Recent Advances of Proteomics in Management of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is currently recognized as a life-threatening disease, leading to an exponential increase in morbidity and mortality worldwide. At present, AKI is characterized by a significant increase in serum creatinine (SCr) levels, typically followed by a sudden drop in glomerulus filtration rate (GFR). Changes in urine output are usually associated with the renal inability to excrete urea and other nitrogenous waste products, causing extracellular volume and electrolyte imbalances. Several molecular mechanisms were proposed to be affiliated with AKI development and progression, ultimately involving renal epithelium tubular cell-cycle arrest, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, the inability to recover and regenerate proximal tubules, and impaired endothelial function. Diagnosis and prognosis using state-of-the-art clinical markers are often late and provide poor outcomes at disease onset. Inappropriate clinical assessment is a strong disease contributor, actively driving progression towards end stage renal disease (ESRD). Proteins, as the main functional and structural unit of the cell, provide the opportunity to monitor the disease on a molecular level. Changes in the proteomic profiles are pivotal for the expression of molecular pathways and disease pathogenesis. Introduction of highly-sensitive and innovative technology enabled the discovery of novel biomarkers for improved risk stratification, better and more cost-effective medical care for the ill patients and advanced personalized medicine. In line with those strategies, this review provides and discusses the latest findings of proteomic-based biomarkers and their prospective clinical application for AKI management.

Upregulation of GLT25D1 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Liver Fibrosis via the TGF-β1/SMAD3 Pathway In Vivo and In vitro

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Collagen β(1-O) galactosyltransferase 25 domain 1 (GLT25D1) is associated with collagen production and glycosylation, and its knockout in mice results in embryonic death. However, its role in liver fibrosis remains elusive, particularly in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary collagen-producing cells associated with liver fibrogenesis. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the role of GLT25D1 in HSCs.

METHODS

Bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced mouse liver fibrosis models, primary mouse HSCs (mHSCs), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were used in in vivo and in vitro studies. Stable LX-2 cell lines with either GLT25D1 overexpression or knockdown were established using lentiviral transfection. RNA-seq was performed to investigate the genomic differences. HPLC-MS/MS were used to identify glycosylation sites. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and second-harmonic generation/two-photon excited fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) were used to image collagen fibril morphology.

RESULTS

GLT25D1 expression was upregulated in nonparenchymal cells in human cirrhotic liver tissues. Meanwhile, its knockdown attenuated collagen deposition in BDL-induced mouse liver fibrosis and inhibited mHSC activation. GLT25D1 was overexpressed in activated versus quiescence LX-2 cells and regulated in vitro LX-2 cell activation, including proliferation, contraction, and migration. GLT25D1 also significantly increased liver fibrogenic gene and protein expression. GLT25D1 upregulation promoted HSC activation and enhanced collagen expression through the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. Mass spectrometry showed that GLT25D1 regulated the glycosylation of collagen in HSCs, affecting the diameter of collagen fibers.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the upregulation of GLT25D1 in HSCs promoted the progression of liver fibrosis by affecting HSCs activation and collagen stability.

The Correlation of Ten Immune Checkpoint Gene Expressions and Their Association with Gastric Cancer Development

In the immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibition (IC), additional ICs are being studied to increase its effectiveness. An almost unstudied feature is the possible co-expression of ICs, which can determine the therapeutic efficacy of their inhibition. For the selection of promising ICs, information on the association of their expression with cancer development may be essential. We have obtained data on the expression correlation of ADAM17, PVR, TDO2, CD274, CD276, CEACAM1, IDO1, LGALS3, LGALS9, and HHLA2 genes in gastric cancer (GC). All but one, TDO2, have other IC genes with co-expression at some stage. At the metastatic stage, the expression of the IDO1 does not correlate with any other gene. The correlations are positive, but the expressions of the CD276 and CEACAM1 genes are negatively correlated. The expression of TDO2 and LGALS3 is associated with GC metastasis. The expression of TDO2 four-fold higher in metastatic tumors than in non-metastatic tumors, but LGALS3 was two-fold lower. The differentiation is associated with IDO1. The revealed features of TDO2, with a significant increase in expression at the metastatic stage and the absence of other IC genes with correlated expression indicates that the prospect of inhibiting TDO2 in metastatic GC. IDO1 may be considered for inhibition in low-differentiated tumors.

