Alterations in the Th1/Th2 balance in breast cancer patients using reflexology and scalp massage

Integrated analysis of SKA1-related ceRNA network and SKA1 immunoassays in HCC: A study based on bioinformatic

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a global health challenge. Effective biomarkers are required for early diagnosis to improve survival rates of patients with HCC. Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunits 1 (SKA1) is essential for proper chromosome segregation in the mitotic cell cycle. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of SKA1 is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancers. The expression, prognostic value, and clinical functions of SKA1 in HCC were evaluated with several bioinformatics web portals. Additionally, we identified target long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs by analyzing messenger RNA (mRNA)-miRNA and miRNA-lncRNA interaction data and elucidated the potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism associated with SKA1. High SKA1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that SKA1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. GO and KEGG analyses showed that SKA1 is related to the cell cycle checkpoints, DNA replication and repair, Rho GTPases signaling, mitotic prometaphase, and kinesins. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that high levels of SKA1 are associated with cancer-promoting pathways. DNA methylation of SKA1 in HCC tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. Ultimately, the following 9 potential ceRNA-based pathways targeting SKA1 were identified: lncRNA: AC026401.3, Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 3 (SNHG3), and AC124798.1-miR-139-5p-SKA1; lncRNA: AC26356.1, Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 16 (SNHG16), and FGD5 Antisense RNA 1-miR-22-3p-SKA1; lncRNA: Cytoskeleton Regulator RNA (CYTOR), MIR4435-2 Host Gene, and differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA-miR-125b-5p-SKA1. SKA1 expression levels significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint genes in the HCC tissues. SKA1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC. This study provides a meaningful direction for research on SKA1-related mechanisms, which will be beneficial for future research on HCC-related molecular biological therapies and targeted immunotherapy.

The effectiveness of reflexology on mental health in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The current body of research examining the effectiveness of reflexology in patients with cancer have predominantly focused on managing physical symptoms and treatment side effects. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of reflexology on mental health outcomes in people with cancer.

METHODS

RCTs published in English and measuring stress, anxiety, depression or quality of life (QoL) were included. Eligible RCTs were identified through search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, OTseeker, PEDro (18 June 2021) and Google and Google Scholar (21 June 2021). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Randomised Controlled Trials Checklist was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were undertaken. The certainty of evidence was assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs (1356 adult participants) were included. Evidence for stress and anxiety (primary outcomes), as well as depression and QoL (secondary outcomes), were mixed and conflicting. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low.

CONCLUSION

An unequivocal recommendation supporting reflexology cannot be made. Greater utilisation of well-established reporting guidelines, together with increased investment in well-designed, high-quality clinical research are required.

IL-6: The Link Between Inflammation, Immunity and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in females. Over the past decades, intensive efforts have been made to uncover the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic factor which has a vital role in host defense immunity and acute stress. Moreover, a wide range of studies have identified the physiological and pathological roles of IL-6 in inflammation, immune and cancer. Recently, several IL-6 signaling pathway-targeted monoclonal antibodies have been developed for cancer and immune therapy. Combination of IL-6 inhibitory antibody with other pathways blockage drugs have demonstrated promising outcome in both preclinical and clinical trials. This review focuses on emerging studies on the strong linkages of IL-6/IL-6R mediated regulation of inflammation and immunity in cancer, especially in breast cancer.

Cyclophilin A is a factor of antitumor defense in the early stages of tumor development

Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a pro-inflammatory factor with multiple immunomodulating effects. Here, we investigated the effects of recombinant human CypA (rhCypA) as a factor of antitumor host defense. Our results demonstrated that rhCypA dramatically inhibited the growth of murine transplantable tumors (mammary adenocarcinoma Ca755, melanoma B16, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC), and cervical cancer CC-5). In the B16 model, rhCypA effects were observed only when tumor cells were transplanted at the significantly reduced injection dose, indicating that antitumor properties of rhCypA are more effective at the initial stages of cancer development. Antitumor effect of rhCypA in the CC-5 model was comparable to the action of 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and rhCypA administration prevented 5FU - induced leukopenia in the blood of tumor-bearing mice. In the LLC model, rhCypA injection before but not after tumor resection significantly suppressed the formation of post-surgical metastases. RhCypA exhibited no direct cytotoxic effects in vitro on human leukemia cells (K-562, HL-60, KG-1), indicating that rhCypA antitumor action could be mediated by its immunomodulating activity. In the B16 model, rhCypA had no impact on tumor angiogenesis and gene expression of several MMPs, endogenous CypA, and CD147, which play a crucial role in cancer progression. However, in this model, rhCypA stimulated gene expression of MMPs 8, 9, and 12 that could contribute to malignancy growth inhibition. Here, our findings pointed out CypA as one of the factors of antitumor host defense that can effectively control the initial stages of tumor and metastases formation by regulating the action of MMPs and changing the tumor microenvironment.

