Gene promoter methylation and protein expression of BRMS1 in uterine cervix in relation to high-risk human papilloma virus infection and cancer

Cervical cancer is strongly related to certain high-risk types of human papilloma virus infection. Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) is a tumor suppressor gene, its expression being regulated by DNA promoter methylation in several types of cancers. This study aims to evaluate the methylation status of BRMS1 promoter in relation to high-risk types of human papilloma virus infection and the development of pre-cancerous lesions and describe the pattern of BRMS1 protein expression in normal, high-risk types of human papilloma virus-infected pre-cancerous and malignant cervical epithelium. We compared the methylation status of BRMS1 in cervical smears of 64 women with no infection by high-risk types of human papilloma virus to 70 women with proven high-risk types of human papilloma virus infection, using real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The expression of BRMS1 protein was described by immunohistochemistry in biopsies from cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, and normal cervices. Methylation of BRMS1 promoter was detected in 37.5% of women with no high-risk types of human papilloma virus infection and was less frequent in smears with high-risk types of human papilloma virus (11.4%) and in women with pathological histology (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) (11.9%). Methylation was detected also in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed nuclear BRMS1 protein staining in normal high-risk types of human papilloma virus-free cervix, in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, and in malignant tissues, where staining was occasionally also cytoplasmic. In cancer, expression was stronger in the more differentiated cancer blasts. In conclusion, BRMS1 promoter methylation and aberrant protein expression seem to be related to high-risk types of human papilloma virus-induced carcinogenesis in uterine cervix and is worthy of further investigation.

Immunohistochemical expression of MTA1 and MTA3 in placental tissue of normal and preeclamptic pregnancies

PURPOSE

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate and compare MTAI andMTA3 antigens expression in normal and preeclamptic placentas in order to demonstrate their possible functional relationship during pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A series including 20 paraffin-embedded placentas, ten of which originated from normal patients and ten from preeclamptic patients, that were examined by immunohistochemistry using the polyclonal antibodies MTAI and MTA3.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed a positive nuclear staining reaction against MTAI and MTA3 in both normal and preeclamptic placentas. However, in preeclamptic chorionic villi, cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast cells demonstrated increased expression of MTAI and MTA3 than in normal ones.

CONCLUSION

The present observations indicate a potential role for MTAI and MTA3 for normal human placental function, playing an essential role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Nevertheless, the precise relationship between these antigens' expression and pathological pregnancies remains to be elucidated.

A comparative immunohistochemical investigation of the consequences of chorioamnionitis on the developing human fetal spleen

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chorioamnionitis on the extracellular matrix (ECM) structural glycoproteins of the developing human fetal spleen, and their influence on the haematopoiesis and spleen immune system compared to controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After elective induced pregnancy termination due to chorioamnionitis or voluntary abortion, paraffin-embedded specimens from the spleen and respective fetal membranes of 90 fetuses were investigated by immunohistochemistry for presence of ECM structural glycoproteins, haematopoietic, and lymphoid cells. Conventional histological examination of the relative fetal membranes was performed.

RESULTS

The present results showed no quantitative variations in the expression of the ECM glycoproteins and haematopoietic lineages of the fetal spleen parenchyma at the end of first trimester (in both groups). At the second and third trimesters, acute chorioamnionitis showed a decreased number of the aforementioned proteins, with an increase of granulopoiesis and CD34 progenitor/stem haematopoietic cells. The immune system of the spleen during the third trimester demonstrated a decrease of both B and T lymphocytes, in comparison with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that toxins and cytokines generated during chorioamnionitis, seem to influence ECM structural glycoproteins synthesis and release in fetal splenic parenchyma by reducing them, and probably cause further disorders of haematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis.

Expression of the activation markers Blimp1, Foxp1 and pStat3 in extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

Different studies have suggested that the expression of biomarkers related to lymphoid cell activation may provide information on the behavior of DLBCL. Most studies have concentrated on nodal or a mixture of nodal and extranodal lymphomas. The differential expression and potential clinical impact of these markers in a homogeneous group of extranodal DLBCLs are not well defined. In this study, we investigated the expression of three activation markers, Blimp1, Foxp1 and pStat3, in a cohort of 35 extranodal DLBCLs homogeneously treated with R-CHOP. Immunohistochemical stains were evaluated using an immunoreactivity score on representative paraffin sections. Blimp1 was positive in 55% (19/35), Foxp1 in 60% (21/35), and pStat3 in 69% (24/35) of our cases. We did not observe any statistical differences in the expression of these markers in GCB and non-GCB tumors or in gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal tumors. Blimp1 expression was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) (p=0.001) in the whole series and in the non-GCB group (Muris algorithm) (p=0.002). Foxp1 positivity and pStat3 positivity had no impact on the outcome of the patients in the global cohort, but they were associated with a better survival in the non-GCB subgroup (p=0.033, p=0.044 respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that Blimp1 expression but not COO was an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (HR=17.5, 95%, CI=2.2-141.1, p=0.007). Our results suggest that these markers are differentially expressed and have different impacts on outcome in extranodal DLBCLs compared to nodal tumors, emphasizing the need to evaluate separately these and probably other markers in these subsets of tumors.

