Journal Description
Biomedicines
Biomedicines
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on biomedicines published monthly online by MDPI. The Society for Regenerative Medicine (Russian Federation) (RPO) is affiliated with Biomedicines and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Pharmacology & Pharmacy) / CiteScore - Q2 (Medicine (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Biomedicines include: IJTM, BioMed, Anesthesia Research and Emergency Care and Medicine.
Impact Factor:
4.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.9 (2022)
Latest Articles
Associations of Diabetes and Hyperglycaemia with Extent and Outcomes of Acute Burn Injuries
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051127 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Severe burns may induce hyperglycaemia in the absence of diabetes, but how glucose trajectories relate to burns outcomes is unclear. Aim: To assess incidence of hyperglycaemia following acute burn injury, and associations with diabetes history and length of stay (LOS). Methods: Retrospective
[...] Read more.
Background: Severe burns may induce hyperglycaemia in the absence of diabetes, but how glucose trajectories relate to burns outcomes is unclear. Aim: To assess incidence of hyperglycaemia following acute burn injury, and associations with diabetes history and length of stay (LOS). Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adults admitted with acute burns to tertiary centres. Blood glucose level (BGL), hyperglycaemic episodes (BGL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L) and hyperglycaemic days were recorded. Stress hyperglycaemia was defined as BGL ≥ 11.1 mmol/L without a diabetes history. Results: A total of 30 participants had a diabetes history and 260 did not. Participants with known diabetes had higher mean BGLs (9.7 vs. 9.0 mmol/L, p < 0.001), more hyperglycaemic episodes (28.0 vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001) and hyperglycaemic days (51 vs. 21%, p < 0.001), compared to those without diabetes, despite smaller burns (total body surface area 1.0 vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). Fourteen participants with stress hyperglycaemia had similar BGLs (at admission 10.3 vs. 11.5 mmol/L; during inpatient stay 9.9 vs. 9.8 mmol/L), more severe burns (15.6% vs. 1.0% TBSA) and longer LOS (18 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001) compared to participants with known diabetes. Extent of burns, having NGT nutrition, age, having inpatient BGL monitoring in the setting of diabetes, or having inpatient BGL monitoring in the absence of diabetes were associated with longer LOS. Conclusions: In participants with known diabetes, small burn injuries were associated with hyperglycaemia. Stress hyperglycaemia can be triggered by major burn injuries, with early and sustained elevation of BGLs. Further research is warranted to improve inpatient management of BGL in patients with acute burn injury.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Insights into Kidney Dysplasia in Duplex Kidneys: From Radiologic Diagnosis to Histopathologic Understanding
by
Dominik Świętoń, Kamil Buczkowski, Piotr Czarniak, Andrzej Gołębiewski, Małgorzata Grzywińska, Mariusz J. Kujawa, Susan J. Back, Maciej Piskunowicz and Ewa Iżycka-Świeszewska
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051126 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Duplex kidney is a urinary tract anomaly commonly associated with a wide range of primary and secondary parenchymal structural abnormalities. We present a unique comparison of US and MRI findings with histopathology following partial resection of duplex kidneys due to nephropathy. We examined
[...] Read more.
Duplex kidney is a urinary tract anomaly commonly associated with a wide range of primary and secondary parenchymal structural abnormalities. We present a unique comparison of US and MRI findings with histopathology following partial resection of duplex kidneys due to nephropathy. We examined a group of 21 children with duplex kidneys who were qualified for heminephrectomy (24 kidney units (KU)). All patients underwent US and MRI prior to the surgery. The imaging results were compared with histopathologic findings. In 21/24 KU, dysplastic changes were found on histopathology, including all with obstructive nephropathy and 7/10 specimens with refluxing uropathy. The loss of corticomedullary differentiation on US and increased signal on T2-weighted images (T2WI) on MRI were the imaging findings that best correlated with fibrosis. In children with megaureter, there were no statistical differences in histopathological findings between primary megaureter, megaureter with ureterocele, and megaureter with ectopia (p > 0.05). The extent of dysplasia of the affected pole correlated negatively with residual function in MRI. Kidney dysplasia and inflammation in the kidney with obstructive nephropathy are the most important histopathologic findings of this study. US is a valuable screening tool, and MRI enables morphologic and functional assessments of the nephropathy in duplex kidneys.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Tacrolimus Exposure and Metabolism on the Outcomes of Kidney Transplants
by
Rima Maslauskiene, Ruta Vaiciuniene, Aurelija Radzeviciene, Peteris Tretjakovs, Gita Gersone, Edgaras Stankevicius and Inga Arune Bumblyte
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051125 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Tacrolimus (TAC) has a narrow therapeutic window and patient-specific pharmacokinetic variability. In our study, we analyzed the association between TAC exposure, metabolism, and kidney graft outcomes (function, rejection, and histological lesions). TAC trough (C0), coefficient of variation (TAC CV), concentration/dose ratio
[...] Read more.
