Re-evaluating the role of pelvic radiation in the age of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy

The efficacy of pelvic radiation in the management of locally advanced stage rectal cancer has come under scrutiny in the context of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy as evidenced by recent clinical trials such as FOWARC(J Clin Oncol 2019;37:3223-3233),NCT04165772(N Engl J Med 2022;386:2363-2376),and PROSPECT(N Engl J Med 2023;389:322-334).In this review,we comprehensively assess these pivotal trials and offer additional insights into the evolving role of pelvic radiation in contemporary oncology.

New insights into ATR inhibition in muscle invasive bladder cancer:The role of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic subunit 3B

Background:Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing catalytic polypeptide(APOBEC),an endogenous mutator,induces DNA damage and activates the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related(ATR)-checkpoint kinase 1(Chk1)pathway.Although cisplatin-based therapy is the mainstay for muscle-invasive bladder cancer(MIBC),it has a poor survival rate.Therefore,this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an ATR inhibitor combined with cisplatin in the treatment of APOBEC catalytic subunit 3B(APOBEC3B)expressing MIBC.Methods:Immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze an association between APOBEC3B and ATR in patients with MIBC.The APOBEC3B expression in MIBC cell lines was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis.Western blot analysis was performed to confirm differences in phosphorylated Chk1(pChk1)expression according to the APOBEC3B expression.Cell viability and apoptosis analyses were performed to examine the anti-tumor activity of ATR inhibitors combined with cisplatin.Results:There was a significant association between APOBEC3B and ATR expression in the tumor tissues obtained from patients with MIBC.Cells with higher APOBEC3B expression showed higher pChk1 expression than cells expressing low APOBEC3B levels.Combination treatment of ATR inhibitor and cisplatin inhibited cell growth in MIBC cells with a higher APOBEC3B expression.Compared to cisplatin single treatment,combination treatment induced more apoptotic cell death in the cells with higher APOBEC3B expression.Conclusion:Our study shows that APOBEC3B’s higher expression status can enhance the sensitivity of MIBC to cisplatin upon ATR inhibition.This result provides new insight into appropriate patient selection for the effective application of ATR inhibitors in MIBC.

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.

Plasmacytosis mimicking multiple myeloma in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL)is a common subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Approximately half of patients with AITL may concurrently present with hypergammaglobulinemia.Increased numbers of plasma cells in the bone marrow are commonly observed at diagnosis.These tumors mimic plasma cell myelomas,hindering a conundrum of clinical diagnoses and potentially delaying appropriate treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old woman experienced poor appetite,weight loss of 5 kg,fatigue 2 months before presentation,and shortness of breath 2 d before presentation,but no fever or night sweats.Physical examination revealed splenomegaly and many palpable masses over the bilateral axillary regions,approximately>2 cm in size,with rubbery consistency and no tenderness.Blood tests revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia,lactate dehydrogenase level of 153 U/L,total protein level of 10.9 g/dL,albumin to globulin ratio of 0.2,and immunoglobulin G level more than the upper limit of 3000 mg/dL.The free kappa and lambda light chain concentrations were 451 and 614 mg/L,respectively.A pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AITL.The initial treatment was the cyclophosphamide,epirubicin,vincristine,and prednisolone regimen.Following this treatment,pleural effusion was controlled,and the patient was discharged in a stable condition and followed up in our outpatient department.CONCLUSION This report highlights the importance of differentiating reactive plasmacytosis from plasma cell myeloma in patients with hypergammaglobulinemia.A precise diagnosis of AITL requires a comprehensive evaluation,involving clinical,immunophenotypic,and histological findings conducted by a multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate treatment.

