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Mikou P, Pergaris A, Engels M, Chandra A. Review of the impact of the International System for Serous Fluid Cytopathology. Cytopathology 2024; 35:16-22. [PMID: 37795809 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytology (TIS) has been proposed by an expert working team composed of the International Academy of Cytology and the American Society of Cytopathology, following an international survey. Since its introduction, the TIS has gained worldwide acceptance, and this review aims to assess its global impact. A literature search revealed 25 studies which have presented data on the impact of the TIS. Most of them provide data, including risk of malignancy (ROM) for each diagnostic category, separately for pleural, peritoneal and pericardial effusions, while a few do not separate them. A few studies focus on specific diagnoses like mesothelioma on specific types of fluids or more specific issues like the optimal fluid volume for cytology or interobserver variability. A synopsis of the data from the literature search is presented in four tables. The ROM assessment is discussed, as well as interobserver variability and the use of ancillary diagnostic immunochemistry. In conclusion, our review of the published data suggests that the TIS is a valid classification scheme that has been widely accepted by pathologists globally, is highly reproducible and makes a valuable contribution to clinical therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Pergaris A, Genaris I, Stergiou IE, Klijanienko J, Papadakos SP, Theocharis S. The Clinical Impact of Death Domain-Associated Protein and Holliday Junction Recognition Protein Expression in Cancer: Unmasking the Driving Forces of Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5165. [PMID: 37958340 PMCID: PMC10650673 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Death domain-associated protein (DAXX) and Holliday junction recognition protein (HJURP) act as chaperones of H3 histone variants H3.3 and centromere protein A (CENPA), respectively, and are implicated in many physiological processes, including aging and epigenetic regulation, by controlling various genes' transcription and subsequently protein expression. Research has highlighted both these biomolecules as participants in key procedures of tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, chromosome instability, and oncogene expression. As cancer continues to exert a heavy impact on patients' well-being and bears substantial socioeconomic ramifications, the discovery of novel biomarkers for timely disease detection, estimation of prognosis, and therapy monitoring remains of utmost importance. In the present review, we present data reported from studies investigating DAXX and HJURP expression, either on mRNA or protein level, in human tissue samples from various types of neoplasia. Of note, the expression of DAXX and HJURP has been associated with a multitude of clinicopathological parameters, including disease stage, tumor grade, patients' overall and disease-free survival, as well as lymphovascular invasion. The data reveal the tumor-promoting properties of DAXX and HJURP in a number of organs as well as their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers and underline the important association between aberrations in their expression and patients' prognosis, rendering them as possible targets of future, personalized and precise therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (I.G.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Ioannis Genaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (I.G.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (I.G.); (S.P.P.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (I.G.); (S.P.P.)
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Vallilas C, Papadakos SP, Androutsakos T, Pergaris A, Sarantis P, Apostolidi EA, Griniatsos J, Karamouzis MV, Sougioultzis S. Unusual Presentation of an Uncommon Malignancy: A 74-Year-Old Woman with Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Large Intestine Presenting as a Liver Mass and the Therapeutic Management. Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e939862. [PMID: 37812585 PMCID: PMC10578500 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.939862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmoid tumors are a fibroblastic proliferation of soft tissues, with an extreme inclination for local dissemination and recurrence. Surgical excision is the usual treatment choice, with data regarding pharmaceutical treatment being scarce. CASE REPORT A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to "Laikon" General Hospital of Athens, Greece presenting with acute kidney injury secondary to diarrhea. The ultrasound, CT, and abdominal MRI performed showed a 12×6×10 cm tumorous liver lesion. Biopsy of the lesion revealed loosely organized, mesenchymal tissue with spindle cells, and myxoid stroma. Immunochemistry was positive for SMA and b-catenin. Right hemicolectomy was performed with tumor-free surgical margins (R0 resection) and tamoxifen was initiated. Six months after the last MRI (3 months after the use of tamoxifen), a follow-up MRI was performed. The tumor had increased to 14.2×11×12.3 cm, and at the next follow-up it had grown to 20.3×19 cm maximal dimensions; no new metastases were found. The patient received sorafenib and pazopanib. Our patient had PFS with sorafenib for more than 2 years and remained in a good performance status (ECOG 1). For Pazopanid, the median PFS for this treatment option was 6.5 months. CONCLUSIONS The results were good and show a promising method for the treatment of this rare but severe malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Vallilas
