scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Genitourinary Cancer

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 549
Author(s):  
Kosuke Takemura ◽  
Philip G. Board ◽  
Fumitaka Koga

γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), a membrane-bound enzyme, contributes to the metabolism of glutathione (GSH), which plays a critical physiological role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. GGT has been proposed as a biomarker of carcinogenesis and tumor progression given that GGT activity is important during both the promotion and invasion phases in cancer cells. Moreover, GGT expression is reportedly related to drug-resistance possibly because a wide range of drugs are conjugated with GSH, the availability of which is influenced by GGT activity. While serum GGT activity is commonly used as a quick, inexpensive, yet reliable means of assessing liver function, recent epidemiological studies have shown that it may also be an indicator of an increased risk of prostate cancer development. Moreover, elevated serum GGT is reportedly an adverse prognostic predictor in patients with urologic neoplasms, including renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and urothelial carcinoma, although the background mechanisms have still not been well-characterized. The present review article summarizes the possible role of GGT in cancer cells and focuses on evidence evaluation through a systematic review of the latest literature on the prognostic role of serum GGT in patients with genitourinary cancer.

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Muoio ◽  
Mariarosa Pascale ◽  
Enrico Roggero

In this systematic review, we evaluated the value of serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in order to clarify the possible role of NSE in the diagnosis, management, treatment and monitoring of PCa. A comprehensive search of the recent literature was conducted to find relevant data on the role of NSE in PCa. Two hundred and eighty-two records were revealed, and 19 articles including 1,772 patients with PCa (either confirmed or suspected) were selected. After reviewing the articles, the major result was that elevated serum NSE appears to correlate with prognosis in advanced PCa, particularly in patients with progressive and metastatic castration-resistant PCa. Based on the existing literature, the role of serum NSE in PCa patients should be further evaluated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-405
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Fontana ◽  
Olga A. Babenko

Aim of this letter is to attract the attention of journal readers to the study of exosomes as an important direction in the development of Oncology, in particular, in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Exosomes are produced by tumor cells and regulate proliferation, metastasis, and the development of chemoresistance. Their extraction from biological fluids allows further use of these vesicles as potential biomarkers of prostate cancer. In the future, exosomes can be successfully used in the delivery of drugs and other anti-tumor substances to cancer cells.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 541-547
Author(s):  
Bao Sun ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Mengzi He ◽  
Yanan Jin ◽  
Xiaoyu Cao ◽  
...  

Background: The liver is one of the major organ involved in drug metabolism. Cytochrome P450s are predominantly involved in drug metabolism. A wide range of CYPs have been reported in the liver which have been involved in its normal as well as in diseased conditions. Doxorubicin, one of the most potent chemotherapeutic drugs, although highly efficacious, also has adverse side effects, with its targets being liver and cardiac tissue. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the reversal potentials of berberine on Doxorubicin induced cyp conversion. Methodology: In the present study, the interplay between anti-oxidants, cytochrome and inflammatory markers in DOX induced liver toxicity and its possible reversal by berberine was ascertained. Results: DOX administration significantly elevated serum as well as tissue stress, which was reverted by berberine treatment. A similar response was observed in tissue inflammatory mediators as well as in serum cytokine levels. Most profound reduction in the cytochrome expression was found in Cyp 2B1, 2B2, and 2E1. However, 2C1, 2C6, and 3A1 although showed a decline, but it did not revert the expression back to control levels. Conclusion: It could be concluded that berberine may be an efficient anti-oxidant and immune modulator. It possesses low to moderate cytochrome modulatory potentials.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 552
Author(s):  
Salam Awenat ◽  
Arnoldo Piccardo ◽  
Patricia Carvoeiras ◽  
Giovanni Signore ◽  
Luca Giovanella ◽  
...  