Tacrolimus (TAC) has a narrow therapeutic window and patient-specific pharmacokinetic variability. In our study, we analyzed the association between TAC exposure, metabolism, and kidney graft outcomes (function, rejection, and histological lesions). TAC trough (C0), coefficient of variation (TAC CV), concentration/dose ratio (C/D), and biomarkers related to kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin (NGAL) were analyzed. We examined 174 patients who were subjected to a triple immunosuppressive regimen and underwent kidney transplantation between 2017 and 2022. Surveillance biopsies were performed at the time of kidney implantation and at three and twelve months after transplantation. We classified patients based on their Tac C/D ratios, classifying them as fast (C/D ratio < 1.05 ng/mL × 1/mg) or slow (C/D ratio ≥ 1.05 ng/mL × 1/mg) metabolizers. TAC exposure/metabolism did not significantly correlate with interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) progression during the first year after kidney transplantation. TAC CV third tertile was associated with a higher chronicity score at one-year biopsy. TAC C/D ratio at three months and Tac C0 at six months were associated with rejection during the first year after transplantation. A fast TAC metabolism at six months was associated with reduced kidney graft function one year (OR: 2.141, 95% CI: 1.044–4.389, p = 0.038) and two years after transplantation (OR: 4.654, 95% CI: 1.197–18.097, p = 0.026), and TAC CV was associated with reduced eGFR at three years. uNGAL correlated with IF/TA and chronicity scores at three months and negatively correlated with TAC C0 and C/D at three months and one year. Conclusion: Calculating the C/D ratio at three and six months after transplantation may help to identify patients at risk of suffering acute rejection and deterioration of graft function.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kidney Disease: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches 2.0)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
An Assessment of Semaglutide Safety Based on Real World Data: From Popularity to Spontaneous Reporting in EudraVigilance Database
by
Anca Butuca, Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea, Anca Maria Arseniu, Adina Frum, Adriana Aurelia Chis, Luca Liviu Rus, Steliana Ghibu, Anca Maria Juncan, Andrei Catalin Muntean, Antonina Evelina Lazăr, Felicia Gabriela Gligor, Claudiu Morgovan and Andreea Loredana Vonica-Tincu
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051124 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), first used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been approved for the treatment of obesity in patients with or without T2DM (liraglutide—LIR, semaglutide—SEM, and tirzepatide—TIR). Social media had an important influence on
[...] Read more.
Some glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), first used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been approved for the treatment of obesity in patients with or without T2DM (liraglutide—LIR, semaglutide—SEM, and tirzepatide—TIR). Social media had an important influence on the off-label use of GLP-1 RAs for obesity, especially for SEM. We analyzed the Google queries related to SEM to assess people’s interest in this drug. We also investigated the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by searching the EudraVigilance database (EV) for Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) that reported SEM as the suspected drug and performed a descriptive and a disproportionality analysis. The data obtained for SEM were compared to other GLP-1 RAs. SEM had the highest proportions of searches on Google associated with the term “weight loss” and presented the lowest number of severe ADRs, but it also had the highest number of ICSRs reported in EV. Even though no unexpected safety issues have been reported for it until now, SEM has a hi3gh tendency for overdose reports. The most frequent off-label use was reported for SEM and TIR. In order to lower the risks of ADRs, the off-label use should be reduced and carefully monitored.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diabetes: Comorbidities, Therapeutics and Insights)
Open AccessArticle
The Association of Death Receptors and TGF-β1 Expression in Urothelial Bladder Cancer and Their Prognostic Significance
by
Slavica Stojnev, Irena Conic, Ana Ristic Petrovic, Ivan Petkovic, Milica Radic, Miljan Krstic and Ljubinka Jankovic Velickovic
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051123 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Death receptor signalization that triggers the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and TGF-β1 have important roles in urothelial carcinogenesis, with a complex interplay between them. The aim of this research was to assess the association of death receptors DR4, DR5, and FAS as well as
[...] Read more.
