ABSTRACT
Introduction: Breast cancer represents the most prevalent malignancy among women. Recent advancements in translational research have focused on the identification of novel biomarkers capable of providing valuable insights into patient outcomes. Furthermore, comprehensive investigations aimed at discovering novel miRNAs, unraveling their biological functions, and deciphering their target genes have significantly contributed to our understanding of the roles miRNAs play in tumorigenesis. Consequently, these investigations have facilitated the way for the development of miRNA-based approaches for breast cancer prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. However, conducting a more extensive array of studies, particularly among diverse ethnic groups, is imperative to expand the scope of research and validate the significance of miRNAs. This study aimed to assess the expression patterns of circulating miRNAs in plasma as a prospective biomarker for breast cancer patients within a population primarily consisting of individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Methods: We evaluated 49 patients with breast cancer compared to 44 healthy women. Results and discussion: All miRNAs analyzed in the plasma of patients with breast cancer were downregulated. ROC curve analysis of miR-21 (AUC = 0.798, 95% CI: 0.682-0.914, p <0.0001), miR-1 (AUC = 0.742, 95% CI: 0.576-0.909, p = 0.004), miR-16 (AUC = 0.721, 95% CI: 0.581-0.861, p = 0.002) and miR-195 (AUC = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.553-0.792, p = 0.004) showed better diagnostic accuracy in discrimination of breast cancer patients in comparison with healthy women. miR-210, miR-21 showed the highest specificities values (97.3%, 94.1%, respectively). Following, miR-10b and miR-195 showed the highest sensitivity values (89.3%, and 77.8%, respectively). The panel with a combination of four miRNAs (miR-195 + miR-210 + miR-21 + miR-16) had an AUC of 0.898 (0.765-0.970), a sensitivity of 71.4%, and a specificity of 100.0%. Collectively, our results highlight the miRNA combination in panels drastically improves the results and showed high accuracy for the diagnosis of breast cancer displaying good sensitivity and specificity.
ABSTRACT
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) constitute a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders in which there are alterations in proteins responsible for the preservation of muscle architecture and function, leading to proximal and progressive muscle weakness. There is, however, significant phenotypic and genotypic variation, as well as difficulty in establishing biomarkers that help to define pathogenic mechanisms and assess disease severity and progression. In this field, there is special attention to microRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules related to the regulation of gene expression and, consequently, the production of proteins. Thus, this research aimed to verify the correlation between the expression of microRNAs and the severity, progression, and therapeutic response of LGMD animal models. A search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and SciELO databases, with articles in English and without a time limit. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used, and the protocol of this review was submitted to PROSPERO. The bibliographic survey of the 434 records found that 5 original articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies explored myomicroRNAs or miRNA panels with gene expression analysis. The analysis demonstrates that miR-1, 133a, and 206 are differentially expressed in serum and muscle. They change according to the degree of inflammation, fibrosis, muscle regeneration, and progression of the dystrophic process. MicroRNAs are up-regulated in dystrophic muscles, which are reversed after treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The present study inferred that miRs are essential in severity, progression, and therapeutic response in LGMD models and may be a useful biomarker in clinical research and prognosis. However, the practical application of these findings should be further explored.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Techniques for breast reconstruction are becoming the new standard of care for breast cancer patients. In this context, reconstruction surgery of the nipple-areolar complex consists of an essential surgical approach to obtain a satisfactory esthetic result. Objectives: The article proposes a modification in a preexisting technique that would have less soft tissue loss and, consequently, better esthetic outcomes. Methods: Four patients underwent reconstruction of the mammary papilla with the technique proposed at Santa Casa de Ilhéus and Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte (SCBH). The technique consists of modifying the four-square flap. De-epithelialization of a lateral wing of the dermatoglossal flap is performed, which will remain in the center of the flap, providing increased central volume and increased vascularization. Results: Patients underwent nipple reconstruction with local anesthesia at least six months after breast reconstruction. They were then evaluated 30 days, 90 days and 180 days after the procedure. The volume and projection of the nipples were evaluated by photographic records. Discussion: There are numerous neo-nipple surgical descriptions, most of them presenting significant volume loss with impairment of body image. Several factors may contribute to nipple flattening after reconstruction, including the absence of natural anatomic infrastructure, inadequate vascularization of flaps, presence of centrifugal forces contrary to the reconstructed prominence, and dermal thickening of the available tissue. Conclusion: The technique detailed in the study maintains greater volume in the central part of the flap aiming to less flap volume loss and greater projection, with more satisfactory and long-lasting esthetic results. The short-term results are encouraging.
Introdução: Técnicas de oncoplastia para reconstrução mamária têm instituído um novo padrão de cuidado no tratamento do câncer de mama. Dentro deste contexto, a cirurgia reconstrutiva da aréola e do mamilo consiste em uma abordagem cirúrgica também fundamental para obter resultado estético satisfatório. Objetivos: Destacar simples alteração em uma técnica já consolidada, visando menor perda tecidual e, consequentemente, melhor resultado estético. Métodos: quatro pacientes foram submetidas à reconstrução da papila mamária com a técnica proposta na S anta C asa de Ilhéus e S anta C asa de Belo Horizonte (SCBH). A técnica consiste na modificação do retalho four-square. É Realizada a desepitelização de uma asa lateral do retalho dermogorduroso, a qual permanecerá no centro do retalho proporcionando aumento do volume central e vascularização aumentada. Resultados: Pacientes foram submetidas à técnica de reconstrução do mamilo sob anestesia local pelo menos seis meses após a cirurgia mamária reconstrutiva e avaliadas após 30, 90 e 180 dias do procedimento. Foram analisados o volume e a projeção dos mamilos por meio de registros fotográficos. Discussão: Existem inúmeras descrições cirúrgicas de neomamilo; a maioria apresenta perda de volume significativo com prejuízo na imagem corporal. Vários fatores podem contribuir para o achatamento do mamilo após sua reconstrução, como a ausência de uma infraestrutura anatômica natural disponível, vascularização inadequada dos retalhos, presença de forças centrífugas contrárias à proeminência reconstruída e espessamento da derme disponível. Conclusão: A técnica pormenorizada no trabalho mantém maior volume na parte central do retalho com objetivo de haver menor perda de volume do retalho e maior projeção do neomamilo, com resultados estéticos mais satisfatórios e duradouros. Os resultados em curto prazo são animadores.
ABSTRACT
Os autores relatam um caso de carcinoma lobular invasivo em homem, ocorrência extremamente rara nesse sexo, enquanto corresponde a aproximadamente 10% dos carcinomas mamários femininos. Revisamos a literatura e encontramos 22 casos, apenas 1 publicado no Brasil, em 1997.
The authors report a case of invasive lobular carcinoma in man, which is extremely rare, while accord approximately 10% of breast cancers in women. We reviewed literature and found 22 cases, which of just one published in Brazil in 1997.
