A, CASP8, and HRAS were more often mutated in HPV-independent pSCC. In contrast, HPV-associated pSCCs were enriched by EPHA7, ATM, GRIN2A, and CHEK1 mutations. PIK3CA, FAT1, FBXW7, and KMT2D mutations were associated with high TMB. NOTCH1, TP53, CDKN2A, POT1, KMT2D, ATM, CHEK1, EPHA3, and EGFR alterations were related to adverse clinicopathologic signs, such as advanced stage, high tumor budding, and lymphovascular invasion. We detected 160 alterations with potential treatment implications, with 21.2% of samples showing alterations in the homologous recombination repair pathway. To the best of our knowledge, this study describes the largest cohort of pSCC with complex molecular pathologic, clinical, and prognostic analysis correlating with prognosis.

• MeSH
• Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins genetics   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• ErbB Receptors genetics   MeSH
• Papillomavirus Infections MeSH
• Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 genetics   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutation MeSH
• Biomarkers, Tumor * genetics   analysis   MeSH
• Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 genetics   MeSH
• Penile Neoplasms * genetics   mortality   pathology   virology   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Telomere-Binding Proteins MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Shelterin Complex MeSH
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell * genetics   mortality   pathology   virology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Heavy metals are naturally occurring components of the Earth's crust and persistent environmental pollutants. Human exposure to heavy metals occurs via various pathways, including inhalation of air/dust particles, ingesting contaminated water or soil, or through the food chain. Their bioaccumulation may lead to diverse toxic effects affecting different body tissues and organ systems. The toxicity of heavy metals depends on the properties of the given metal, dose, route, duration of exposure (acute or chronic), and extent of bioaccumulation. The detrimental impacts of heavy metals on human health are largely linked to their capacity to interfere with antioxidant defense mechanisms, primarily through their interaction with intracellular glutathione (GSH) or sulfhydryl groups (R-SH) of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and other enzyme systems. Although arsenic (As) is believed to bind directly to critical thiols, alternative hydrogen peroxide production processes have also been postulated. Heavy metals are known to interfere with signaling pathways and affect a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and apoptosis. For example, cadmium can affect the BLC-2 family of proteins involved in mitochondrial death via the overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the suppression of proapoptotic (BAX, BAK) mechanisms, thus increasing the resistance of various cells to undergo malignant transformation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important regulator of antioxidant enzymes, the level of oxidative stress, and cellular resistance to oxidants and has been shown to act as a double-edged sword in response to arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Another mechanism of significant health threats and heavy metal (e.g., Pb) toxicity involves the substitution of essential metals (e.g., calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)) with structurally similar heavy metals (e.g., cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) in the metal-binding sites of proteins. Displaced essential redox metals (copper, iron, manganese) from their natural metal-binding sites can catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction and generate damaging ROS such as hydroxyl radicals, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Conversely, some heavy metals, such as cadmium, can suppress the synthesis of nitric oxide radical (NO·), manifested by altered vasorelaxation and, consequently, blood pressure regulation. Pb-induced oxidative stress has been shown to be indirectly responsible for the depletion of nitric oxide due to its interaction with superoxide radical (O2·-), resulting in the formation of a potent biological oxidant, peroxynitrite (ONOO-). This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity and their health effects. Aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) and their roles in the development of gastrointestinal, pulmonary, kidney, reproductive, neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), cardiovascular, and cancer (e.g. renal, lung, skin, stomach) diseases are discussed. A short account is devoted to the detoxification of heavy metals by chelation via the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimercaprol (BAL), 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid (DMPS), and penicillamine chelators.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants metabolism   MeSH
• Bioaccumulation MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants toxicity   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Oxidative Stress * drug effects   MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * toxicity   MeSH
• Environmental Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review 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.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Plicní arteriální hypertenze (PAH) je vzácné, ale závažné onemocnění, které je nevyléčitelné a progredující. I přes pokrok ve farmakologické léčbě PAH je morbidita i mortalita nemocných s PAH nadále vysoká. Jedním z nových léků, který mění prognózu nemocných, je sotatercept. Tento lék inhibuje signální dráhu transformujícího růstového faktoru β (transforming growth factor β, TGF-β), což vede k ovlivnění regulace růstu a diferenciace buněk plicních arteriol. Tento lék může zásadním způsobem pozitivně ovlivnit nejen symptomy, ale i celkovou mortalitu nemocných. Výsledky studií STELLAR a ZENITH ukázaly, že sotatercept významně zlepšuje vzdálenost, kterou jedinec ujde při šestiminutovém testu chůzí (six-minute walk test, 6MWT), snižuje riziko klinického zhoršení PAH a má pozitivní vliv na hemodynamiku PAH. Na základě provedených studií došlo k změně v léčebném schématu nemocných s PAH, kde sotatercept hraje významnou roli v kombinační farmakologické terapii.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but serious disease that is incurable and progressive. Despite advances in the pharmacological treatment of PAH, morbidity and mortality in PAH remain high One new drug that is changing the prognosis of patients is sotatercept. This drug inhibits the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway, leading to an effect on the regulation of growth and differentiation of pulmonary arteriolar cells. This drug can have a major positive impact not only on symptoms but also on overall mortality. The results of the STELLAR and ZENITH trials showed that sotatercept improves the distance an individual walks in a six-minute walk test (6MWT), reduces the risk of clinical worsening of PAH and has a positive effect on the hemodynamics of PAH. Based on the studies conducted, there has been a change in the treatment regimen of PAH patients, with sotatercept playing a significant role in combination therapy.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that tumour morphological heterogeneity may influence mutational profiles relevant to therapy response. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess whether mutations identified within specific morphological patterns or at the invasion front correlate with shorter time to progression after anti-EGFR therapy, as compared to whole-tissue analysis. METHODS: We investigated genetic mutations in 142 samples from primary tumours of 39 KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving anti-EGFR therapy. Deep next-generation sequencing was performed on whole-tumour sections and six morphology-defined tumour regions. RESULTS: Mutations in genes linked to anti-EGFR therapy response (KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, PTEN and PI3KCA) were found uniquely in the non-responder group, with substantial variability across morphological sub-regions. BRAF mutations were aligned with serrated and mucinous morphologies, while KRAS mutations (p.Lys147Glu and p.Ala146Thr) were associated with mucinous and desmoplastic morphologies. In all cases, the cumulative mutational profile from sub-regions provided more details than that of the whole-tumour profile. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that comprehensive analysis, considering morphological heterogeneity, is crucial for personalised CRC treatment strategies.