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Athens “Laiko” Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, , Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Laikon” General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini A. Apostolidi
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Laikon” General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John Griniatsos
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros Sougioultzis
- Department of Pathophysiology, “Laikon” General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Mylonakis A, Karydakis L, Davakis S, Panagakis A, Kaniadaki M, Pergaris A, Alexandrou A, Papalampros A, Sakarellos P. A Huge Asymptomatic Urachal Mucinous Cystic Carcinoma: A Case Report With Differential Diagnosis and Surgical Considerations. Cureus 2023; 15:e37036. [PMID: 37143634 PMCID: PMC10153764 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic mucinous neoplasms of urachal origin cover a wide spectrum of benign and malignant lesions arising from the remnants of the urachus. They display various degrees of tumor cell atypia and local invasion, with no reported cases of metastasis or recurrence after complete surgical resection. We present a 47-year-old man who referred to our Surgical Department due to an abdominal cystic mass incidentally found upon abdominal ultrasound. He underwent en block resection of the cystic mass along with partial bladder dome cystectomy. The histopathology of the resected specimen revealed a cystic mucinous epithelial tumor of low malignant potential with areas of intraepithelial carcinoma. The patient showed no evidence of disease recurrence or distant metastasis 6 months after resection and is scheduled for follow-up with serial MRI or CT scans and blood tumor markers over the next 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mylonakis
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Lysandros Karydakis
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Spyridon Davakis
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Andreas Panagakis
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Maria Kaniadaki
- First Deparment of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Andreas Alexandrou
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Alexandros Papalampros
- First Department of Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Panagiotis Sakarellos
- First Department of Surgey, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
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Voulgari O, Goutas D, Pergaris A, Belogiannis K, Thymara E, Kavantzas N, Lazaris AC. Correlations of PTEN and ERG Immunoexpression in Prostate Carcinoma and Lesions Related to Its Natural History: Clinical Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2767-2780. [PMID: 37185705 PMCID: PMC10136580 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of our study was to observe the associations between the ETS-related gene (ERG) and the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) immunoexpression in prostate cancer and related lesions and highlight the clinical significance of these findings. Methods: We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of ERG and PTEN in a series of 151 invasive prostate adenocarcinomas, including low-grade (Gleason grade pattern 3) and high-grade (Gleason grade patterns 4, 5) morphological patterns which corresponded to 45.5% and 54.4% of the cases, respectively. Additionally, we evaluated the immunoexpression of the two markers both in foci of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), as a precursor lesion of cancer, and in foci of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP). Finally, to ensure the malignant nature of the prostate glands examined, we employed p63 and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) expression. Results: We found that PTEN loss was observed in 50.7%, and ERG positivity was detected in 41.8% of our cancerous samples. In HGPIN, PTEN loss appeared to be linked with a high-grade adjacent invasive carcinoma component which also displayed PTEN loss. As far as IDCP is concerned, ERG immunonegativity was correlated with adjacent high-grade invasive cancer, which was also ERG immunonegative. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the clonal expansion of invasive cancer appears to be associated with distinct immunophenotypic cellular alterations of both early and late cancer-related histological lesions. Patients with PTEN loss in HGPIN in prostate biopsies should be closely monitored due to the increased likelihood of having an associated invasive high-grade carcinoma that may have not been sampled. Given the clinical significance that derives from PTEN expression in HGPIN lesions, we suggest the routine use of PTEN immunohistochemistry in prostate cancer biopsies in which HGPIN is the only finding.