Prognostic factors of early recurrence after complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND Although cytoreductive surgery(CRS)and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC)offer the potential for long-term survival in peritoneal carcinomatosis,outcomes following CRS/HIPEC vary significantly.AIM To identify the clinical factors associated with progression-free survival(PFS)after complete CRS/HIPEC in patients with colorectal/high-grade appendiceal,ovarian,and gastric cancers.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the risk of recurrence within 1 year after CRS/HIPEC and its impact on overall survival(OS)in patients recruited between 2015 and 2020.Logistic regression models were used to assess the prognostic factors for the risk of recurrence within 1 year.Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between recurrence and OS.RESULTS Of the 80 enrolled patients,39 had an unfavorable PFS(<1 year)and 41 had a favorable PFS(≥1 year).Simple logistic models revealed that the patients with a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0(CC-0)or length of CRS≤6 h had a favorable PFS[odds ratio(OR)=0.141,P=0.004;and OR=0.361,P=0.027,respectively].In multiple logistic regression,achieving CC-0 was the strongest prognostic factor for a favorable PFS(OR=0.131,P=0.005).A peritoneal cancer index score>12 was associated with a lower rate of achieving CC-0(P=0.027).The favorable PFS group had a significantly longer OS(median 81.7 mo vs 17.0 mo,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Achieving CC-0 was associated with a lower early recurrence rate and improved long-term survival.This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate candidates for CRS/HIPEC to manage peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Mapping the clinical practice of traditional,complementary and integrative medicine in oncology in Western countries:A multinational cross-sectional survey

Background Many cancer patients seek adjunctive therapies to biomedical cancer treatments at some point of their disease trajectory.While acupuncture is increasingly recommended by leading oncological associations,limited evidence exists concerning the evidence-informed practice and adherence to current guidelines of traditional complementary and integrative medicine(TCIM)practitioners treating cancer patients.Methods An international online-survey assessed the demographical data,clinical practice,and sources of information used by TCIM practitioners in Austria,Germany,United States of America,Australia,and New Zealand.Results In total,404 respondents completed the survey,of which 254(62.9%)treated cancer patients.Most practitioners were acupuncturists and herbalists(57.1%),had(16.8±9.9)years of clinical experience and see a median of 2(1,4)cancer patients per week.Breast cancer(61.8%)is the most common cancer type seen in TCIM clinics.Adjunctive TCIM treatments are frequently concurrent with the patient’s cancer specific treatment(39.9%),which is also reflected by the main goal of a TCIM treatment to alleviate side effects(52.4%).However,only 28.0%of the respondents are in contact with the treating oncologist.According to the respondents,pain is most effectively treated using acupuncture,while herbal medicine is best for cancer-related fatigue.TCIM practitioners mostly use certified courses(33.1%)or online databases(28.3%)but often believe that experts are more reliable to inform their practice(37.0%)than research publications(32.7%).Conclusion Acupuncturists and herbalists commonly treat cancer patients.Most practitioners use TCIM as an adjunct to biomedicine as supportive care and use it largely in accordance with current oncological guidelines.

Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO):Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in both developed and developing coun-tries.The incidence of pancreatic cancer in China accounts for about a quater of the global incidence,and the epidemiological characteristics and therapeutic strategies differ due to social,economic,cultural,environmental,and public health factors.Non-domestic guidelines do not reflect the clinicopathologic characteristics and treat-ment patterns of Chinese patients.Thus,in 2018,the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO)organized a panel of senior experts from all sub-specialties within the field of pancreatic oncology to compile the Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.The guidelines were made based on both the Western and Eastern clinical evidence and updated every one or two years.The experts made consensus judg-ments and classified evidence-based recommendations into various grades according to the regional differences,the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment resources,and health economic indexes in China.Here we present the latest version of the guidelines,which covers the diagnosis,treatment,and follow-up of pancreatic cancer.The guidelines might standardize the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer in China and will encourage oncologists to design and conduct more clinical trials about pancreatic cancer.