Expression of Immune Checkpoints in Malignant Tumors: Therapy Targets and Biomarkers for the Gastric Cancer Prognosis

To increase the effectiveness of anticancer therapy based on immune checkpoint (IC) inhibition, some ICs are being investigated in addition to those used in clinic. We reviewed data on the relationship between PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO1, Galectin-3 and -9, CEACAM1, CD155, Siglec-15 and ADAM17 expression with cancer development in complex with the results of clinical trials on their inhibition. Increased expression of the most studied ICs—PD-L1, B7-H3, and B7-H4—is associated with poor survival; their inhibition is clinically significant. Expression of IDO1, CD155, and ADAM17 is also associated with poor survival, including gastric cancer (GC). The available data indicate that CD155 and ADAM17 are promising targets for immune therapy. However, the clinical trials of anti-IDO1 antibodies have been unsatisfactory. Expression of Galectin-3 and -9, CEACAM1 and Siglec-15 demonstrates a contradictory relationship with patient survival. The lack of satisfactory results of these IC inhibitor clinical trials additionally indicates the complex nature of their functioning. In conclusion, in many cases it is important to analyze the expression of other participants of the immune response besides target IC. The PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO1 and ADAM17 may be considered as candidates for prognosis markers for GC patient survival.

Galectin-3 immunolabelling correlates with BCL2 expression in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours

Mast cell tumour (MCT) is the most frequent skin neoplasm in dogs. These tumours are characterised by variable behaviour and clinical presentation that make prognosis an important and challenging task in the veterinary practice. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is known to influence several biological processes that are important in the cancer context and has been described as a prognostic marker for several human cancers. The aim of the present work was to characterise Gal-3 immunolabelling in canine cutaneous MCTs and to investigate its value as a prognostic marker for the disease. Thirty-four random cases of canine cutaneous MCT that were surgically treated with wide margins were included in this study. Gal-3 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and the results were compared with the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, Ki67 index, histopathological grades, mortality due to the disease and post-surgical survival. The majority of the MCTs (65.8%) were positive for Gal-3. Gal-3 immunolabelling was variable among the samples (2.7%-86.8% of the neoplastic cells). The protein was located in the cytoplasm or in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Gal-3 positivity was correlated with BCL2 expression (P < 0.001; r = 0.604), but not with Ki67 and BAX. No significant differences were detected between histological grades or in the survival analysis. Gal-3 expression correlates with BCL2 expression in MCTs. Although an efficient marker for several human neoplasms, the results presented herein suggest that Gal-3 immunolabelling is not an independent prognostic indicator for this disease.

Relationship of Galectin-3 Expression in Canine Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas with Histopathological Grading and Proliferation Indices

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a frequent malignant neoplasm of the skin that usually arises from areas of solar dermatosis. It is characterized by local invasiveness and regional lymph node metastasis, mainly in poorly differentiated tumours. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a lectin that is expressed in the nucleus or cytoplasm and has been identified as a prognostic tool for human neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to characterize Gal-3 expression in canine cutaneous SCCs and to investigate its relationship with tumour differentiation and cell proliferation indices. Immunohistochemical analysis of 50 SCCs for Gal-3 revealed no correlation between the localization or intensity of immunolabelling, or number of immunopositive cells, with histological grade of tumour or proliferative activity. The results suggest that Gal-3 expression is not a reliable prognostic marker for cutaneous SCC in dogs.

