Galectin-3 Protein Research Articles

Galectin-3 and Epithelial MUC1 Mucin-Interactions Supporting Cancer Development.

Aberrant glycosylation of cell surface proteins is a very common feature of many cancers. One of the glycoproteins, which undergoes specific alterations in the glycosylation of tumor cells is epithelial MUC1 mucin, which is highly overexpressed in the malignant state. Such changes lead to the appearance of tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) on MUC1, which are rarely seen in healthy cells. One of these structures is the Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide Galβ1-3GalNAc (T or TF antigen), which is typical for about 90% of cancers. It was revealed that increased expression of the T antigen has a big impact on promoting cancer progression and metastasis, among others, due to the interaction of this antigen with the β-galactose binding protein galectin-3 (Gal-3). In this review, we summarize current information about the interactions between the T antigen on MUC1 mucin and Gal-3, and their impact on cancer progression and metastasis.

Galectin-3 Mediates Tumor Progression in Astrocytoma by Regulating Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Activity

Numerous studies have considered galectin-3 or Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) as a potential prognosis marker for various cancers. However, the correlation between the protein expression of galectin-3/GSK3B and the clinical parameters of astrocytoma has not been reported. This study aims to validate the correlation between the clinical outcomes and protein expression of galectin-3/GSK3B in astrocytoma. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to detect galectin-3/GSK3B protein expression in patients with astrocytoma. The Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier evaluation, and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the correlation between clinical parameters and galectin-3/GSK3B expression. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were compared between a non-siRNA group and a galectin-3/GSK3B siRNA group. Protein expression in galectin-3 or GSK3B siRNA-treated cells was evaluated using western blotting. Galectin-3 and GSK3B protein expression were significantly positively correlated with the World Health Organization (WHO) astrocytoma grade and overall survival time. Multivariate analysis revealed that WHO grade, galectin-3 expression, and GSK3B expression were independent prognostic factors for astrocytoma. Galectin-3 or GSK3B downregulation induced apoptosis and decreased cell numbers, migration, and invasion. siRNA-mediated gene silencing of galectin-3 resulted in the downregulation of Ki-67, cyclin D1, VEGF, GSK3B, p-GSK3B Ser9 (p-GSK3B S9), and β-catenin. In contrast, GSK3B knockdown only decreased Ki-67, VEGF, p-GSK3B S9, and β-catenin protein expression but did not affect cyclin D1 and galectin-3 protein expression. The siRNA results indicated that GSK3B is downstream of the galectin-3 gene. These data support that galectin-3 mediated tumor progression by upregulating GSK3B and β-catenin protein expression in glioblastoma. Therefore, galectin-3 and GSK3B are potential prognostic markers, and their genes may be considered to be anticancer targets for astrocytoma therapy.

Role of galectin-3 in the elastic response of radial growth phase melanoma cancer cells.

Melanoma is originated from the malignant transformation of the melanocytes and is characterized by a high rate of invasion, the more serious stage compromising deeper layers of the skin and eventually leading to the metastasis. A high mortality due to melanoma lesion persists because most of melanoma lesions are detected in advanced stages, which decreases the chances of survival. The identification of the principal mechanics implicated in the development and progression of melanoma is essential to devise new early diagnosis strategies. Cell mechanics is related with a lot of cellular functions and processes, for instance motility, differentiation, migration and invasion. In particular, the elastic modulus (Young's modulus) is a very explored parameter to describe the cell mechanical properties; most cancer cells reported in the literature smaller elasticity modulus. In this work, we show that the elastic modulus of melanoma cells lacking galectin-3 is significantly lower than those of melanoma cells expressing galectin-3. More interestingly, the gradient of elastic modulus in cells from the nuclear region towards the cell periphery is more pronounced in shGal3 cells. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: AFM imaging and force spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology and elasticity properties of healthy HaCaT cells and melanoma cells WM1366, with (shSCR) and without (shGal3) expression of galectin-3. It is shown the effect of galectin-3 protein on the elastic properties of cells: the cells without expression of galectin-3 presents lower elastic modulus. By the results, we suggest here that galectin-3 could be used as an effective biomarker of malignancy in both melanoma diagnostic and prognosis.