Cholecystoenteric fistula in a patient with advanced gallbladder cancer: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Cholecystoenteric fistula(CEF)involves the formation of a spontaneous ano-malous tract between the gallbladder and the adjacent gastrointestinal tract.Chronic gallbladder inflammation can lead to tissue necrosis,perforation,and fistulogenesis.The most prevalent cause of CEF is chronic cholelithiasis,which rarely results from malignancy.Because the symptoms and laboratory findings associated with CEF are nonspecific,the condition is often misdiagnosed,pre-senting a challenge to the surgeon when detected intraoperatively.Therefore,a preoperative diagnosis of CEF is crucial.We present the case of a 57-year-old male with advanced gallbladder cancer(GBC)who arrived at the emergency room with persistent vomiting,abdominal pain,and diarrhea.An abdominopelvic computed tomography scan revealed a contracted gallbladder with bubbles in the fundus connected to the second por-tion of the duodenum and transverse colon.We suspected that GBC had invaded the adjacent gastrointestinal tract through a cholecystoduodenal fistula(CDF)or a cholecystocolonic fistula(CCF).He underwent multiple examinations,including esophagogastroduodenoscopy,an upper gastrointestinal series,colo-noscopy,and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography;the results of these tests con-firmed a diagnosis of synchronous CDF and CCF.The patient underwent a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy and loop ileostomy to address the severe adhesions that were previously observed to cover the second portion of the duodenum and hepatic flexure of the colon.His symptoms improved with supportive treatment while hospitalized.He initiated oral targeted therapy with lenvatinib for further anticancer treatment.CONCLUSION The combination of imaging and surgery can enhance preoperative diagnosis and alleviate symptoms in patients with GBC complicated by CEF.

Role of adjuvant chemotherapy on recurrence and survival in patients with resected ampulla of Vater carcinoma

BACKGROUND Owing to rarity of disease and lack of prospective studies, data supporting the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in ampulla of Vater(AoV) carcinoma is limited.AIM To evaluate whether adjuvant chemotherapy cases for AoV carcinoma had better disease-free survival(DFS) rates than cases of observation following curative surgery.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the association between adjuvant chemotherapy and DFS and overall survival(OS) in patients with stage IB-Ⅲ AoV carcinoma who underwent curative surgical resection. Fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy was administered after surgery at the discretion of the physician. Adjusted multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association between adjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcomes.RESULTS Of the total 104 patients who underwent curative surgery, 52 received adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher histologic grade [hazard ratio(HR) = 2.24, P = 0.046], advanced tumor stage(HR = 1.85, P = 0.030), and vascular invasion(HR = 2.14, P = 0.010) were associated with shorter DFS. Adjuvant chemotherapy improved DFS compared to the observation group(HR =0.50, P = 0.015) and tended to be associated with a longer OS, although the difference was not statistically significant(HR = 0.58, P = 0.098).CONCLUSION Among patients with resected AoV carcinoma, the adjuvant chemotherapy group was not associated with a significant survival benefit compared to the observation group. However, on multivariate analysis adjusting for prognostic factors, adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery was an independent prognostic factor for DFS in patients with resected AoV carcinoma. Further studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy according to histologic phenotype.

The Immunogenic Connection of Thermal and Nonthermal Molecular Effects in Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia in oncology is an emerging complementary therapy. The clinical results depend on multiple conditional factors, like the type of cancer, the stage, the applied treatment device, and the complementary conventional therapy. The molecular effect could also be different depending on the temperature, heating dose, kind of energy transfer, and timing sequences compared to the concomitant treatment. This article examines the molecular impacts of a specific technique used in oncological hyperthermia called modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT). What sets mEHT apart is its emphasis on harnessing the combined effects of thermal and nonthermal factors. Nonthermal energy absorption occurs through the excitation of molecules, while the thermal component ensures the ideal conditions for this process. The applied radiofrequency current selects the malignant cells, and the modulation drives the nonthermal effects to immunogenic cell death, helping to develop tumor-specific antitumoral immune reactions. The synergy of the thermal and nonthermal components excites the lipid-assembled clusters of transmembrane proteins (membrane rafts) as the channels of transient receptor potentials (TRPs), the heat-shock proteins (HSPs), the voltage-gated channels, and the voltage-sensitive phosphatases (VSPs). All these transmembrane compartments channeling various ionic species (like calcium and proton) interact with the cytoskeleton and are involved in the apoptotic signal pathways.

