Metadherin-driven promotion of cancer stem cell phenotypes and its effect on immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma

In this editorial we provide commentary on the article published by Wang et al,featured in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2024.We focus on the metadherin(MTDH),also known as astrocyte elevated gene-1 or lysine rich CEACAM1,and its effects on cancer stem cells(CSCs)and immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).HCC is the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Most HCC cases develop in the context of liver cirrhosis.Among the pivotal mechanisms of carcinogenesis are gene mutations,dysregulation of diverse signaling pathways,epigenetic alterations,hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis,chronic inflammation,impact of tumor microenvironment,oxidative stress.Over the years,extensive research has been conducted on the MTDH role in various tumor pathologies,such as lung,breast,ovarian,gastric,hepatocellular,colorectal,renal carcinoma,neuroblastoma,melanoma,and leukemias.Specifically,its involvement in tumor development processes including transformation,apoptosis evasion,angiogenesis,invasion,and metastasis via multiple signaling pathways.It has been demonstrated that knockdown or knockout of MTDH disrupt tumor development and metastasis.In addition,numerous reports have been carried out regarding the MTDH influence on HCC,demonstrating its role as a predictor of poor prognosis,aggressive tumor phenotypes prone to metastasis and recurrence,and exhibiting significant potential for therapy resistance.Finally,more studies finely investigated the influence of MTDH on CSCs.The CSCs are a small subpopulation of tumor cells that sharing traits with normal stem cells like self-renewal and differentiation abilities,alongside a high plasticity that alters their phenotype.Beyond their presumed role in tumor initiation,they can drive also disease relapse,metastasis,and resistance to chemo and radiotherapy.

Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women using automated chemiluminescence and quantitative real time PCR

Objective: To identify serodiagnosis and quantification of Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infection among pregnant women in Salmas, northwest of Iran. Methods: In this crosssectional study, 276 blood samples were collected from pregnant women referred to the health care centers in Salmas city. The demographic variables were also recorded. Titers of antiToxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies(Ab) were determined using the chemiluminescence immunoassay. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting the T. gondii repeated element gene was also performed on the blood sample. Results: Out of all, 19.92%(55/276) and 2.17%(6/276) patients were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM Ab, respectively. Moreover, the presence of T. gondii DNA was observed in 12.31%(34/276) blood samples. A significant relationship was observed between the IgG Ab seropositivity and contact with the cat as a risk factor(P=0.022). Conclusions: The seroprevalence rate of T. gondii infection in pregnant women is relatively low. Consequently, the seronegative pregnant women are at risk, and a considerable rate of positive blood samples for the presence of parasite's DNA should not be ignored. Besides, quantitative real-time PCR could be considered as an accurate method for diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis especially when the precise results are of the most importance in pregnancy. Limiting contact with cats is also suggested for pregnant women.

Microbiota and viral hepatitis:State of the art of a complex matter

Changes in gut microbiota influence both the gut and liver,which are strictly connected by the so-called“gut-liver axis”.The gut microbiota acts as a major determinant of this relationship in the onset and clinical course of liver diseases.According to the results of several studies,gut dysbiosis is linked to viral hepatitis,mainly hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus infection.Gut bacteriaderived metabolites and cellular components are key molecules that affect liver function and modulate the pathology of viral hepatitis.Recent studies showed that the gut microbiota produces various molecules,such as peptidoglycans,lipopolysaccharides,DNA,lipoteichoic acid,indole-derivatives,bile acids,and trimethylamine,which are translocated to the liver and interact with liver immune cells causing pathological effects.Therefore,the existence of crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the liver and its implications on host health and pathologic status are essential factors impacting the etiology and therapeutic approach.Concrete mechanisms behind the pathogenic role of gut-derived components on the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis remain unclear and not understood.In this review,we discuss the current findings of research on the bidirectional relationship of the components of gut microbiota and the progression of liver diseases and viral hepatitis and vice versa.Moreover,this paper highlights the current therapeutic and preventive strategies,such as fecal transplantation,used to restore the gut microbiota composition and so improve host health.

Non-albicans candidemia in cancer patients as an increasing health problem:A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of Candida species in cancer patients with candidemia around the world,and to identify related risk factors and their antifungal resistance,with an emphasis on non-albicans Candida species(NACs).Methods:The published papers related to the subject were systematically searched in databases of MEDLINE(including PubMed),Web of Science,Scopus,Science Direct,and Google Scholar between the 1st January 2000 and 21st April 2021.Results:Among the 4546 records,69 studies met the inclusion criteria.The pooled prevalence of NACs in cancer patients with candidemia was 62%(95%CI 58%-67%;I2=94.85%,P=0.00).Based on type of cancer,the pooled prevalence of NACs in hematologic and solid cancer patients were 68%(95%CI 65%-70%)and 52%(95%CI 49%-54%),respectively.Among NACs,Candida(C.)parapsilosis was the most frequently isolated organism followed by C.tropicalis and C.glabrata.In addition,the therapeutic usage of antibiotics was found as the most common risk factor,accounting for 85%(95%CI 81%-89%)and central venous catheter accounting for 69%(95%CI 62%-77%).Conclusions:The incidence of Candida bloodstream infections among cancer patients is a growing concern,especially when the etiologic agents of candidemia tend to shift towards NACs.

Tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis in Iran:A review

In recent years,the number of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Iran has increased.The goal of this study was to determine the epidemiological status,clinical symptoms,diagnostic methods,and treatment strategies of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Iran,with a focus on tuberculosis meningitis and miliary tuberculosis.Between January 1,2000 and June 1,2021,1651 cases of tuberculosis meningitis and miliary tuberculosis were discovered in Iran.The prevalence of tuberculosis meningitis was higher in Sistan and Baluchestan,South Khorasan,and Mazandaran compared with other provinces.The most prevalent symptoms of tuberculous meningitis were fever,anorexia,headache,neck stiffness,loss of consciousness,and vomiting.The most commonly used procedures for diagnosing tuberculous meningitis were polymerase chain reaction and cerebrospinal fluid culture.The most prevalent clinical symptoms of miliary tuberculosis were fever,lethargy,weariness,and anorexia.In 70%of chest radiographs,a miliary pattern was visible.Bone marrow biopsy was used to diagnose miliary tuberculosis in 80%of patients,while bronchoalveolar lavage was used in 20%of cases.The conventional 6-month treatment approach for tuberculous meningitis and miliary tuberculosis was used for all of the participants in the investigations.Given the high prevalence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Iran and the devastating consequences of the disease,the researchers recommend that further study be done to prevent extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the general population.