Stress and coping in women with breast cancer:unravelling the mechanisms to improve resilience

Breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, adjuvant therapies and survivorship can all be extremely stressful. In women, concerns about body image are common as a result of the disease and can affect interpersonal relationships, possibly leading to social isolation, increasing the likelihood for mood disorders. This is particularly relevant as women are at greater risk to develop anxiety and depressive symptoms in response to highly stressful situations. Here we address the mechanisms and the pathways activated as a result of stress and contributing to changes in the pathophysiology of breast cancer, as well as the potential of stress management factors and interventions in buffering the deleterious effects of chronic stress in a gender perspective. An improved understanding of the biological mechanisms linking stress-management resources to health-relevant biological processes in breast cancer patients could reveal novel therapeutic targets and help clarifying which psychosocial interventions can improve cancer outcomes, ultimately offering a unique opportunity to improve contemporary cancer treatments.

Using thermal imaging to measure changes in breast cancer-related lymphoedema during reflexology

Reflexology lymph drainage (RLD) for breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) may have a positive impact on arm swelling and pain. Thermal imaging is a means of tracking temperature change by visual images. This study aimed to explore the use of thermal imaging in treatment for BCRL. The swollen arms of two participants with BCRL were photographed using a thermal imaging camera during a single RLD treatment. Limb Volume Circumferential Measurement (LVCM) of both arms was taken before, after and the next day. The images were examined for visual changes, and temperature data were extracted. Images showed differences in temperature within the affected hand and arm over 45 minutes. LVCM data indicated a loss of limb volume in the affected arm in both cases, which continued to decrease over 24 hours. Thus, thermal imaging may be useful in tracking temperature change during treatment for BCRL.

Massage therapy as a complementary treatment for Parkinson's disease: A Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

There is no definite cure for Parkinson's disease (PD); therefore, the goals for symptomatic treatment are to improve quality of life and manage the motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease. Although massage is the one of the commonest used forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), there is no systematically-oriented review focusing specifically on the efficacy of the different massage techniques on PD.Aim of this review was to evaluate the quality of evidence referring to massage therapy for PD.

DESIGN

A systematic search was conductedin the MEDLINE database to identify the efficacy of massage on PD between 01/01/1970 and 06/12/2019.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies were analyzed in this systematic review. Massage therapy seems to induce relaxation in most cases, which is accompanied by biological measures involving urine stress hormones. Quality of life has been shown to be improved upon various therapeutic massage styles, involving classical whole-body therapeutic massage and reflexology. Non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depressive symptoms have been demonstrated to be improved upon different massage techniques, including classical deep therapeutic massage, Traditional Japanese (Anma) massage, Thai massage, neuromuscular therapy and Yin Tui Na massage. Regarding motor symptoms, classical therapeutic massage, Traditional Japanese (Anma) massage, Thai massage, and neuromuscular therapy seemed to improve motor symptoms, whereas Yin Tui Na technique combined with acupuncture was associated with worse motor scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the methodological concerns regarding the existing evidence, there is a wide range of safe massage techniques with beneficial effects on both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Longitudinal studies are needed to justify the introduction of massage therapy into clinical practice.

