Tumour Lymphocytic Infiltration, Its Structure and Influence in Colorectal Cancer Progression

BACKGROUND: The role of the immune system in the control of tumour progression has been stressed, recently. Many studies indicate the fact that the immune system can prevent tumour progression in several types of human malignant neoplasms including colorectal cancer. According to some authors, a higher density of “tumour-associated lymphocytes†(TAL), in malignant neoplasms, correlate with prolonged survival of patients.AIM: This study aims to determine the structure and the influence of the immune cells, TAL, in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 103 patients with CRC operated at the University Clinic of Digestive Surgery in Skopje, whose operative material was analysed at the Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty in Skopje. The structure of tumor-associated cells and their density were determined and were correlated with neoplasm’s grade, local growth (T), positive lymph nodes, lymphatic invasion and stage of the disease.RESULTS: CD4+, CD8+ and CD20+ lymphocytes (Ly) were found in TAL. The density of TAL was significantly different in neoplasms with different T status, lymphatic invasion, patients with and without nodal metastasis and patients with a different stage of the disease. The density of CD4+, CD8+, and CD20+ cells were significantly different in neoplasms with different T. The density of CD8+ and CD20+ lymphocytes was lower in patients with nodal metastasis and higher stage.CONCLUSION: The density of tumor-associated lymphocytes can anticipate the disease progression in patients with colorectal cancer, and the density of TAL influences the control of tumour progression

Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Colorectal Cancers and Their Prognostic Value

Abstract Introduction: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in tumor stroma are considered to be involved in elimination of malignant cells and in prevention of metastasis formation. TIL are consisted of T lymphocytes including cytotoxic lymphocytes that are a constituent part of the effector mechanism of anti-tumor immunity and B lymphocytes that can form tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). TLS have been described in several solid tumors and in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and they influence on the local and systemic anti-cancer response. The aim of this study was to quantify the presence of TLS in CRC patients and to determine their role in tumor progression. Patients and methods: The study included 103 patients with CRC who underwent surgery at the University Clinic of Digestive Surgery in Skopje, whose operative material was analyzed at the Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty in Skopje. The density of TLS was determined and correlated with neoplasm status of local growth (T), positive lymph nodes, lymphatic invasion, stage of the disease and tumor grade. Results: The density of TLS was significantly higher in patients with higher stage, lower T status, negative lymph nodes, in patients with no lymphatic invasion and with better differentiated tumors. Conclusion: The density of TLS plays an important role in controlling the tumor growth and it can be a parameter for neoplasm progression in CRC patients. The density of TLS has influence on the control of tumor progression

Potential benefits and controversies related to use of amygdalin (Vitamin B17)

Amygdalin, also known as Vitamin B17 is often considered as anticancer remedy and can be found in many plants. Foods rich in vitamin B17 are referred to as nitrilosides, which contain cyanide that is very toxicingredient. The aim of this article is to highlight some controversies about amygdalin’s effects. Bibliographical searches were performed in available studies and reports using the following terms:"amygdalin", "laetrile", "vitamin B17" and "cancer treatment". Administration of amygdalin may help protect against some cancer types. It also boosts immunity and reduces pain in several diseases. One interestingeffect of amygdalin is blood pressure lowering. Besides the beneficial effects, it could be very toxic because the level of cyanide, as very dangerous poison, is very high. This is the reason for failure of many clinical trials linked with anticancer effects of amygdalin in past. Vitamin B17 is safe for human consumption, but the bottom line is that more research needs to be done to determine safety for both short- and long-term periods of supplementation. There is a greater chance of cyanide toxicity when B17 is taken orally and in high enough amounts, but not when injected. The safest way to get amygdalin at this point is from vitamin B17 whole food sources

Intestinal microbiota composition and the risk of colorectal cancer-novel approach of an old issue

Colorectal cancer is a multifactorial disease involving genetic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors. As a good example of chemical carcinogenesis, the recent studies increased a role of the intestinal microbiota in the development of this disease. This review is an attempt to summarize the current knowledge about the potential links between the intestinal microbiota, dietary style and colorectal cancer, emphasizing that changes in the intestinal microbiota composition, interfere with cell cycle regulation and the production of toxic metabolites that have deleterious effect on colorectal mucosa. Different electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched for relevant literature which has been reviewed in this article. We found that in this literature, several bacterial species have been shown to exhibit the pro-inflammatory and pro-carcinogenic properties, which could consequently have an impact on colorectal carcinogenesis. On the other side bacterial microbiota modifications through dietary style changes, could represent novel prognostic markers and/or targets for innovative therapeutic strategies. It means that exploitation of the gut microbiota offers opportunities for the personalization of chemotherapeutic regimens and the development of novel therapies for colorectal cancer patients. Diversity of the microbial ecosystem favors organism homeostasis, particularly at the level of the cancer-immune dialogue. Therefore, the gut microbiota is both a target for nutritional intervention and a factor influencing the biological activity of other food compounds acquired orally, as well as a moderator of effective anticancer therapy

Health issues and nutrition in the Balkans

he aim of this study is to represent differences and similarities of Balkan cuisine and their reflection to the health among population in Balkan countries. Importance of this study is based on fact that this is the first study where an attempt to compile all known data about food related health issues in Balkan could reflect in improvement of the health care, considering the food as disease and remedy in the same time. The available data from the reports of World Health Organization for different food-related diseases, as well as, from the available studies considering the same issue, have been used for this compilation. Data were processed through comparative analysis and descriptive statistic. Parameters that have been described include: water and sanitary facilities, hygiene, food processing, life expectancy, and the influence of traditional nutrition to the health issue, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers of the digestive system. The highest discrepancy of food-related diseases among Balkan countries where found in incidence and mortality of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and gastric cancer. These parameters are strongly related by the traditional food processing and consumption in some parts of the Balkans as well as with rooted habits of the population for consumption some nutrition despite the damage that can cause serious health problems. Balkan cuisine is more or less similar in all countries of this region, but the lifestyle, health system, tradition, influence of the western world as well as food processing and industry are main parameters that have strong influence in health issue among the population of the Balkans