Pattern and Trends in the Presentation of Salivary Gland Tumours in a Tertiary Centre in Gombe, Northeast Nigeria

Background: Salivary gland tumours (SGTs) are rare, but recent reports suggest an increasing incidence. Although there are previous Nigerian studies on the patterns of SGTs, patterns and trends of disease may change over time. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of presentation of SGTs, and to determine the trends in occurrence of SGTs at Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe over a period of 15 years. Method: This descriptive study included cases of histologically diagnosed SGTs from January 2008 to December 2022. Relevant information (age, gender, site, year of diagnosis, and histopathologic diagnosis) was extracted from the cancer registers and histopathologic records. The lesions were then categorized into benign and malignant SGTs and grouped into three groups spanning 5 years each based on the year of diagnosis. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 23, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 93 (61.2%) benign and 59 (38.8%) malignant SGTs. Benign SGTs had a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.6 years, and were more common in females (57.0%), and in the parotid (41.9%). Pleomorphic adenoma (94.6%) was the most common benign SGT. Malignant SGTs had a mean age of 44.5 ± 18.4 years, with male predilection (54.2%) and occurrence mostly in the palate (27.6%) and parotid (22.4%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (39.0%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (32.2%) were the most frequent malignant SGTs. The mean age of occurrence of malignant SGTs was significantly higher than that of benign SGTs (p = 0.005). The trend analysis showed that there has been a steady rise in the proportion of males presenting with malignant SGTs. Similarly, there has been a steady increase in the frequency of benign SGTs in the parotid. The palate was the predominant site for the malignant SGTs between 2008 and 2012, but in the last five years (2018 to 2022), the parotid has become the predominant site. Over the duration of the study, the ratio of benign to malignant SGTs has remained relatively constant. Conclusion: While the overall pattern of presentation of SGTs in Gombe is similar to reports in the literature, this study has identified some changes in trends over the years.

Overall and cause-specific survival for mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the major salivary glands:Analysis of 2210 patients

BACKGROUND Mucoepidermoid carcinoma(MEC)is a rare malignancy of the head and neck;however,it accounts for a majority of the tumors of the salivary glands.This study used a national population-based registry to describe the pre-treatment and treatment-related prognostic factors that influence survival in patients with MEC of the major salivary glands.To our knowledge,this is the largest populationbased study examining predictors of both overall and cause-specific survival of MEC of the major salivary glands.AIM To identify prognostic factors influencing overall survival(OS)and cause-specific survival(CSS)of patients with MEC of the major salivary glands.METHODS We used the Surveillance,Epidemiology and End-Results Database of the National Cancer Institute to investigate a variety of factors that could influence survival of patients diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the major salivary glands.A total of 2210 patients diagnosed with MEC of the major salivary glands during the years of 1975-2016 were studied.The primary endpoints were OS and CSS.Cox regression analysis was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical variables such as age at diagnosis,diagnosis year,sex,race,tumor size,stage,grade,treatment with or without surgical excision,and adjuvant radiotherapy treatment.RESULTS A total of 2210 patients diagnosed with MEC of the major salivary glands met inclusion criteria.In this study,95%of patients underwent surgical excision and 41%received adjuvant radiation therapy.Median OS time for Grade I,II,and III/IV was 401 mo(±48.25,95%CI),340 mo(±33.68,95%CI)and 55 mo(±11.05,95%CI),respectively.Univariate analysis revealed that lack of surgical excision was associated with decreased OS[hazard ratio(HR)4.26,P<0.0001]and that patients with localized disease had improved OS compared to both regional and distant disease(HR 3.07 and 6.96,respectively,P<0.0001).Additionally,univariate analysis demonstrated that male sex,age over 50 at diagnosis,Grade III tumors,and increasing tumor size were associated with worsened OS(P<0.0006).Univariate analysis of CSS similarly revealed that lack of surgical excision and Grade III carcinoma conferred decreased CSS(HR 4.37 and 5.44,respectively,P<0.0001).Multivariate analysis confirmed that increasing age,in 10-year age bands,advanced tumor stage,increasing tumor size,Grade III carcinoma,male sex,and lack of surgical excision were associated with a statistically significant decrease in OS and CSS(P<0.04).Of note,multivariate analysis revealed that the use of adjuvant radiation therapy was not associated with improved OS or CSS.CONCLUSION Multivariate analysis demonstrated increasing age,advanced tumor stage,increasing tumor size,Grade III carcinoma,male sex,and lack of surgical excision were associated with decreased OS and CSS(P<0.04).

