Life

Our medical research library holds 6 studies published in Life (2022–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 6 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: MDPI AG
• Published: 2011 to the present, Switzerland
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2075-1729 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Inactivation of BAP1 and the Hippo Pathway Characterizes the Genomic Alterations of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. M. Samuels, M. Williams, A. Hasan, et al. 2026;16(3). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background/Objectives: Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare malignancy characterized by limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Genomic characterization can enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to this disease and can contribute to improved survival outcomes through therapeutic targets.

  Methods: Analysis was performed using a dataset from the AACR GENIE database (v17.0-public) comprising 204 samples from 192 patients. Data were analyzed to identify patterns in genomic alterations and clinical demographics. Within the GENIE cohort, histologic subtype information was incomplete and inconsistently reported across contributing institutions. Hence, histological subtype genomic analysis was not viable.

  Results: The most common somatic mutation was found in the BAP1 gene (25.98%). Other common mutations were found in the NF2 (15.19%), TP53 (9.3%) and SETD2 (8.3%) genes. Several pathways were found as potential treatment targets including the chromatin remodeling, Hippo, and p53 signaling pathways. Given the size of our dataset, we were unable to draw significant conclusions about certain demographics.

  Conclusions: This study presents data that can help draw conclusions on common mutations, mutual exclusivity patterns, and demographics at risk for peritoneal mesothelioma. Genomic analysis of peritoneal mesothelioma may inform possible intervention targets for therapeutic treatment.

• Quercetin-Arctigenin Co-Treatment Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptotic Cell Death Through Metabolic Stress in Malignant Mesothelioma Cells. M.K. Cho, S.H. Lee, H.S. Nam, et al. 2026;16(5). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the need for novel strategies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities. Natural polyphenols have gained attention due to their ability to modulate cellular metabolism and apoptosis-related signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the combined anticancer effects of quercetin (QUE) and arctigenin (ATG) in human malignant mesothelioma cells. QUE and ATG reduced the viability of MSTO-211H cells in a time-dependent manner, while non-malignant mesothelial MeT-5A cells showed relatively limited sensitivity under the tested conditions. Compared with single treatment, the combination treatment further enhanced growth inhibition, with combination index analysis suggesting a potential synergistic interaction. Co-treatment significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels and increased caspase-3/7 activity, suggesting metabolic stress-associated apoptotic responses. Annexin V analysis confirmed increased apoptotic cell populations following combination treatment. Western blot analysis demonstrated reduced expression of anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL, along with increased cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP, consistent with involvement of intrinsic apoptosis-associated signaling pathways. In addition, increased phosphorylation of AMPK and altered expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex proteins were associated with potential alterations in mitochondrial respiratory protein expression. Collectively, these findings suggest that QUE and ATG co-treatment is associated with increased apoptotic cell death in malignant mesothelioma cells in association with metabolic stress-related mitochondrial functional alterations.

• Cytological Analysis of Upper Respiratory Tract Epithelial Cells in Chrysotile Asbestos Factory Workers. Y. Otarov, Z. Zharylkassyn, A. Shaibek, et al. 2025;15(3). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of prolonged occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos on the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract and the levels of surfactant protein D (SP-D) in female workers.

  Methods: Buccal epithelial cell samples were collected from 40 workers at JSC "Kostanay Minerals", fixed using the May-Grünwald method, and stained with the Romanowsky-Giemsa technique. SP-D levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

  Results: Workers exposed to asbestos dust exhibited a significant increase in cytological abnormalities and higher SP-D levels compared to the control group.

  Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to chrysotile-containing dust leads to degenerative changes in upper respiratory tract epithelial cells, characterized by cytological and cytogenetic abnormalities, alongside elevated SP-D levels, highlighting the need for preventive health measures.

