Monika Szewc

Purpose: The study of the cytotoxic effect of variously substituted indole- and benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines may prove particularly valuable in the context of developing new, effective anticancer therapies based on MSCs. The unique ability of MSCs to migrate and inhabit the tumor microenvironment makes them an ideal tool for transferring chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of 4-(6-indolo[1,2-c]quinazoline)2-methyl-benzene-1,3-diol (compound A) and 4-(6-benzimidazolo[1,2-c]quinazoline)2-methyl-benzene-1,3-diol (compound B) relative to the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells line (ASC52-telo) and the fibroblast line (HDFa). Materials and Methods: The test was performed on commercial cell lines: ASC52-telo and HDFa which were incubated with compounds A and B at four concentrations: 1 μg/mL, 2 μg/mL, 4 μg/mL, 8 μg/mL for 48 and 72 hours. The MTT test was performed to assess the cytotoxicity and determine the IC₅₀ value of compounds A and B against both tested cell lines. Results: The results of the research indicate that both tested compounds showed stronger cytotoxic activity towards ASC52-telo than HDFa cells. In addition, compound A is characterized by greater cytotoxicity towards both tested cell lines compared to compound B. Conclusion: The indole- and benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines used in the study could potentially be used in MSCs-based therapy. There is a need to further investigate the safety of using MSCs as drug carriers, and to examine the anticancer activity of the tested compounds, as well as to perform additional and valuable assays, such as enzymatic and toxicity tests.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the world. Regarding the age at which the diagnosis was made, GC is divided into early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC—up to 45 years of age) and conventional GC (older than 45). EOGC constitutes approximately 10% of all GCs. Numerous reports indicate that EOGC is more aggressive than conventional GC and is often discovered at an advanced tumor stage, which has an impact on the five-year survival rate. The median survival rate for advanced-stage GC is very poor, amounting to less than 12 months. Risk factors for GC include family history, alcohol consumption, smoking, Helicobacter pylori, and Epstein–Barr virus infection. It has been shown that a proper diet and lifestyle can play a preventive role in GC. However, research indicates that risk factors for conventional GC are less correlated with EOGC. In addition, the unclear etiology of EOGC and the late diagnosis of this disease limit the possibilities of effective treatment. Genetic factors are considered a likely cause of EOGC, as young patients are less exposed to environmental carcinogens. Research characterizing GC in young patients is scarce. This comprehensive study presents all aspects: epidemiology, risk factors, new treatment strategies, and future directions.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, which has become a serious threat to human health worldwide. This article exhaustively reviews colorectal cancer’s incidence and relevance, carcinogenesis molecular pathways, up-to-date treatment opportunities, prophylaxis, and screening program achievements, with attention paid to its regional variations and changes over time. This paper provides a concise overview of known CRC risk factors, including familial, hereditary, and environmental lifestyle-related risk factors. The authors take a closer look into CRC’s molecular genetic pathways and the role of specific enzymes involved in carcinogenesis. Moreover, the role of the general practitioner and multidisciplinary approach in CRC treatment is summarized and highlighted based on recent recommendations and experience. This article gives a clear understanding and review of the gains and challenges of modern medicine towards CRC. The authors believe that understanding the current patterns of CRC and its revolution is imperative to the prospects of reducing its burden through cancer prevention and cancer-adjusted treatment.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) belong to the most frequent diseases in ageing men. It has been proposed that prostate chronic inflammation is a risk factor for the development of both BPH and PCa. However, potential stimuli that cause or maintain inflammation in the prostate gland are still poorly characterized. Bacterial infections seems to be one of the potential sources of prostatitis. Recent studies show that Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is the most prevalent microorganism in the prostate gland and may be a predisposing factor for inflammation of prostatic tissue. It indicates that P. acnes may contribute to cancer development by enhancing proinflammatory responses, as well as by modifying the prostate extracellular environment. In this review, we discuss the potential role of P. acnes in the development of BPH and PCa and highlight the importance of regulatory T CD4(+)FoxP3(+) (Treg) and Th17 cells in response to P. acnes infection in the context of both prostate diseases.

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Lipoma belongs to a group of benign mesenchymal tumors. It is in the form of soft masses of adipose tissue encapsulated by a thin layer of fibrous tissue and usually localized subcutaneously. The tumor most often appears in the upper part of the body. Lipomas tend to grow slowly and are small (less than 5cm) lesions. Larger tumors are rare. In this article, we present the case of a patient with a giant head lipoma in the fronto-temporo-parietal region. Both tumor size and location are unique and no such case has been described in the literature so far.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate prostate cell infiltration by CD4(+)IL-17(+) and Treg cells in BPH and PCa patients depending on P. acnes infection in the prostate gland. Patients and Methods: Prostate fragments were collected from 54 patients with PCa and 34 patients with BPH. Rapid ID 32 was used to identify the bacteria. Cells were analyzed by flow cytometry BD FACSCanto II. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 7 software (TIBCO Software Inc, USA). Results: P. acnes was detected in 35% of patients with PCa and 41% of individuals with BPH. The infiltration of CD4(+)IL-17(+) and Treg cells was statistically significantly higher (P = 0.001) in patients with BPH and positive for P. acnes. A statistically considerably higher (P = 0.001) infiltration of Treg cells in treated for PCa with P.acnes infection was also demonstrated. Conclusion: Prostatitis caused by P. acnes may contribute to the development of BPH and PCa.