Advanced magnetic resonance imaging findings in salivary gland tumors

Salivary gland tumors(SGTs)make up a small portion(approximately 5%)of all head and neck tumors.Most of them are located in the parotid glands,while they are less frequently located in the submandibular glands,minor salivary glands or sublingual gland.The incidence of malignant or benign tumors(BTs)in the salivary glands varies according to the salivary gland from which they originate.While most of those detected in the parotid gland tend to be benign,the incidence of malignancy increases in other glands.The use of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in the diagnosis of SGTs is increasing every day.While conventional sequences provide sufficient data on the presence,localization,extent and number of the tumor,they are insufficient for tumor specification.With the widespread use of advanced techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging,semiquantitative and quantitative perfusion MRI,studies and data have been published on the differentiation of malignant or BTs and the specificity of their subtypes.With diffusion MRI,differentiation can be made by utilizing the cellularity and microstructural properties of tumors.For example,SGTs such as high cellular Warthin’s tumor(WT)or lymphoma on diffusion MRI have been reported to have significantly lower apparent diffusion values than other tumors.Contrast agent uptake and wash-out levels of tumors can be detected with semiquantitative perfusion MRI.For example,it is reported that almost all of the pleomorphic adenomas show an increasing enhancement time intensity curve and do not wash-out.On quantitative perfusion MRI studies using perfusion parameters such as Ktrans,Kep,and Ve,it is reported that WTs can show higher Kep and lower Ve values than other tumors.In this study,the contribution of advanced MRI to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SGTs will be reviewed.

Influence of the Radiation Dose to Salivary Glands on Xerostomia in Patients with Head and Neck Carcinomas

Purpose: Investigation of the influence of radiation dose to salivary glands on xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancers. Methods: From October 2002 to December 2011, 548 patients with head and neck carcinomas were treated in our department using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). 325 patients were eligible for analysis more than 1 year after irradiation. Xerostomia was evaluated according to the criteria of Radiation Therapy and Oncology Group (RTOG) and xerostomia related questionnaire. For statistical analysis grade 1 and 2 were recorded as mild and grade 3 and 4 as severe xerostomia. The dosimetric values for absolute mean dose, biological equivalent mean dose (EQD2), the relative organ volume not exceeding 20 Gy, 25 Gy and 30 Gy (V20, V25, V30) for all 4 major salivary glands or for both parotid glands only were used for analysis. V20 revealed the best discrimination between both patient groups (with vs. without xerostomia), compared to parameters V25 and V30. Therefore the volume of the salivary glands receiving less than 20 Gy (V 20Gy) was analyzed additionally. Mann-Whitney-U-test, Kruskal-Wallis-test and logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. Results: A TD 50 can be determined for the occurrence of xerostomia more than one year after radiotherapy for both parotid glands of 19.3 Gy for the mean dose absolute, 11.2 Gy for the mean dose EQD2, 38.2% for V20, 26.8% for V25, 18.7% for V30, 34.9 ml for V 20Gy. For all major salivary glands theses values were 25.7 Gy for the mean dose absolute, 15.6 Gy for the mean dose EQD2, 51.3% for V20, 41.1% for V25, 33.9% for V30 and 34.8 ml for V 20Gy. Conclusions: The identification of a tolerance dose for the salivary glands for treatment planning appears to be difficult, as the dose-response correlation only shows a flat slope. Additionally, a large interindividual variability seems to exist. We could not found any threshold dose for development of xerostomia.

