The role of mitochondria in metastasis development.

Metastasis is a hallmark of cancer and is responsible for the largest number of cancer-related deaths. However, it remains poorly understood. Recently, evidence has accumulated pointing to the role of mitochondria in the metastatic spread of cancer cells. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that have significant metabolic activity and are considered signaling centers with biosynthetic, bioenergetic, and signaling functions that control key biological pathways. Also, data were presented that mitochondria can influence all processes associated with oncogenesis, from malignant transformation to metastatic dissemination. The role of mitochondria in cancer progression/metastasis includes alteration of glycolysis, regulation of ROS, and suppression of intrinsic apoptosis. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the contribution of mitochondria to tumor cell invasion and dissemination and the possible mechanisms behind this. Mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic strategies to combat metastatic cancer will also be proposed.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Navigating the Intersections of Immunity, Intercellular Communication, and Therapeutic Potential.

This comprehensive review elucidates the intricate roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) within the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment, intersecting the domains of immunity, intercellular communication, and therapeutic potential. lncRNAs, which are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of CRC, immune evasion, and the treatment response to CRC, have crucial implications in inflammation and serve as promising candidates for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers. This review scrutinizes the interaction of lncRNAs with the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs) of CRC, their complex interplay with the tumor stroma affecting immunity and inflammation, and their conveyance via extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate relationship between lncRNAs and other non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and circular RNAs, in mediating cell-to-cell communication within the CRC microenvironment. Lastly, we propose potential strategies to manipulate lncRNAs to enhance anti-tumor immunity, thereby underlining the significance of lncRNAs in devising innovative therapeutic interventions in CRC.

Hypertension as a risk factor for atherosclerosis: Cardiovascular risk assessment.

Atherosclerosis is a predecessor of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which often lead to morbidity and mortality. Despite the knowledge of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, an essential gap in our understanding is the exact trigger mechanism. A wide range of risk factors have been discovered; however, a majority of them are too general to clarify the launching mechanism of atherogenesis. Some risk factors are permanent (age, gender, genetic heritage) and others can be modified [tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and obesity]. All of them have to be taken into account. In the scope of this review, our attention is focused on hypertension, which is considered the most widespread among all modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis development. Moreover, high blood pressure is the most investigated risk factor. The purpose of this review is to summarize the data on hypertension as a risk factor for atherosclerosis development and the risk assessment.

Atherosclerosis Specific Features in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, leading to a high mortality rate worldwide. Several risk factors are known to favor atherogenesis, among which are high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and others. Chronic kidney disease is another serious health problem associated with significant health care costs, morbidity, and mortality. Chronic kidney disease shares several risk factors with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease development should be considered in patients with chronic kidney disease. Interestingly, patients suffering from chronic kidney disease are more prone to cardiovascular problems than the general population. Moreover, chronic kidney disease is characterized by an increased atherosclerotic burden from the very early stages. The purpose of this review was to summarize data on atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease, highlighting the specific features of the disease combination.

Phenotype Diversity of Macrophages in Osteoarthritis: Implications for Development of Macrophage Modulating Therapies.

Chronic inflammation is implicated in numerous human pathologies. In particular, low-grade inflammation is currently recognized as an important mechanism of osteoarthritis (OA), at least in some patients. Among the signs of the inflammatory process are elevated macrophage numbers detected in the OA synovium compared to healthy controls. High macrophage counts also correlate with clinical symptoms of the disease. Macrophages are central players in the development of chronic inflammation, pain, cartilage destruction, and bone remodeling. However, macrophages are also involved in tissue repair and remodeling, including cartilage. Therefore, reduction of macrophage content in the joints correlates with deleterious effects in OA models. Macrophage population is heterogeneous and dynamic, with phenotype transitions being induced by a variety of stimuli. In order to effectively use the macrophage inflammatory circuit for treatment of OA, it is important to understand macrophage heterogeneity and interactions with surrounding cells and tissues in the joint. In this review, we discuss functional phenotypes of macrophages and specific targeting approaches relevant for OA treatment development.

