Pub Date : 2026-03-02Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.090126
Ethem Yıldız, Oğuz Kılınç, Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu
{"title":"Echoes of the Past: Are E-Cigarettes the New \"Light\" Cigarettes?","authors":"Ethem Yıldız, Oğuz Kılınç, Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.090126","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.090126","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"113-114"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12946530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146083962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-02Epub Date: 2025-12-23DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-24
Rocío Egido García-Comendador, Elena Sánchez Marcos
{"title":"From the Beach to the Emergency Room: Sea Anemone Sting.","authors":"Rocío Egido García-Comendador, Elena Sánchez Marcos","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-24","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-24","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"159-160"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12946535/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145808808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
<p><strong>Background: </strong>Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of graft dysfunction and failure, driving inflammation and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess therapeutic potential due to their immunomodulatory properties. Notably, neutrophils express the inhibitory receptor CD32b, which is a specific target of the immunosuppressive molecule soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFgl2).</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of genetically engineered MSCs expressing sFgl2 (sFgl2-MSCs) in treating renal I/R injury, with a focus on neutrophil regulation.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>An <i>in vivo</i> renal I/R injury mouse model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following imaging to localize MSCs, mice were randomly allocated into four treatment groups. Treatments were administered according to group assignments. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, while systemic inflammation was evaluated by measuring serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutrophil proportions in the blood and kidney were analyzed by flow cytometry. At 24 h, surface expression of CD95 and CD206 was assessed; CD206 was used to define neutrophils with N2-like (CD206<sup>+</sup>) and N1-like (CD95<sup>+</sup>) phenotypic features. Histopathological scoring of renal tissue was performed at 24 h. Infiltration of Ly6G<sup>+</sup> neutrophils and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) as well as myeloperoxidase/CitH3 co-localization (an indicator of neutrophil extracellular traps, NETs) were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Circulating free DNA (cf-DNA) in plasma was quantified using PicoGreen dye. Furthermore, the impact of sFgl2-MSCs on bone marrow-derived neutrophil polarization and function was evaluated <i>in vivo</i> using flow cytometry, ELISA, and a co-culture system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While unmodified MSCs exhibited a moderate therapeutic effect, sFgl2-MSCs treatment was significantly more effective. sFgl2-MSCs markedly improved renal function, reduced histopathological damage (e.g., tubular necrosis), and modulated systemic cytokine levels by decreasing pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Crucially, sFgl2-MSCs regulated neutrophil responses in the kidney: they increased the proportion of N2-like neutrophils and decreased N1-like neutrophils, concurrently reducing NET-related markers, as evidenced by decreased CitH3 and cf-DNA. Mechanistically, sFgl2-MSCs enhanced neutrophil immunoregulatory function via the TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Genetically modified sFgl2-MSCs alleviate renal I/R injury. This protective effect is associated with engagement of neutrophil CD32b receptors, activation of the TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway
{"title":"Overexpression of Soluble Fibrinogen-like Protein 2 in MSCs Ameliorates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice by Modulating Neutrophils.","authors":"Guo-Shan Chen, Wen-Hao Xiong, Dan-Zhou Li, Peng-Hui Zhang, Yi-Ting Wang, Yong-Chao Zhang, Feng Qi","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-101","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of graft dysfunction and failure, driving inflammation and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess therapeutic potential due to their immunomodulatory properties. Notably, neutrophils express the inhibitory receptor CD32b, which is a specific target of the immunosuppressive molecule soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFgl2).</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of genetically engineered MSCs expressing sFgl2 (sFgl2-MSCs) in treating renal I/R injury, with a focus on neutrophil regulation.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>An <i>in vivo</i> renal I/R injury mouse model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following imaging to localize MSCs, mice were randomly allocated into four treatment groups. Treatments were administered according to group assignments. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, while systemic inflammation was evaluated by measuring serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutrophil proportions in the blood and kidney were analyzed by flow cytometry. At 24 h, surface expression of CD95 and CD206 was assessed; CD206 was used to define neutrophils with N2-like (CD206<sup>+</sup>) and N1-like (CD95<sup>+</sup>) phenotypic features. Histopathological scoring of renal tissue was performed at 24 h. Infiltration of Ly6G<sup>+</sup> neutrophils and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) as well as myeloperoxidase/CitH3 co-localization (an indicator of neutrophil extracellular traps, NETs) were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Circulating free DNA (cf-DNA) in plasma was quantified using PicoGreen dye. Furthermore, the impact of sFgl2-MSCs on bone marrow-derived neutrophil polarization and function was evaluated <i>in vivo</i> using flow cytometry, ELISA, and a co-culture system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While unmodified MSCs exhibited a moderate therapeutic effect, sFgl2-MSCs treatment was significantly more effective. sFgl2-MSCs markedly improved renal function, reduced histopathological damage (e.g., tubular necrosis), and modulated systemic cytokine levels by decreasing pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Crucially, sFgl2-MSCs regulated neutrophil responses in the kidney: they increased the proportion of N2-like neutrophils and decreased N1-like neutrophils, concurrently reducing NET-related markers, as evidenced by decreased CitH3 and cf-DNA. Mechanistically, sFgl2-MSCs enhanced neutrophil immunoregulatory function via the TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Genetically modified sFgl2-MSCs alleviate renal I/R injury. This protective effect is associated with engagement of neutrophil CD32b receptors, activation of the TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"136-150"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12946533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146103579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a key cause of ischemic stroke that is strongly associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and vascular death, hence the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies targeting carotid atherosclerotic plaques that would reduce the overall risk of cerebrovascular events.