Relevance on the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland

Malignant lymphoma originates from the lymphohematopoietic system.It can occur in any lymphoid tissue.Malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland is rare,but its incidence has increased in recent years.Its clinical-presentations are nonspecific,and it is often manifested as a painless mass in a salivary gland,which can be accompanied by multiple swollen cervical lymph nodes.Confirmation of the diagnosis before an invasive procedure is difficult.Clinically,malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland tends to be misdiagnosed,leading to an inappropriate treatment plan and the ultimate delay in the optimal treatment of the disease.This article reviews the pathogenesis,clinical features,imaging findings,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland.

Postoperative radiotherapy for thymus salivary gland carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands.It mostly occurs in the glands that have secretion functions,such as the parotid gland,sublingual gland and submandibular gland.This is very rare when it occurs in other nonsecreting glands.Here,we report one case of salivary gland carcinoma occurring in the thymus and discuss related diagnoses and treatment progress.CASE SUMMARY One 33-year-old middle-aged man presented with a thymus mass without any clinical symptoms when he underwent regular physical examination.Later,the patient was admitted to the hospital for further examination.Computed tomography(CT)showed that there was a mass of 3 cm×2.8 cm×1.5 cm in the thymus area.The patient had no symptom of discomfort or tumor-related medical history before.After completing the preoperative examinations,it was confirmed that the patient had indications for surgery.The surgeon performed a transthoracoscope"thymectomy+pleural mucostomy"for him.During the operation,the tumor tissue was quickly frozen,and the symptomatic section showed a malignant tumor.The final pathological result suggested thymus salivary gland carcinoma-mucoepidermoid carcinoma(MEC).In the second month after surgery,we performed local area radiotherapy for the patient,with a total radiation dose of 50.4 Gy/28Fx.After 12 mo of surgery,the patient underwent positron emission tomography-CT examination,which indicated that there was no sign of tumor recurrence or metastasis.After 16 mo of operation,CT scan re-examination showed that there was no sign of tumor recurrence or metastasis.As of the time of publication,the patient was followed up for one and a half years.He had no sign of tumor recurrence and continued to survive.CONCLUSION The incidence of MEC in the thymus is low,and its diagnosis needs to be combined with clinical features and imaging methods.Histopathological analysis plays a key role in the diagnosis of the disease.Patients with early-stage disease have a good prognosis and long survival period.In contrast,patients with advanced-stage disease have a poor prognosis and short survival period.Combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy in inoperable patients may prolong survival.

Hyperglycemia Induced Apoptosis Changes in Salivary Gland Cells of Mice

If the function of salivary glands that secrete saliva is degraded, saliva secretion will decrease and symptoms of xerostomia will appear. Although symptoms of xerostomia are often felt by patients with diabetes, the relationship between diabetes and xerostomia is currently unclear. In relation to DM, there are studies on salivation flow and saliva composition, but there are not studies of apoptosis of salivary gland cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether apoptosis in salivary glands of mice with hyperglycemic, a symptom of diabetes, might be altered based on immunohistochemical analysis. This study used mice with hyperglycemia. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses were performed using Fas, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 antibodies. These antibodies are used not only as death receptors, but also are antibodies that activate upstream and downstream signals of apoptosis. TUNEL assay was performed to detect apoptosis by immunofluorescence using TdT enzyme. It was observed that the expression level of apoptosis signaling molecules and TUNEL positive cells were increased in hyperglycemia group (HG). As a result, there are many apoptosis cells in the HG groups of the salivary gland. The results of this study, the function of salivary gland could occur deteriorated due to apoptosis on salivary gland cells by hyperglycemic, a characteristic of diabetes.

