A review on potential heterocycles for the treatment of glioblastoma targeting receptor tyrosine kinases

Glioblastoma,the most aggressive form of brain tumor,poses significant challenges in terms of treatment success and patient survival.Current treatment modalities for glioblastoma include radiation therapy,surgical intervention,and chemotherapy.Unfortunately,the median survival rate remains dishearteningly low at 12–15 months.One of the major obstacles in treating glioblastoma is the recurrence of tumors,making chemotherapy the primary approach for secondary glioma patients.However,the efficacy of drugs is hampered by the presence of the blood-brain barrier and multidrug resistance mechanisms.Consequently,considerable research efforts have been directed toward understanding the underlying signaling pathways involved in glioma and developing targeted drugs.To tackle glioma,numerous studies have examined kinase-downstream signaling pathways such as RAS-RAF-MEKERK-MPAK.By targeting specific signaling pathways,heterocyclic compounds have demonstrated efficacy in glioma therapeutics.Additionally,key kinases including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),serine/threonine kinase,cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase(CTK),receptor tyrosine kinase(RTK)and lipid kinase(LK)have been considered for investigation.These pathways play crucial roles in drug effectiveness in glioma treatment.Heterocyclic compounds,encompassing pyrimidine,thiazole,quinazoline,imidazole,indole,acridone,triazine,and other derivatives,have shown promising results in targeting these pathways.As part of this review,we propose exploring novel structures with low toxicity and high potency for glioma treatment.The development of these compounds should strive to overcome multidrug resistance mechanisms and efficiently penetrate the blood-brain barrier.By optimizing the chemical properties and designing compounds with enhanced drug-like characteristics,we can maximize their therapeutic value and minimize adverse effects.Considering the complex nature of glioblastoma,these novel structures should be rigorously tested and evaluated for their efficacy and safety profiles.

Mouse KL2 is a unique MTSE involved in chromosome-based spindle organization and regulated by multiple kinases during female meiosis

Microtubule-severing enzymes(MTSEs)play important roles in mitosis and meiosis of the primitive organisms.However,their roles in mammalian female meiosis,which accounts for over 80%of gamete-originated human reproductive diseases,remain unexplored.In the current study,we reported that katanin-like 2(KL2)was the only MTSE concentrating at chromosomes.Furthermore,the knockdown of KL2 significantly reduced the chromosome-based increase in the microtubule(MT)polymer,increased aberrant kinetochore-MT(K-MT)attachment,delayed meiosis,and severely affected normal fertility.We demonstrated that the inhibition of aurora B,a key kinase for correcting aberrant K-MT attachment,significantly eliminated KL2 expression from chromosomes.Additionally,KL2 interacted with phosphorylated eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase,and they competed for chromosome binding.Phosphorylated KL2 was also localized at spindle poles,with its phosphorylation regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.In summary,the current study reveals a novel function of MTSEs in mammalian female meiosis and demonstrates that multiple kinases coordinate to regulate the levels of KL2 at chromosomes.

Integrin-linked kinase in gastric cancer cell attachment,invasion and tumor growth

AIM： To investigate the effects of integrin-linked kinase （ILK） on gastric cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS： ILK small interfering RNA （siRNA） was transfected into human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells and ILK expression was monitored by real-time quan- titative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting analysis and immunocytochemistry. Cell attachment, proliferation, invasion, microfilament dynamics and the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were also measured. Gastric cancer cells treated with ILK siRNA were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice and tumor growth was assessed. RESULTS： Both ILK mRNA and protein levels were significantly down-regulated by ILK siRNA in human gastric cancer cells. This significantly inhibited cell attachment, proliferation and invasion. The knockdown of ILK also disturbed F-actin assembly and reduced VEGF secretion in conditioned medium by 40% （P 〈 0.05）. Four weeks after injection of ILK siRNA-transfected gastric cancer cells into nude mice, tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced compared with that of tumors induced by cells treated with non-silencing siRNA or by untreated cells （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Targeting ILK with siRNA suppresses the growth of gastric cancer cells both in v/tro and /n vivo. ILK plays an important role in gastric cancer progression.