Background: The use of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted agents for staging prostate cancer (PCa) patients using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasing worldwide. We performed a systematic review on the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging to provide evidence-based data in this setting. Methods: A comprehensive computer literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases for studies using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging was performed until 31 December 2020. Eligible articles were selected and relevant information was extracted from the original articles by two authors independently. Results: Eight articles (369 patients) evaluating the role of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa staging were selected. These studies were quite heterogeneous, but, overall, they demonstrated a good diagnostic accuracy of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in detecting PCa lesions at staging. Overall, higher primary PCa aggressiveness was associated with higher 18F-PSMA-1007 uptake. When compared with other radiological and scintigraphic imaging methods, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT had superior sensitivity in detecting metastatic disease and the highest inter-reader agreement. 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT showed similar results in terms of diagnostic accuracy for PCa staging compared with PET/CT with other PSMA-targeted tracers. Dual imaging with multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT may improve staging of primary PCa. Notably, 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT may detect metastatic disease in a significant number of patients with negative standard imaging. Conclusions: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT demonstrated a good accuracy in PCa staging, with similar results compared with other PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceuticals. This method could substitute bone scintigraphy and conventional abdominal imaging for PCa staging. Prospective multicentric studies are needed to confirm these findings.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1288
Author(s):  
Marilia Carabotti ◽  
Francesca Falangone ◽  
Rosario Cuomo ◽  
Bruno Annibale

Recent evidence showed that dietary habits play a role as risk factors for the development of diverticular complications. This systematic review aims to assess the effect of dietary habits in the prevention of diverticula complications (i.e., acute diverticulitis and diverticula bleeding) in patients with diverticula disease. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched up to 19 January 2021, 330 records were identified, and 8 articles met the eligibility criteria and were subjected to data extraction. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment form. No study meets the criteria for being a high-quality study. A high intake of fiber was associated to a decreased risk of diverticulitis or hospitalization due to diverticular disease, with a protective effect for fruits and cereal fiber, but not for vegetable fiber; whereas, a high red meat consumption and a generally Western dietary pattern were associated with an increased risk of diverticulitis. Alcohol use seemed to be associated to diverticular bleeding, but not to recurrent diverticulitis or diverticular complications. Further high-quality studies are needed to better define these associations. It is mandatory to ascertain the role of dietary habits for the development of recurrent acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e56692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Murthy ◽  
Min Wu ◽  
V. Uma Bai ◽  
Zizheng Hou ◽  
Mani Menon ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Hale ◽  
Maren Weischer ◽  
Jong Y. Park

Although the causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, previous studies support the role of genetic factors in the development of prostate cancer.CHEK2plays a critical role in DNA replication by responding to double-stranded breaks. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the role of a genetic variant, 1100delC, ofCHEK2on prostate cancer risk and discuss the implication for potential translation of this knowledge into clinical practice. Currently, twelve articles that discussedCHEK2∗1100delC and its association with prostate cancer were identified. Of the twelve prostate cancer studies, five studies had independent data to draw conclusive evidence from. The pooled results of OR and 95% CI were 1.98 (1.23–3.18) for unselected cases and 3.39 (1.78–6.47) for familial cases, indicating thatCHEK2∗1100delC mutation is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. Screening for CHEK2∗1100delC should be considered in men with a familial history of prostate cancer.


Author(s):  
Natale Quartuccio ◽  
Maurizio Marrale ◽  
Riccardo Laudicella ◽  
Pierpaolo Alongi ◽  
Massimiliano Siracusa ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 727-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Connors ◽  
Lena Quinto ◽  
Henry Brodaty

AbstractDepression and a number of other psychiatric conditions can impair cognition and give the appearance of neurodegenerative disease. Collectively, this group of disorders is known as ‘pseudodementia’ and are important to identify given their potential reversibility with treatment. Despite considerable interest historically, the longitudinal outcomes of patients with pseudodementia remain unclear. We conducted a systematic review of longitudinal studies of pseudodementia. Bibliographic databases were searched using a wide range of search terms. Two reviewers independently assessed papers for inclusion, rated study quality, and extracted data. The search identified 18 studies with follow-up varying from several weeks to 18 years. Overall, 284 patients were studied, including 238 patients with depression, 18 with conversion disorder, 14 with psychosis, and 11 with bipolar disorder. Irrespective of diagnosis, 33% developed irreversible dementia at follow-up, 53% no longer met criteria for dementia, and 15% were lost to follow-up. Considerable variability was identified, with younger age at baseline, but not follow-up duration, associated with better outcomes. ECT and pharmacological interventions were also reported to be beneficial, though findings were limited by the poor quality of the studies. Overall, the findings suggest that pseudodementia may confer an increased risk of irreversible dementia in older patients. The findings also indicate, however, that a significant proportion improve, while many remain burdened with their psychiatric condition, independent of organic dementia. The findings support the clinical value of the construct and the need for its re-examination in light of developments in neuroimaging, genomics, other investigative tools, and trial methodology.


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