Aims: This study performs single-cell sequencing to dissect the cellular subpopulations in CAS. Molecular docking is used to uncover the potential therapeutic targets, consequently providing a theoretical basis for the CAS treatment strategies.
Study design: Integrated single-cell, spatial transcriptomic and molecular docking analysis.
Methods: The single-cell sequencing data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Enrichment analyses were performed to characterize the cellular subpopulation functions. Accordingly, cell-cell communication networks were mapped to uncover the inter-subgroup interactions. Molecular docking was also employed to identify the potential therapeutic targets.
Results: In this study, we identified the multiple cellular subpopulations that are associated with CAS. These CAS-related subpopulations engage in intercellular communication via distinct signaling pathways. Cannabidiol exhibits strong binding affinities for the macrophage, endothelial, and vascular smooth muscle cell markers. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that ACTC1, AKR1C2, and FABP4 exhibit region-specific expression patterns within the plaque.
Conclusion: Dissecting the diverse cellular subpopulations in CAS and elucidating their functions and mechanisms, this study integrates single-cell sequencing, molecular docking, and spatial transcriptomics to offer fresh insights into CAS therapy.
{"title":"Single-Cell Analysis, Spatial Transcriptomics and Molecular Docking Unveil Potential Therapeutic Targets for Carotid Atherosclerosis.","authors":"Rongxing Qin, Hongyu Xu, Qingchun Qin, Wei Xu, Xinyu Lai, Li Chen","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-151","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a key cause of ischemic stroke that is strongly associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and vascular death, hence the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies targeting carotid atherosclerotic plaques that would reduce the overall risk of cerebrovascular events.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study performs single-cell sequencing to dissect the cellular subpopulations in CAS. Molecular docking is used to uncover the potential therapeutic targets, consequently providing a theoretical basis for the CAS treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Integrated single-cell, spatial transcriptomic and molecular docking analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The single-cell sequencing data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Enrichment analyses were performed to characterize the cellular subpopulation functions. Accordingly, cell-cell communication networks were mapped to uncover the inter-subgroup interactions. Molecular docking was also employed to identify the potential therapeutic targets.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, we identified the multiple cellular subpopulations that are associated with CAS. These CAS-related subpopulations engage in intercellular communication via distinct signaling pathways. Cannabidiol exhibits strong binding affinities for the macrophage, endothelial, and vascular smooth muscle cell markers. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that <i>ACTC1, AKR1C2</i>, and <i>FABP4</i> exhibit region-specific expression patterns within the plaque.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dissecting the diverse cellular subpopulations in CAS and elucidating their functions and mechanisms, this study integrates single-cell sequencing, molecular docking, and spatial transcriptomics to offer fresh insights into CAS therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"69-82"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12862165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145436986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lung Metastatic Ameloblastoma: A Hidden Cause of Pulmonary Nodules.","authors":"İrem Karaman, Barış Hekimoğlu, Mürüvvet Akçay Çelik, Dilek Erdem, Şevket Özkaya","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-6","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"109-110"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12862185/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-02DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.060126
Deniz Palamar
{"title":"Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: From Diagnosis to Rehabilitation.","authors":"Deniz Palamar","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.060126","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.060126","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":"43 2","pages":"58-60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12862162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146008631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-02Epub Date: 2025-10-02DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-43
Siqi Li, Ru Dai, Qunye Xu
{"title":"Secukinumab-Induced Interstitial Pneumonia in a Patient with Psoriasis.","authors":"Siqi Li, Ru Dai, Qunye Xu","doi":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-43","DOIUrl":"10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-43","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8690,"journal":{"name":"Balkan Medical Journal","volume":" ","pages":"107-108"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12862163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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