Tumor stroma is an active part influencing the biological properties of malignancies via molecular cross-talk. Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a significant role in this interaction. These cells frequently express smooth muscle actin and can be classified as myofibroblasts. The adhesion/growth-regulatory lectin galectin-1 is an effector for their generation. In our study, we set the presence of smooth muscle actin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts in relation to this endogenous lectin and an in vivo competitor (galectin-3). In squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck, upregulation of galectin-1 presence was highly significantly correlated to presence of smooth muscle actin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor (p 5 4 3 10 28 ). To pinpoint further correlations on the molecular level, we applied microarray analyses to the transcription profiles of the corresponding tumors. Significant correlations of several transcripts were detected with the protein level of galectin-1 in the cancer-associated fibroblasts. These activated genes (MAP3K2, TRIM23, PTPLAD1, FUSIP1, SLC25A40 and SPIN1) are related to known squamous-cell-carcinoma poor-prognosis factors, NF-jB upregulation and splicing downregulation. These results provide new insights into the significance of presence of myofibroblasts in squamous cell carcinoma.Increasing attention is being turned to the stroma part in carcinomas. It is formed by fibroblasts producing the extracellular matrix, macrophages and other inflammatory cells as well as blood/lymphatic capillaries. 1 Recent progress in cancer and skin cell biology has markedly changed our view on the functional significance of the stroma. Classically, the tumor stroma has been considered as a milieu suitable for growth of capillaries that guarantee the supply with oxygen and nutrients for the cancer epithelium. With the new data being accrued, the stroma can be described as an active microenvironment, which modulates the biology of the tumor including cancer stem (initiating) cells by mechanisms similar to the function of the niche in the case of tissue stem cells. 2 As a consequence, a focus of this research is given to the study of mutual epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. This interplay is known to be crucial for embryonic development, and a major role in the route of tumor progression is likely. 2,3 The fibroblasts of the stroma, that is, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), frequently contain fibers of smooth muscle a-actin (SMA and ACTA2), showing notable similarities to myofibroblasts responsible for the contraction of a wound in the course of a healing process. 4 The origin of CAF is not

The low-level laser has no influence on the process of osseointegration. This effect was observed on fracture healing in rats using He-Ne laser radiation. We found no differences in the bone density when compared to the control group.

Galectins are potent effectors of cell adhesion and growth regulation. Their expression as comples network necessitates systematic study of each member of this family. Toward this aim, we here focus on the tandem-repeat-type galectin-9. Its presence is monitored in normal squamous epithelium of the head and neck, the surgical margin, and four types of squamous cell carcinoma. Lectin presence was detected in cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. All galectin-9-negative epithelia showed aberrant positivity for keratins 14 and 19. The surgical margin presented either a normal pattern of galectin-9 and keratin presence or a mosaic-like presence/absence of galectin-9 and aberrant expression of both keratins 14 and 19. All studied specimens of squamous cell carcinoma were negative for galectin-9. When biotinylated galectin-9, or its N-terminal domain, was tested, no significant tissue reactivity for both probes was observed. Neuraminidase treatment generated reactivity to the N-domain. In conclusion, galectin-9 is expressed in the majority of samples of normal epithelium, along with regular presence of keratins 14 or 19. This lectin can represent a potential marker of normality in the cases of the studied squamous cell epithelia.

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Background/purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the systemic levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral blood samples of patients with aggressive periodontitis during the first twelve months of periodontal treatment, at exactly six month interval measurements, and compare them with clinical periodontal parameters. Materials and methods All patients (N = 45) were examined prior to the initiation of periodontal treatment. Patients were divided into two groups GAgP (Generalised form of aggressive periodontitis, N = 23) and group LAgP (Localised form of aggressive periodontitis, N = 22). Control group (CON) included 60 individuals with healthy periodontium. The levels of CRP were determined in both groups GAgP and LAgP three times in 6 month intervals during the periodontal treatment. Results CRP is a plasma protein that reflects the extent of the acute phase response to inflammation and is one of the markers of choice for monitoring this response. In our study, CRP levels decreased in course of periodontal treatment in both groups (GAgP and LAgP) in a similar way as bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD) indices. Conclusion Our study results showed that CRP levels, as well as bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD), indices decreased in course of periodontal treatment in patients with generalised and localised aggressive periodontitis. Therefore this marker might be exploitable as a means to evaluate periodontal health in patients with aggressive periodontitis.