Death receptor signalization that triggers the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and TGF-β1 have important roles in urothelial carcinogenesis, with a complex interplay between them. The aim of this research was to assess the association of death receptors DR4, DR5, and FAS as well as TGF-β1 immunohistochemical expression with the clinicopathological characteristics of urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) and to evaluate their prognostic significance. The decrease or loss of death receptors’ expression was significantly associated with muscle-invasive tumors, while non-invasive UBC often retains the expression of death receptors, which are mutually strongly linked. High DR4 expression is a marker of low-grade tumors and UBC associated with exposition to known carcinogens. Conversely, TGF-β1 was significantly associated with high tumor grade and advanced stage. High expression of DR4 and FAS indicates longer overall survival. High TGF-β1 signifies an inferior outcome and is an independent predictor of adverse prognosis in UBC patients. This study reveals the expression profile of death receptors in UBC and their possible interconnection with TGF-β1 and indicates independent prognostic significance of high FAS and TGF-β1 expression in UBC, which may contribute to deciphering the enigma of UBC heterogeneity in light of the rapid development of novel and effective therapeutic approaches, including targeting of the TRAIL-induced apoptotic pathway.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology and Oncology)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Age- and Sex-Dependent Effects of Moderate Exercise on Endogenous Pain Inhibition in Rats
by
Renan F. do Espírito-Santo, Sarah M. Margerison, Youping Zhang, Joshua Pak, Jin Y. Ro and Joyce T. Da Silva
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051122 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNICs), or the pain inhibits pain phenomenon, refer to reduced pain-like behaviors that are displayed following a noxious conditioning stimulus located far from the test stimulus and have also been referred to as “descending control of nociception” when measured
[...] Read more.
Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNICs), or the pain inhibits pain phenomenon, refer to reduced pain-like behaviors that are displayed following a noxious conditioning stimulus located far from the test stimulus and have also been referred to as “descending control of nociception” when measured in awake-behaving animals. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of moderate long-term exercise on the DCN response and determine if this effect differed across age and sex. After a six-week exercise program consisting of 30 min of moderate treadmill running 5 days a week, the animals’ forepaws were injected with capsaicin, and DCN responses were assessed using thermal withdrawal latencies of the hind paw. Young, exercised male and female rats displayed prolonged DCN responses relative to their sedentary counterparts, with the young exercised male group displaying longer-lasting DCN facilitation than the young exercised females. Exercise did not impact DCN responses in either male or female aged rats. Additionally, the serum testosterone levels did not change following exercise in any group. Importantly, the levels of corticosterone did not change following the exercise program, indicating that changes in the DCN response are not due to stress-induced analgesia. Our findings suggest that moderate exercise can facilitate the DCN response in young animals, even when this exercise does not change the levels of serum testosterone.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Pain: From Prevention to Therapeutic Strategies)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Effectiveness of Eslicarbazepine Acetate in Reducing Audiogenic Reflex Seizures in the GASH/Sal Model of Epilepsy
by
Jaime Gonçalves-Sánchez, Thomas Ramírez-Santos, Dolores E. López, Jesús M. Gonçalves-Estella and Consuelo Sancho
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051121 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Abstract
Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a third-generation antiepileptic drug indicated as monotherapy for adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy and as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial seizures. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of both acute and repeated ESL administration
[...] Read more.
Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a third-generation antiepileptic drug indicated as monotherapy for adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy and as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial seizures. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of both acute and repeated ESL administration against reflex audiogenic seizures, as shown by the Genetic Audiogenic Seizures Hamster from Salamanca (GASH/Sal). Animals were subject to the intraperitoneal administration of ESL, applying doses of 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg for the acute study, whereas a daily dose of 100 mg/kg was selected for the subchronic study, which lasted 14 days. In both studies, the anticonvulsant effect of the therapy was evaluated using neuroethological methods. To assess the safety of the treatment, behavioral tests were performed, hematological and biochemical liver profiles were obtained, and body weight was monitored. In addition, the ESL levels in blood were measured after the acute administration of a 200 mg/kg dose. Treatment with ESL caused a reduction in seizure severity. No statistically significant differences were detected between the selected doses or between the acute or repeated administration of the drug. To summarize, the intraperitoneal administration of ESL is safe and shows an anticonvulsant effect in the GASH/Sal.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antiepileptic Drugs)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Colostrum Lactoferrin Following Active and Recovered SARS-CoV-2 Infections during Pregnancy
by
Paulina Gaweł, Błażej Łukianowski, Katarzyna Kościelska-Kasprzak, Dorota Bartoszek, Magdalena Krajewska and Barbara Królak-Olejnik
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051120 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), which is particularly abundant in human breast milk during the early stages of lactation, provides protection against a variety of infections, including viral infections, and has demonstrated activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of this study
[...] Read more.
Lactoferrin (Lf), which is particularly abundant in human breast milk during the early stages of lactation, provides protection against a variety of infections, including viral infections, and has demonstrated activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of this study was to measure the concentrations of Lf in the colostrum of mothers with active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections during delivery, in mothers with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy, and in non-infected controls. In this cross-sectional study, colostrum samples from 41 lactating mothers with a confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (asymptomatic or symptomatic) (both active and past infections) were collected. Twenty-eight colostrum samples collected during the pre-pandemic period served as a control group. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to analyze the Lf concentrations. Concentrations of Lf in the colostrum samples were closely related to virus infection. Colostrum samples from mothers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections contained higher concentrations of lactoferrin compared with samples from mothers from the control group. The highest concentrations of Lf were found in the colostrum samples of mothers with active SARS-CoV-2 infection during delivery when compared with the post-infection and control samples. This observed increase in lactoferrin suggests that it may be an important protective factor for breastfed infants, a finding which was particularly relevant during the pandemic period and remains relevant whenever a breastfeeding mother is infected.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The End of the COVID-19 Pandemic—What Is Currently Known and What Could Have Been Useful Four Years Ago?)