Integrin-linked kinase overexpression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via nuclear factor-κB signaling in colorectal cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) on proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of the colorectal cancer cell line SW480.METHODS: In this study, the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was stably transfected with ILK plasmids, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB/p65. Methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to measure proliferation, and the wound healing migration assay and matrigel invasion assay were used to test the metastasis and invasion ability of SW480 cells. To explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, embryonic development, and the invasion and metastasis of tumors, the protein level of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug was detected by western blot. Immunofluorescence was also used to detect E-cadherin expression. Western blot was used to determine the level of phosphorylated-inhibitor of kappa B (IκB)a, inhibitor of gamma B (IγB)a, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expressions and to explore the ILK signaling pathway.RESULTS: Western blot results revealed that ILK expression significantly increased when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells (P < 0.05). Proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability were improved in the vector-ILK group compared to the vector group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results revealed that E-cadherin fluorescence intensity decreased after ILK was overexpressed (P < 0.05). Western blot results revealed that the protein expression of E-cadherin was reduced, while vimentin, snail, and slug were upregulated when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells (P < 0.05). In order to determine the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILK overexpression promoted EMT occurrence, we overexpressed ILK in SW480 cells and found that levels of NF-κB/p65 and cytoplasmic phosphorylated-IκBa were increased and that cytoplasmic IкBa levels were decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, NF-κB/p65 knockout revealed that E-cadherin was increased in the overexpressed ILK group.CONCLUSION: ILK overexpression improved the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability of SW480 cells, and this effect may be mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Genome-wide identification of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases in pear and their functional analysis in response to black spot

The mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)cascade is crucial to plant growth,development,and stress responses.MAPK kinases(MAPKK)play a vital role in linking upstream MAPKK kinases(MAPKKK)with the downstream MAPK.Black spot is one of the most serious fungal diseases of pear which is an important part of the fruit industry in China.The MAPKK genes have been identified in many plants,however,none has been reported in pear(Pyrus bretschneideri).In order to explore whether MAPK gene of pear is related to black spot disease,we designed this experiment.The present study investigated eight putative PbrMAPKK genes obtained from the Chinese white pear genome.The phylogenetic analysis revealed that PbrMAPKK genes were divided into A,B,C,and D groups.These PbrMAPKK genes are randomly distributed on 7 out of 17 chromosomes and mainly originated from the whole-genome duplication(WGD)event.The expression analysis of PbrMAPKK genes in seven pear tissues and the leaves of susceptible and resistant varieties after Alternaria alternata infection by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)identified seven candidate genes associated with resistance.Furthermore,virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)indicated that PbrMAPKK6 gene enhanced resistance to pear black spot disease in pear.

Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in oncological patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors:A case report and literature analysis

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation(HBVr)represents a severe and potentially life-threatening condition,and preventive measures are available through blood test screening or prophylactic therapy administration.The assessment of HBVr traditionally considers factors such as HBV profile,including hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen,along with type of medication(chemotherapy;immunomodulants).Nevertheless,consideration of possible patient’s underlying tumor and the specific malignancy type(solid or hematologic)plays a crucial role and needs to be assessed for decision-making process.

Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR 19-del Mutation Transformed into SCC after EGFR-tyrosine Kinase inhibitors Treatment:A Case report

BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs)significantly improve the survival of patients with Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)sensitive mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old female patient in advanced lung adenocarcinoma suffered from drug resistance after EGFR-TKIs treatment.Secondary pathological tissue biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)transformation.Patients inevitably encountered drug resistance issues after receiving EGFR-TKIs treatment for a certain period of time,while EGFR-TKIs can significantly improve the survival of patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations in NSCLC.Notably,EGFR-TKIs resistance includes primary and acquired.Pathological transformation is one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance in EGFR-TKIs,with SCC transformation being relatively rare.Our results provide more detailed results of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment process on SCC transformation after EGFR-TKIs treatment for lung adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION Squamous cell carcinoma transformation is one of the acquired resistance mechanisms of EGFR-TKIs in advanced lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutations.

Game changer:How Janus kinase inhibitors are reshaping the landscape of ulcerative colitis mana

Recent advancements in the treatment landscape of ulcerative colitis(UC)have ushered in a new era of possibilities,particularly with the introduction of Janus kinase(JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription inhibitors.These novel agents offer a paradigm shift in UC management by targeting key signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes.With approved JAK inhibitors(JAKis),such as tofacitinib,filgotinib,and upadacitinib,clinicians now have powerful tools to modulate immune responses and gene expression,potentially revolutionizing the treatment algorithm for UC.Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of JAKis in inducing and maintaining remission,presenting viable options for patients who have failed conventional therapies.Real-world data support the use of JAKis not only as first-line treatments but also in subsequent lines of therapy,particularly in patients with aggressive disease phenotypes or refractory to biologic agents.The rapid onset of action and potency of JAKis have broadened the possibilities in the management strategies of UC,offering timely relief for patients with active disease and facilitating personalized treatment approaches.Despite safety concerns,including cardiovascular risks and infections,ongoing research and post-marketing surveillance will continue to refine our understanding of the risk-benefit profile of JAKis in UC management.