Intraperitoneal administration of apigenin in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury protective effects

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hepatic injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a clinical problem associated with major liver surgery. Among other flavonoids, apigenin has shown a promising effect on I/R cases. In this study, we have investigated the effects of apigenin after liver I/R injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty eight rats were randomized into the following eight groups: (1) Control-sham group: rats subjected to the surgical procedure, except for liver I/R; (2) DMSO group: rats subjected to surgery, except for liver I/R given the apigenin solvent dimethyl-sulfoxide intraperitoneally; (3) C60 group; (4) C120 group; (5) C240 group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min, 120 min, and 240 min; (6) AP60 group; (7) AP120 group; (8) AP240 group: rats underwent liver ischemia for 45 min, and then given apigenin (5 mg) intraperitoneally followed by reperfusion for 60 min, 120 min, and 240 min. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on liver tissues to measure BCL-2/BAX expression, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure M30/M65 and ICAM-1. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify M30 biomarker in liver tissues.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Quantitative variables were tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, repeated measures analysis of variance/Friedman test. Gene levels were assessed by Student's t-test/Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

BCL-2 levels were significantly higher in I/R apigenin groups than in I/R control groups. BAX levels were lower in the AP240 group than in C240 group. Prolongation of reperfusion resulted in increased activation of M30. ICAM-1 levels were lower in the AP240 group than in C240 group.

CONCLUSIONS

Apigenin seems to inhibit the process of apoptosis and ameliorate the hepatic I/R injury.

Testicular tumors manifested as inferior vena cava thromboses: Case reports

Four cases of asymptomatic testicular tumors with inferior vena cava (IVC) involvement are reported. All patients were referred to our hospital with non-specific abdominal pain and abdominal US revealed an inferior vena cava thrombosis. CT showed an IVC thrombus extending from the first to second lumbar vertebrae and also retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in 3 patients. Scrotal US demonstrated intratesticular tumors.

IVC thrombosis may result from asymptomatic intratesticular tumors (single or multiple). Because of that, scrotal US is of paramount importance as a routine screening test in patients who radiographically demonstrate caval thrombosis.

Histological Comparison of the Human Trunk Skin Creases: The Role of the Elastic Fiber Component

OBJECTIVE

Skin creases are features of major anatomical, morphological, surgical, and functional interest. This study focuses on the histological comparison of creases of the trunk and participation of the elastic fibers in their formation. The histological structure is a key consideration for the reconstructive planning of the relevant area and its knowledge may contribute in such direction.

METHODS

Fresh cadaver specimens were collected from the inframammary (n = 15), infragluteal (n = 16), and inguinal creases (n = 14), the anterior axillary fold (n = 14), and the surrounding skin (n = 10). Specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde. Collagen and muscle fibers were stained by Masson Trichrome and Van Gieson stains, reticular and collagen type III fibers by Reticulin stain, and elastic fibers by Verhoef and Orcein stains.

RESULTS

Skin creases of the trunk present well-defined dense bundles of collagen fibers, creating a beehive pattern with broad attachment to the dermis and denser in deeper sites related to the fascia of the underlying muscle. The elastic fibers participate in the collagen pattern and radiate in a parallel pattern in the reticular dermis and in a perpendicular fashion in the papillary dermis. The skin surrounding the creases lacks such organization.

CONCLUSIONS

Creases of the trunk are formed by well-organized collagen bundles in a beehive pattern, attached to the dermis and related to the underlying muscle fascia. The elastic fibers participate in this structure and radiate in a parallel fashion in the reticular dermis and perpendicularly in the papillary dermis.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system localization in human fetal heart

OBJECTIVE

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family consists of the neuropeptides CRF, Ucn I, II and III and the binding sites CRFR1, CRFR2 and CRF-BP. It regulates stress response and the homeostasis of an organism. In this study, we examined the presence of the CRF system in the human hearts of normal and pathological fetuses.

