In vivo最新文献

Background/aim: Hydrogen therapy has demonstrated potential as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory intervention, particularly in the management of chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autoimmune conditions. This case report presents the possible therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen capsule treatment in enhancing renal function and alleviating chronic fatigue in an elderly female with coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated by nephropathy, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive hydrogen therapy in an elderly patient with multiple chronic comorbidities.

Case report: An 89-year-old female with a history of CAD s/p who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) over 40 years ago, type 2 DM complicated by nephropathy, and SLE was admitted with recurrent cellulitis at the saphenous vein donor site from her previous CABG. Despite antibiotic treatment, wound healing remained limited. In January 2023, the patient initiated adjuvant treatment with molecular hydrogen capsules. Following the introduction of hydrogen therapy, her renal function improved, evidenced by a reduction in serum creatinine levels. Chronic fatigue, assessed using the Taiwan Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-T), showed significant improvement. Immunological evaluation revealed a series of changes, suggesting that immune modulation may be the mechanism underlying the observed clinical benefits.

Conclusion: Hydrogen therapy was associated with improved renal function and a reduced chronic fatigue in this elderly patient with multiple comorbidities, including CAD, DM, and SLE. The case underscores the potential therapeutic role of hydrogen therapy in immune modulation and the management of chronic conditions, suggesting the need for further investigation in clinical settings.

Background/aim: The recently published Node-Reporting and Data System (Node-RADS) can aid the characterization of lymph nodes in cross-sectional imaging. This study investigated the Node-RADS system in computed tomography (CT) to characterize lymph nodes in esophageal cancer.

Patients and methods: Overall, 126 patients (15 female, 11.9%) with a mean age of 62.1±10.4 years comprised the patient sample. All patients underwent resection with curative intent and the lymph nodes were histopathologically analyzed during clinical routine. For every patient, the locoregional lymph nodes were scored in accordance with the Node-RADS classification. For statistical analysis, receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) with area under the curve (AUC) were used to test for diagnostic accuracy; inter-reader variability was assessed with Cohen's kappa.

Results: Overall, 54 patients were nodal positive (42.9%), 72 patients were nodal negative (57.1%). Inter-reader agreement was substantial for the overall Node-RADS scoring ([Formula: see text]=0.65, p<0.001). ROC curve analysis for lymph node discrimination (N0 versus N1-3) showed an AUC of 0.69 (95% confidence interval=0.59-0.79). A threshold score of more than 2 resulted in a sensitivity of 0.77 and a specificity of 0.55 for correctly predicting nodal positivity. Node-RADS 1 category had a malignancy rate of 30%, Node-RADS 2 of 14%, Node-RADS 3 of 81%, Node-RADS 4 of 90.1% and Node-RADS 5 of 86.5%.

Conclusion: The Node-RADS score on staging CT is associated with the malignancy rate of lymph nodes in patients with EC with only moderate diagnostic accuracy. The inter-reader variability is moderate, which could pose difficulties for translation into clinical routine.

Background/aim: Ifosfamide is used clinically with doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy for soft-tissue sarcoma. However, ifosfamide efficacy for soft-tissue sarcoma is limited due to frequent occurence of ifosfamide resistance and thus more effective therapy is needed. The present study aimed to determine the synergy of recombinant methioninase (rMETase) plus ifosfamide against HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells in vitro. Additionally, the present study also investigated the efficacy of a methionine-restricted diet combined with ifosfamide in nude-mouse models of ifosfamide-resistant HT1080 (IR-HT1080).

Materials and methods: Cell viability for HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells was determined in four groups in vitro: No treatment control; ifosfamide alone; rMETase alone; and a combination of ifosfamide plus rMETase. HT1080 tumors were established in nude mice subcutaneously. The HT1080 tumor models were treated by administering ifosfamide by intraperitoneal injection twice a week, for a total of 11 doses. Surviving tumors were considered ifosfamide resistant (IR-HT1080). Four groups of IR-HT1080 nude-mouse models were subsequently established: Group 1 was a no-treatment control, Group 2 received ifosfamide, Group 3 was given a methionine-restricted diet (MR), and Group 4 received ifosfamide plus MR. Additionally, two groups of nude mice with parental HT1080 subcutaneous tumors were included: Group 5 was a no-treatment control, and Group 6 received ifosfamide for comparison.