Minor Salivary Gland Tumors: A Retrospective Study of 37 Cases

Salivary gland tumors represent 2% - 6.5% of all head and neck tumors. Since salivary gland tumors have various clinical features and histological types, it is often difficult to diagnose and treat them. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective clinical-statistical analysis of 37 minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) treated in the Department of Oral Surgery at Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo over a 16-year period. The frequencies and distributions of sex, age, occurrence site, preoperative examination (fine needle cytology and/or biopsy), treatment, and prognosis of the tumors were analyzed and compared with previous reports. The average age at diagnosis was 58.1 years (range 22 - 91 years). The peak occurrence of tumors was in the sixties (10 cases, 27.0%), followed by the forties (8 cases, 21.6%) and the seventies (7 cases, 18.9%). The average age of patients with benign tumors was 56.8 years (range 22 - 91 years). For malignant tumors, the average age was 61.7 years (range 42 - 81 years). The male-female ratio was 1:2.1 for all minor salivary gland tumors, 1:2.4 for benign tumors, and 1.5:1 for malignant tumors. There were 27 (73.0%) benign and 10 (27.0%) malignant tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most common tumor (24 (64.9%) cases). Most salivary gland tumors originated from the palate (21 cases, 56.8%);the second most common site was the buccal mucosa (14 cases, 37.8%). For most patients, an intraoral mass was the primary presentation, and the second most common symptom was swelling. Surgical treatment was performed for all cases, both benign and malignant tumors. There was one case of local recurrence of PA, as well as one of multiple lung metastases after surgery for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Diagnosis and treatment of MSGTs are often delayed because the patients have few symptoms, and it is difficult to distinguish benign from malignant tumors. More cases need to be examined in the future, and the diagnostic accuracy of imaging and histopathological diagnosis needs to be improved.

Partial Characterization of Thrombin Inhibitor(s) Derived from Salivary Glands of the Tick, <i>Hyalomma dromedarii</i>, and Related Anti-Cancer Potential

A long-term blood feeder, like the Hyalomma dromedarii tick, requires extended control over all hemostatic defense mechanisms generated by the host during feeding, including blood coagulation. To overcome this, ticks have evolved numerous molecules that target proteases in the blood coagulation cascade. New insights into the role of clotting factors in the development and progression of cancer have identified anticoagulant treatment as a potential therapeutic approach. In this context, the present work assessed the anticoagulation activities of crude and fractionated salivary gland extract (SGE) prepared from semi-fed H. dromedarii females. Additionally, the antitumor effects of the potent anti-thrombin fractions were determined against colon cancer (Caco-2) and normal skin (HFB4) cells. Crude SGE significantly prolonged clotting time in prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) assays and inhibited thrombin in FII-activity assay. Using anion-exchange chromatography, the fractions that strongly inhibited thrombin (3.A4 and 3.A5) were eluted. Both fractions prolonged the aPTT and TT clotting times and reduced the activity of FII significantly. The protein profiles of both fractions indicated the presence of a single polypeptide band of about 99 kDa. Regarding anti-cancer potential of the tested fractions, Caco-2 cells showed reduced viability with obvious morphological changes, induced apoptosis and a reduced level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). G2/M cell cycle arrest was observed only in 3.A5-treated cells. No cytotoxic effects were observed in HFB4 cells. These results demonstrated the potential of tick-derived anticoagulants, specifically thrombin inhibitors, as effective tools in colorectal cancer treatment. Further purification of the effector molecule(s) is required to fully characterize their structures and mechanisms of action.

Salivary Gland Tumors: Randomized Study of Adjuvant Chemo-Radiotherapy versus Radiotherapy Alone

Objective: Concurrent chemoradiation value of the resected salivary tumor adjuvant context against regular radiation therapy alone. Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients: 48 patients were randomized to either adjuvant postoperative radiology alone versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 for 6 cycles) “with resected high-risk salivary tumors of the large and minor salivary gland”. Main Outcome Measures: Recurrent locoregional Free survival, distant free survival, and overall survival. Results: Out of the 48 participants in the study 31 patients had parotid gland tumors. 23 patients received solely adjuvant radiation while 25 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In the chemoradiation group, platinum-based regimens were employed in all. The mean age in both groups was 48 years. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the primary pathogenic form of both arms 56% (28 cases). Stage II patients were 35% and 32%, stage III was 39% and 48% and stage VIa were 26% and 20% in the radiation arm and chemoradiotherapy arm respectively. 40 of 48 patients (83%) had close or positive surgical margins and 30 of 48 patients (62%) have a perineural invasion. Both risk variables are more or less well balanced in both arms with no statistical difference. The 2- and 4-year estimates of the locoregional recurrence-free survival rate in the chemoradiation group were 95% and 73%, compared to 77.4% and 43.6% in the radiation arm respectively (p = 007). In the two-and four-year-old chemoradiation arm distant free metastases were 100% and 59% compared to 68% and 39% respectively in the radiation arm (p = 0.08). The overall survival estimates for 2 and 4 years were 93% and 78% respectively in the Chemoradiation Group but in the radiation-alone group were 95% and 48% respectively. The statistically significant differences were p = 0.009 by log-rank testing. Treatment was generally tolerated, although, in the chemoradiation group adverse symptoms, mainly mucositis increased. Conclusions: Adding weekly cisplatin as a radiosensitizer for locally advanced stage or high-grade salivary gland cancer with adjuvant conventional radiation looks to be helpful and justifies further exploration in selected patients.