DESIGN

Heart tissues from 40 archival human fetuses were divided into Group A (without pathology, 'normal'), Group B (with chromosomal abnormalities) and Group C (with congenital disorders). Immunohistochemistry was used to localize the CRF system. Results correlated to gestational trimester and pathology.

RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for all antigens was found in cardiac myocytes of all groups, in almost all samples, except Ucn III which was present in almost half of the fetuses of Groups B and C and was not detected at all in Group A. Ucn III was more often present during the earlier stage of development (<21 weeks) and in fetuses with congenital disorders. In a fetus diagnosed with heart pathology, all but Ucn III antigens were also present.

CONCLUSIONS

We localized a complete CRF system in the human fetal heart and correlated the presence of Ucn III to development and pathology. More studies are needed to verify and clarify the exact role of the CRF system in the human fetal heart.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system localization in human fetal heart

OBJECTIVE

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family consists of the neuropeptides CRF, Ucn I, II and III and the binding sites CRFR1, CRFR2 and CRF-BP. It regulates stress response and the homeostasis of an organism. In this study, we examined the presence of the CRF system in the human hearts of normal and pathological fetuses.

DESIGN

Heart tissues from 40 archival human fetuses were divided into Group A (without pathology, 'normal'), Group B (with chromosomal abnormalities) and Group C (with congenital disorders). Immunohistochemistry was used to localize the CRF system. Results correlated to gestational trimester and pathology.

RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for all antigens was found in cardiac myocytes of all groups, in almost all samples, except Ucn III which was present in almost half of the fetuses of Groups B and C and was not detected at all in Group A. Ucn III was more often present during the earlier stage of development (<21weeks) and in fetuses with congenital disorders. In a fetus diagnosed with heart pathology, all but Ucn III antigens were also present.

CONCLUSIONS

We localized a complete CRF system in the human fetal heart and correlated the presence of Ucn III to development and pathology. More studies are needed to verify and clarify the exact role of the CRF system in the human fetal heart.

Co-expression of galectin-3 and CRIP-1 in endometrial cancer: prognostic value and patient survival

Endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women. Galectin-3 (GAL-3) and CRIP-1 are multifunctional proteins which seem to be involved in many neoplasias. This study aims to point out correlations between clinicopathological findings and endometrial cancer patient survival to GAL-3 and CRIP-1 expression in order to enfold their diagnostic/prognostic potential. Tissues from 46 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer were studied by immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal antibodies for GAL-3 and CRIP-1, and expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological findings and survival. Analysis was performed at single protein level or as co-expression. High expression of GAL-3 and CRIP-1 was independently associated with tumor depth and histological grade, respectively. Also, there was a significant correlation between high co-expression of the two proteins and the histological grade (aOR 2.66), the tumor depth (aOR 0.32) and the histological type (aOR 1.32), but not with the patients' age. Moreover, high expression of both proteins was observed in patients with shorter survival times. Interestingly, the co-expression of the two proteins exhibited some degree of monotony (Spearman's ρ = 0.768), indicating a common molecular pathway. This study provides evidence for a prognostic clinical potential of the combined study of GAL-3 and CRIP-1 in endometrial cancer. These factors are poorly studied in endometrium, and their role in the carcinogenetic process and on effective therapy awaits further elucidation.

Apigenin Attenuates Inflammation in Experimentally Induced Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Lung Injury

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is associated with acute lung injury. The aim of the present study is to evaluate alterations of lungs in an experimental model of acute pancreatitis (AP) following both bilio-pancreatic duct obstruction close to the duodenum. Acute pancreatitis is a common disease with significant mortality. This situation makes the need of finding protective factors for the lung parenchyma, imperative. In the present study there is an effort to clarify the role of apigenin, a substance which is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, on lung injury, following acute pancreatitis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 126 male Wistar-type rats 3-4 months old and 220-350 g weight were used. At time 0 we randomly assigned the following groups: Group Sham: Rats were subjected to virtual surgery. Group Control: Rats were subjected to surgery for induction of acute pancreatitis. Group Apigenin: Rats were subjected to surgery for induction of acute pancreatitis and enteral feeding with apigenin. Immunochemistry for TNF-α and IL-6 as well as MPO activity were measured at predetermined time intervals 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, in order to evaluate architectural disturbances of the lung tissue.