Exosomes Secreted by Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Foster Metastasis and Osteosarcoma Proliferation by Increasing COLGALT2 Expression

Objectives

Homosapien collagen beta (1-O) galactosyl transferase 2 (COLGALT2) is an important enzyme during collagen glycosylation, yet its biological functions in cancer are incompletely understood. Our previous study revealed that in the osteosarcoma microenvironment, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrate cancer-promoting effects, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of COLGALT2 in the osteosarcoma-fostering effects of ADSCs.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we compared COLGALT2 expression between primary and metastatic osteosarcoma tissues and found that metastatic tissues expressed significantly higher COLGALT2 levels. Then, we isolated and identified exosomes secreted by ADSCs. Additionally, we assessed the roles of ADSC exosomes and COLGALT2 in the osteosarcoma-promoting effects of ADSCs.

Results

Our results showed that ADSC exosomes could foster the invasion, migration, and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, together with increasing COLGALT2 expression. COLGALT2 inhibition in MG63 cells suppressed the ADSC exosome-mediated fostering of osteosarcoma cell invasion, migration and proliferation in vitro. Conversely, COLGALT2 overexpression promoted U-2OS cell invasion, migration and proliferation in vitro. Additionally, COLGALT2 inhibition attenuated metastasis and tumor growth, and ADSC exosomes promoted tumor progression, as demonstrated in a nude mouse model of osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

According to these data, ADSC exosomes foster osteosarcoma progression by increasing COLGALT2 expression in osteosarcoma cells.

Galectin-3 Regulates the Expression of Tumor Glycosaminoglycans and Increases the Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional β-galactoside-binding lectin that once synthesized is expressed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell surface, and extracellular environment. Gal-3 plays an important role in breast cancer tumors due to its ability to promote interactions between cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) elements, increasing tumor survival and metastatic dissemination. Still, the mechanism by which Gal-3 interferes with tumor cell migration and metastasis formation is complex and not fully understood. Here, we showed that Gal-3 knockdown increased the migration ability of 4T1 murine breast cancer cells in vitro. Using the 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer spontaneous metastasis mouse model, we demonstrated that 4T1-derived tumors were significantly larger in the presence of Gal-3 (scramble) in comparison with Gal-3 knockdown 4T1-derived tumors. Nevertheless, Gal-3 knockdown 4T1 cells were outnumbered in the bone marrow in comparison with scramble 4T1 cells. Finally, we reported here a decrease in the content of cell-surface syndecan-1 and an increase in the levels of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans such as versican in Gal-3 knockdown 4T1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our findings establish that Gal-3 downregulation during breast cancer progression regulates cell-associated and tumor microenvironment glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)/proteoglycans (PG), thus enhancing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.

Galectin-3 Expression Correlates with Post-surgical Survival in Canine Oral Melanomas

Malignant melanomas (MMs) represent 7% of all malignant neoplasms in dogs. Oral melanocytic neoplasms are often malignant and associated with poor prognosis. There are no universally accepted prognostic markers for canine oral melanoma. Galectin (Gal)-3 is a prognostic marker for human neoplasms such as thyroid, gastric, colorectal and prostate cancers. The protein is related to processes that favour cancer progression, such as angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to characterize the immunohistochemical expression of Gal-3 in canine oral melanomas and to compare it with post-surgical survival, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and other known prognostic tools. Twenty-seven samples of canine oral melanomas were evaluated for Gal-3, B-cell lymphoma (BCL) 2, caspase (CASP) 3 and Ki67 expression, mitotic index and degree of nuclear atypia. Gal-3 cytoplasmic positivity was correlated positively, while nuclear positivity was correlated negatively, with survival. The intensity of BCL2 labelling was also correlated positively with Gal-3 cytoplasmic positivity. Higher nuclear atypia was observed in dogs with melanoma that died due to the tumour, as well as in dogs that survived for <1 year after surgery. We have confirmed the importance of nuclear atypia for MMs and suggest that Gal-3 is a valuable prognostic indicator for this neoplasm. More in-depth studies are needed to unveil Gal-3 functions in canine MMs using larger sample sizes.

Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) is required for the secretion of high molecular weight adiponectin and affects lipid accumulation

Secretion of high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is dependent on post-translational modification (PTM) of conserved lysines in the collagenous domain. The present study aims to characterize the enzymes responsible for the PTM of conserved lysines which leads to HMW adiponectin secretion, and to define its significance in relation to obesity. Collagen beta (1-O) galactosyltransferase 1 (GLT25D1) was knocked down in HEK cells modified for the stable expression of adiponectin (adiponectin expressing human embryonic kidney cells, Adipo-HEK) as well as in Simpson Golabi-Behmel-Syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes. Knockdown of GLT25D1 caused a significant decrease in HMW adiponectin in Adipo-HEK cells with no change in total adiponectin. Knockdown in the SGBS cells caused an increase in lipid accumulation yet inhibited adipogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation with adiponectin and mass spectrometry showed that adiponectin formed a protein complex with lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3) and GLT25D1. Transient overexpression of GLT25D1 showed that the intracellular retention of LH3 was dependent on GLT25D1. To determine whether changes in GLT25D1 were significant in obesity, mice were fed a standard chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks. GLT25D1 was significantly decreased in mice fed HFD which coincided with a decrease in HMW adiponectin. We conclude that GLT25D1 regulates HMW adiponectin secretion and lipid accumulation, consistent with changes in mice after high-fat feeding. These results suggest a novel function of GLT25D1 leading to decreased HMW adiponectin secretion in early obesity.

Identification of a cytotoxic molecule in heat-modified citrus pectin

Modified forms of citrus pectin possess anticancer properties. However, their mechanism of action and the structural features involved remain unclear. Here, we showed that citrus pectin modified by heat treatment displayed cytotoxic effects in cancer cells. A fractionation approach was used aiming to identify active molecules. Dialysis and ethanol precipitation followed by HPLC analysis evidenced that most of the activity was related to molecules with molecular weight corresponding to low degree of polymerization oligogalacturonic acid. Heat-treatment of galacturonic acid also generated cytotoxic molecules. Furthermore, heat-modified galacturonic acid and heat-fragmented pectin contained the same molecule that induced cell death when isolated by HPLC separation. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that 4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one was one cytotoxic molecule present in heat-treated pectin. Finally, we synthesized the enantiopure (4R,5R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one and demonstrated that this molecule was cytotoxic and induced a similar pattern of apoptotic-like features than heat-modified pectin.

Hypoxia Up-Regulates Galectin-3 in Mammary Tumor Progression and Metastasis

The tumor microenvironment encompasses several stressful conditions for cancer cells such as hypoxia, oxidative stress and pH alterations. Galectin-3, a well-studied member of the beta-galactoside-binding animal family of lectins has been implicated in multiple steps of metastasis as cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion, promotion of angiogenesis, cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. However, both its aberrantly up- and down-regulated expression was observed in several types of cancer. Thus, the mechanisms that regulate galectin-3 expression in neoplastic settings are not clear. In order to demonstrate the putative role of hypoxia in regulating galectin-3 expression in canine mammary tumors (CMT), in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. In malignant CMT cells, hypoxia was observed to induce expression of galectin-3, a phenomenon that was almost completely prevented by catalase treatment of CMT-U27 cells. Increased galectin-3 expression was confirmed at the mRNA level. Under hypoxic conditions the expression of galectin-3 shifts from a predominant nuclear location to cytoplasmic and membrane expressions. In in vivo studies, galectin-3 was overexpressed in hypoxic areas of primary tumors and well-established metastases. Tumor hypoxia thus up-regulates the expression of galectin-3, which may in turn increase tumor aggressiveness.