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Hadjimichael AC, Foukas AF, Papadimitriou E, Kaspiris A, Peristiani C, Chaniotakis I, Kotsari M, Pergaris A, Theocharis S, Sarantis P, Christopoulou M, Psyrri A, Mavrogenis AF, Savvidou OD, Papagelopoulos PJ, Armakolas A. Doxycycline inhibits the progression of metastases in early-stage osteosarcoma by downregulating the expression of MMPs, VEGF and ezrin at primary sites. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100617. [PMID: 36027697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary osseous malignant tumour, with high propensity to metastasise in lungs. Pulmonary micro-metastases are present in up to 80% of patients at initial diagnosis and they are associated with significantly worse prognosis. Doxycycline (Dox) is a synthetic tetracycline that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in vitro and in vivo, and inhibit angiogenesis - effects that may prove beneficial for several types of cancer. The aim of the present work was to study how Dox affects OS cell growth in vitro and in vivo and OS-driven pulmonary metastasis in vivo. METHODS In vitro, the effect of Dox was measured in MG-63 and 143B human OS cell viability, apoptosis, invasion and migration. In vivo, highly metastatic 143B cells were orthotopically implanted into the tibia of SCID mice. The tumour growth and pulmonary metastases between Dox treated and untreated, non-amputated and early amputated xenografts were examined. RESULTS In vitro, Dox decreased viability, inhibited invasion, migration, and induced the apoptosis of OS cells. In vivo, Dox significantly enhanced tumour necrosis at primary OS sites, similarly to its in vitro effect, and downregulated the expression of Ki67, MMP2, MMP9, VEGFA and ezrin. It also decreased circulating VEGFA and MMP9 protein levels, in line with the decreased metastatic burden in Dox-treated mice (non-amputated and early-amputated). CONCLUSIONS Reprofiling of Dox can prevent the evolvement of pulmonary micro-metastases to clinically detectable macro-metastases and suppress the lethal progress of OS by inhibiting the expression of MMPs, VEGFA and ezrin at primary sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris C Hadjimichael
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, W2 1NY, London, UK.
| | - Athanasios F Foukas
- Third Department of Orthopaedic surgery, "KAT" General Hospital of Athens, 2, Nikis Street, 14561, Kifissia, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Papadimitriou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - Angelos Kaspiris
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - Chrysostomi Peristiani
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,75, Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Chaniotakis
- Healthcare Directorate of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Athens, 3, P. Kanellopoulou Street, 11525, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Kotsari
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Physiology Lab, Bld 16, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece..
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece.
| | - Magdalini Christopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital,1 Rimini Street, Chaidari, 12462, Athens, Greece.
| | - Andreas F Mavrogenis
- First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Attikon University hospital, Athens,1 Rimini Street, Chaidari,12462, Athens, Greece..
| | - Olga D Savvidou
- First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Attikon University hospital, Athens,1 Rimini Street, Chaidari,12462, Athens, Greece..
| | - Panayiotis J Papagelopoulos
- First Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Attikon University hospital, Athens,1 Rimini Street, Chaidari,12462, Athens, Greece..
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Physiology Lab, Bld 16, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece..
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Hadjimichael AC, Pergaris A, Kaspiris A, Foukas AF, Kokkali S, Tsourouflis G, Theocharis S. The EPH/Ephrin System in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas' Pathogenesis and Therapy: New Advancements and a Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095171. [PMID: 35563562 PMCID: PMC9100911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal sarcomas represent rare heterogenous malignancies of mesenchymal origin that can be divided in two distinct subtypes, bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Current treatment options combine the surgical excision of local tumors and multidrug chemotherapy to prevent metastatic widespread disease. Due to the grim prognosis that usually accompanies such tumors, researchers have attempted to shed light on the molecular pathways implicated in their pathogenesis in order to develop novel, innovative, personalized therapeutic strategies. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) are tyrosine-kinase transmembrane receptors that, along with their ligands, ephrins, participate in both tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting signaling pathways in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The EPH/ephrin axis orchestrates cancerous processes such as cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesion and enhances the remodeling of the intracellular cytoskeleton to stimulate the motility and invasiveness of sarcoma cells. The purpose of our study was to review published PubMed literature to extract results from in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials indicative of the role of EPH/ephrin signaling in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Based on these reports, significant interactions between the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway and a plethora of normal and abnormal cascades contribute to molecular mechanisms enhancing malignancy during sarcoma progression. In addition, EPHs and ephrins are prospective candidates for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic purposes in the clinical setting against bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris C. Hadjimichael
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Angelos Kaspiris
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Athanasios F. Foukas
- Third Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “KAT” General Hospital of Athens, Nikis 2, 14561 Kifissia, Greece;
| | - Stefania Kokkali