Results: The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for ifosfamide against HT1080 cells was 0.38 mM. The IC₅₀ for rMETase was 0.75 U/ml for HT1080 cells (data from [4]). The combination of rMETase (0.75 U/ml) plus ifosfamide (0.38 mM) was synergistic against HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells in vitro. The combination of ifosfamide plus MR eradicated the IR-HT1080 tumors in nude-mouse models, while each treatment alone achieved limited tumor inhibition.

Conclusion: The present results suggest the combination of MR and ifosfamide has promising potential for overcoming ifosfamide resistance in future clinical applications.

Background/aim: HyperArc (HA) is an automated planning technique enabling single-isocenter brain stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT); however, dosimetric outcomes may be influenced by the planner's expertise. This study aimed to assess the impact of institutional experience on the plan quality of HA-SRT for both single and multiple brain metastases.

Materials and methods: Twenty patients who underwent HA-SRT for single metastasis between 2020 and 2021 comprised the earlier group, while those treated between 2022 and 2024 constituted the later group. For multiple metastases, 40 patients who received HA-SRT from 2020-2024 were divided into earlier and later treatment groups. Dosimetric parameters including gross tumor volume (GTV) doses (D_98% and Dmean), volumes of the normal brain (Brain-GTV V_25Gy and V_30Gy), homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), and total monitor unit (MU) were compared. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the effects of planning target volume (PTV) on volumes of normal brain via interaction between PTV volume and treatment era group (earlier vs. later).

Results: The later group exhibited significantly higher D_98% and D_mean values for both single and multiple metastases, while V_25Gy and V_30Gy and GI mean values were comparable. Consequently, mean HI and total MU values increased significantly. Both single and multiple metastases showed significant interaction between PTV volume and treatment era group.

Conclusion: Enhanced dosimetric outcomes in the later group suggested that accumulated experience contributed to improve GTV and brain dose in HA SRT. Institutional experience is important to improve the plan quality for SRT even with automatic planning such as HA.

Background/aim: Angiogenesis imaging has been a valuable complement to metabolic imaging with 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoroglucose (FDG). In our longitudinal study, we investigated the tumour heterogeneity and the relationship between FDG and [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-NODAGA-c(RGDfK)₂ (RGD) accumulation in breast cancer xenografts.

Materials and methods: Two groups of cell lines, a fast-growing (4T1) and a slow-growing cell line (MDA-MB-HER2+), were inoculated into SCID mice. RGD and FDG scans were performed in all mice on separate days at four time points. Assessment of tumour uptake based on positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging images was performed using tumour/muscle ratios with the Muscle-Spacing Correction Method to minimize the partial volume effect of the urinary bladder.

Results: In the 4T1 group, both radiopharmaceuticals visualized the highly heterogeneous structure of the tumours and showed correlations with tumour growth. Relative linear correlations between FDG and RGD tumour/muscle ratios were observed in all tumours, evident in both high and low-activity areas of 4T1 tumours. When comparing the two groups of different cell lines, SUV ratios in the 4T1 group were higher, especially with [¹⁸F]F-FDG. Our findings highlight the correlations between FDG and RGD, particularly in aggressive breast cancer.

Conclusion: This preliminary study supports the combined use of FDG and RGD PET imaging to better characterize tumor heterogeneity and aggressiveness in breast cancer. The observed correlation between FDG and RGD uptake offers insights into the metabolic and vascular behavior of different cancer subtypes, highlighting distinct patterns in 4T1 and MDA-MB-HER2+ lines. This dual-tracer approach shows promise for tailoring therapies based on tumor subtype, though further studies with larger samples are needed to validate these initial findings.

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate age- and sex-related morphological variations of the mandibular condyle, sigmoid notch, and coronoid process in a mid-sized German population using panoramic radiographs.

Patients and methods: A total of 150 participants (89 males, 61 females) aged between 18 and 80 years were included. Participants were divided by age and sex. Panoramic radiographs were obtained, and the right and left condylar processes, sigmoid notches, and coronoid processes were evaluated for shape variations.

Results: Age-related differences were found in the mandibular condyles, with younger individuals exhibiting round-shaped condyles more frequently, while older participants showed a higher prevalence of flat-shaped condyles (p<0.001). Sex-related differences included females displaying more diamond-shaped condyles (p=0.033) and triangular-shaped coronoid processes (p=0.004), whereas males exhibited more round condylar processes.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant age- and sex-related morphological variations in the mandibular condyles, sigmoid notches, and coronoid processes. These findings have important clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders and maxillofacial surgery. Understanding these variations can improve diagnostic accuracy and surgical outcomes in patient-specific care.