Pattern of Salivary Gland Tumour in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Salivary gland tumours though rare but constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours accounting for 5% of head and neck tumours with a high incidence reported in other part of the world compared with studies in Sub-saharan Africa. Aim: To describe the dermographic and histopathological patterns of salivary gland tumuors in a tertiary health institution Sokoto. Materials and Method: This was a five-year descriptive and retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed and managed with salivary gland tumour in the department of ear, nose and throat, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto between January 2010 and December 2014. Clinical records and histopathological slides of these patients were retrieved and data extracted from the case files included patients demography, site of the tumour, and histopathological diagnosis. Data obtained were analysed using IBM-SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 103 salivary gland tumours (SGTs) during the study period. Age ranged from 1 year to 75 years with a mean age of 41.66 (±17.80) years. There was a male preponderance of 53.4% and 46.6% female with a M:F of 1.2:1. Histologically, 35 (34.0%) were benign and 68 (66.0%) were malignant lesion. Minor salivary gland 63 (61.2%) was the commonest gland involved followed by the parotid 27 (26.2%) gland. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was most frequent malignant lesion and pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign tumour. Conclusion: Minor salivary glands of the palate are the principal site for salivary gland malignancy with male preponderance and SCC being the most frequent malignant lesion. Therefore any SGTs should raise a high index of suspicion.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Hard and Soft Palate: A Case Presentation and Literature Review of Minor Salivary Gland Neoplasms

Introduction: Minor salivary gland tumors are relatively rare, but have a higher chance of malignancy than major salivary gland tumors. The palate appears to be the most commonly involved site. The most frequent benign tumor is the pleomorphic adenoma. Case report: We report a case of a pleomorphic adenoma, which occurred in the hard and soft palate of a 34-year-old female and presented as an asymptomatic slow growing, painless mass. The patient was successfully treated with surgical excision. Discussion: Minor salivary gland tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral cavity and especially palate tumors. A histological examination is necessary due to the high percentage of malignancy.

Benign Salivary Gland Tumour Presenting as Unilateral Nasal Mass: Case Report of Pleomorphic Adenoma of Nasal Septum

Introduction: Unilateral nasal mass can be benign or malignant. Very rarely we will find benign salivary gland tumor in nasal cavity. Pleomorphic adenoma is still the most common pathological variety either in major or minor salivary gland tumors. In the nasal cavity, even though most of the accessory salivary glands are present in the lateral wall of nose, nasal septum remains the most common site of origin. Case Report: A 40-year-old female presented with right-sided nasal obstruction and epistaxis. CT scan of Nose and Paranasal sinuses found a lesion involving the anterior third of the right nasal cavity. The patient underwent complete surgical resection of the tumor via an endonasal approach. Histological examination found a mixed cellular component (epithelial and myoepithelial) and mesenchymatous tissue with chondromyxoid stroma, enabling diagnosis of a typical pleomorphic adenoma. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland tumor but rare to find in the nasal cavity with only few cases reported in the literature. Although benign, the risk of local recurrence, malignant transformation and metastasis requires close long-term follow-up.