RESULTS

From the pathological reports we realized that comparing the control group with the apigenin group, there is an improvement of lung tissue damage following apigenin administration, with statistical significance. Apigenin reduces most histopathological alterations of the pulmonary tissue, reduces MPO and TNF-α activity at 48 hours and, furthermore, reduces IL-6 activity at 72 hours post-administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral Apigenin administration in rats, following experimental induced acute pancreatitis, seems to be protective on the lung tissue. Apigenin administration to humans could potentially ameliorate acute lung injuries. However, special caution is required for humans' use, as more detailed studies are needed.

The role of Apigenin in testicular damage in experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Testicular torsion is an acute urologic emergency occurring in male newborns, children or adolescents. Prolonged ischemia for more than six hours can lead to irreversible testicular damage. Surgical detorsion allows reperfusion and is the only treatment currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of apigenin (APG) on the testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Sham group underwent operation of the left testis. In the torsion-detorsion groups C15 and C120, the left testis was rotated 1080(o) for three hours. The treatment groups Ap15 and Ap120 received the same surgical procedure as groups C15 and C120, but APG was administered intravenously at the same time of detorsion via the right femoral vein. Left orchiectomy was performed 15 min after detorsion at groups C15 and Ap15, and at 120 min at groups C120 and Ap120 for histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation.

RESULTS

In I/R-untreated groups C15 and C120, there was a moderate to severe distortion of the tubules with lesions that varied between grades III and IV according to histopathological finding. In APG-treated groups Ap15 and Ap120, most of the lesions showed injuries of grades II and III with mild and moderate histopathological features. In Terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (Tunel) assay, APG-treated animals showed a statistically significantly decreased number of apoptotic cells compared to groups C15 and C120.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous administration of APG seems to have a protective effect on testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury after testicular torsion and detorsion. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 225-230.

Regenerated Nerve Defects with a Nerve Conduit Containing Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Pigs: An Immunohistochemical and Electrophysiological Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) present an exciting new tool in the field of peripheral nerve regeneration due to their close embryonic origin. In this study, we examined their potential in pigs, using biodegradable collagen conduits filled with DPSCs. To our knowledge, this is the first time DPCSs are tested for peripheral nerve regeneration in such large animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The second lateral incisor was extracted from every animal's lower jaw and stem cells were isolated and cultured. The collagen nerve conduits containing the DPSCs were subsequently transplanted into the transected fifth and sixth intercostal nerves, while the seventh intercostal nerve was used as a control and no stem cells were added on the respective collagen conduit.

RESULTS

A histological examination was performed on the 3rd and 6th postoperative months and showed the gradual development of neural tissue and immunohistochemical expression of neuron-specific enolase. An electrophysiological study was performed on the 6th postoperative month and showed similar potentials between the stem cell infusion region (5 ± 0.04 units) and their proximal stumps (5 ± 0.05 units) and slightly smaller potentials in the respective distal stumps (4 ± 0.045 units).

CONCLUSION

The nerves where DPSCs were injected exhibited morphological and functional recovery, in contrast to the control nerves where no recovery was detected; thus, there is a first evidence of the therapeutic potential of DPSCs in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Room air versus carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum: effects on oxidative state, apoptosis and histology of splanchnic organs

BACKGROUND

Although CO2 is the insufflation gas of choice in laparoscopic procedures, room air is usually used in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the safety of room air versus CO2 pneumoperitoneum in terms of their effect on the oxidative state, apoptosis and tissue injury of splanchnic organs.

METHODS

Eighteen Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (n = 6 per group) and were subjected to 8 mm Hg room air (group Pne-Air) or CO2 pneumoperitoneum (group Pne-CO2) or sham operation for 60 min. Forty-five minutes postdeflation, tissue samples were excised from the liver, stomach, ileum and kidneys for reduced glutathione-to-glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio, caspase-8 and caspase-3 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) immunohistochemical assessment and histopathologic examination.

RESULTS

GSH/GSSG ratio substantially declined in both pneumoperitoneum groups. No change was noted in HIF-1α expression. Mild upregulation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 was noted in both pneumoperitoneum groups being less pronounced in group Pne-Air. Histopathologic score was increased in all organs studied, but the stomach, in both pneumoperitoneum groups.

CONCLUSION

Pneumoperitoneum established by either room air or CO2 induced substantial oxidative stress, mild apoptosis and mild tissue injury in splanchnic organs. While air pneumoperitoneum conferred a less pronounced apoptotic effect, the oxidative state and histopathologic profile of splanchnic organs did not differ between insufflation gases.