Rare primary gastric peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified:A case report

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal lymphoma typically arises in the stomach,small bowel,or colorectum and is usually a B-cell lymphoma.However,primary T-cell lymp-homas originating in the stomach are particularly rare.Gastric peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified(PTCL-NOS)is an extremely rare subtype.CASE SUMMARY We report a 63-year-old male presenting with epigastric pain.Esophagogastro-duodenoscopy revealed a large ulcerative lesion in the gastric cardia.Biopsy and immunohistochemical profiling confirmed PTCL-NOS.Imaging indicated stage II disease involving the stomach and intra-abdominal lymph nodes.The patient is planned to undergo cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone or cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,prednisone,and etoposide chemo-therapy.CONCLUSION This case highlights the necessity of considering PTCL-NOS in differential diag-noses of gastric lesions.Comprehensive histopathological and immunohistoche-mical analysis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment.

Germline pathogenic variants among high hereditary risk patients with breast and ovarian cancer and unaffected subjects in Lebanese Arab women

BACKGROUND The prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in high hereditary risk breast and/or ovarian cancer patients and unaffected subjects referred for testing is an unmet need in low and middle-income countries.AIM To determine the prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in high hereditary risk patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer and unaffected individuals.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records of patients and unaffected subjects referred for germline pathogenic variant testing due to high hereditary risk between 2010-2020.Data was collected and analyzed on Excel sheet.RESULTS In total,358 individuals were included,including 257 patients and 101 unaffected individuals with relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.The prevalence of breast cancer susceptibility gene(BRCA)1/2 pathogenic variants was 8.63%(19/220)in patients with breast cancer,and 15.1%(5/33)in those with ovarian cancer.Among the 25 of 220 patients with breast cancer tested by next-generation sequencing,3 patients had pathogenic variants other than BRCA1/2.The highest risk was observed in those aged 40 years with breast cancer and a positive family history,where the BRCA1/2 prevalence was 20.1%(9/43).Among the unaffected subjects,31.1%(14/45)had the same BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in their corresponding relatives.Among the subjects referred because of a positive family history of cancer without known hereditary factors,5.35%(3/56)had pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2.The c.131G>T nucleotide change was noted in one patient and two unrelated unaffected subjects with a BRCA1 pathogenic variant.CONCLUSION This study showed a 8.63%prevalence of pathogenic variants in patients with breast cancer and a 15.1%prevalence in patients with ovarian cancer.Among the relatives of patients with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants,31%tested positive for the same variant,while 5.3%of subjects who tested positive due to a family history of breast cancer had a BRCA pathogenic variant.

Priapism secondary to penile metastasis of rectal cancer

Metastatic penile carcinoma is rare and usually originates from genitourinary tumors. The presenting symptoms or signs have been described as nonspecific except for priapism. Rectal adenocarcinoma is a very unusual source of metastatic penile carcinoma. We report a case of metastatic penile carcinoma that originated from the rectum. Symptomatic improvement occurred with palliative radiotherapy.

Biological subtypes of breast cancer: Prognostic and therapeutic implications

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous complex of diseases, a spectrum of many subtypes with distinct biological features that lead to differences in response patterns to various treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Traditional classification systems regarding biological characteristics may have limitations for patient-tailored treatment strategies. Tumors with similar clinical and pathological presentations may have different behaviors. Analyses of breast cancer with new molecular techniques now hold promise for the development of more accurate tests for the prediction of recurrence. Gene signatures have been developed as predictors of response to therapy and protein gene products that have direct roles in driving the biology and clinical behavior of cancer cells are potential targets for the development of novel therapeutics. The present review summarizes current knowledge in breast cancer molecular biology, focusing on novel prognostic and predictive factors.