The appearance of cytoplasmic cytochrome C precedes apoptosis during Drosophila salivary gland degradation

Apoptosis is an important process for organism development that functions to eliminate cell damage,maintain homeostasis,and remove obsolete tissues during morphogenesis.In mammals,apoptosis is accompanied by the release of cytochrome C(Cyt-c)from mitochondria to the cytoplasm.However,whether this process is conserved in the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster,remains controversial.In this study,we discovered that during the degradation of Drosophila salivary gland,the transcription of mitochondria apoptosis factors(MAPFs),Cyt-c,and death-associated APAF1-related killer(Dark)encoding genes are all upregulated antecedent to initiator and effector caspases encoding genes.The proteins Cyt-c and the active caspase 3 appear gradually in the cytoplasm during salivary gland degradation.Meanwhile,the Cyt-c protein colocates with mito-GFP,the marker indicating cytoplasmic mitochondria,and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential coincides with the appearance of Cyt-c in the cytoplasm.Moreover,impeding or promoting 20E-induced transcription factor E93 suppresses or enhances the staining of Cyt-c and the active caspase 3 in the cytoplasm of salivary gland,and accordingly decreases or increases the mitochondrial membrane potential,respectively.Our research provides evidence that cytoplasmic Cyt-c appears before apoptosis during Drosophila salivary gland degradation,shedding light on partial conserved mechanism in apoptosis between insects and mammals.

E93 promotes transcription of RHG genes to initiate apoptosis during Drosophila salivary gland metamorphosis

20-hydroxyecdysone(20E)induced transcription factor E93 is important for larval–adult transition,which functions in programmed cell death of larval obsolete tissues,and the formation of adult new tissues.However,the apoptosis-related genes directly regulated by E93 are still ambiguous.In this study,an E93 mutation fly strain was obtained by clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9-mediated long exon deletion to investigate whether and how E93 induces apoptosis during larval tissues metamorphosis.The transcriptional profile of E93 was consistent with 3 RHG(rpr,hid,and grim)genes and the effector caspase gene drice,and all their expressions peaked at the initiation of apoptosis during the degradation of salivary glands.The transcription expression of 3 RHG genes decreased and apoptosis was blocked in E93 mutation salivary gland during metamorphosis.In contrast,E93 overexpression promoted the transcription of 3 RHG genes,and induced advanced apoptosis in the salivary gland.Moreover,E93 not only enhance the promoter activities of the 3 RHG genes in Drosophila Kc cells in vitro,but also in the salivary gland in vivo.Our results demonstrated that 20E induced E93 promotes the transcription of RHG genes to trigger apoptosis during obsolete tissues degradation at metamorphosis in Drosophila.

Identification and characterization of a novel neuropeptide(neuropeptide Y-HS) from leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris

The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, ResourceTM S column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the salivary gland extracts(SGE). Structural analysis of isolated compounds was based on Edman degradation and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer(MALDI-TOF-MS). The c DNA encoding the precursor of the compound was cloned from the c DNA library of the salivary gland of H. sylvestris. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon ?(IFN-?), interleukin-6(IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The effects on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed using MTT assay. A novel neuropeptide Y(Neuropeptide Y-HS) from the leech salivary gland of H. sylvestris was purified and characterized. It was composed of 36 amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence was determined to be FLEPPERPAVFTSVEQMKSYIKALNDYYLLLGRPRF-NH2, containing an amidated C-terminus. It showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-?, IFN-?, IL-6, and MCP-1. Neuropeptide Y was identified from leeches for the first time. The presence of neuropeptide Y-HS in leech salivary gland may help get blood meal from hosts and inhibit inflammation.

Magnetic bioassembly platforms towards the generation of extracellular vesicles from human salivary gland functional organoids for epithelial repair

Salivary glands(SG)are exocrine organs with secretory units commonly injured by radiotherapy.Bio-engineered organoids and extracellular vesicles(EV)are currently under investigation as potential strategies for SG repair.Herein,three-dimensional(3D)cultures of SG functional organoids(SGo)and human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSC)were generated by magnetic 3D bioassembly(M3DB)platforms.Fibroblast growth factor 10(FGF10)was used to enrich the SGo in secretory epithelial units.After 11 culture days via M3DB,SGo displayed SG-specific acinar epithelial units with functional properties upon neurostimulation.To consistently develop 3D hDPSC in vitro,3 culture days were sufficient to maintain hDPSC undifferentiated genotype and phenotype for EV generation.EV isolation was performed via sequential centrifugation of the conditioned media of hDPSC and SGo cultures.EV were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis,electron microscopy and immunoblotting.EV were in the exosome range for hDPSC(diameter:88.03±15.60 nm)and for SGo(123.15±63.06 nm).Upon ex vivo administration,exosomes derived from SGo significantly stimulated epithelial growth(up to 60%),mitosis,epithelial progenitors and neuronal growth in injured SG;however,such biological effects were less distinctive with the ones derived from hDPSC.Next,these exosome biological effects were investigated by proteomic arrays.Mass spectrometry profiling of SGo exosomes predicted that cellular growth,development and signaling was due to known and undocumented molecular targets downstream of FGF10.Semaphorins were identified as one of the novel targets requiring further investigations.Thus,M3DB platforms can generate exosomes with potential to ameliorate SG epithelial damage.