Impact of chorioamnionitis on the development of human fetal lung: an immunohistochemical study

PURPOSE

Current studies suggest that changes of chorioamnionitis are associated with the appearance of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), during fetal development. The aim of this study was to examine and analyse apart from the appearance of BALT, the expression of structural proteins in the lung parenchyma during gestation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A series of 149 paraffin-embedded human fetal lung specimens at the second trimester of development were examined by immuunohistochemistry using the monoclonal antibodies CD20, CD3, Tenascin-C, Vimentin, and Fibronectin.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that (1) BALT does not develop in fetal period and (2) BALT which develops during fetal period is probably in response to antigenic stimulation where in the present cases occurs to be changes of chorioamnionitis which decreased the expression of filaments proteins in the intermediate cells of lung parenchyma in comparison with the normal ones.

CONCLUSION

The expressions' pattern of intermediate filaments proteins in the lung parenchyma can be modified by the presence of chorioamnionitis in the fetal membranes.

Expression of Fas (CD95/APO-1) and Fas ligand (FasL) in experimentally-induced acute pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Acinar cell death is a crucial event in acute pancreatitis (AP) and may occur either by apoptosis or necrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the apoptosis associated proteins Fas and FasL in experimentally induced severe AP.

METHODS

AP was induced in 30 rats by injecting 0.2 ml of 4.5% sodium taurocholate solution into the biliopancreatic duct. Sham operated animals (n = 30) and 10 normal controls were used for comparisons. Animals were killed at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hr and 1 week after operation (five animals at each time point) and both serum and pancreatic tissue were obtained. The severity of AP was graded by morphological evaluation and by measuring serum amylase levels. Acinar cell apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Tissue expressions of Fas and FasL were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Sodium taurocholate injection resulted in severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis as early as six hr after taurocholate infusion with gradually increasing severity and a peak at 72 hr, and a significant increase of serum amylase at 6 and 12 hr. Apoptotic acinar cells were observed between 48 and 72 hr. The expression of both Fas and FasL in pancreatic tissue was induced in comparison with normal controls. Fas expression in AP was higher and statistically significant at 24 hr whereas FasL expression was consistently lower with a statistical significance observed at 12 hr when compared to sham-operated animals suggesting Fas upregulation and FasL downregulation in this model of AP.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction and sequential changes in the expressions of Fas and FasL occur during taurocholate induced severe AP in rats and their temporal modulation might associate with acinar cell death by apoptosis.

A complete corticotropin releasing factor system localized in human fetal lung

OBJECTIVE

The Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) system (neuropeptides CRF, Ucn I, II, III and binding sites CRFR1, CRFR2, CRF-BP) is responsible for stress regulation and the homeostasis of an organism. Herein we study the CRF system in human normal and pathological fetal lungs.

DESIGN

Lung tissues from 46 archival human fetuses were divided into Group A (normal), Group B (chromosomal abnormalities) and Group C (congenital disorders). Presence of elements of the CRF system was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and was correlated to pathology, lung developmental stage and clinicopathological characteristics.

RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for all antigens was found in both epithelial and mesenchymal lung cells of the bronchi and alveoli. Ucn I and CRFR1 were more frequently present in Group A. Ucns were more frequently localized at the pseudoglandular stage. There was a positive correlation between the presence of the CRF neuropeptides and between CRFR1 and CRF. Two fetuses with lung malformations showed low or no detectable presence of the CRF system.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the presence of a complete CRF system in human fetal lungs correlating its developmental stage and several pathologies. Our results are in agreement with findings in experimental animal models, implicating the CRF system in fetal lung development, its action being more significant in the early stages.

Assessment of SOX17 DNA methylation in cell free DNA from patients with operable gastric cancer. Association with prognostic variables and survival

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation represents one of the most common epigenetic changes in human cancer providing important information regarding carcinogenesis. A possible role as a prognostic indicator has also been proposed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of SOX17 promoter methylation status in patients with operable gastric cancer.

METHODS

Using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) we examined the incidence and prognostic significance of SOX17 methylation status in cell free circulating DNA in the serum of 73 patients with operable gastric cancer. Fifty-one patients were male (69.9%), their median age was 65 years, 43 patients (58.9%) had regional lymph node involvement and all had a Performance Status (WHO) of 0-1.

RESULTS

SOX17 promoter was found to be methylated in 43 out of 73 gastric cancer serum samples examined (58.9%). All 20 control serum samples from healthy individuals were negative. Overall survival (OS) was found to be significantly associated with SOX17 methylation (p=0.049). A significant correlation between methylation status and differentiation (p=0.031) was also observed. No other significant associations between different tumor parameters examined and SOX17 methylation status were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

SOX17 promoter methylation in cell free DNA of patients with operable gastric cancer is a frequent event and may provide important information regarding prognosis in this group of patients.