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Pergaris A, Danas E, Gajdzis P, Levidou G, Gajdzis M, Cassoux N, Gardrat S, Donizy P, Korkolopoulou P, Kavantzas N, Klijanienko J, Theocharis S. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA6 Expression in Uveal Melanomas: Searching for the Culprits of Neoplasia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051025. [PMID: 35626181 PMCID: PMC9139903 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanomas (UMs) comprise the most common primary intraocular malignancies in adults, with the eye representing the second most common site for melanoma, following the skin. Prognosis remains poor, with approximately half of the cases presenting with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest known family of tyrosine receptors, in which, along with their ligands, ephrins, play an important role in a plethora of processes in human physiology, and are implicated in key steps of carcinogenesis. In the present study, EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA6 immunohistochemical expressions were investigated in UM tissues and further correlated to a multitude of clinicopathological parameters, including disease stage and patients’ overall survival (OS). High levels of EPHA2 expression were significantly associated with increased tumor vertical thickness (p = 0.03) and the presence of intrascleral involvement (p = 0.05), whereas high EPHA6 nuclear expression was associated with older age at diagnosis (p = 0.03) and absence of retinal detachment (p = 0.05). In a multivariate survival analysis, increased EPHA4 expression was associated with shortened OS along with the presence of metastasis (p < 0.001) and monosomy 3 (p = 0.02). In a separate model, the concurrent overexpression of at least two of the investigated EPHs (HR = 14.7, p = 0.03) also proved to be an independent poor prognostic factor. In conclusion, our results implicate these specific members of the EPHA group as potential biomarkers for disease prognosis as well as possible targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Eugene Danas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Pawel Gajdzis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Wroclaw Medical
University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.G.); (P.D.)
| | - Georgia Levidou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Gajdzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Nathalie Cassoux
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Sophie Gardrat
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Piotr Donizy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Wroclaw Medical
University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.G.); (P.D.)
| | - Penelope Korkolopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Kavantzas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld. 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (E.D.); (G.L.); (P.K.); (N.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-746-2116; Fax: +30-210-746-2157
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Googe PB, Theocharis S, Pergaris A, Li H, Yan Y, McKenna E, Moschos SJ. Theragnostic significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Ki67 in BRAFV600-mutant metastatic melanoma (BRIM-3 trial). Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Papadakos SP, Dedes N, Pergaris A, Gazouli M, Theocharis S. Exosomes in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Moonshot to PDAC Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3620. [PMID: 35408980 PMCID: PMC8998433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes a leading cause of cancer death globally. Its mortality remains unaltered despite the considerable scientific progress made in the fields of diagnostics and treatment. Exosomes comprise of small extracellular vesicles secreted by nearly all cells; their cargo contains a vast array of biomolecules, such as proteins and microRNAs. It is currently established that their role as messengers is central to a plethora of both physiologic and pathologic processes. Accumulating data have shed light on their contributions to carcinogenesis, metastasis, and immunological response. Meanwhile, the advancement of personalized targeted therapies into everyday clinical practice necessitates the development of cost-efficient treatment approaches. The role of exosomes is currently being extensively investigated towards this direction. This review aims to summarize the current pre-clinical and clinical evidence regarding the effects of exosomal applications in the timely diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (N.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Nikolaos Dedes
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (N.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (N.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (N.D.); (A.P.)
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Goutas N, Theocharis S. Utilizing Exosomal-EPHs/Ephrins as Biomarkers and as a Potential Platform for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Exosomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073551. [PMID: 35408909 PMCID: PMC8998366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are cell-secreted nanoparticles containing various molecules including small vesicles, microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNAs or bioactive proteins which are thought to be of paramount importance for intercellular communication. The unique effects of exosomes in terms of cell penetration capacity, decreased immunogenicity and inherent stability, along with their key role in mediating information exchange among tumor cells and their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), render them a promising platform for drug targeted delivery. Compared to synthetic drugs, exosomes boast a plethora of advantages, including higher biocompatibility, lower toxicity and increased ability of tissue infiltration. Nevertheless, the use of artificial exosomes can be limited in practice, partly due to their poor targeting ability and partly due to their limited efficacy. Therefore, efforts have been made to engineer stem cell-derived exosomes in order to increase selectiveness and effectivity, which can then become loaded with various active substances depending on the therapeutic approach followed. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), along with their ligands, the EPH family receptor interacting proteins (ephrins), have been extensively investigated for their key roles in both physiology and cancer pathogenesis. EPHs/ephrins exhibit both tumorigenic and tumor suppressing properties, with their targeting representing a promising, novel therapeutic approach in cancer patients’ management. In our review, the use of ephrin-loaded exosomes as a potential therapeutic targeted delivery system in cancer will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Goutas
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.P.); (S.T.)
