CTCF genetic alterations in endometrial carcinoma are pro-tumorigenic

CTCF is a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor gene with diverse normal functions in genome structure and gene regulation. However the mechanism by which CTCF haploinsufficiency contributes to cancer development is not well understood. CTCF is frequently mutated in endometrial cancer. Here we show that most CTCF mutations effectively result in CTCF haploinsufficiency through nonsense-mediated decay of mutant transcripts, or loss-of-function missense mutation. Conversely, we identified a recurrent CTCF mutation K365T, which alters a DNA binding residue, and acts as a gain-of-function mutation enhancing cell survival. CTCF genetic deletion occurs predominantly in poor prognosis serous subtype tumours, and this genetic deletion is associated with poor overall survival. In addition, we have shown that CTCF haploinsufficiency also occurs in poor prognosis endometrial clear cell carcinomas and has some association with endometrial cancer relapse and metastasis. Using shRNA targeting CTCF to recapitulate CTCF haploinsufficiency, we have identified a novel role for CTCF in the regulation of cellular polarity of endometrial glandular epithelium. Overall, we have identified two novel pro-tumorigenic roles (promoting cell survival and altering cell polarity) for genetic alterations of CTCF in endometrial cancer.

Rapid rule out of myocardial infarction with the use of copeptin as a biomarker for cardiac injury

Copeptin is a non-specific marker of an endogenous stress response. A dual biomarker marker approach involving the simultaneous use of troponin and copeptin assays may assist early exclusion of acute coronary syndrome in Australian emergency departments. The utility and limitations of this approach are discussed.

Non-invasive investigation of chronic stable angina--a practical overview for medical practitioners

How does one decide on the best non-invasive test to investigate stable coronary ischaemia? This is a very common question faced by many medical practitioners. Chronic stable angina is a common presentation encountered in general practitice. Upon clinical assessment and risk stratification the patient needs to be investigated further to confirm the diagnosis. The first investigational modality involves a non-invasive test. It is important that practitioners possess a practical knowledge of the array of different tests that are available so that the best suited one for each patient can be chosen. This article aims to compare the efficacy and accuracy and the practical utility of the different non-invasive tests for coronary ischaemia and aid the practitioner in making sound decisions in this regard.

Suboptimal consideration and management of potential familial hypercholesterolaemia in patients with suspected premature coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene, resulting in high levels of LDL cholesterol and premature coronary artery disease (P-CAD). Studies have shown low detection rates of FH in patients admitted with P-CAD and suboptimal therapy at discharge.

METHODS

Males aged ≤ 55 years and females aged ≤ 60 years who were admitted with P-CAD to the Gold Coast Hospital during a 12-month period were included in the study. The demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, examination findings, admission and discharge cardiac medications and provisional diagnoses were recorded. Diagnosis of FH was made according to internationally accepted criteria.

RESULTS

210 patients were included in the study; 60% were male and 40% female (mean age 48 and 50 years, respectively). Only 96 (46%) patients' fasting lipid levels were documented (LDL-C 2.75 ± 1.0 mmol/L), and FH was considered in three (1%) cases. According to the Dutch Lipid Network criteria, three (1%) patients had probable FH, 50 (24%) had possible FH and 60 (29%) had unlikely FH. Of the 53 patients with probable or possible FH, 12 (23%) were discharged without statin therapy and 13 (25%) on the maximum recommended statin dose.

CONCLUSION

Our study has found inadequate documentation and screening for FH and suboptimal therapy in patients admitted with P-CAD. We propose a simple screening tool that can be applied to all patients admitted with suspected P-CAD in order to improve the detection rate of FH and its management.