Study of Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 in Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer that threatens the lives of women all over the world. Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin), and the β-galactoside-binding proteins (galectin-3) are new suggested parameters for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. Objective: To find relationship between serum adiponectin, leptin, and galectin-3 and breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis factors. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was done between (August 2021 to June 2022). Totally collected 111 female blood samples from patients that diagnosed with a breast cancer and healthy control, Samples were grouped into Group I (30 healthy control), Group II (43 patients pre-treatment), and Group III (38 patients post-treatment), from Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Nanakali Hospital, Hawler Teaching Hospital- General surgery and Neurosurgical Department, PAR Private Hospital, PAKY Hospital, and Rasul Private Hospital at Iraq-Erbil city and the age 18 up to 77 included in this study. Biochemical tests were performed (Adiponectin, Leptin, Galectin-3). These sample were analysed by using blood serum, statistically analysis the result. Results: The post-treatment, pre-treatment, and control in respectively about (60.52%, 60.46%, and 63.34%) were the majority of the study population (38-57) age group. There is a statistically significant differences between case and control groups in residency, family history, and BMI with a P-vale of (0.08, <0.001, 0.015), respectively. Leptin, adiponectin, and galectin-3 were statistically significant (0.007, <0.01, and <0.01), in respectively. About cancer characteristic galectin-3 was significant with (ER/PR) receptor (P:0.037) and grade (P:0.034), also leptin was significant with the grade (P: 0.025). Conclusion: We concluded that Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 were new potential biochemical marker for diagnosis and prognosis the breast cancer, would be useful and important marker for assessing and evaluating grad, and receptor of the therapy plan.

Study of Serum Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 in Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer that threatens the lives of women all over the world. Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin), and the β-galactoside-binding proteins (galectin-3) are new suggested parameters for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. Objective: To find relationship between serum adiponectin, leptin, and galectin-3 and breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis factors. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was done between (August 2021 to June 2022). Totally collected 111 female blood samples from patients that diagnosed with a breast cancer and healthy control, Samples were grouped into Group I (30 healthy control), Group II (43 patients pre-treatment), and Group III (38 patients post-treatment), from Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Nanakali Hospital, Hawler Teaching Hospital- General surgery and Neurosurgical Department, PAR Private Hospital, PAKY Hospital, and Rasul Private Hospital at Iraq-Erbil city and the age 18 up to 77 included in this study. Biochemical tests were performed (Adiponectin, Leptin, Galectin-3). These sample were analysed by using blood serum, statistically analysis the result. Results: The post-treatment, pre-treatment, and control in respectively about (60.52%, 60.46%, and 63.34%) were the majority of the study population (38-57) age group. There is a statistically significant differences between case and control groups in residency, family history, and BMI with a P-vale of (0.08, <0.001, 0.015), respectively. Leptin, adiponectin, and galectin-3 were statistically significant (0.007, <0.01, and <0.01), in respectively. About cancer characteristic galectin-3 was significant with (ER/PR) receptor (P:0.037) and grade (P:0.034), also leptin was significant with the ee (P: 0.025). Conclusion: We concluded that Adiponectin, Leptin, and Galectin-3 were new potential biochemical marker for diagnosis and prognosis the breast cancer, would be useful and important marker for assessing and evaluating grade, and receptor of the therapy plan.

Abstract 5425: Analysis of cancer patients’ molecular and clinical data using artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches

Abstract Background: Development and clinical course of cancer is multifactorial with influences from the general health status of the patient, germline and neoplastic mutations, co-morbidities, and environment including lifestyle. For effective and individualized treatment of each patient, such multifactorial data must be easy-to-access and easy-to-analyze. Purpose Statement: Cancers are characterized on a molecular level by the presence of complex gene mutations and other specific molecular markers. Moreover, special importance is placed on so-called cancer-critical genes, mutations of which are involved in the development and progression of various cancers. However, not all detected sequence alterations in these genes are known as cancer-causing mutations; thus, a more detailed and sensitive analysis is prudent. In addition, there is a limited number of established and reliable cancer biomarkers of sera. To that end, a complete analysis of molecular basis of cancer needs to include additional biomarkers such as galectins and glycans, since patients’ galectin and glycomic profiles have promising cancer differentiating and diagnostic potential. Methods: We utilized a Relational Database Management System populated by clinical data from the Prisma Health Cancer Institute Biorepository of ~6,000 cancer patients with at least 66 different cancer diagnoses. Molecular data is available for gene mutations, serum galectin proteins, and glycomic profiles of cancer patients. Mutation status of 50 cancer-critical genes in 1,500 patients, 320 individual patient profiles of 5 serum galectin proteins, and serum and tissue glycomic profiles of 60 patients have been included and will be expanded. In addition, healthy control values for galectin and glycomic profiles were obtained and added for reference. We performed statistical and AI models of Data Analytics using R, Python, and TensorFlow platforms. A comprehensive set of patient data was used to develop a predictive model of patient outcome using the clinical observations as the desired outcome. Results: The use of typical statistical analyses (linear and logistic regression) revealed insignificant correlation between the predictors and the cancer type of patient outcome. However, the use of the Decision Tree revealed some interesting relationships that can be used for explainability and reliability of the Machine Learning approaches. Finally, Artificial Neural Network approaches provided the best performance in classification of cancer types from the given information. Conclusion: Our studies provide predictive models that could potentially be used to improve the diagnostic and prognostic power of data collected from patients at presentation. However, the dichotomy of black box AI approaches that perform better than explainable approaches, complicate deployment of these techniques in the domain of medicine and healthcare. Citation Format: Ali Firooz, Avery T. Funkhouser, Julie C. Martin, W. Jeffery Edenfield, Homayoun Valafar, Anna V. Blenda. Analysis of cancer patients’ molecular and clinical data using artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5425.

Conserved Protein-Polymer Interactions across Structurally Diverse Polymers Underlie Alterations to Protein Thermal Unfolding.

Protein-polymer conjugates are widely used in many clinical and industrial applications, but lack of experimental data relating protein-polymer interactions to improved protein stability prevents their rational design. Advances in synthetic chemistry have expanded the palette of polymer designs, including development of nonlinear architectures, novel monomer chemical scaffolds, and control of hydrophobicity, but more experimental data are needed to transform advances in chemistry into next generation conjugates. Using an integrative biophysical approach, we investigated the molecular basis for polymer-based thermal stabilization of a human galectin protein, Gal3C, conjugated with polymers of linear and nonlinear architectures, different degrees of polymerization, and varying hydrophobicities. Independently varying the degree of polymerization and polymer architecture enabled delineation of specific polymer properties contributing to improved protein stability. Insights from NMR spectroscopy of the polymer-conjugated Gal3C backbone revealed patterns of protein-polymer interactions shared between linear and nonlinear polymer architectures for thermally stabilized conjugates. Despite large differences in polymer chemical scaffolds, protein-polymer interactions resulting in thermal stabilization appear conserved. We observed a clear relation between polymer length and protein-polymer thermal stability shared among chemically different polymers. Our data indicate a wide range of polymers may be useful for engineering conjugate properties and provide conjugate design criteria.

Mechanistic Insights into the Role of OPN in Mediating Brain Damage via Triggering Lysosomal Damage in Microglia/Macrophage.

We previously found that osteopontin (OPN) played a role in hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain damage. However, its underlying mechanism is still unknown. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the OPN protein was linked to the lysosomal cathepsin B (CTSB) and galectin-3 (GAL-3) proteins after HI exposure. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that OPN was able to play a critical role in the lysosomal damage of microglia/macrophages following HI insult in neonatal mice. The results showed that OPN expression was enhanced, especially in microglia/macrophages, and colocalized with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and GAL-3; this was accompanied by increased LAMP1 and GAL-3 expression, CTSB leakage, as well as impairment of autophagic flux in the early stage of the HI process. In addition, the knockdown of OPN expression markedly restored lysosomal function with significant improvements in the autophagic flux after HI insult. Interestingly, cleavage of OPN was observed in the ipsilateral cortex following HI. The wild-type OPN and C-terminal OPN (Leu152-Asn294), rather than N-terminal OPN (Met1-Gly151), interacted with GAL-3 to induce lysosomal damage. Furthermore, the secreted OPN stimulated lysosomal damage by binding to CD44 in microglia in vitro. Collectively, this study demonstrated that upregulated OPN in microglia/macrophages and its cleavage product was able to interact with GAL-3, and secreted OPN combined with CD44, leading to lysosomal damage and exacerbating autophagosome accumulation after HI exposure.