Complementary Therapies as a Strategy to Reduce Stress and Stimulate the Immunity of Women With Breast Cancer

The stress associated with cancer development leads to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and suppresses important facets of the immune response. The use of complementary therapies in the treatment of women with breast cancer has demonstrated therapeutic benefits that entail improvements in the patients’ quality of life. The objective of this article is to present evidence on the use of complementary therapies as a stress reduction strategy and on its stimulating effects on the immune system of women with breast cancer. This is a reflexive updating article that will support the health professionals’ understanding on the use of complementary therapies in breast cancer care. The use of complementary therapies in the treatment of women with breast cancer has significantly improved these subjects’ stress, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and consequently, their quality of life, as well as their immune response, which is mainly illustrated by the increased number and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells. Clinicians, health professionals and patients need to be cautious about using complementary therapies and fully understand the real benefits and risks associated with each therapy. Little or no supporting evidence is available to clarify the effects on the immune system of women with breast cancer, and the consequent therapeutic benefits obtained through the use of these practices.

Complementary Therapies as a Strategy to Reduce Stress and Stimulate Immunity of Women With Breast Cancer

The stress associated with cancer development leads to disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and suppresses important facets of the immune response. The use of complementary therapies in the treatment of women with breast cancer has demonstrated therapeutic benefits that entail improvements in the patients’ quality of life. The objective of this article is to present evidence on the use of complementary therapies as a stress reduction strategy and on its stimulating effects on the immune system of women with breast cancer. This is a reflexive updating article that will support the health professionals’ understanding on the use of complementary therapies in breast cancer care. The use of complementary therapies in the treatment of women with breast cancer has significantly improved these subjects’ stress, depression, fatigue, anxiety, and, consequently, their quality of life, as well as their immune response, which is mainly illustrated by the increased number and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells. Clinicians, health professionals, and patients need to be cautious about using complementary therapies and fully understand the real benefits and risks associated with each therapy. Little or no supporting evidence is available to clarify the effects on the immune system of women with breast cancer, and the consequent therapeutic benefits obtained through the use of these practices.

A Prospective Cohort Study on the Impact of Reflexology in Patients With Breast Cancer Using the MYCaW Scale

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer treatment and recovery remain physically and psychologically challenging for patients. Reflexology has been studied as a complementary therapy to help relieve patients of the physical and psychological stresses involved with breast cancer. As a result of recent positive evidence, we studied its effects quantitatively from 2015 to 2016.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-two patients completed pre- and post-reflexology intervention 'Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing' (MYCaW) questionnaires. Patients were subdivided into breast cancer (BC) and non-breast cancer (NBC) groups. Concerns raised were subdivided in subcategory groups as per MYCaW guidelines and analyzed for improvements in each domain.

RESULTS

Thirty (57.7%) patients in the BC group and 22 (42.3%) patients in the NBC group were analyzed. In the BC group, there was a 46.2% improvement in patients' concerns, and in the NBC group, a 41.4% improvement in concerns were noted. Overall, the symptoms improved by 44.2% (P < .0001). There was an improvement of 43.4% in patient well-being in the BC group, and a 37.8% change in the NBC group, signifying a total improvement in well-being of 41.2%. There was an improvement of 46.4% in the MYCaW scores; 46.4% in the BC group and 42.6% in the NBC group, signifying a combined average improvement of 42.4%. Patients with poor energy level, sleep problems, stress and tension, and hot flushes and sweats experienced the most improvement in their concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that reflexology has significantly improved patient-reported outcomes using the MYCaW scale. These findings are encouraging and reflect that increased attention to strategies focusing on improving psychological well-being can help patients in managing their symptoms.

Combination of Ginsenoside H dripping pills and cyclophosphamide improve paraneoplastic syndrome and inhibit postoperative recurrence via the reversion of Th1/Th2 shift

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is recognized as the most common malignant disease worldwide and combination treatment is recommended as its first line therapy. As a Ph2 clinical product, Ginsenoside H dripping pills (GH) is proposed as an adjuvant of chemotherapy. In the present study, we utilized a postoperative model to evaluate the efficacy of GH on the functions of anti-recurrence and improvement of life quality when combined with chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CTX). Specifically, the anti-recurrence effect was evaluated by tumor inhibiting rate and the improvement of life quality was evaluated by the remission of splenomegaly and emaciation. The underlying mechanisms were explored via quantitative real time-PCR, Elisa and IHC staining. Results showed that GH had a synergy when combined with CTX against tumor recurrence, significantly improved the life quality of postoperative patients via remitting splenomegaly and emaciation. H&E staining showed that GH could increase the number of splenic T cells, which were inhibited after CTX administration. Furthermore, the reversion of Th1/Th2 shift, which had been verified by different methods, may account for one of the mechanisms of the synergy. All these results indicated Ginsenoside H dripping pills as a promising adjuvant for postoperative chemotherapy of NSCLC.