Anti-influenza neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir phosphate induces canine mammary cancer cell aggressiveness

Oseltamivir phosphate is a widely used anti-influenza sialidase inhibitor. Sialylation, governed by sialyltransferases and sialidases, is strongly implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of breast cancer. In this study we evaluated the biological behavior of canine mammary tumor cells upon oseltamivir phosphate treatment (a sialidase inhibitor) in vitro and in vivo. Our in vitro results showed that oseltamivir phosphate impairs sialidase activity leading to increased sialylation in CMA07 and CMT-U27 canine mammary cancer cells. Surprisingly, oseltamivir phosphate stimulated, CMT-U27 cell migration and invasion capacity in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner. CMT-U27 tumors xenograft of oseltamivir phosphate-treated nude mice showed increased sialylation, namely α2,6 terminal structures and SLe(x) expression. Remarkably, a trend towards increased lung metastases was observed in oseltamivir phosphate-treated nude mice. Taken together, our findings revealed that oseltamivir impairs canine mammary cancer cell sialidase activity, altering the sialylation pattern of canine mammary tumors, and leading, surprisingly, to in vitro and in vivo increased mammary tumor aggressiveness.

Deregulated expression of annexin-A2 and galectin-3 is associated with metastasis in gastric cancer patients

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second highest cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, nowadays, most of the studies aiming to understand the gastric carcinogenesis analyzed tumors of individuals from Asian population and, thus, may not reflect the distinct biological and clinical behaviors among GC processes. Since several membrane proteins have been implicated in carcinogenesis, we aimed to evaluate ANXA2 and GAL3 role in gastric tumors and GC cell lines of individuals from northern Brazil. The cellular localization of ANXA2 and GAL3 in the GC cell lines was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Gene expression was evaluated by real-time reverse-transcription PCR and protein expression by Western blot in gastric adenocarcinomas and non-neoplastic gastric samples, as well as in GC cell lines. ANXA2 and GAL3 were presented as dots in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm in ACP02 and ACP03 cell lines. ANXA2 mRNA expression was up-regulated in 32.14 % of gastric tumors compared to non-neoplastic tissues. ANXA2 up-regulation was associated with the metastasis process in vivo and with cell line invasive behavior. GAL3 protein expression was at least 1.5-fold reduced in 50 % of gastric tumors. The reduced GAL3 expression was associated with the presence of distant metastasis and with a higher invasive phenotype in vitro. Our study shows that ANXA2 and GAL3 deregulated expression was associated with an invasive phenotype in GC cell lines and may contribute to metastasis in GC patients. Therefore, these proteins may have potential prognostic relevance for GC of individuals from northern Brazil.

Angiogenesis in spontaneous tumors and implications for comparative tumor biology

Blood supply is essential for development and growth of tumors and angiogenesis is the fundamental process of new blood vessel formation from preexisting ones. Angiogenesis is a prognostic indicator for a variety of tumors, and it coincides with increased shedding of neoplastic cells into the circulation and metastasis. Several molecules such as cell surface receptors, growth factors, and enzymes are involved in this process. While antiangiogenic therapy for cancer has been proposed over 20 years ago, it has garnered much controversy in recent years within the scientific community. The complex relationships between the angiogenic signaling cascade and antiangiogenic substances have indicated the angiogenic pathway as a valid target for anticancer drug development and VEGF has become the primary antiangiogenic drug target. This review discusses the basic and clinical perspectives of angiogenesis highlighting the importance of comparative biology in understanding tumor angiogenesis and the integration of these model systems for future drug development.

Annexin A7 and its binding protein galectin-3 influence mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell line in vitro

Lymph node metastasis is recognized as an important mode of liver cancer metastasis. Our previous study has built two hepatocarcinoma cell lines, Hca-F with high (75%) and Hca-P with low (25%) incidences of lymph node metastasis, and has indicated that annexin A7 is an important factor in the lymphatic metastasis of tumors. There is evidence that galectin-3 is the binding protein of annexin A7 and works in protein complexes. Our current study shows that both annexin A7 and galectin-3 express higher in Hca-F than Hca-P. Annexin A7 was successfully down-regulated in Hca-P by RNA interference, and this resulted in concomitant reduction of galactin 3 expression in annexin A7 down regulated compared to the control and N-control cells. Using CCK-8 assay, the expression level of annexin A7 and galectin-3 were found to have correlation with the proliferation ability; Transwell assay showed annexin A7 and galectin-3 are involved in cell migration and invasion regulation in mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, immunofluorescence assay indicate annexin A7 and galectin-3 were co-located annexin A7 and galectin-3 played roles in DNA damage and cell proliferation cycle checkpoint arrest pathway. Those phenomena indicated that annexin A7 influences lymphatic metastasis of tumors by interacting with galectin-3 through the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, attachment, migration and invasion.