The effect of heart failure on gut microbial richness and diversity

Introduction and objectiveWith recent advances in genome sequencing technology, a large body of evidence has accumulated over the last few years linking alterations in microbiota with cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to compare gut microbial composition using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing techniques in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stable heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and patients with CAD but with normal ejection fraction. We also studied the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and microbial richness and diversity. MethodsA total of 40 patients (19 with HF and CAD, 21 with CAD but without HF) were included in the study. HF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Only stable ambulatory patients were included in the study. Gut microbiota were assessed from the participants’ fecal samples. The diversity and richness of microbial populations in each sample were assessed by the Chao1-estimated OTU number and the Shannon index. ResultsThe Chao1-estimated OTU number and Shannon index were similar between HF and control groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between inflammatory marker levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-beta, endotoxin, C-reactive protein, galectin-3, interleukin 6, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) and microbial richness and diversity when analyzed at the phylum level. ConclusionIn the current study, compared to patients with CAD but without HF, stable HF patients with CAD did not show changes in gut microbial richness and diversity. At the genus level Enterococcus sp. was more commonly identified in HF patients, in addition to certain changes in species levels, including increased Lactobacillus letivazi.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined targeted microbubbles for diagnosis of highly aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Accurate diagnosis of highly aggressive papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may greatly help avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment of PTC. However, there is still a lack of a convenient and accurate method. Targeted microbubbles, an emerging ultrasound contrast agent, have the potential to accurately diagnose highly aggressive PTC. To design and prepare a targeted microbubble for specific contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging of highly invasive PTC. Using β-galactoside-binding protein galectin-3 (Gal-3) overexpressed on the surface of highly invasive PTC cells as a target, C12 polypeptide (ANTPCGPYTHDCPVKR) with high affinity and specificity for Gal-3 was coupled to the surface of lipid microbubbles to prepare targeted microbubbles (Gal-3-C12@lipo MBs). The targeted microbubbles were prepared by thin-film hydration method and mechanical shaking method. The morphology, diameter, concentration and stability of microbubbles were investigated by fluorescence microscopy and an AccuSizer. The biosafety of microbubbles was studied using BCPAP cells through CCK8 assay. Confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry were applied to research the cellular uptake of microbubbles to investigate the targeting ability to highly aggressive PTC. Finally, the specific contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of microbubbles in highly invasive PTC was validated on the mice bearing subcutaneous BCPAP tumor model via a clinically ultrasound imaging system. Gal-3-C12@lipo MBs were successfully prepared which showed a well-defined spherical morphology with an average diameter of 1.598 ± 0.848 μm. Gal-3-C12@lipo MBs showed good stability without rupture within 4 hours after preparation. At the cellular level, Gal-3-C12@lipo MBs exhibited favorable biosafety and superior targeting ability to BCPAP cells, with 2.8-fold higher cellular uptake than non-targeted lipid microbubbles (Lipo MBs). At the animal level, Gal-3-C12@lipo MBs significantly improved the quality of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging in highly invasive PTC, with an echo intensity of tumor significantly higher than that of Lipo MBs. We designed and fabricated a novel targeted microbubble for the specific ultrasound imaging diagnosis of highly aggressive PTC. The targeted microbubbles have good stability, superior biosafety and high targeting specificity, which can significantly improve the tumor signal-to-noise ratio of highly invasive PTC, and have the potential to facilitate and accurately diagnose highly invasive PTC.

