European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
ReviewCDK 4/6 and PI3K inhibitors: a new promise for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer represents a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, including both oestrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative tumours. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between ER and HER2 receptor pathways has led to the development of treatment strategies consisting of a simultaneous blockade of both signalling pathways, as a reasonable approach to prevent the onset of mechanisms of resistance. ⋯ Treatment landscape for HER2+ breast cancer is rapidly changing, and CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors represent a new promising strategy to improve patients' outcomes.
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Aortic stenosis (AS) prevalence is estimated to reach 4.5 million cases worldwide by the year 2030. AS is a progressive disease without a pharmacological treatment. In the current review, we aimed to investigate novel therapeutic approaches for non-surgical AS treatment, at least in patients with mild-to-moderate AS. ⋯ Several novel molecular pathways of AS development have been identified over the past few years. Therapies using PCSK9 inhibitors, simvastatin/ezetimibe combination, lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapy are highly promising candidates as therapeutics in the prevention of mild AS progression, while preclinical studies show that NOACs may inhibit valvular inflammation and coagulation activation and slower the rate of AS progression.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
Age-dependent messenger-RNA Expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.
Inflammation plays an important role in the ageing process in which monocytes/macrophages are important players. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are well-known inflammatory markers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age and the expression and correlation of ICAM-1, TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). ⋯ The mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are higher in older adults than those in younger adults. TLR4 is an independent factor affecting ICAM-1 expression in PBMCs, especially in older adults. This may suggest that ICAM-1 and TLR4 in PBMCs are potential biomarkers and their relationship may shed some light on the ageing process.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2021
Multiplying effects of COVID-19 lockdown on metabolic risk and fatty liver.
Social containment measures imposed in Europe during the lockdown to face COVID-19 pandemic can generate long-term potential threats for metabolic health. ⋯ Strict measures of social containment-even short-term-pave the way to the increased risk of metabolic abnormalities in the medium-long term. In this context, adherence to Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity play a protective role both in terms of weight gain and fatty liver development/progression, with implication for primary and secondary prevention. When adopting measures imposing social containment, intensive educational campaigns must increase public awareness about beneficial effects of healthy lifestyles.