BCL2 expression in CD105 positive neoangiogenic cells and tumor progression in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Convergence of nanotechnology and cancer prevention: are we there yet?

Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising modality for cancer treatment; however, in the realm of cancer prevention, its full utility has yet to be determined. Here, we discuss the potential of integrating nanotechnology in cancer prevention to augment early diagnosis, precision targeting, and controlled release of chemopreventive agents, reduced toxicity, risk/response assessment, and personalized point-of-care monitoring. Cancer is a multistep, progressive disease; the functional and acquired characteristics of the early precancer phenotype are intrinsically different from those of a more advanced anaplastic or invasive malignancy. Therefore, applying nanotechnology to precancers is likely to be far more challenging than applying it to established disease. Frank cancers are more readily identifiable through imaging and biomarker and histopathologic assessment than their precancerous precursors. In addition, prevention subjects routinely have more rigorous intervention criteria than therapy subjects. Any nanopreventive agent developed to prevent sporadic cancers found in the general population must exhibit a very low risk of serious side effects. In contrast, a greater risk of side effects might be more acceptable in subjects at high risk for cancer. Using nanotechnology to prevent cancer is an aspirational goal, but clearly identifying the intermediate objectives and potential barriers is an essential first step in this exciting journey.

A case of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with high serum VEGF preceded by RS3PE syndrome

We report the case of a 76-year-old man diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) with high serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) preceded by Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome. He suffered respiratory discomfort caused by large amounts of pleural effusion. Interestingly, changes in serum VEGF measured over time were similar to changes in pleural effusion. Whether VEGF is related to the pathological condition of AITL is a very important question.

Implications of Bit1 and AIF overexpressions in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Overwhelming evidence has demonstrated that Bit1 and AIF as mitochondrial proteins are implicated in the development and progression of a variety of tumors. However, their expressions and biological functions in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain to be delineated. In the present study, we found that Bit1, AIF, and Bcl-2 levels in ESCC tissues were significantly higher than those in normal esophageal epithelial tissues and dysplasia tissues (P < 0.05). Stepwise investigation demonstrated that Bit1 and Bcl-2 levels were both tightly associated with lymphatic metastasis and TNM staging (P < 0.05), and the levels of Bit1 mRNA as well as AIF and Bcl-2 proteins were both closely related to tumor differentiation (P < 0.05), but not related to the patients' age and gender (P > 0.05). Importantly, Bit1 mRNA and protein levels in ESCC with lymphatic metastasis and TNM staging in III and IV were markedly higher than that without lymphatic metastasis and TMN staging in I and II. Further analysis showed that expression of Bit1 protein was both positively correlated with expressions of AIF and Bcl-2 proteins (r = 0.408 and 0.405, respectively; P < 0.05). Correctively, our data cited earlier suggest that Bit1 plays pivotal roles in the development and progression of ESCC, and its biological functions in ESCC may be closely associated with AIF and Bcl-2 levels.