CLIC and membrane wound repair pathways enable pandemic norovirus entry and infection

Globally, most cases of gastroenteritis are caused by pandemic GII.4 human norovirus (HuNoV) strains with no approved therapies or vaccines available. The cellular pathways that these strains exploit for cell entry and internalization are unknown. Here, using nontransformed human jejunal enteroids (HIEs) that recapitulate the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, we show that infectious GII.4 virions and virus-like particles are endocytosed using a unique combination of endosomal acidification-dependent clathrin-independent carriers (CLIC), acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)-mediated lysosomal exocytosis, and membrane wound repair pathways. We found that besides the known interaction of the viral capsid Protruding (P) domain with host glycans, the Shell (S) domain interacts with both galectin-3 (gal-3) and apoptosis-linked gene 2-interacting protein X (ALIX), to orchestrate GII.4 cell entry. Recognition of the viral and cellular determinants regulating HuNoV entry provides insight into the infection process of a non-enveloped virus highlighting unique pathways and targets for developing effective therapeutics.

Upregulation of galectin-3 in influenza A virus infection promotes viral RNA synthesis through its association with viral PA protein

BackgroundInfluenza is one of the most important viral infections globally. Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) consists of the PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, and the amino acid residues of each subunit are highly conserved among influenza A virus (IAV) strains. Due to the high mutation rate and emergence of drug resistance, new antiviral strategies are needed. Host cell factors are involved in the transcription and replication of influenza virus. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding animal lectin family, in the life cycle of IAV infection in vitro and in mice.MethodsWe used galectin-3 knockout and wild-type mice and cells to study the intracellular role of galectin-3 in influenza pathogenesis. Body weight and survival time of IAV-infected mice were analyzed, and viral production in mouse macrophages and lung fibroblasts was examined. Overexpression and knockdown of galectin-3 in A549 human lung epithelial cells were exploited to assess viral entry, viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) import/export, transcription, replication, virion production, as well as interactions between galectin-3 and viral proteins by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, minireplicon, and plaque assays. We also employed recombinant galectin-3 proteins to identify specific step(s) of the viral life cycle that was affected by exogenously added galectin-3 in A549 cells.ResultsGalectin-3 levels were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of IAV-infected mice. There was a positive correlation between galectin-3 levels and viral loads. Notably, galectin-3 knockout mice were resistant to IAV infection. Knockdown of galectin-3 significantly reduced the production of viral proteins and virions in A549 cells. While intracellular galectin-3 did not affect viral entry, it increased vRNP nuclear import, RdRp activity, and viral transcription and replication, which were associated with the interaction of galectin-3 with viral PA subunit. Galectin-3 enhanced the interaction between viral PA and PB1 proteins. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant galectin-3 proteins also enhanced viral adsorption and promoted IAV infection in A549 cells.ConclusionWe demonstrate that galectin-3 enhances viral infection through increases in vRNP nuclear import and RdRp activity, thereby facilitating viral transcription and replication. Our findings also identify galectin-3 as a potential therapeutic target for influenza.

The potential roles of galectin-3 in AKI and CKD.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with high morbidity and mortality, and is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The beta-galactoside binding protein galectin-3 (Gal3), with its proinflammatory and profibrotic properties, has been implicated in the development of both AKI and CKD. Serum Gal3 levels are elevated in patients with AKI and CKD, and elevated Gal3 is associated with progression of CKD. In addition, Gal3 is associated with the incidence of AKI among critically ill patients, and blocking Gal3 in murine models of sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion injury results in significantly lower AKI incidence and mortality. Here we review the role of Gal3 in the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting Gal3.

