Yimin Liu^1,#, Bin Liu^2,3,4,#, Huabin Gao¹, Jinlong Wang⁵, Jingya Duan¹, Xiaolan Huang¹, Yuexi Liu¹, Ying Huang¹, Wenjing Liao¹, Ruonan Li^1,*, Hua Linghu^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.34, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.069007 - 30 December 2025

Abstract Objectives: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), exhibits a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by fibrotic stroma and poor prognosis. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), a key diagnostic biomarker for ovarian cancer, is involved in fibrotic processes in several non-malignant diseases. Given the clinical significance of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC and the potential link between HE4 and fibrosis, this study aimed to investigate the role of HE4 in the formation of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC. Methods: A total of 126 patients with gynecological conditions were included and divided into… More > Graphic Abstract

OK-HYEON KIM^1,2,#, EUN RAN KIM^3,#, JUN HYUNG PARK², HYUN JUNG LEE^1,2,*

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.6, pp. 1439-1443, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018921 - 07 February 2022

Abstract Exogenously delivered mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are therapeutically beneficial owing to their paracrine effect; they secrete various cytokines, nucleic acids, and proteins. Multiple bioengineering techniques can help MSC cultures to release secretomes by providing stem cell niche-like conditions (both structurally and functionally). Various scaffolds mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) using both natural and synthetic polymers, providing favorable environments for MSC proliferation and differentiation. Depending on material properties, either topographically or elastically structured scaffolds can be fabricated. Three-dimensional scaffolds have tunable substrate rigidities and structures, aiding MSC cultivation. Decellularized ECM-derived hydrogels are similar to the More >

PETRA KRAUS^1,*, ANKITA SAMANTA¹, SINA LUFKIN², THOMAS LUFKIN¹

BIOCELL, Vol.46, No.4, pp. 893-898, 2022, DOI:10.32604/biocell.2022.018432 - 15 December 2021

Abstract Pain and lifestyle changes are common consequences of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and affect a large part of the aging population. The stemness of cells is exploited in the field of regenerative medicine as key to treat degenerative diseases. Transplanted cells however often face delivery and survival challenges, especially in tissues with a naturally harsh microniche environment such as the intervertebral disc. Recent interest in the secretome of stem cells, especially cargo protected from microniche-related decay as frequently present in degenerating tissues, provides new means of rejuvenating ailing cells and tissues. Exosomes, a type of More >