Australian sugarcane soldier fly’s salivary gland transcriptome in response to starvation and feeding on sugarcane crops

The soldier fly is an endemic pest of sugarcane in Australia.Small numbers of larvae can cause significant damage to roots and reduce the crop yields.Little is known about the composition and function of the soldier fly salivary gland,its secretions,and their roles in insect—plant interactions.In this study,we performed transcriptome analysis of the salivary glands of starved and sugarcane root-fed soldier fly larvae.A total of 31119 highly expressed assembled contigs were identified in the salivary glands and almost 50%of them showed high levels of similarity to known proteins in Nr databases.Of all the obtained contigs,only 9727 sequences contain an open reading frame of over 100 amino acids.Around 31%of contigs were predicted to encode secretory proteins,including some digestive and detoxifying enzymes and potential effectors.Some known salivary secreted peptides such as serine protease,cysteine proteinase inhibitors,antimicrobial peptides and venom proteins were among the top 100 highly expressed genes.Differential gene expression analysis revealed significant modulation of 850 transcripts in salivary glands upon exposure to plant roots or starvation stress.Here,we identified some venom proteins which were significantly upregulated in the salivary glands of soldier fly larvae exposed to sugarcane roots.In other insects and nematodes some of these proteins have been used to manipulate host plant defense systems and facilitate the invasion of the host plant.These findings provide a further insight into the identification of potential effector proteins involved in soldier fly-sugarcane interactions.

Sox9^(+) cells are required for salivary gland regeneration after radiation damage via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer can cause serious side effects, including severe damage to the salivary glands, resulting in symptoms such as xerostomia, dental caries, and oral infection. Because of the lack of long-term treatment for the symptoms of xerostomia, current research has focused on finding endogenous stem cells that can differentiate into various cell lineages to replace lost tissues and restore functions. Here, we report that Sox9^(+)cells can differentiate into various salivary epithelial cell lineages under homeostatic conditions. After ablating Sox9^(+) cells, the salivary glands of irradiated mice showed more severe phenotypes and the reduced proliferative capacity. Analysis of online single-cell RNAsequencing data reveals the enrichment of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the Sox9^(+) cell population.Furthermore, treatment with a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor in irradiated mice inhibits the regenerative capability of Sox9^(+) cells. Finally, we show that Sox9^(+) cells are capable of forming organoids in vitro and that transplanting these organoids into salivary glands after radiation partially restored salivary gland functions.These results suggest that regenerative therapy targeting Sox9^(+) cells is a promising approach to treat radiation-induced salivary gland injury.

Carcinosarcoma of the deep lobe of the parotid gland in the parapharyngeal region:A case report

BACKGROUND Salivary carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor containing both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal constituents.This article reports a rare case of carcinosarcoma with salivary duct carcinoma and osteosarcoma as the tumor components.The clinicopathological characteristics,treatment,and prognosis are discussed in conjunction with the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old man presented with a complaint of a mass in the right parotid region.Osteosarcoma was first considered for assessment by fine-needle aspiration cytology.Physical examination revealed a mass measuring approximately 4 cm×3.5 cm×3 cm.The mass,the whole lobe of the right parotid gland,and the right mandible were completely removed during surgery.Postoperative histopathology confirmed carcinosarcoma of the salivary gland.CONCLUSION A definite diagnosis of salivary gland carcinosarcoma can only be obtained after complete surgical resection.