O-glycan structures in apo(a) subunit of human lipoprotein(a) suppresses the pro-angiogenic activity of galectin-1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is a highly polymorphic O-glycoprotein circulating in human plasma as lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. The O-glycan structures of apo(a) subunit of Lp(a) serve as strong ligands of galectin-1, an O-glycan binding pro-angiogenic lectin abundantly expressed in placental vascular tissues. But the pathophysiological significance of apo(a)-galectin-1 binding is not yet been revealed. Carbohydrate-dependent binding of galectin-1 to another O-glycoprotein, neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) on endothelial cells activates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Using apo(a), isolated from human plasma, we demonstrated the potential of the O-glycan structures of apo(a) in Lp(a) to inhibit angiogenic properties such as proliferation, migration, and tube-formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as well as neovascularization in chick chorioallantoic membrane. Further, in vitro protein-protein interaction studies have confirmed apo(a) as a superior ligand to NRP-1 for galectin-1 binding. We also demonstrated that the protein levels of galectin-1, NRP-1, VEGFR2, and downstream proteins in MAPK signaling were reduced in HUVECs in the presence of apo(a) with intact O-glycan structures compared to that of de-O-glycosylated apo(a). In conclusion, our study shows that apo(a)-linked O-glycans prevent the binding of galectin-1 to NRP-1 leading to the inhibition of galectin-1/neuropilin-1/VEGFR2/MAPK-mediated angiogenic signaling pathway in endothelial cells. As higher plasma Lp(a) level in women is an independent risk factor for pre-eclamsia, a pregnancy-associated vascular complication, we propose that apo(a) O-glycans-mediated inhibition of the pro-angiogenic activity of galectin-1 may be one of the underlying molecular mechanism of pathogenesis of Lp(a) in pre-eclampsia.

P-MCP treatment in non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0): Final long-term results of a prospective phase II study.

162 Background: 30% of patients with localized PC will have a biochemical relapse post local therapy. Their optimal treatment remains elusive. While androgen deprivation therapy is effective in reducing PSA level, its long-term benefit remains undefined, and it is toxic. Thus, evaluation of new nontoxic compounds in these patients is warranted. PectaSol-C modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is an inhibitor of galectin-3 protein, which is involved in prostate cancer pathogenesis. We herein report the final long-term results of a multi-center phase 2 study of P-MCP treatment in BRPC-M0. Methods: Patients with BRPC-M0 were enrolled and treated with P-MCP, 4.8 grams X 3/day, for 6 months (first phase of trial). Patients without PSA progression and/or with improvement of PSA doubling time (PSADT), and with negative scans, were treated for an additional 12 months (second phase of trial). Results: 59 patients were initially enrolled. After initial 6 months of therapy, 46 patients (78%) without disease progression entered the second phase of additional 12 months therapy. Among them, 7 patients withdrew consent and chose to continue therapy out of pocket. Of the remaining 39 patients, after another year of therapy (total of 18 months), 85% (n=33) had an overall long-term response, with a decreased/stable PSA (62 %, n=24), and improvement of PSADT (90 %, n=35), and with negative scans. No patient had grade 3/4 toxicity. Conclusions: P-MCP may have a durable long-term efficacy in patients with BRPC-M0. Clinical trial information: NCT01681823 .

Potency of bioactive compounds 6-gingerol, morin, cinnamic, gallic, and kaemferol in red ginger (Zingiber officinale Var. Rubrum Rhizoma) as oral cavity anticancer drugs against galectin-1 protein: Study In silico

Potency of bioactive compounds 6-gingerol, morin, cinnamic, gallic, and kaemferol in red ginger (Zingiber officinale Var. Rubrum Rhizoma) as oral cavity anticancer drugs against galectin-1 protein: Study In silico

Toll-like receptor 9 is involved in the induction of galectin-9 protein by dietary anti-allergic compound fucoidan

