High serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) level predicts better survival in breast cancer

The transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) is a regulatory cytokine with both tumor suppressor and tumor-promoting effects in breast cancer (BC) cell lines and tissue. Data about level of circulating TGFB1 and its prognostic significance in BC patients is conflicting. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical significance of the serum TGFB1 levels in BC patients. We enrolled 96 female patients with histopathologically diagnosed BC who did not receive chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy. Serum TGFB1 levels were measured by ELISA method and compared with 30 healthy controls. The mean serum TGFB1 level of BC patients was significantly higher than controls (0.08 vs. 0.04 ng/ml, p?<?0.001). There was no significant difference according to known disease-related clinicopathological or laboratory parameters. Serum TGFB1 level had a significant impact on overall survival in both univariate (p?=?0.01) and multivariate analysis (p?=?0.013). Serum TGFB1 level is elevated in BC patients and has a favorable prognostic value. However, it has no predictive role on CT response.     

The role of natural killer cells in autoimmune blistering diseases

The major focus of this paper is to describe and evaluate current information on the role of natural killer cells (NK cells) in the pathogenesis of blistering diseases. Until now, only pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has been studied. One co-culture study demonstrated that CD4+ T cells from the peripheral blood or perilesional skin of patients with active disease proliferate and secrete cytokines in the presence of major histocompatibility class II-expressing NK cells loaded with antigenic desmoglein self-peptides. Another study showed that NK cells can contribute to a T helper type 2-biased immune response through impaired interleukins (IL)-12 signaling and upregulation of IL, IL-10 and IL-5. Although significant data on other blistering diseases are unavailable at present, some studies implicate NK cells in disease progression. For instance, information on the role of NK cells in psoriasis and their production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) will be provided since several TNF-α-inhibitors are used in its treatment. Studies on alopecia areata are also included in this paper because NK cells seem to play a key role in its pathogenesis. This review highlights the potential importance of NK cells and NKT cells as members of the large repertoire of cells and soluble mediators that play a critical role in pathogenesis of blistering diseases and other autoimmune diseases involving the skin. Therefore, the authors advocate a greater focus and interest on the study of the interaction of NK cells and the skin.     

New results for monogenic diabetes with analysis of causative genes using next-generation sequencing: a tertiary centre experience from Turkey

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Although monogenic diabetes accounts for a small proportion of diabetes cases, accurate diagnosis may significantly change treatment....