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12
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Papadakos SP, Petrogiannopoulos L, Pergaris A, Theocharis S. The EPH/Ephrin System in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052761. [PMID: 35269901 PMCID: PMC8910949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The EPH/ephrin system constitutes a bidirectional signaling pathway comprised of a family of tyrosine kinase receptors in tandem with their plasma membrane-bound ligand (ephrins). Its significance in a wide variety of physiologic and pathologic processes has been recognized during the past decades. In carcinogenesis, EPH/ephrins coordinate a wide spectrum of pathologic processes, such as angiogenesis, vessel infiltration, and metastasis. Despite the recent advances in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and treatment, it remains a leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9.2% of all cancer deaths. A growing body of literature has been published lately revitalizing our scientific interest towards the role of EPH/ephrins in pathogenesis and the treatment of CRC. The aim of the present review is to present the recent CRC data which might lead to clinical practice changes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Petrogiannopoulos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
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13
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Nikas I, Giaginis C, Petrouska K, Alexandrou P, Michail A, Sarantis P, Tsourouflis G, Danas E, Pergaris A, Politis PK, Nakopoulou L, Theocharis S. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020366. [PMID: 35204461 PMCID: PMC8871500 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research continues to elucidate the complex role of ephrin receptors (EPHs) and their ligands (ephrins) in breast cancer pathogenesis, with their varying expression patterns implied to have an important impact on patients’ outcome. The current study aims to investigate the clinical significance of EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBC tissue sections from 52 TNBC patients and correlated with key clinicopathologic parameters and patients’ survival data (overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS)). EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression was further examined in TNBC cell lines. EPHA2 overexpression was observed in 26 (50%) of the TNBC cases, who exhibited a shorter OS and DFS than their low-expression counterparts, with EPHA2 representing an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0232, respectively). EPHA4 overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients (p = 0.0546). Alterations in EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression levels were also noted in the examined TNBC cell lines. Our study stresses that EPHA2 expression constitutes a potential prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Given the limited treatment options and poorer outcome that accompany the TNBC subtype, EPHA2 could also pose as a target for novel, more personalized, and effective therapeutic approaches for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Nikas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, 811 00 Lemnos, Greece;
| | - Kalliopi Petrouska
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Paraskevi Alexandrou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eugene Danas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Lydia Nakopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 30-210-7462178; Fax: + 30-210-7456259
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Psilopatis I, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors: A Promising Therapeutic Alternative for Endometrial Carcinoma. Dis Markers 2021; 2021:7850688. [PMID: 34804263 PMCID: PMC8604582 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7850688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract in the United States. Epigenetic alterations are implicated in endometrial cancer development and progression. Histone deacetylase inhibitors are a novel class of anticancer drugs that increase the level of histone acetylation in many cell types, thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, differentiation, and apoptotic cell death. This review is aimed at determining the role of histone acetylation and examining the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in endometrial cancer. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms histone deacetylase, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and endometrial cancer were employed, and we were able to identify fifty-two studies focused on endometrial carcinoma and published between 2001 and 2021. Deregulation of histone acetylation is involved in the tumorigenesis of both endometrial carcinoma histological types and accounts for high-grade, aggressive carcinomas with worse prognosis and decreased overall survival. Histone deacetylase inhibitors inhibit tumor growth, enhance the transcription of silenced physiologic genes, and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in endometrial carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of histone deacetylase inhibitors with traditional chemotherapeutic agents shows synergistic cytotoxic effects in endometrial carcinoma cells. Histone acetylation plays an important role in endometrial carcinoma development and progression. Histone deacetylase inhibitors show potent antitumor effects in various endometrial cancer cell lines as well as tumor xenograft models. Additional clinical trials are however needed to verify the clinical utility and safety of these promising therapeutic agents in the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Charité-University School of Medicine, Augustenburger Pl. 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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15
