Netrin-1, a laminin-related protein, is known to be involved in the nervous system development. Recently, Netrin-1's involvement in other processes such as cell adhesion, motility, proliferation, and differentiation that are important for the development of epithelial tissues has been described. In addition, Netrin-1 and its receptors, deleted in colorectal cancer and uncoordinated-5 homolog, have been linked to apoptosis and angiogenesis. Since these properties are essential for tumor development, Netrin-1 and its receptors have been reported to promote tumorigenesis in many types of cancers. Here, we review the Netrin-1 mediated regulation of cancer, its potential use as a biomarker, and the targeting of the Netrin-1 pathway to treat cancers.

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Poly ɛ‐caprolactone (PCL) and poly lactic acid (PLA) stand out as biocompatible polymers. In this study, PCL and PLA were blended in 40:60 ratio, respectively, and then the Gd2O3 compound, which is an important earth element oxide, was mixed in PLA–PCL shape memory polymer (SMP) blend at different rates and polymer blend nanocomposites were obtained. First of all, the effects of Gd2O3 oxide on the thermal properties of the SMP blend were determined with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and it was determined that Gd2O3 did not have a significant effect on the melting temperature of the blend, while it significantly increased its thermal stability. As a result of the XRD (X‐ray diffraction) analysis of the composites at room temperature, it was determined that the semicrystalline blend, with the addition of Gd2O3, increased its crystalline property. When the shape memory effect was examined, it was understood that the additive did not eliminate the shape memory effect. When the magnetic property of the gadolinium oxide‐doped composite, which is magnetocaloric oxide, was examined, the magnetic property of the composite changed from diamagnetic to paramagnetic with increasing additives. Finally, the mechanical properties of the shape memory blend composite were investigated and no regular changes were observed in the mechanical properties with increasing Gd2O3.

An increasing frequency of hepatic granulomas, up to 10%, in chronic hepatitis C patients is reported, and their presence is considered to be a predictor of treatment success. However, there is only one prevalence study on granuloma in chronic hepatitis B, and its significance for treatment outcome is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatic granulomas in a larger group of chronic hepatitis B patients and to compare their presence with the response to interferon therapy. Biopsy specimens of chronic hepatitis B patients were reevaluated for the presence of hepatic granulomas. All patients with hepatic granuloma were screened for other granulomatous diseases by tuberculin skin test, chest X-ray and computed tomography, venereal disease research laboratory, Brucella agglutination tests, and exposure to hepatotoxic agents. We screened 663 cases of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatic granulomas were found in 10 cases (1.5%). The granulomas could not be ascribed to any other reason. Of the 10 patients with hepatic granulomas, 4 responded to interferon therapy, 2 dropped out, and 4 were nonresponders. We conclude that hepatic granuloma is a rare finding in chronic hepatitis B and its presence does not seem to predict the response to interferon therapy.