Advances in MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is among the most frequently occurring cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Because gastric cancer is highly heterogenous and comprised of different subtypes with distinct molecular and clinical characteristics,the management of gastric cancer calls for better-defined,biomarker-guided,molecular-based treatment strategies.MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase mediating important physiologic processes,such as embryogenesis,tissue regeneration,and wound healing.However,mounting evidence suggests that aberrant MET pathway activation contributes to tumour proliferation and metastasis in multiple cancer types,including gastric cancer,and is associated with poor patient outcomes.As such,MET-targeting therapies are being actively developed and promising progress has been demonstrated,especially with MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors.This review aims to briefly introduce the role of MET alterations in gastric cancer and summarize in detail the current progress of MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors in this disease area with a focus on savolitinib,tepotinib,capmatinib,and crizotinib.Building on current knowledge,this review further discusses existing challenges in MET alterations testing,possible resistance mechanisms to MET inhibitors,and future directions of MET-targeting therapies.

Diabetes and high-glucose could upregulate the expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 in retina

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus,leading to visual impairment.Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)injury is a key component of the outer blood retinal barrier,and its damage is an important indicator of DR.Receptor for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)activates protein kinase C-ε(PKC-ε)to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in RPE cells,leading to apoptosis.Therefore,we hypothesize that the activation of RACK1 under hypoxic/high-glucose conditions may promote RPE cell apoptosis by modulating PKC-ε/ROS,thereby disrupting the barrier effect of the outer blood retinal barrier and contributing to the progression of DR.AIM To investigate the role and associated underlying mechanisms of RACK1 in the development of early DR.METHODS In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats and adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models,respectively,to explore the role of RACK1 in mediating PKC-εin early DR.Furthermore,the impact of RACK1 on apoptosis and barrier function of RPE cells was also investigated in the former model.RESULTS Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed increased apoptosis and upregulated expression of RACK1 and PKC-εproteins in RPE cells following a prolonged modeling.Similarly,ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose and hypoxia displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 and PKC-ε,accompanied by an increases in ROS production,apoptosis rate,and monolayer permeability.However,silencing RACK1 significantly downregulated the expression of PKC-εand ROS,reduced cell apoptosis and permeability,and protected barrier function.CONCLUSION RACK1 plays a significant role in the development of early DR and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for DR by regulating RPE apoptosis and barrier function.

Detection of LAMA2 c.715C>G:p.R239G mutation in a newborn with raised creatine kinase: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of primary clinical presentation featuring elevated creatine kinase(CK)levels in a neonate,which is associated with the LAMA2 gene.In this case,a heterozygous mutation in exon5 of the LAMA2 gene,c.715C>G(resulting in a change of nucleotide number 715 in the coding region from cytosine to gua-nine),induced an amino acid alteration p.R239G(No.239)in the patient,repre-senting a missense mutation.This observation may be elucidated by the neonatal creatine monitoring mechanism,a phenomenon not previously reported.CASE SUMMARY We analysed the case of a neonate presenting solely with elevated CK levels who was eventually discharged after supportive treatment.The chief complaint was identification of increased CK levels for 15 d and higher CK values for 1 d.Ad-mission occurred at 18 d of age,and despite prolonged treatment with creatine and vitamin C,the elevated CK levels showed limited improvement.Whole exo-me sequencing revealed the presence of a c.715C>G mutation in LAMA2 in the newborn,correlating with a clinical phenotype.However,the available informa-tion offers insufficient evidence for clinical pathogenicity.CONCLUSION Mutations in LAMA2 are associated with the clinical phenotype of increased neonatal CK levels,for which no specific treatment exists.Whole genome sequen-cing facilitates early diagnosis.