• Mortality from Pleural and Lung Cancer in Railway Maintenance Workers. L. Scarso, M. Novelli, E.L. Negri, et al. 2025;15(7). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  (1) Background: Occupational exposure to asbestos remains a significant public health concern due to its association with pleural cancer and other cancers. This cohort study examines the incidence of asbestos-related diseases among railway carriage maintenance workers exposed to asbestos between 1960 and 1979 in Bologna, Italy. (2) Methods: A cohort of 2197 male workers was followed from 1960 onwards, with data collected on asbestos exposure, smoking habits, and mortality outcomes. The association of asbestos exposure and smoking with the risk of pleural cancer and lung cancer was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. (3) Results: This study identified a substantial burden of asbestos-related pleural cancer, with an exponential increase in risk over time since the beginning of exposure. Our results suggest the lack of a multiplicative effect of asbestos exposure and smoking on lung cancer risk. The Cox models showed a significant association between smoking and lung cancer risk, with a hazard ratio of 3.26 (95% CI: 1.10-9.64, p = 0.03), less significant for asbestos exposure, with a hazard ratio of 1.42 (95% CI: 0.66-3.06). (4) Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the long-term health effects of occupational asbestos exposure and underscores the complex interaction between asbestos exposure and smoking in the development of lung cancer.

• Quantitative Assessment of Asbestos Fibers in Normal and Pathological Peritoneal Tissue-A Scoping Review. Y. Caraballo-Arias, C. Zunarelli, P. Caffaro, et al. 2022;12(12). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Peritoneal tissue is the second most affected site by malignant mesothelioma linked to asbestos exposure. This scoping review aims to summarize the findings of the studies in which asbestos fibers in the peritoneum were quantified by electron microscopy, occasionally associated with spectroscopy, both in neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissue. The 9 studies selected comprised 62 cases, out of whom 100 samples were analyzed. Asbestos fibers were detected in 58 samples (58%). In addition, 28 cases had diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. For 32 cases, a lung tumor sample was available: 28/32 samples analyzed presented asbestos fibers; 18/32 reported amphiboles with a range from not detected to 14.2 million fibers per gram of dry tissue (mfgdt); 18/32 reported chrysotile, with a range of 0 to 90 mfgdt. The studies were heterogeneous for type of samples, analytical technology, and circumstances of exposure to asbestos. To evaluate asbestos fibers in the peritoneum and to better understand the association between asbestos exposure and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, it is desirable that the search for asbestos fibers becomes a routine process every time peritoneal tissue is accessible.

• Quantitative Assessment of Asbestos Fibers in Normal and Pathological Pleural Tissue-A Scoping Review. Y. Caraballo-Arias, P. Caffaro, P. Boffetta, et al. 2022;12(2). PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer in the general population, but it is more common in subjects occupationally exposed to asbestos. Studies with asbestos fiber quantification in pleural tissue are scarce: for this reason, we aimed at undertaking a scoping review to summarize the evidence provided by studies in which asbestos fibers were determined by electron microscopy (SEM or TEM) in human pleural tissues, whether normal or pathologic.

  Materials And Methods: A scoping review of articles that quantified asbestos fibers in human pleural tissue (normal or pathologic) by electron microscopy (SEM or TEM), in subjects with asbestos exposure (if any) was performed.

  Results: The 12 studies selected comprised 137 cases, out of which 142 samples were analyzed. Asbestos fibers were detected in 111 samples (78%) and were below the detectable limit in 31 samples (22%). The concentration of asbestos fibers detected in the positive samples was distributed from as low as 0.01 mfgdt (millions of fibers per gram of dry tissue) up to 240 mfgdt. However, the minimum concentration of fibers overlaps in the three types of tissues (normal pleura, pleural plaque, mesothelioma) in terms of magnitude; therefore, it is not possible to distinguish a definite pattern which differentiates one tissue from the other.

  Conclusions: The studies included were heterogeneous as to the representativeness of the samples and analytical techniques; the possibility of false negatives must be considered. It would be desirable to systematically search for asbestos fibers to fill the knowledge gap about the presence of asbestos fibers in normal or pathological pleural tissue in order to better understand the development of the different pleural diseases induced by this mineral.

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