Open AccessArticle
Remission Factors for Ustekinumab Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of Real-World Data in Japan
by
Masashi Omori, Tomoyoshi Shibuya, Hirotaka Ishino, Yuka Fukuo, Rina Odakura, Masao Koma, Takafumi Maruyama, Kentaro Ito, Mayuko Haraikawa, Kei Nomura, Shintaro Yano, Osamu Nomura, Dai Ishikawa, Mariko Hojo, Taro Osada and Akihito Nagahara
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051119 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Ustekinumab (UST) is an anti–IL-12/23p40 monoclonal antibody used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to investigate the effectiveness of UST administration in achieving remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to determine patient characteristics that
[...] Read more.
Ustekinumab (UST) is an anti–IL-12/23p40 monoclonal antibody used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to investigate the effectiveness of UST administration in achieving remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and to determine patient characteristics that influence its effectiveness. Of 88 UC patients who received UST from March 2020 to August 2023, 47 with traceable data and for whom 56 weeks had elapsed since the start of treatment received UST to induce remission. The remission rates at 8 weeks were 66% overall, 73.7% for Bio Naïve (never used biologics/JAK inhibitors), and 60.7% for Bio Failure (used biologics/JAK inhibitors) groups. Remission rates at 56 weeks were 70.2% overall, 73.7% for Bio Naïve, and 67.9% for Bio Failure groups. Ustekinumab showed good mid-to-long-term results in the induction of remission of UC in both Bio Naïve and Bio Failure groups. The group showing remission at 8 weeks had a significantly higher non-relapse or continuation rate (proportion of patients with no worsened symptoms necessitating surgery/drug change) at 56 weeks. Predictive factors for achieving remission after UST in UC were female gender, low body mass index, and low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio. Thus, UST is effective for moderate-to-severe UC.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Tract Disease Therapies)
Open AccessArticle
A Novel Bifunctional Fusion Protein (Anti-IL-17A-sST2) Protects against Acute Liver Failure, Modulating the TLR4/MyD88 Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
by
Yu Bai, Rongrui Zhou, Xinlei Xie, An Zhu, Yanyang Nan, Tao Wu, Xiaozhi Hu, Zhonglian Cao, Dianwen Ju and Jiajun Fan
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051118 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious inflammatory disorder with high mortality rates, which poses a significant threat to human health. The IL-33/ST2 signal is a crucial regulator in inflammation responses associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. The IL-17A signaling pathway promotes the release
[...] Read more.
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious inflammatory disorder with high mortality rates, which poses a significant threat to human health. The IL-33/ST2 signal is a crucial regulator in inflammation responses associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages. The IL-17A signaling pathway promotes the release of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines, recruiting neutrophils and T cells under LPS stimulation, thus facilitating inflammatory responses. Here, the potential therapeutic benefits of neutralizing the IL-17A signal and modulating the IL-33/ST2 signal in ALF were investigated. A novel dual-functional fusion protein, anti-IL-17A-sST2, was constructed, which displayed high purity and biological activities. The administration of anti-IL-17A-sST2 resulted in significant anti-inflammatory benefits in ALF mice, amelioration of hepatocyte necrosis and interstitial congestion, and reduction in TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, anti-IL-17A-sST2 injection downregulated the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 as well as important molecules such as MyD88, caspase-1, and IL-1β. The results suggest that anti-IL-17A-sST2 reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors, attenuated the inflammatory response, and protected hepatic function by regulating the TLR4/MyD88 pathway and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, providing a new therapeutic approach for ALF.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Immunology and Immunotherapy)
Open AccessReview
Clinical Developments and Challenges in Treating FGFR2-Driven Gastric Cancer
by
David K. Lau, Jack P. Collin and John M. Mariadason
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051117 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Recent advances in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and targeted therapies have yielded some improvement in survival outcomes; however, metastatic GC remains a lethal malignancy and amongst the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Importantly, the ongoing
[...] Read more.