Wheat kinase TaSnRK2.4 forms a functional module with phosphatase TaPP2C01 and transcription factor TaABF2 to regulate drought response

SNF1-related protein kinase 2(SnRK2)family members are essential components of the plant abscisic acid(ABA)signaling pathway initiated by osmotic stress and triggering a drought stress response.This study characterized the molecular properties of TaSnRK2.4 and its function in mediating adaptation to drought in Triticum aestivum.Transcripts of TaSnRK2.4 were upregulated upon drought and ABA signaling and associated with drought-and ABA-responsive cis-elements ABRE and DRE,and MYB and MYC binding sites in the promoter as indicated by reporter GUS protein staining and activity driven by truncations of the promoter.Yeast two-hybrid,BiFC,and Co-IP assays indicated that TaSnRK2.4 protein interacts with TaPP2C01 and an ABF transcription factor(TF)TaABF2.The results suggested that TaSnRK2.4 forms a functional TaPP2C01-TaSnRK2.4-TaABF2 module with its upstream and downstream partners.Transgene analysis revealed that TaSnRK2.4 and TaABF2 positively regulate drought tolerance whereas TaPP2C01 acts negatively by modulating stomatal movement,osmotic adjustment,reactive oxygen species(ROS)homeostasis,and root morphology.Expression analysis,yeast one-hybrid,and transcriptional activation assays indicated that several osmotic stress-responsive genes,including TaSLAC1-4,TaP5CS3,TaSOD5,TaCAT1,and TaPIN4,are regulated by TaABF2.Transgene analysis verified their functions in positively regulating stomatal movement(TaSLAC1-4),proline accumulation(TaP5CS3),SOD activity(TaSOD5),CAT activity(TaCAT1),and root morphology(TaPIN4).There were high correlations between plant biomass and yield with module transcripts in a wheat variety panel cultivated under drought conditions in the field.Our findings provide insights into understanding plant drought response underlying the SnRK2 signaling pathway in common wheat.

Optimal sequential therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors as the first-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A nationwide multicenter study

Objective:The purpose of the study was to identify the best sequence of therapy beginning with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI)as the first-line therapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma(mRCC)in terms of overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),and rates of discontinuation and adverse effects during the treatment period.Methods:This is a retrospective,nationwide multicenter study of patients with mRCC after diagnosis at 10 different tertiary medical centers in Korea from January 1992 to December 2017.We focused on patients at either“favorable”or“intermediate”risk according to the International mRCC Database Consortium criteria,and they were followed up(median 335 days).Finally,a total of 1409 patients were selected as the study population.We generated a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for covariates,and the different therapy schemes were statistically tested in terms of OS as well as PFS.In addition,frequencies of discontinuation and adverse events were compared among the therapy schemes.Results:Of the primary patterns of treatment sequences(24 sequences),“sunitinib epazopanib”and“sunitinibeeverolimuseimmunotherapy”showed the most beneficial results in both OS and PFS with significantly lower hazards than“sunitinib”,which is the most commonly treated agent in Korea.Considering that the“TKIeTKI”structure showed relatively higher discontinuation rates with higher adverse effects,the overall beneficial sequence would be“sunitinibeeverolimuseimmunotherapy”.Conclusion:Among several sequential therapy starting with TKIs,“sunitinibeeverolimuse immunotherapy”was found to be the best scheme for mRCC patients with“favorable”or“intermediate”risks.

Vaccinia-related kinase 2 variants differentially affect breast cancer growth by regulating kinase activity

Genetic information is transcribed from genomic DNA to mRNA,which is then translated into threedimensional proteins.mRNAs can undergo various post-transcriptional modifications,including RNA editing that alters mRNA sequences,ultimately affecting protein function.In this study,RNA editing was identified at the 499th base(c.499)of human vaccinia-related kinase 2(VRK2).This RNA editing changes the amino acid in the catalytic domain of VRK2 from isoleucine(with adenine base)to valine(with guanine base).Isoleucine-containing VRK2 has higher kinase activity than the valine-containing VRK2,which leads to an increase in tumor cell proliferation.Earlier we reported that VRK2 directly interacts with dystrobrevin-binding protein(dysbindin)and results in reducing its stability.Herein,we demonstrate that isoleucine-containing VRK2 decreases the level of dysbindin than valinecontaining VRK2.Dysbindin interacts with cyclin D and thereby regulates its expression and function.The reduction in the level of dysbindin by isoleucine-containing VRK2 further enhances the cyclin D expression,resulting in increased tumor growth and reduction in survival rates.It has also been observed that in patient samples,VRK2 level was elevated in breast cancer tissue compared to normal breast tissue.Additionally,the isoleucine form of VRK2 exhibited a greater increase in breast cancer tissue.Therefore,it is concluded that VRK2,especially dependent on the 167th variant amino acid,can be one of the indexes of tumor progression and proliferation.

