Project description:It is generally assumed that all estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancers proliferate in response to estrogen and therefore examples of estrogen-induced regression of ER+ cancers are paradoxical. This review reexamines the estrogen regression paradox for the Luminal A subtype of ER+ breast cancers. The proliferative response to estrogen is shown to depend on the level of ER. Mechanistically, a window of opportunity study of pre-operative estradiol suggested that with higher levels of ER, estradiol could activate the DREAM-MMB (Dimerization partner, Retinoblastoma-like proteins, E2F4, and MuvB – MYB-MuvB) pathway to decrease proliferation. The response of breast epithelium and the incidence of breast cancers during hormonal variations that occur during the menstrual cycle and at the menopausal transition respectively suggest that a single hormone, either estrogen, progesterone or androgen could activate the DREAM pathway leading to reversible cell cycle arrest. Conversely, the presence of two hormones, could switch the DREAM-MMB complex to a pro-proliferative pathway. Using publicly available data, we examine the gene expression changes after aromatase inhibitors and ICI 182,780 to provide support for the hypothesis. This review suggests that it might be possible to integrate all current hormonal therapies for Luminal A tumors within a single theoretical schema.
Project description:Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease with pruritus and tension blisters/bullous as the main clinical manifestations. Glucocorticosteroids are the main therapeutic agents for it, but their efficacy is poor in some patients. Tofacitinib, a small molecule agent that inhibits JAK1/3, has shown incredible efficacy in a wide range of autoimmune diseases and maybe a new valuable treatment option for refractory BP. To report a case of refractory BP successfully treated with tofacitinib, then explore the underlying mechanism behind the treatment, and finally review similarities to other cases reported in the literature. Case report and literature review of published cases of successful BP treatment with JAK inhibitors. The case report describes a 73-year-old male with refractory BP that was successfully managed with the combination therapy of tofacitinib and low-dose glucocorticoids for 28 weeks. Immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing were performed to analyze the underlying mechanism of tofacitinib therapy. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify other cases of treatment with JAK inhibitors. Throughout the 28-week treatment period, the patient experienced clinical, autoantibody and histologic resolution. Immunohistochemical analysis showed tofacitinib significantly decreased the pSTAT3 and pSTAT6 levels in the skin lesions of this patient. RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical testing of lesion samples from other BP patients identified activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Literature review revealed 17 previously reported cases of BP treated with four kinds of JAK inhibitors successfully, including tofacitinib (10), baricitinib (1), upadacitinib (3) and abrocitinib (3). Our findings support the potential of tofacitinib as a safe and effective treatment option for BP. Larger studies are underway to better understand this efficacy and safety.
Project description:Legionella species are ubiquitous and naturally found in lakes, rivers, streams and hot springs, and other water resources. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Legionella species in water resources of Iran by a systematic review and meta-analysis. In search of papers relevant to the prevalence of Legionella in water resources of Iran, the scientific information database in both English and Persian languages was used. The search was limited to studies between the year 2000 and end of July 2016. Each cohort and cross-sectional study that reported the contamination of water with Legionella was included in the present study. For data analysis, comprehensive meta-analysis software with Cochran's Q and I2 tests were used. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of Legionella species in water resources of Iran was 27.3% (95% CI: 25.3-29.3). The prevalence of Legionella spp. in hospital water, dental settings water, and other water resources were 28.8% (95% CI: 26.4-31.2), 23.6% (95% CI: 16.1-33.2), and 29.6% (95% CI: 25.6-33.8), respectively. The most common Legionella species was L. pneumophila with a prevalence of 60.5% (95% CI: 53.3-67.2) and the prevalence of all other species was 52.5% (95% CI: 44.7-60.2). The highest prevalence was reported in Isfahan with 55.7% (95% CI: 48.0-63.0). Based on the results, the prevalence rate of Legionella species in water resources of Iran was high and the most common Legionella species was L. pneumophila.