Recent advances in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and targeted therapies have yielded some improvement in survival outcomes; however, metastatic GC remains a lethal malignancy and amongst the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Importantly, the ongoing molecular characterisation of GCs continues to uncover potentially actionable molecular targets. Among these, aberrant FGFR2-driven signalling, predominantly arising from FGFR2 amplification, occurs in approximately 3–11% of GCs. However, whilst several inhibitors of FGFR have been clinically tested to-date, there are currently no approved FGFR-directed therapies for GC. In this review, we summarise the significance of FGFR2 as an actionable therapeutic target in GC, examine the recent pre-clinical and clinical data supporting the use of small-molecule inhibitors, antibody-based therapies, as well as novel approaches such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for targeting FGFR2 in these tumours, and discuss the ongoing challenges and opportunities associated with their clinical development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Kinases and Other Molecular Targets in Cancer: Recent Advances, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Clinical Challenges)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Whole-Body Photobiomodulation Therapy Propels the Fibromyalgia Patient into the Recomposition Phase: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
by
Bethany C. Fitzmaurice, Rebecca L. Grenfell, Nicola R. Heneghan, Asius T. A. Rayen and Andrew A. Soundy
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051116 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Recent evidence has identified great promise for the novel whole-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). However, currently no evidence has documented the experiences of participants. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess treatment experience and response in
[...] Read more.
Background: Recent evidence has identified great promise for the novel whole-body photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). However, currently no evidence has documented the experiences of participants. The objective of this study was to qualitatively assess treatment experience and response in a group of participants with FM undergoing a course of whole-body PBMT. Methods: An interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological study situated within the worldview of pragmatism was undertaken. A convenience sample of individuals with FM were included if they had undertaken a novel 6-week trial of PBMT. Individuals undertook semi-structured interviews exploring treatment experience and multidimensional treatment responses during Week 3 and Week 6. Results: Sixteen trial participants (47.3 ± 10.9 years) took part in this study. The analysis produced three overarching themes that were previously identified from a baseline study (namely, ‘Body Structure & Function’, ‘Activities & Participation’, and ‘Environment’) with an additional five sub-themes that highlighted the intervention experience. Subsequently, four important processes were observed and identified: increased motivation; feeling proud; improved confidence; feeling like ‘old self’. This ultimately culminated in the identification of a positive spiral, which we have termed ‘recomposition’. Conclusions: We believe our study is the first in the field of chronic pain management to utilise qualitative methodology to directly assess the acceptability and efficacy of a specific medical intervention in a clinical trial, and the first study to qualitatively assess whole-body PBMT experience. The findings are compelling and warrant further work to support the introduction of this device into the National Health Service (NHS).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Neurogenic Neuroinflammation in Fibromyalgia)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-4, and IL-13: Potential Biomarkers for Prediction of the Effectiveness of Biologics in Psoriasis Patients
by
Ching-Liang Hsieh, Sheng-Jie Yu, Kuo-Lung Lai, Wei-Ting Chao and Chung-Yang Yen
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051115 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Biologics are widely used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, we have unmet needs for predicting individual patient responses to biologics before starting psoriasis treatment. We investigate a reliable platform and biomarkers for predicting individual patient responses to biologics. In a cohort study between
[...] Read more.
Biologics are widely used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, we have unmet needs for predicting individual patient responses to biologics before starting psoriasis treatment. We investigate a reliable platform and biomarkers for predicting individual patient responses to biologics. In a cohort study between 2018 and 2023 from a referral center in Taiwan, twenty psoriasis patients with or without psoriatic arthritis who had ever experienced two or more biologics were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from these patients were treated with Streptococcus pyogenes and different biologics. The PASI reduction rate was strongly correlated with the reduction rate in the IL-13 level (p = 0.001) and the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-13 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ to IL-4 (p = 0.019), and IL-17A to IL-13 (p = 0.001). The PASI reduction difference was strongly correlated with the difference in the IFN-γ level (p = 0.002), the difference in the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-4 (p = 0.041), the difference in the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-13 (p = 0.006), the difference in the ratios of IL-17A to IL-4 (p = 0.011), and the difference in the ratios of IL-17A to IL-13 (p = 0.029). The biomarkers IFN-γ, IL-13, IFN-γ/IL4, IFN-γ/IL13, IL-17A/IL-4, and IL-17A/IL-13 are representative of the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disease Biomarkers in the Precision Medicine Era: A Comprehensive Multi-omics Analysis)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Frailty Components and Preoperative Mechanical Cardiac Support Changes with Time after Heart Transplantation
by
Rita Szentgróti, Dmitry Khochanskiy, Balázs Szécsi, Flóra Németh, András Szabó, Kinga Koritsánszky, Alexandra Vereb, Zsuzsanna Cserép, Balázs Sax, Béla Merkely and Andrea Székely
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051114 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Frailty has been proven to be associated with mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). The aim of our study was to determine the impact of frailty on mortality in the current era using pretransplant mechanical cardiac support (MCS). Methods: We retrospectively calculated
[...] Read more.