• MeSH
• Drug Resistance, Neoplasm * genetics   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• ErbB Receptors antagonists & inhibitors   MeSH
• PTEN Phosphohydrolase genetics   MeSH
• GTP Phosphohydrolases genetics   MeSH
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors * therapeutic use   MeSH
• Colorectal Neoplasms * genetics   drug therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mutation * MeSH
• DNA Mutational Analysis MeSH
• Pilot Projects MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents * therapeutic use   MeSH
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf genetics   MeSH
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) genetics   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies represent a promising approach for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse, yet their efficacy is hindered by immunosuppressive factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in the tumor microenvironment. This study investigated the effects of TGF-β on NK cell cytotoxicity and migration using 2D and 3D co-culture models that mimic the leukemic microenvironment. METHODS: TGF-β production was evaluated in AML-derived leukemic cell lines and mesenchymal stromal cells (hTERT-MSCs) using ELISA. Bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to analyze global gene expression changes in TGF-β-treated primary human NK cells. NK cell cytotoxicity and migration were assessed in 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid co-cultures containing hTERT-MSCs and leukemic cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Both leukemic cells and MSCs produced TGF-β, with increased levels observed in MSCs after co-culture with primary AML blasts. RNA sequencing revealed that TGF-β altered key gene pathways associated with NK cell cytotoxicity, adhesion, and migration, supporting its immunosuppressive role. In functional assays, TGF-β exposure significantly reduced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in a time-dependent manner and impaired NK cell infiltration into 3D spheroids, particularly in models incorporating MSCs. Additionally, MSCs themselves provided a protective environment for leukemic cells, further reducing NK cell effectiveness in 2D co-cultures. CONCLUSION: TGF-β suppresses both NK cell cytotoxicity and migration, limiting their ability to eliminate leukemic cells and infiltrate the bone marrow niche (BMN). These findings provide novel insights into TGF-β-mediated immune evasion mechanisms and provide important insights for the future design of NK-based immunotherapies and clinical trials.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a chronic kidney condition that arises from prolonged hyperglycaemia that can progress to kidney failure, severe morbidity, and mortality if left untreated. It is the major cause of chronic kidney disease among people who have diabetes, accounting for a significant percentage of patients with end-stage kidney disease who require kidney replacement therapy. MAIN BODY: In DKD, numerous dysbalanced metabolic, haemodynamic, inflammatory signalling pathways, and molecular mediators interconnect, creating a feedback loop that promotes general kidney damage. Hyperglycaemia is the primary trigger for DKD and leads gradually to oxidative stress, inflammation, extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis, glomerular hypertension, and intrarenal hypoxia. Key interconnected metabolic pathways are the hyperglycaemia-mediated polyol, hexosamine, protein kinase C, and advanced glycation end-products pathway hyperactivity. Concurrently, hyperglycaemia-induced renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system stimulation, alters the kidney intraglomerular haemodynamic leading to inflammation through Toll-like receptors, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and nuclear factor-kappa B, transforming growth factor-beta-mediated excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis. The resulting death signals trigger apoptosis and autophagy through Hippo, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and microRNA dysregulation. These signals synergistically remodel the kidneys culminating in intrarenal hypoxia, podocyte dysfunction, hyperfiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and loss of kidney function. The resulting renal failure further upregulates these death pathways and mediators, giving rise to a vicious cycle that further worsens DKD. CONCLUSION: This review provides an overview of the primary molecular mediators and signalling pathways leading to DKD; their interconnectivity at the onset and during DKD progression, the central role of transforming growth factor-beta via different pathways, the Hippo pathway kidney-specific response to hyperglycaemia, and how all mediators and transduction signals result in a vicious circle that exacerbates renal failure. The review gives therapeutic sights to these pathways as druggable targets for DKD management. Understanding these molecular events underlying the pathogenesis of DKD can bridge basic research and clinical application, facilitating the development of innovative management strategies.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