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Hadjimichael AC, Pergaris A, Kaspiris A, Foukas AF, Theocharis SE. Liquid Biopsy: A New Translational Diagnostic and Monitoring Tool for Musculoskeletal Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11526. [PMID: 34768955 PMCID: PMC8583711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue and bone sarcomas represent a group of aggressive neoplasms often accompanied by dismal patient prognosis, especially when distant metastases are present. Moreover, effective treatment can pose a challenge, as recurrences are frequent and almost half of patients present with advanced disease. Researchers have unveiled the molecular abnormalities implicated in sarcomas' carcinogenesis, paving the way for novel treatment strategies based on each individual tumor's characteristics. Therefore, the development of new techniques aiding in early disease detection and tumor molecular profiling is imperative. Liquid biopsy refers to the sampling and analysis of patients' fluids, such as blood, to identify tumor biomarkers, through a variety of methods, including qRT-PCR, qPCR, droplet digital PCR, magnetic microbeads and digital PCR. Assessment of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating free DNA (ctDNA), micro RNAs (miRs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), exosomes and exosome-associated proteins can yield a plethora of information on tumor molecular signature, histologic type and disease stage. In addition, the minimal invasiveness of the procedure renders possible its wide application in the clinical setting, and, therefore, the early detection of the presence of tumors. In this review of the literature, we gathered information on biomarkers assessed through liquid biopsy in soft tissue and bone sarcoma patients and we present the information they can yield for each individual tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris C. Hadjimichael
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.)
- Third Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “KAT” General Hospital of Athens, Nikis 2, 14561 Kifissia, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Angelos Kaspiris
- Division for Orthopaedic Research, Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Athanasios F. Foukas
- Third Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “KAT” General Hospital of Athens, Nikis 2, 14561 Kifissia, Greece;
| | - Stamatios E. Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.)
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16
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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17
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Georgantzoglou N, Pergaris A, Masaoutis C, Theocharis S. Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers Carriers in Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis, Surveillance, and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052744. [PMID: 33803085 PMCID: PMC7963171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, enriched in biomolecular cargo consisting of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which take part in intercellular communication and play a crucial role in both physiologic functions and oncogenesis. Bladder cancer is the most common urinary malignancy and its incidence is steadily rising in developed countries. Despite the high five-year survival in patients diagnosed at early disease stage, survival substantially drops in patients with muscle-invasive or metastatic disease. Therefore, early detection of primary disease as well as recurrence is of paramount importance. The role that exosomal biomarkers could play in bladder cancer patient diagnosis and surveillance, as well as their potential therapeutic applications, has not been extensively studied in this malignancy. In the present review, we summarize all relevant data obtained so far from cell lines, animal models, and patient biofluids and tissues. Current literature suggests that urine is a rich source of extracellular vesicle-derived biomarkers, compared with blood and bladder tissue samples, with potential applications in bladder cancer management. Further studies improving sample collection procedures and optimizing purification and analytical methods should augment bladder cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic input of extracellular vesicles biomarkers in the future.
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Pouloudi D, Sotiriadis A, Theodorakidou M, Sarantis P, Pergaris A, Karamouzis MV, Theocharis S. The Impact of Angiogenesis in the Most Common Salivary Gland Malignant Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249335. [PMID: 33302367 PMCID: PMC7762607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) represent a group of rare tumors, with complete surgical resection being the main treatment option. Therapeutic armory for cases of locally aggressive, recurrent, and/or metastatic SGCs, though, remains poor since they exhibit high rates of resistance to systematic therapy. Angiogenesis is considered one of the contemporary hallmarks of cancer and anti-angiogenic factors have already been approved for the treatment of several cancer types. This review aims to summarize, in a histotype-specific manner, the most current available data on the angiogenic factors implicated in SGC angiogenesis, in order to highlight the differences between the most common SGC histotypes and the factors that may have a potential role as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Pouloudi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); (A.S.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Aristoteles Sotiriadis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); (A.S.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Margarita Theodorakidou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); (A.S.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.S.); (M.V.K.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); (A.S.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Michalis V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.S.); (M.V.K.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); (A.S.); (M.T.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-210-7462178; Fax: +30-210-7456259
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