Comparability of differential proteomics data generated from paired archival fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed samples by GeLC-MS/MS and spectral counting

In this study, a Veterinary Department repository composed by paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh-frozen (FrFr) sets of the same tissues, routinely archived in the typical conditions of a clinical setting, was exploited to perform a comparative evaluation of the results generated by GeLC-MS/MS (1-DE followed by in-gel digestion and LC-MS/MS) and spectral counting with the two types of archival samples. Therefore, two parallel differential proteomic studies were performed using 3 canine mammary carcinomas and 3 normal controls in a paired fashion (6 FrFr and 6 FFPE in total). As a result, the FrFr and FFPE differential proteomic datasets exhibited fair consistency in differential expression trends, according to protein molecular function, cellular localization, networks, and pathways. However, FFPE samples were globally slightly less informative, especially concerning the high-MW subproteome. As a further investigation, new insights into the molecular aspects of protein fixation and retrieval were obtained. In conclusion, archival FFPE samples can be reliably used for differential proteomics studies employing a spectral counting GeLC-MS/MS approach, although some typical biases need to be taken into account, and FrFr specimens (when available) should still be considered as the gold standard for clinical proteomics.

Relationship of plasma galectin-3 to renal function in patients with heart failure: effects of clinical status, pathophysiology of heart failure, and presence or absence of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Galectin-3 (GAL-3), a β-galactoside-binding protein, is a new clinical biomarker believed to reflect cardiac remodeling/fibrosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Plasma GAL-3 is inversely related to renal function. It is not known whether the relationship between renal function and GAL-3 is influenced by clinical decompensation, type of HF, or the presence or absence of clinical HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients were prospectively categorized as having acute decompensated HF or stable HF on the basis of clinical status and as having HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or HF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Plasma GAL-3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with HF (n=75), control patients without HF (n=32), and control patients without HF with moderate renal insufficiency (n=12). Compared to controls without HF (14±4 ng/mL), GAL-3 was higher in patients with both acute decompensated HF (23±11 ng/mL) and stable HF (22±10 ng/mL) (P<0.001 versus controls for both) but did not differ between acute decompensated HF and stable HF (P=0.75). Likewise, GAL-3 was elevated in both HF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (23±9 ng/mL) and HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (22±11 ng/mL) (P<0.001 versus controls for both) but did not differ between HF with preserved ejection fraction and HF with reduced ejection fraction (P=0.37). GAL-3 correlated strongly with estimated glomerular filtration rate, both in patients with HF (r=-0.75, P<0.001) and in patients without HF (r=-0.82, P<0.001), and this relationship was unaffected by the presence or absence of clinical HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma GAL-3 is inversely related to renal function in patients with and without clinical HF. Concentrations of plasma GAL-3 do not seem to depend on the level of compensation or type of HF. Furthermore, the relationship between GAL-3 and renal function seems to be affected little or not at all by the presence or absence of clinical HF.

Canine tumors: a spontaneous animal model of human carcinogenesis

The enormous biologic complexity of human cancer has stimulated the development of more appropriate experimental models that could resemble in a natural and spontaneous manner the physiopathologic aspects of cancer biology. Companion animals have many desired characteristics that fill the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies, and these characteristics have proven to be important in understanding many complex molecular aspects of human cancer. Spontaneous tumors in dogs share a wide variety of epidemiologic, biologic, and clinical features with human cancer, which makes this animal model both attractive and underused in oncology research. In this review, we summarize the importance of naturally occurring canine tumors as valuable tools for studying numerous aspects of human cancer as well as the potential use of this animal model for the development of new cancer treatments. We address specifically the use of canine mammary tumors as an increasingly powerful model to study human breast cancer.