From tumorigenesis to the establishment of local or metastatic high-grade tumours, an integral part of the cellular lifespan relies on various signalling pathways. Particular pathways that allow cells to proliferate by creating a network of new blood vessels have been documented, whereas other pathways are primarily involved with a migration to distant body parts, partially through the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This review will discuss the different signalling pathways, such as TGF-β, Cripto-1, Wnt pathways, Hedgehog, Notch and NF-κB pathways, and how they promote tumour initiation and progression by influencing diverse cellular processes and EMT in general and in benign and malignant prostate tumours. This review will discuss only the critical pathways. Therefore, many other types of signalling pathways which are related to prostate cancer will not be discussed. Possibilities for further investigation will be mentioned, as many underlying mechanisms involved in these pathways have potential as targets in future tumour therapy. This review will also introduce some novel clinical trials relating to the inhibition of signalling pathways and their clinical outcomes.

• MeSH
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Prostatic Neoplasms * pathology   metabolism   therapy   drug therapy   MeSH
• NF-kappa B metabolism   MeSH
• Hedgehog Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Signal Transduction * physiology   MeSH
• Transforming Growth Factor beta metabolism   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

• Keywords
• lazertinib, amivantanab,
• MeSH
• ErbB Receptors antagonists & inhibitors   MeSH
• Genes, erbB-1 MeSH
• Protein Kinase Inhibitors administration & dosage   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Morpholines therapeutic use   MeSH
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung * drug therapy   genetics   MeSH
• Antibodies, Bispecific therapeutic use   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological administration & dosage   adverse effects   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols MeSH
• Pyrimidines therapeutic use   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH

• Keywords
• osimertinib,
• MeSH
• Acrylamides MeSH
• Aniline Compounds MeSH
• Chemoradiotherapy MeSH
• ErbB Receptors antagonists & inhibitors   MeSH
• Indoles MeSH
• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung * drug therapy   genetics   pathology   MeSH
• Antineoplastic Agents administration & dosage   adverse effects   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Pyrimidines MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Clinical Trial, Phase III MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH