Immunohistochemical expression of COX-2, Ki-67, Bcl-2, Bax, VEGF and CD105 according to histological grading in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Immunohistochemical Expression Levels of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, and Ki-67 in Canine Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stands as the second most prevalent skin cancer in dogs, primarily attributed to UV radiation exposure. Affected areas typically include regions with sparse hair and pale or depigmented skin. The significance of spontaneous canine cutaneous SCC as a model for its human counterpart is underscored by its resemblance. This study assesses the expression of key markers-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Ki-67-in canine cutaneous SCC. Our objective is to investigate the association between their expression levels and classical clinicopathological parameters, unraveling the intricate relationships among these molecular markers. In our retrospective analysis of 37 cases, EGFR overexpression manifested in 43.2% of cases, while Cox-2 exhibited overexpression in 97.3%. The EGFR, Cox-2 overexpression, and Ki-67 proliferation indices, estimated through immunohistochemistry, displayed a significant association with the histological grade, but only EGFR labeling is associated with the presence of lymphovascular emboli. The Ki-67 labeling index expression exhibited an association with EGFR and Cox-2. These findings propose that EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 hold promise as valuable markers in canine SCC. EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 may serve as indicators of disease progression, offering insights into the malignancy of a lesion. The implications extend to the potential therapeutic targeting of EGFR and Cox-2 in managing canine SCC. Further exploration of these insights is warranted due to their translational relevance and the development of targeted interventions in the context of canine SCC.

Characterization of blood inflammatory markers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the differences and correlation between blood inflammatory indexes such as monocytes (MONO), lymphocytes (LYM), haemoglobin (HGB), neutrophils (NEU), platelets (PLT), ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, albumin and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), NEU/LYM ratio (NLR), MONO/LYM ratio (MLR) and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

187 patients with NSCLC who were first diagnosed in 2017-2023 and 102 with healthy check-ups during the same period (control group) were retrospectively selected as study subjects to compare the differences in inflammatory indexes between the two groups and the levels of inflammatory indexes in NSCLC patients with different clinicopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

Correlation analysis between blood inflammatory indexes and clinicopathologic features in NSCLC group showed that C-reactive protein, CAR, and PLR values were different in different pathologic types (P<0.05). The values of NEU, MONO, C-reactive protein, MLR, NLR, CAR and albumin were different among various degrees of differentiation (P<0.05). There were differences in LYM, albumin, MLR, NLR, CAR, and C-reactive protein among M stage subgroups (P<0.05). Analysis of the efficacy of early diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer has been shown, the AUC of NLR was 0.796, sensitivity of 0.679, specificity of 0.176, 95% CI=0.743-0.849 (P<0.001). The AUC of albumin was 0.977, the sensitivity was 0.941, the specificity was 0.941, and 95% CI was 0.959-0.994 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Blood inflammatory indexes are closely associated with NSCLC and vary according to pathologic features. Blood inflammatory indices can predict tumor pathologic staging and guide treatment for patients with NSCLC.

Multifunctional curcumin mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle enhancing biofilm inhibition and targeting apoptotic specific pathway in oral squamous carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Oral health remains a significant global concern with the prevalence of oral pathogens and the increasing incidence of oral cancer posing formidable challenges. Additionally, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has complicated treatment strategies, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent research has explored the application of plant compounds mediated with nanotechnology in oral health, focusing on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

METHODS

In this study, curcumin (Cu)-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ZnO-CU NPs was investigated through DPPH, ABTS, and zone of inhibition assays. Apoptotic assays and gene expression analysis were performed in KB oral squamous carcinoma cells to identify their anticancer activity.

RESULTS

ZnO-CU NPs showcased formidable antioxidant prowess in both DPPH and ABTS assays, signifying their potential as robust scavengers of free radicals. The determined minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 µg/mL against dental pathogens underscored the compelling antimicrobial attributes of ZnO-CU NPs. Furthermore, the interaction analysis revealed the superior binding affinity and intricate amino acid interactions of ZnO-CU NPs with receptors on dental pathogens. Moreover, in the realm of anticancer activity, ZnO-CU NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL. Unraveling the intricate mechanism of apoptotic activity, ZnO-CU NPs orchestrated the upregulation of pivotal genes, including BCL2, BAX, and P53, within the KB cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This multifaceted approach, addressing both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, positions ZnO-CU NPs as a compelling avenue for advancing oral health, offering a comprehensive strategy for tackling both oral infections and cancer.