Background: Frailty has been proven to be associated with mortality after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). The aim of our study was to determine the impact of frailty on mortality in the current era using pretransplant mechanical cardiac support (MCS). Methods: We retrospectively calculated the frailty scores of 471 patients undergoing OHT in a single institution between January 2012 and August 2022. The outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: The median survival time was 1987 days (IQR: 1487 days) for all patients. In total, 266 (56.5%) patients were categorized as nonfrail, 179 (38.0%) as prefrail, and 26 (5.5%) as frail. The survival rates were 0.73, 0.54, and 0.28 for nonfrail, prefrail, and frail patients, respectively. The frailty score was associated with mortality [HR: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.22–1.47, p < 0.001)]. Among the components of the frailty score, age above 50 years, creatinine ≥ 3.0 mg/dL or prior dialysis, and hospitalization before OHT were independently associated with mortality. Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) were associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality [AHR: 1.80 (95% CI: 1.01–3.24, p = 0.047)]. Conclusions: The components of the frailty score were not equally associated with mortality. Frailty and pretransplant MCS should be included in the risk estimation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heart Failure: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessCase Report
Recurrent Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Man with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Efficacy of Evolocumab Add-On Treatment Demonstrated via Serial Coronary Angiography
by
Narae Kim, Jin-Man Cho and In-Ho Yang
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1113; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051113 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), lipid-lowering therapy plays an important role in the prevention of the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. Recent guidelines recommend the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients with ACS if their low-density lipoprotein
[...] Read more.
In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), lipid-lowering therapy plays an important role in the prevention of the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. Recent guidelines recommend the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients with ACS if their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are not adequately controlled with statins and ezetimibe. Based on this, we report a case in which administering a PCSK9 inhibitor successfully lowered the patient’s LDL-C level to the target level and managed the coronary artery disease (CAD) recurrence. A 39-year-old man who was taking statins presented to the hospital with chest pain and was diagnosed with unstable angina. He started taking maximum doses of statins and ezetimibe to lower his LDL-C. However, the patient’s unstable angina recurred 1 year later, and a de novo lesion with plaque rupture was demonstrated via coronary angiography. The LDL-C failed to reach the target level despite maintaining the maximum dose of statin and ezetimibe. Accordingly, evolocumab was initiated in addition to rosuvastatin/ezetimibe 20/10 mg daily. Subsequently, coronary angiography was performed twice, and on follow-up, the patient remained free of CAD recurrence. This case highlights the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy with evolocumab in high-risk patients with repeated ACS.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Strategies for Early Detection and Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of Disease-Related Genes as First-Tier Test for Early Diagnosis, Classification, and Management of Patients Affected by Nonsyndromic Ichthyosis
by
Tiziana Fioretti, Fabrizio Martora, Ilaria De Maggio, Adelaide Ambrosio, Carmelo Piscopo, Sabrina Vallone, Felice Amato, Diego Passaro, Fabio Acquaviva, Francesca Gaudiello, Daniela Di Girolamo, Valeria Maiolo, Federica Zarrilli, Speranza Esposito, Giuseppina Vitiello, Luigi Auricchio, Elena Sammarco, Daniele De Brasi, Roberta Petillo, Antonella Gambale, Fabio Cattaneo, Rosario Ammendola, Paola Nappa and Gabriella Espositoadd
Show full author list
remove
Hide full author list
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051112 - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Inherited ichthyoses are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous rare disorders of skin keratinization with overlapping phenotypes. The clinical picture and family history are crucial to formulating the diagnostic hypothesis, but only the identification of the genetic defect allows the correct classification.
[...] Read more.
Inherited ichthyoses are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous rare disorders of skin keratinization with overlapping phenotypes. The clinical picture and family history are crucial to formulating the diagnostic hypothesis, but only the identification of the genetic defect allows the correct classification. In the attempt to molecularly classify 17 unrelated Italian patients referred with congenital nonsyndromic ichthyosis, we performed massively parallel sequencing of over 50 ichthyosis-related genes. Genetic data of 300 Italian unaffected subjects were also analyzed to evaluate frequencies of putative disease-causing alleles in our population. For all patients, we identified the molecular cause of the disease. Eight patients were affected by autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis associated with ALOX12B, NIPAL4, and TGM1 mutations. Three patients had biallelic loss-of-function variants in FLG, whereas 6/11 males were affected by X-linked ichthyosis. Among the 24 different disease-causing alleles we identified, 8 carried novel variants, including a synonymous TGM1 variant that resulted in a splicing defect. Moreover, we generated a priority list of the ichthyosis-related genes that showed a significant number of rare and novel variants in our population. In conclusion, our comprehensive molecular analysis resulted in an effective first-tier test for the early classification of ichthyosis patients. It also expands the genetic, mutational, and phenotypic spectra of inherited ichthyosis and provides new insight into the current understanding of etiologies and epidemiology of this group of rare disorders.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Processes Underlying Pathogenesis and Advanced Therapies for Genodermatosis)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Metastatic Kidney Cancer: Does the Location of the Metastases Matter? Moving towards Personalized Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
by
Catalin Baston, Andreea Ioana Parosanu, Ioana-Miruna Stanciu and Cornelia Nitipir
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051111 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
The management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been revolutionized over the past two decades with several practice-changing treatments. Treatment for RCC often requires a multimodal approach: Local treatment, such as surgery or ablation, is typically recommended for patients with localized tumors, while
[...] Read more.