Laser acupuncture versus reflexology therapy in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis

The purposes of this study are to determine and compare efficacy of laser acupuncture versus reflexology in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged between 60 and 70 years were classified into two groups, 15 patients each. Group A received laser acupuncture therapy (904 nm, beam area of 1cm², power 100 mW, power density 100 mW/cm², energy dosage 4 J, energy density 4 J/cm², irradiation time 40 s, and frequency 100,000 Hz). The acupuncture points that were exposed to laser radiation are LR3, ST25, ST36, SI3, SI4, LI4, LI11, SP6, SP9, GB25, GB34, and HT7. While group B received reflexology therapy, both offered 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The changes in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, MDA, ATP, and ROM at wrist and ankle joints were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. There was significant decrease in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, and MDA pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ATP pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation ROM pre/posttreatment in group A (p < 0.05); and significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion and ankle plantar-flexion ROM pre/posttreatment in group B (p < 0.05). Comparison between both groups showed a statistical significant decrease in MDA and a statistical significant increase in ATP in group A than group B. Percent of changes in MDA was 41.82%↓ in group A versus 21.68%↓ in group B; changes in ATP was 226.97%↑ in group A versus 67.02%↑ in group B. Moreover, there was a statistical significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation in group A than group B. Laser therapy is associated with significant improvement in MDA and ATP greater than reflexology. In addition, it is associated with significant improvement in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation greater than reflexology in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Influence of Study Design on Outcomes Following Reflexology Massage: An Integrative and Critical Review of Interventional Studies

BACKGROUND

Interpretation of the efficacy of reflexology is hindered by inconsistent research designs and complicated by professional views that criteria of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)are not ideal to research holistic complementary and alternative medicine practice. The influence of research designs on study outcomes is not known. This integrative review sought to evaluate this possibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven interventional studies (2000-2014) were identified; they had RCT or non-RCT design and compared reflexology outcomes against a control/comparison group. Viability of integrating RCT and non-RCT studies into a single database was first evaluated by appraisal of 16 reporting fields related to study setting and objectives, sample demographics, methodologic design, and treatment fidelity and assessment against Jadad score quality criteria for RCTs. For appraisal, the database was stratified into RCT/non-RCT or Jadad score of 3 or more or less than 3. Deficits in reporting were identified for blind assignment of participants, dropout/completion rate, and School of Reflexology. For comparison purposes, these fields were excluded from subsequent analysis for evidence of association between design fields and of fields with study outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies applied psychometric tools and 20 applied biometric tools (14 applied both). A total of 116 measures were used. Type of measure was associated with study objectives (p < 0.001; chi-square), in particular of psychometric measures with a collated "behavioral/cognitive" objective. Significant outcomes were more likely (p < 0.001; chi-square) for psychometric than for biometric measures. Neither type of outcome was associated with choice of RCT or non-RCT method, but psychometric responses were associated (p = 0.007) with a nonmassage control strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

The review supports psychometric responses to reflexology when study design uses a nonmassage control strategy. Findings suggest that an evaluation of outcomes against sham reflexology massage and other forms of massage, as well as a narrower focus of study objective, may clarify whether there is a relationship between study design and efficacy of reflexology.