Effects of Metabolic Disorders in Immune Cells and Synoviocytes on the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It has been proven that, with the development of RA, there are changes in the metabolism of cells located in the focus of inflammation. In this article, we describe the connection between metabolism and inflammation in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. We consider in detail the changes in metabolic processes and their subsequent immunomodulatory effects. In particular, we consider how changes in mitochondrial functioning lead to the modulation of metabolism in rheumatoid arthritis. We also describe the main features of the metabolism in cells present in the synovial membrane during inflammation, and we discuss possible targets for the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

Interplay between Zn2+ Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Functions in Cardiovascular Diseases and Heart Ageing.

Zinc plays an important role in cardiomyocytes, where it exists in bound and histochemically reactive labile Zn2+ forms. Although Zn2+ concentration is under tight control through several Zn2+-transporters, its concentration and intracellular distribution may vary during normal cardiac function and pathological conditions, when the protein levels and efficacy of Zn2+ transporters can lead to zinc re-distribution among organelles in cardiomyocytes. Such dysregulation of cellular Zn2+ homeostasis leads to mitochondrial and ER stresses, and interrupts normal ER/mitochondria cross-talk and mitophagy, which subsequently, result in increased ROS production and dysregulated metabolic function. Besides cardiac structural and functional defects, insufficient Zn2+ supply was associated with heart development abnormalities, induction and progression of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in accelerated cardiac ageing. In the present review, we summarize the recently identified connections between cellular and mitochondrial Zn2+ homeostasis, ER stress and mitophagy in heart development, excitation-contraction coupling, heart failure and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Additionally, we discuss the role of Zn2+ in accelerated heart ageing and ageing-associated rise of mitochondrial ROS and cardiomyocyte dysfunction.

Aging of Vascular System Is a Complex Process: The Cornerstone Mechanisms.

Aging is one of the most intriguing processes of human ontogenesis. It is associated with the development of a wide variety of diseases affecting all organs and their systems. The victory over aging is the most desired goal of scientists; however, it is hardly achievable in the foreseeable future due to the complexity and ambiguity of the process itself. All body systems age, lose their performance, and structural disorders accumulate. The cardiovascular system is no exception. And it is cardiovascular diseases that occupy a leading position as a cause of death, especially among the elderly. The aging of the cardiovascular system is well described from a mechanical point of view. Moreover, it is known that at the cellular level, a huge number of mechanisms are involved in this process, from mitochondrial dysfunction to inflammation. It is on these mechanisms, as well as the potential for taking control of the aging of the cardiovascular system, that we focused on in this review.

Role of Impaired Mitochondrial Dynamics Processes in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is now recognized as a contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondria are signaling organelles with a variety of functions ranging from energy production to the regulation of cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, and response to stress. The successful functioning of these complex processes is critically dependent on the accuracy of mitochondrial dynamics, which includes the ability of mitochondria to change shape and position in the cell, which is necessary to maintain proper function and quality control, especially in polarized cells such as neurons. There has been much evidence to suggest that the disruption of mitochondrial dynamics may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AD. This review highlights aspects of altered mitochondrial dynamics in AD that may contribute to the etiology of this debilitating condition. We also discuss therapeutic strategies to improve mitochondrial dynamics and function that may provide an alternative treatment approach.

The Role of Mitochondrial Abnormalities in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as the presence in diabetic patients of abnormal cardiac structure and performance (such as left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and arrhythmia) in the absence of other cardiac risk factors (such as hypertension or coronary artery disease). Although the pathogenesis of DCM remains unclear currently, mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunctions are recognised as a central player in the DCM development. In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis and mitophagy, Ca2+ metabolism and bioenergetics in the DCM development and progression. Based on the crucial role of mitochondria in DCM, application of mitochondria-targeting therapies could be effective strategies to slow down the progression of the disease.