Navigating treatment resistance:Janus kinase inhibitors for ulcerative colitis

The management of refractory ulcerative colitis(UC)and acute severe UC(ASUC)is challenging due to the lack of standardized approaches in cases resistant to multiple treatments.In this editorial,I investigate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors,particularly upadacitinib and tofacitinib,in controlling severe and refractory disease.I highlight a notable case report by Xu et al,which explores the case of a patient with primary nonresponse to two classes of biologics and two fecal microbiota transplants who exhibited a remarkable response to upadacitinib.Furthermore,I discuss the use of tofacitinib in refractory UC and ASUC,either as monotherapy or in combination with biologics,which has shown promising response rates.Additionally,emerging evidence of upadacitinib efficacy in ASUC is presented.Overall,these cases emphasize the complex nature of managing refractory ASUC and the potential of small-molecule therapies to achieve remission.Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies for patients with treatment-resistant UC.

Loss of monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B expression promotes colorectal cancer malignant behaviors by activation of target of rapamycin kinase/autophagy signaling

BACKGROUND Monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B(MOB3B)functions as a signal transducer and altered MOB3B expression is associated with the development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the role of MOB3B in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS This study collected 102 CRC tissue samples for immunohistochemical detection of MOB3B expression for association with CRC prognosis.After overexpression and knockdown of MOB3B expression were induced in CRC cell lines,changes in cell viability,migration,invasion,and gene expression were assayed.Tumor cell autophagy was detected using transmission electron microscopy,while nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to confirm the in-vitro results.RESULTS MOB3B expression was reduced in CRC vs normal tissues and loss of MOB3B expression was associated with poor CRC prognosis.Overexpression of MOB3B protein in vitro attenuated the cell viability as well as the migration and invasion capacities of CRC cells,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression had the opposite effects in CRC cells.At the molecular level,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II/I expression was elevated,whereas the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,sequestosome 1,and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase(mTOR)was downregulated in MOB3B-overexpressing RKO cells.In contrast,the opposite results were observed in tumor cells with MOB3B knockdown.The nude mouse data confirmed these in-vitro findings,i.e.,MOB3B expression suppressed CRC cell xenograft growth,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression promoted the growth of CRC cell xenografts.CONCLUSION Loss of MOB3B expression promotes CRC development and malignant behaviors,suggesting a potential tumor suppressive role of MOB3B in CRC by inhibition of mTOR/autophagy signaling.

Navigating the complex terrain of hepatitis B virus reactivation in the era of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors

In this editorial,we offer a summary of the risk associated with hepatitis B reactivation(HBVr)in the setting of both solid and hematologic malignancies treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase(BTK)inhibitors,with insights derived from current studies.Furthermore,we emphasize the critical need for a framework regarding robust risk evaluation in patients undergoing such treatments.This framework is essential for identifying those at increased risk of HBVr,enabling healthcare providers to implement proactive measures to prevent reactivation and ensure the safe administration of BTK inhibitor therapy.

Primary anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma of the left bulbar conjunctiva: A case report

BACKGROUND Anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK)-positive large B-cell lymphoma(LBCL)is an aggressive and rare variant of diffuse LBCL.Herein,we report an uncommon case of stage IE extranodal ALK-positive LBCL initially originating in the bulbar con-junctiva.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman presented with a mass in the left bulbar conjunctiva that had persisted for six months,accompanied by swelling and pain that had per-sisted for 3 d.Eye examination revealed an 8 mm slightly elevated pink mass in the lower conjunctival sac of the left eye.Microscopically,the tumor was com-posed of large immunoblastic and plasmablastic large lymphoid cells with scattered anaplastic or multinucleated large cells.Immunophenotypically,the neoplastic cells were positive for ALK,CD10,CD138,Kappa,MUM1,BOB.1,OCT-2,CD4,CD45,EMA,CD79a,CD38,and AE1/AE3,and negative for CD20,PAX5,Lambda,BCL6,CD30 and all other T-cell antigens.The results of gene rearrangement tests showed monoclonal IGH/IGK/IGL and TCRD rearran-gements.Fluorescence in situ hybridization studies did not reveal any BCL2,BCL6 or MYC rearrangements.Furthermore,Epstein-Barr virus was not detected by in situ hybridization in the lesions.Based on the histopathological and imaging examinations,the neoplasm was classified as stage IE ALK-positive LBCL.No further treatments were administered.At the 6,15,and 21 mo postoperative follow-up visits,the patient was in good condition,without obvious discomfort.This case represents the first example of primary extranodal ALK-positive LBCL presenting as a bulbar conjunctival mass,which is extremely rare and shares morphological and immunohistochemical features with a variety of other neo-plasms that can result in misdiagnosis.CONCLUSION Awareness of the condition presented in this case report is necessary for early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Piperlongumine in combination with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of lung cancer cells

