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INTRODUCTION: Immune cells contribute with mediators in the protein expression profile of the tumor microenvironment. Levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are elevated in non-malignant inflammatory conditions; however, the association between PAI-1 expression and inflammation remains uncertain in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate PAI-1 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate in OSCC and its role as a prognostic marker. METHODS: Samples were collected from patients with OSCC, treated surgically, and followed for 24 months after the procedure. Thirty-nine tumoral tissue were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Correlation between protein expression, clinicopathological parameters, and the prognosis was investigated. RESULTS: Positive PAI-1 expression in mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate was significantly associated with lymph node status (p = 0.009) and with the cytoplasmic expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) (p = 0.028). Multivariate analysis revealed weak PAI-1 expression as an independent marker for lymph node metastases, with approximately 8-fold increased risk compared to strong expression (OR = 8.60; CI = 1.54-48.08; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the strong PAI-1 expression in intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate is an indicator of a better prognosis for patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify determinant factors for depression and analyze the relationship between possible changes in HPA axis and depression, in this case NR3C1 DNA methylation and serum cortisol levels. METHODS: 349 adult volunteers were recruited to evaluate depression, socio-demographic, economic and lifestyle factors, serum cortisol levels and NR3C1 DNA methylation by pyrosequencing. Depression determinant factors were investigated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance (pâ¯<â¯0.05). RESULTS: Poisson regression with robust variance adjusted by gender, tobacco use, self-perceived stress, leisure activity, suicidal ideation, low cortisol levels and NR3C1 DNA methylation was performed and predicted risk factors for depression. Furthermore, depressive volunteers showed a significant increase in NR3C1 DNA methylation when compared to healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: This findings provide a basis for understanding the role of HPA axis in depression, especially its regulation by NR3C1 DNA methylation. Furthermore, it emphasizes the stressful lifestyle risk factors (female, tobacco uso, self perceived stress, leisure activities absence and suicidal ideation) that can contribute to future research and the search for public health policies to improve quality of live, mental and general health.
