Pathobiology 

About: Pathobiology is an academic journal published by Karger Publishers. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Cancer & Cell culture. It has an ISSN identifier of 1015-2008. Over the lifetime, 3625 publications have been published receiving 47004 citations.

Alternative versus classical activation of macrophages.

Abstract: In parallel to the Th1/Th2 paradigm, antigen-presenting cells (APC) are divided into classically activated APC (dendritic cells/effector macrophages) and alternatively activated APC (IL-4-induced, alternatively activated macrophages/IL-10-induced, immature dendritic cells). Alternatively activated APC share a special molecular repertoire including receptors of innate immunity with broad specificity for foreign antigen and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1Ra and alternative macrophage activation-associated CC-chemokine-1. Alternatively activated APC mediated tolerance and downregulated inflammation. Abuse of alternatively activated APC in support of infectious susceptibility or tumor immune escape is counteracted by the classical pathway. Thus, classically and alternatively activated APC secure the balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune reactions.

The Impact of COVID-19 Disease on Platelets and Coagulation.

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a spectrum of disease; some patients develop a severe proinflammatory state which can be associated with a unique coagulopathy and procoagulant endothelial phenotype. Initially, COVID-19 infection produces a prominent elevation of fibrinogen and D-dimer/fibrin(ogen) degradation products. This is associated with systemic hypercoagulability and frequent venous thromboembolic events. The degree of D-dimer elevation positively correlates with mortality in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 also leads to arterial thrombotic events (including strokes and ischemic limbs) as well as microvascular thrombotic disorders (as frequently documented at autopsy in the pulmonary vascular beds). COVID-19 patients often have mild thrombocytopenia and appear to have increased platelet consumption, together with a corresponding increase in platelet production. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) and severe bleeding events are uncommon in COVID-19 patients. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of COVID-19 and hemostasis.

Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer.

Abstract: In recent years, it has been shown that breast cancer consists not only of neoplastic cells, but also of significant alterations in the surrounding stroma or tumor microenvironment. These alterations are now recognized as a critical element for breast cancer development and progression, as well as potential therapeutic targets. Various components of the breast cancer microenvironment, such as suppressive immune cells, soluble factors and altered extracellular matrix, act together to impede effective antitumor immunity and promote breast cancer progression and metastasis. Stromal cells in the breast cancer microenvironment are characterized by molecular alterations and aberrant signaling pathways, some of which are prognostic of clinical outcome. Several new therapies targeting stromal components are in development or undergoing clinical trials. We focus herein on the composition of the breast cancer microenvironment and concomitant molecular alterations, the specific interplay between various cell types and cancer cells, and the clinical implications of these findings.

Three-dimensional spheroid model in tumor biology.

Abstract: It is becoming more and more apparent that monolayer cultures of tumor cells cannot completely represent the characteristics of three-dimensional solid tumors. Consequently, the multicellular tumor spheroid model, which is of intermediate complexity between in vivo tumors and monolayer cultures, was developed. In this review, the major similarities between spheroids and solid tumors are discussed. After a brief survey of the different spheroid culturing techniques, the general morphological and growth characteristics of these systems are examined and compared to solid tumors. Finally, selected studies regarding the use of tumor spheroids to examine cell response to antineoplastic agents and radiation, cell death including both necrosis and apoptosis and cell adhesion in spheroids are reviewed.

Role of interleukin-8 in tumor growth and metastasis of human melanoma

Abstract: Expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by human melanoma cells correlates with their metastatic potential in vivo. Moreover, UVB irradiation of primary cutaneous melanoma induces IL-8 mRNA and protein production and increases both tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Although IL-8 has been shown to be an angiogenic factor, the biological consequences of increased IL-8 production by melanoma cells and the role of IL-8 in the metastatic process remains unclear. The purpose of this review is to determine the role of IL-8 in tumor growth and metastasis of human melanoma. Transfection of nonmetastatic and IL-8-negative melanoma cells with the IL-8 gene rendered them highly tumorigenic and increased their metastatic potential in nude mice. The IL-8-transfected cells displayed upregulation of MMP-2 expression and activity and increased invasiveness through Matrigel-coated filters. Activation of MMP-2 by IL-8 can enhance the invasion of host stroma by the tumor cells and increase angiogenesis and, hence, metastasis. In addition to UVB, IL-8 can also be upregulated by hypoxia conditions, suggesting that the environment plays a major role in regulating IL-8 expression and metastasis. The studies summarized in this review suggest that in melanoma, IL-8 may serve as the angiogenic factor distinguishing benign from malignant cells.