Evidence-based medical oncology and interventional radiology paradigms for liver-dominant colorectal cancer metastases

Colorectal cancer metastasizes predictably, with liver predominance in most cases. Because liver involvement has been shown to be a major determinant of survival in this population, liver-directed therapies are increasingly considered even in cases where there is(limited) extrahepatic disease. Unfortunately, these patients carry a known risk of recurrence in the liver regardless of initial therapy choice. Therefore, there is a demand for minimally invasive, non-surgical, personalized cancer treatments to preserve quality of life in the induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases of cancer therapy. This report aims to review evidence-based conceptual, pharmacological, and technological paradigm shifts in parenteral and percutaneous treatment strategies as well as forthcoming evidence regarding next-generation systemic, locoregional, and local treatment approaches for this patient population.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Gefitinib, Erlotinib, and Afatinib in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with EGFR Mutation Positive in Indonesian Population

Background and objective EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs) were used to treat non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation positive. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of first line TKIs;gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib in the treatment of advanced stage NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation positive in the Indonesian population.Methods A retrospective cohort study of 88 NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation positive treated with gefitinib(n=59), erlotinib(n=22), and afatinib(n=7) was performed in national cancer hospital in Indonesia.Inclusion criteria were stage IIIb or IV NSCLC with adenocarcinoma subtype. Subjects less than 18 years or with a history of other malignancy were excluded. Outcomes were treatment response, progression-free survival(PFS), and mortality rate. Results Complete response, partial response, and stable disease were shown in 1.1%, 35.2%, and 31.8% of subjects, respectively. There were 31.8% of subjects developed progressive disease during treatment. Regarding EGFR mutation positive profile, a total of 56.8% subjects had deletion in exon 19, 42% subjects had mutation in exon 21, and rare mutation in exon 18 was found in 3.4% of total subjects. Demography and clinical characteristics had no significant association with the risk of progressive disease. The median PFS of subjects was 11 months(95%CI: 6.8-15.2 months). There was no statistical difference of PFS between treatment groups.Conclusion Gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib have similar effectiveness in advanced stage NSCLC with EGFR mutation positive. Afatinib tends to be associated with longer PFS but further investigation is required.

Retrospective analysis of extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors

AIM:To investigate the clinicopathologic features of patients with extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors(EGISTs)in South Korea.METHODS:A total of 51 patients with an EGIST were identified.The clinicopathologic features,including sex,age,location,tumor size,histology,mitotic rate,immunohistochemical features,genetic status and survival data,were analyzed.RESULTS:The median age was 55 years(range:29-80years),and male:female ratio was 1:1.04.The most common site was in the mesentery(n=15)followed by the retroperitoneum(n=13)and omentum(n=8).The median tumor size was 9.0 cm(range:2.6-30.0cm)and the median mitotic rate was 5.0/50HPF.(1/50-185/50).KIT was analyzed in 16,which revealed 10cases with wild-type KIT and 6 cases with an exon 11mutation.Among 51 patients,31 patients had undergone surgery,and 10 had unresectable disease and had taken palliative imatinib,which resulted in 22.7 mo of progression-free survival.Of the patients who had undergone surgery,18 did not take adjuvant imatinib,and 8 of these were categorized as"high risk"according to the risk criteria.However,the relapse-free survival was not different(P=0.157)between two groups.CONCLUSION:Because the biologic behaviors of GISTs differ according to the location of the tumor,a more stratified strategy is required for managing EGISTs including incorporation of molecular features.