Background/aim: During hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), perfusion instability (PI) is defined as the inability to maintain a proper perfusion flow without impairment of the target temperature. The management and resolution of this adverse event is underreported and poorly investigated. The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of PI during closed cytoreductive surgery (CRS)-HIPEC and how a problem-solving approach might limit the effects of this adverse event.

Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC at our Institution was performed. PI was defined when the patient's outflow pressure of the circuit was not able to maintain target flow and temperature (1,100 ml/min and 41°C). A step-by-step problem-solving flowchart, which included checking the drain position, proper muscle relaxation, changing the bed position, adjusting the perfusion volume and switching the drain flow switch, was used.

Results: A total of 208 HIPEC procedures were reviewed between May 2018 and January 2023. PI occurred in 21 cases (10.1%). Patients with PI had a significantly longer perfusion time (p<0.001). Although the mean outflow pressure and flow rate were significantly lower in patients with PI (p<0.001), the target temperature was maintained until the end of HIPEC.

Conclusion: A scheduled problem-solving approach by HIPEC perfusionist team was able to resolve most cases of PI. Further research on perfusion technical details and volume calculation is needed to prevent and limit the effects of this complication.

Background/aim: Costal cartilage fractures are associated with poor prognosis in patients with blunt chest trauma. A Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system for detecting rib fractures has been used in practice, but it is unclear whether this system recognizes costal cartilage fractures. This study investigated whether the CAD system for rib fracture can detect costal cartilage fractures.

Patients and methods: A total of 89 patients with costal cartilage fractures from participating hospitals over an 18-year period were included in the study. The presence of a costal cartilage fracture was determined by three radiologists. We reviewed fracture location, cartilage calcification, dislocation, and callus formation. The percentage of agreement between the radiologists and the CAD system (Rib fracture CAD, Fujifilm Medical Co., Ltd) was assessed.

Results: We detected 246 costal cartilage fractures in 89 patients. The costal cartilage of rib 7 was injured most frequently. Costal cartilage fractures were categorized as either mid-chondral, costochondral, or chondro-sternal. The CAD system detected 33 lesions; 16 were consistent with the costal cartilage fractures determined by the radiologists (costochondral junction 13, mid-chondral 2, chondro-sternal 1).

Conclusion: The CAD system for rib fracture can detect costal cartilage fractures at the costochondral junction but is not sufficiently sensitive to detect costal cartilage fractures without calcification. The CAD system for rib fracture needs further development before it can be used to detect rib cartilage fractures.

Background/aim: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in inflammatory responses by regulating the activity of various immune cells. M2 macrophages induced by IL-10 and TGF-β exhibit anti-inflammatory functions and induce Treg differentiation. Although the beneficial effects of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) on various diseases have been widely reported, the mechanisms, through which it alleviates allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) via Tregs and macrophages, are not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether BDB suppresses ACD and induces Treg generation.

Materials and methods: Mice were sensitized with 1% dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), followed by the application of 0.3% DNCB to their ears every 3 days for 31 days. BDB (100 mg/kg) was administered orally once daily throughout the 31 days. Cytokine and transcription factor expression were analyzed via real-time PCR and western blotting, while CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cell differentiation and T cell proliferation were evaluated using flow cytometry.

Results: BDB exhibited therapeutic efficacy in mice with ACD. In this study, the administration of BDB promoted the upregulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-dependent CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells. BDB elicited T cell hypo-responsiveness and suppressed the expression of cytokines related to the Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell subsets. BDB-M2 macrophages directly mediated the differentiation of CD4⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells from CD4⁺ T cells and concurrently suppressed the proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells.

Conclusion: BDB augments M2 macrophage function and induction of Tregs confers effective protection against ACD in mice. Consequently, BDB may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Background/aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, manifests a wide range of clinical symptoms ranging from mild to moderate and severe. Host-related factors influence the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection; for instance, the expression of host microRNAs (miRNAs) could influence the progression and complications of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the expression pattern of endogenous miRNAs in 80 severe COVID-19 patients compared to a group of healthy individuals.

Materials and methods: The miRNA screening expression analysis was performed using TaqMan Low-Density Array, and the expression changes of miR-490-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-454-3p, and miR-431-5p were validated using RT-qPCR. In silico analysis was used to identify new targets and predict the pathways, biological processes, and interactions of the selected miRNAs.

Results: The miR-490-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-454-3p, and miR-431-5p, were over-expressed in the total population of severe COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. miR-490-3p was found to be over-expressed in both female and male COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion: Specific miRNAs might be a potential biomarker for predicting the clinical course of COVID-19.