The management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been revolutionized over the past two decades with several practice-changing treatments. Treatment for RCC often requires a multimodal approach: Local treatment, such as surgery or ablation, is typically recommended for patients with localized tumors, while stage IV cancers often require both local and systemic therapy. The treatment of advanced RCC heavily relies on immunotherapy and targeted therapy, which are highly contingent upon histological subtypes. Despite years of research on biomarkers for RCC, the standard of care is to choose systemic therapy based on the risk profile according to the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre models. However, many questions still need to be answered. Should we consider metastatic sites when deciding on treatment options for metastatic RCC? How do we choose between dual immunotherapy and combinations of immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors? This review article aims to answer these unresolved questions surrounding the concept of personalized medicine.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Treatment of Kidney and Upper Urinary Tract Cancers: Second Edition)
►▼
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Physiological Consequences of Nonsense-Mediated Decay and Its Role in Adaptive Responses
by
Zhengxin Ma, Ratna Sharma and Aric N. Rogers
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051110 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is a quality control mechanism that degrades aberrant mRNA containing one or more premature termination codons (PTCs). Recent discoveries indicate that NMD also differentially regulates mRNA from wild-type protein-coding genes despite lacking PTCs. Together with
[...] Read more.
The evolutionarily conserved nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is a quality control mechanism that degrades aberrant mRNA containing one or more premature termination codons (PTCs). Recent discoveries indicate that NMD also differentially regulates mRNA from wild-type protein-coding genes despite lacking PTCs. Together with studies showing that NMD is involved in development and adaptive responses that influence health and longevity, these findings point to an expanded role of NMD that adds a new layer of complexity in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. However, the extent of its control, whether different types of NMD play different roles, and the resulting physiological outcomes remain unclear and need further elucidation. Here, we review different branches of NMD and what is known of the physiological outcomes associated with this type of regulation. We identify significant gaps in the understanding of this process and the utility of genetic tools in accelerating progress in this area.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genetic Diseases)
Open AccessSystematic Review
Clinical Outcomes and Molecular Predictors of Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor in Advanced and Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by
Lavinia Balan, Anca Maria Cimpean, Prashant Sunil Nandarge, Bogdan Sorop, Catalin Balan, Madalina Alexandra Balica, Felix Bratosin, Simona Brasoveanu, Madalina Boruga and Laurentiu Pirtea
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051109 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcomes and molecular predictors of response to pembrolizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic cervical cancer. We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, conducting a database search in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The eligibility criteria
[...] Read more.
This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcomes and molecular predictors of response to pembrolizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic cervical cancer. We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, conducting a database search in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The eligibility criteria centered on clinical outcomes, including the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and immune-related biomarkers post-pembrolizumab therapy. We included both prospective and retrospective studies that detailed clinical outcomes and molecular characteristics predictive of therapeutic response. Our search yielded six studies involving 846 patients treated with pembrolizumab from 2017 to 2022. The meta-analysis of these studies showed that pembrolizumab, used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, extended the OS by a weighted median of 10.35 months and the PFS by 8.50 months. The treatment demonstrated a pooled objective response rate (ORR) of 22.39%, although the I2 test result of 67.49% showed a high heterogeneity among the studies. Notably, patients with high PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥ 10) experienced improved outcomes in terms of the PFS and OS. The most common complications were fatigue, diarrhea, and immune-related adverse events. Pembrolizumab significantly enhances clinical outcomes in metastatic cervical cancer, particularly among patients with high PD-L1 expression. The drug maintains a good safety profile, reinforcing its treatment potential for patients with advanced and metastatic cervical cancer. Future studies should explore long-term effects and strategies to integrate pembrolizumab optimally into current treatment regimens, aiming to maximize patient benefits and effectively manage side effects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Resistance and Novel Targets for Cancer Therapy—Second Edition)
Open AccessArticle
Osteopontin as a Biomarker in Interstitial Lung Diseases
by
David Iturbe-Fernández, Verónica Pulito-Cueto, Víctor M. Mora-Cuesta, Sara Remuzgo-Martínez, Diego J. Ferrer-Pargada, Fernanda Genre, Pilar Alonso-Lecue, Raquel López-Mejías, Belén Atienza-Mateo, Miguel A. González-Gay and José M. Cifrián-Martínez
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051108 - 16 May 2024
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein involved in Th1 and Th17 differentiation, and inflammation and tissue remodeling. OPN is a biomarker of disease activity in patients with autoimmune inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of OPN in interstitial
[...] Read more.
Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein involved in Th1 and Th17 differentiation, and inflammation and tissue remodeling. OPN is a biomarker of disease activity in patients with autoimmune inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of OPN in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Between May 2016 and October 2019, 344 patients with ILD were recruited at the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (Spain) and were prospectively followed-up. This study involved the determination of OPN serum levels by ELISA and OPN RNA expression quantified using qPCR. Six genetic polymorphisms in OPN (rs28357094, rs2853749, rs2853750, rs11728697, rs7695531, and rs1126616) were genotyped using TaqMan assays. OPN serum levels were also assessed in 140 healthy controls. OPN serum levels (median [interquartile range]) were significantly higher in ILD patients than in controls (1.05 [0.75–1.51] ng/mL versus 0.81 [0.65–0.98] ng/mL in healthy controls; p < 0.01). OPN serum levels were inversely correlated with the forced vital capacity. OPN serum levels were also higher in ILD patients who died or underwent lung transplantation when compared with the remaining ILD patients (1.15 [0.80–1.72] ng/mL versus 0.99 [0.66–1.32] ng/mL; p = 0.05). Survival worsened in ILD patients with OPN > 1.03 ng/mL at 1, 3, and 5 years. No statistically significant differences in the genetic frequencies of OPN polymorphisms or the RNA expression were found among the different ILD groups. Elevated levels of OPN in the serum may be a useful indicator in identifying patients with ILD who are more likely to experience poor outcomes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genetic Diseases)
Journal Menu
► ▼ Journal Menu-
- Biomedicines Home
- Aims & Scope
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer Board
- Topical Advisory Panel
- Instructions for Authors
- Special Issues
- Topics
- Sections & Collections
- Article Processing Charge
- Indexing & Archiving
- Editor’s Choice Articles
- Most Cited & Viewed
- Journal Statistics
- Journal History
- Journal Awards
- Society Collaborations
- Conferences
- Editorial Office
Journal Browser
► ▼ Journal BrowserHighly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Biomedicines, Cancers, JFB, Nanomaterials, Polymers
Advanced Functional Materials for Regenerative Medicine
Topic Editors: Antonino Morabito, Luca ValentiniDeadline: 6 June 2024
Topic in
Biomedicines, Current Oncology, Diagnostics, Gastrointestinal Disorders, JCM
Advances in Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: From Physiological Mechanisms to Clinical Practice
Topic Editors: Davide Giuseppe Ribaldone, Gian Paolo CavigliaDeadline: 20 June 2024
Topic in
BioChem, Biomedicines, Biomolecules, IJMS, Metabolites, Molecules
Natural Products in Prevention and Therapy of Metabolic Syndrome
Topic Editors: Jianbo Wan, Ligen LinDeadline: 30 June 2024
Topic in
Cancers, Diagnostics, JCM, Current Oncology, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Biomedicines
Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases: Novel Strategies of Diagnosis and Treatments
Topic Editors: Alessandro Coppola, Damiano Caputo, Roberta Angelico, Domenech Asbun, Chiara MazzarelliDeadline: 20 July 2024
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Biomedicines
Advances in Therapeutic Strategies in Gynecological Malignant Tumors
Guest Editor: Alberto FarolfiDeadline: 31 May 2024
Special Issue in
Biomedicines
Drugs Targeting the Disease Progression, Cognitive Impairment, Anxiety and Other Co-morbidities in Epilepsy: From Bench to Bedside
Guest Editors: Diana Cunha-Reis, Paulo Correia-de-SáDeadline: 15 June 2024
Special Issue in
Biomedicines
Advanced Research in Tissue Engineering and Cellular Culture and Their Applications
Guest Editors: Victor Palarie, Peer Wolfgang KämmererDeadline: 30 June 2024
Special Issue in
Biomedicines
Proteomics and Metabolomics in the Diagnostics of Adrenal Tumors
Guest Editors: Piotr Glinicki, Alicja SzatkoDeadline: 15 July 2024
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Biomedicines
OMICs and Complex Diseases
Collection Editors: Mostafa Dianatinasab, Anke Wesselius, Amin Salehi-Abargouei
Topical Collection in
Biomedicines
Feature Papers in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
Collection Editor: Veronique Baud
Topical Collection in
Biomedicines
Feature Papers in Gene and Cell Therapy
Collection Editor: Bernard Lebleu
Topical Collection in
Biomedicines
Feature Papers in Microbiology in Human Health and Disease
Collection Editor: Ryota Niikura