Decreased Cortisol and Pain in Breast Cancer: Biofield Therapy Potential

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races. Pain is a common symptom associated with cancer; 75–90% of cancer patients experience pain during their illness and up to 50% of that pain is undertreated. Unrelieved pain leads to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of bioenergy on fecal cortisol levels for mice injected with murine mammary carcinoma 4T1 in two separate pilot studies. Using a multiple experimental group design, six to eight week old female BALB/c mice were injected with tumor and randomly assigned, in groups of 10, to daily treatment, every other day treatment, and no treatment groups. Five days after tumor cell injection, bioenergy interventions were begun for a period of ten consecutive days. Fecal samples were collected for each study and ELISA analysis was conducted at the end of both studies. For both studies, cortisol levels were decreased in the every other day treatment groups but remained high in the no treatment groups. Future studies utilizing bioenergy therapies on cortisol levels in a murine breast cancer model can begin to describe pain outcomes and therapeutic dose.

Clinical significance of serum T helper 1/T helper 2 cytokine shift in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

The aim of this study was to explore the T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine shift and its clinical significance in the peripheral blood and tumor tissues of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In total, 124 NSCLC patients who were admitted to Xinxiang Central Hospital were selected, along with 124 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination at the same hospital during this period (as controls). ELISA was conducted to detect the Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in the peripheral blood of patients in the two groups prior to and following radical surgery treatment. In addition, the Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels in the peripheral blood of the observation group were measured following surgery to analyze the correlation between relapse and survival. Compared with the control group, interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-10 concentrations in the peripheral blood of the observation group, prior to and following surgery, were significantly higher, whilst IL-2 and interferon-γ (INF-γ) concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.05). In the observation group, the IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations were significantly decreased following surgery, as compared with prior to surgery (P<0.05), whilst the IL-2 and INF-γ concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05). The one- and three-year cumulative relapse frequencies of patients with postoperative IL-4 abnormalities were significantly increased compared with those in patients with normal IL-4 levels following surgery (P<0.05), and the median survival time and survival rate significantly decreased in patients with postoperative IL-4 abnormalities (P<0.05). In terms of the three-year cumulative relapse rate, median survival time, and one- and three-year cumulative survival rate, patients with postoperative IL-2, IL-10 and INF-γ level abnormalities did not present any statistical significance compared with those without such abnormalities (P>0.05). In conclusion, Th2 cytokines dominate the peripheral blood of NSCLC patients and radical surgery treatment may improve the Th1/Th2 shift in patients. Furthermore, postoperative IL-4 levels were observed to correlate with relapse and the survival rate of patients; therefore, IL-4 may be considered as an auxiliary in the postoperative diagnosis during clinical practice.

The physiological and biochemical outcomes associated with a reflexology treatment: a systematic review

Background. Reflexology is one of the top forms of complementary and alternative medicine in the UK and is used for healthcare by a diverse range of people. However, it is offered by few healthcare providers as little scientific evidence is available explaining how it works or any health benefits it may confer. The aim of this review was to assess the current evidence available from reflexology randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated changes in physiological or biochemical outcomes. Methods. Guidelines from the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions were followed: the following databases were searched from inception to December 2013: AMED, CAM Quest, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline Ovid, Proquest, and Pubmed. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two members of the review team and overall strength of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Results. Seventeen eligible RCTs met all inclusion criteria. A total of 34 objective outcome measures were analysed. Although twelve studies showed significant changes within the reflexology group, only three studies investigating blood pressure, cardiac index, and salivary amylase resulted in significant between group changes in favour of reflexology. The overall quality of the studies was low.

Massage interventions and treatment-related side effects of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Massage as a complementary and alternative therapy has been associated with enhancing health and coping with treatment-related side effects in patients with breast cancer worldwide. This systematic review examined whether massage interventions provide any measurable benefit in breast cancer-related symptoms.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched for in PubMed, EMBASE.com and the Cochrane Library through June 2013. We evaluated the quality of the studies included by the Cochrane Handbook 5.2 standards and analyzed the data using the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.2 software.

RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs with a total of 950 participants were included. Compared with the control group, our meta-analysis showed that patients receiving regular use of massage had significantly greater reductions in anger and fatigue symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in depression, anxiety, pain, upper limb lymphedema, cortisol and health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence demonstrates that there was mild evidence that massage may be a useful intervention in alleviating negative emotions and fatigue in patients with breast cancer. More trials with longer follow-up are needed to determine the exact long-term efficacy of this class of complementary and alternative medicine on breast cancer-related symptoms and quality of life.