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;Dietary intervention of fucoidan extracted from &lt;italic&gt;Saccharina japonica&lt;/italic&gt; brown seaweed has been ascertained to favor an increase of galectin-9 protein in the intestine of allergic mice, resulting in the attenuation of the food allergy symptoms. The molecular mechanism underpinning that galectin-9 secretion remains unclear. Recently, some evidence has suggested an implication of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in galectin-9 secretion. However, no investigation has been done. For this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between galectin-9 production and fucoidan intake, which will improve the therapeutic use of fucoidan in allergy treatment. Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were cultured in solid or transwell plates and apically exposed to fucoidan solutions and/or synthetic TLR9 agonist (CpG-ODN). The transcriptional response of the cells to galectin-9 (lgals9) and the TLR9 gene was evaluated by using q-RTPCR, and the protein expression of galectin-9 was analyzed by conducting an ELISA test. Knockdown of TLR9 in IECs was performed by targeting TLR9 siRNA, and its effect on galectin-9 release was assessed. We found that the interaction of fucoidan and IECs resulted in the upregulation of galectin-9 released in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The increase was further potentiated in combination with the TLR9 agonist. Fucoidan exposure to IECs tended to increase the mRNA expression of TLR9 in a way similar to that of the TLR9 agonist effect, and knockdown of TLR9 in IECs resulted in a decreased tendency of fucoidan-induced galectin-9 protein. TLR9 activation is therefore involved in the increased release of galectin-9 protein observed in IECs upon fucoidan exposure.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;

Effect of Chemotherapeutics on In Vitro Immune Checkpoint Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Objectives: Immune checkpoint (ICP) expression in tumor cells could directly or indirectly affect the results of immunotherapy. ICP ligands on tumor cells usually bind their immune cell receptors to inhibit the activity, resulting in tumor immune escape. Thus, the purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of various chemotherapeutic drugs on ICP expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines with different pathological subtypes to provide a basis for the development of a superior regimen of chemotherapy combined with ICP blockade. Methods: Several first-line chemotherapy agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and pemetrexed) were selected to treat different NSCLC cell lines (squamous carcinoma H1703, adenocarcinoma A549, and large cell cancer H460) for 72 hours, and then the changes in ICP expression in the tumor cells were observed through flow cytometry. Results: Cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel upregulated the expressions of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2) in A549 and H460 cell lines. Meanwhile, vinorelbine and pemetrexed upregulated PD-L1 and PD-L2 in H1703, A549, and H460 cell lines. Paclitaxel, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and pemetrexed significantly upregulated the expressions of both galectin-9 and high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in the A549 cell line. Cisplatin and paclitaxel significantly upregulated the expressions of major histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II), galectin-3, α-synuclein, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in A549 and H460 cell lines. In addition, cisplatin and vinorelbine significantly upregulated the expressions of both CD155 and CD112 in the H460 cell line. Vinorelbine upregulated MHC-I in all three cell lines. Conclusion: Chemotherapy agents have different effects on the expression of ICP ligands in tumor cells with different pathological types, and this may affect the efficacy of combined immunotherapy. These results provide a theoretical basis for further selection and optimization of the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Serum galectin-3 levels predict poor prognosis in sepsis and septic shock patients.

Sepsis and septic shock are clinical conditions with high mortality and an ever-increasing prevalence, and early diagnosis is of great importance in treating these diseases. Increase in serum Galectin-3 protein in septic patients is associated with increased inflammation, which in turn is associated with mortality. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic importance of serum Galectin-3 levels and its relationship with in-hospital mortality in sepsis and septic shock patients. This prospective cohort study included 44 sepsis and 44 septic shock patients. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation 2 score were calculated. In addition, routine clinical and laboratory parameters along with serum Galectin-3 were evaluated. Serum Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the septic shock group [4.1 (0.1-10.2) vs. 6.0 (0.1-11.3) ng/mL, respectively; p=0.01]. Moreover, patients with a Galectin-3 level <6.94 ng/mL were associated with longer survival [31.4 vs. 23.1 days; hazards ratio, 1.85; 1.03-3.34, p=0.03]. More importantly, the need for mechanical ventilation, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and serum Galectin-3 levels were independent prognostic factors and predicted poor in-hospital survival in both sepsis and septic shock patients. These findings suggest that Galectin-3 levels are higher in septic shock patients and predict mortality. In addition, high serum Galectin-3 levels, together with mechanical ventilation requirement and mechanical ventilation duration, are closely associated with poor in-hospital survival. Therefore, Galectin-3 may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in these patients.

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Splenic Galectin-3 Protein Expression in High-fat Diet-fed Mice

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Splenic Galectin-3 Protein Expression in High-fat Diet-fed Mice