The efficacy of fluoropyrimidine.based adjuvant chemotherapy on biliary tract cancer after R0 resection

Background: The optimal treatment strategy for biliary tract cancer(BTC) after curative?intent resection remains con?troversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluoropyrimidine?based adjuvant chemotherapy for BTC patients undergoing microscopically margin?negative(R0) resection.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of BTC patients who underwent curative?intent R0 resection. Patients were eligible if they received either fluoropyrimidine?based adjuvant chemotherapy or observation after R0 resection.Results: A total of 153 patients were included. In the entire patient cohort, no significant differences were observed in 5?year overall survival(OS) rates(48.4% vs. 39.6%, P = 0.439) or 3?year recurrence?free survival(RFS) rates(49.1% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.299) between patients who received fluoropyrimidine?based adjuvant chemotherapy or observation. However, for patients with stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ BTC, chemotherapy significantly improved 5?year OS rate(52.4% vs. 35.6%, P = 0.002) and 3?year RFS rate(55.5% vs. 39.1%, P = 0.021) compared with observation.Conclusion: Fluoropyrimidine?based adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong the survival of patients with stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ BTC after R0 resection.

Lewis blood genotypes of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer patients in Taiwan

AIM： The Lewis b （Le^b） antigen has been implicated as a possible binding site for attachment of Helicobacter pylori （H pylon） to gastric mucosa. However, studies both supporting and denying this association have been reported in the literature. Differences in secretor （Se） genotype have been suggested as a possible reason for previous discrepancies. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between Le and Se genotypes and Hpylori infection rates in people with peptic ulcer or gastric cancer. METHODS： Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 347 patients with endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer disease （235 cases of duodenal ulcer, 62 of gastric ulcer, and 50 of combined duodenal ulcer/gastric ulcer） and 51 patients with gastric cancer on endoscopy. Peripheral blood specimens from 101 unrelated normal volunteers were used as controls. Lewis phenotype was determined using an antibody method, whereas Le and Se genotypes were determined by DNA amplification and restriction enzyme analysis. Gastric or duodenal biopsies taken from patients with endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer or gastric cancer were cultured for Hpylotri Isolates were identified as Hpylori by morphology and production of urease and catalase. The Hpyloriinfection status was also evaluated by rapid urease test （CLO test）, and urea breath test （13^C-UBT）. Results of studies were analyzed by chi-square test （taken as significant）. RESULTS： Hpyloriwas isolated from 83.7% （303/347） of patients with peptic ulcer disease. Statistical analysis did not show any significant difference in Lewis phenotype or genotype between patients with and without Hpylori infection. No significant association was found between Lewis genotype and peptic ulcer or gastric cancer.CONCLUSION： Lewis blood genotype or phenotype may not play a role in the pathogenesis of Hpyloriinfection. However, bacterial strain differences and the presence of more than one attachment mechanism may limit the value of epidemiological studies in elucidating this matter.

Role and function of granin proteins in diabetes mellitus

The granin glycoprotein family consists of nine acidic proteins;chromogranin A(CgA),chromogranin B(CgB),and secretogranin II–VIII.They are produced by a wide range of neuronal,neuroendocrine,and endocrine cells throughout the human body.Their major intracellular function is to sort peptides and proteins into secretory granules,but their cleavage products also take part in the extracellular regulation of diverse biological processes.The contribution of granins to carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes mellitus is a recent research area.CgA is associated with glucose homeostasis and the progression of type 1 diabetes.WE-14,CgA10-19,and CgA43-52 are peptide derivates of CgA,and act as CD4+or CD8+autoantigens in type 1 diabetes,whereas pancreastatin(PST)and catestatin have regulatory effects in carbohydrate metabolism.Furthermore,PST is related to gestational and type 2 diabetes.CgB has a crucial role in physiological insulin secretion.Secretogranins II and III have angiogenic activity in diabetic retinopathy(DR),and are novel targets in recent DR studies.Ongoing studies are beginning to investigate the potential use of granin derivatives as drugs to treat diabetes based on the divergent relationships between granins and different types of diabetes.