Objectives:EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)therapies such as erlotinib and gefitinib are approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).However,the high incidence of acquired resistance to these EGFR-TKIs may preclude their effectiveness.Piperlongumine(PPL),an extract from the long pepper fruit(Piper longum),has been shown to possess anticancer properties.The purpose of the study was to investigate piperlongumine as an anticancer agent and to study a combination treatment approach with EGFR-TKIs against lung cancer cells.Methods:Anticancer efficacy of PPL,erlotinib(ERL),gefitinib(GEF),and cisplatin(CIS)were investigated in H1299 and H1975 cell lines.Cells were treated with PPL,ERL,GEF,and CIS alone,and in combination,cell viability was determined after 72 h.The mechanism of PPL-induced cytotoxicity was investigated via reactive oxygen species(ROS)induction,and apoptosis induction using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and flow cytometry.The effect of treatment on EGFR-mediated oncogenic signaling was investigated by immunoblotting for mitogenic and apoptotic markers.Results:PPL exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect in H1299 and H1975 cells compared to ERL,GEF,and CIS.Combination treatments of PPL with GEF and ERL showed significant reductions in cancer cells compared to control in both cell lines,which were associated with apoptotic induction,but without significant ROS induction.Compared to control,PPL with GEF significantly increased apoptotic cell death in H1975as confirmed with flow cytometry.Treatment with PPL alone and in combination induced anti-mitogenic and apoptotic responses at the molecular level.Conclusion:PPL sensitized lung cancer cells to EGFR-TKI and induced potent cytotoxic effects at low concentrations.

Bibliometric analysis of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 expression in breast cancer and its distinct upregulation in triple-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphoglycerate kinase 1(PGK1)has been identified as a possible biomarker for breast cancer(BC)and may play a role in the development and advancement of triple-negative BC(TNBC).AIM To explore the PGK1 and BC research status and PGK1 expression and mecha-nism differences among TNBC,non-TNBC,and normal breast tissue.METHODS PGK1 and BC related literature was downloaded from Web of Science Core Co-llection Core Collection.Publication counts,key-word frequency,cooperation networks,and theme trends were analyzed.Normal breast,TNBC,and non-TNBC mRNA data were gathered,and differentially expressed genes obtained.Area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves,sensitivity and specificity of PGK1 expression were determined.Kaplan Meier revealed PGK1’s prognostic implication.PGK1 co-expressed genes were explored,and Gene Onto-logy,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes,and Disease Ontology applied.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed.Hub genes identified.RESULTS PGK1 and BC related publications have surged since 2020,with China leading the way.The most frequent keyword was“Expression”.Collaborative networks were found among co-citations,countries,institutions,and authors.PGK1 expression and BC progression were research hotspots,and PGK1 expression and BC survival were research frontiers.In 16 TNBC vs non-cancerous breast and 15 TNBC vs non-TNBC datasets,PGK1 mRNA levels were higher in 1159 TNBC than 1205 non-cancerous breast cases[standardized mean differences(SMD):0.85,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.54-1.16,I²=86%,P<0.001].PGK1 expression was higher in 1520 TNBC than 7072 non-TNBC cases(SMD:0.25,95%CI:0.03-0.47,I²=91%,P=0.02).Recurrence free survival was lower in PGK1-high-expression than PGK1-low-expression group(hazard ratio:1.282,P=0.023).PGK1 co-expressed genes were concentrated in ATP metabolic process,HIF-1 signaling,and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways.CONCLUSION PGK1 expression is a research hotspot and frontier direction in the BC field.PGK1 may play a strong role in promoting cancer in TNBC by mediating metabolism and HIF-1 signaling pathways.