Novel RET Proto-oncogene variants identified in Turkish patients with thyroid carcinoma

Promoter methylation status of RASSF1A and RASSF2A tumor suppressor genes in endometrial endometrioid carcinomas

We aimed to investigate the promoter methylation status of RASSF1A and RASSF2A tumor suppressor genes in endometrial endometrioid carcinomas with p53 wild type and mismatch repair proficient. Genomic DNAs were isolated from 50 specimens (15 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumor tissues, 15 paired blood samples and 20 normal endometrial tissues). Bisulfide modification and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction were performed. As a result of the study, while no significance was found for RASSF1A gene (p = 0.08), a statistically significance was found for RASSF2A gene (p < 0.001), RASSF2A gene methylation status was also found higher in high grade tumors, advanced age (≥50) and nonsmokers groups. Our results indicate that RASSF2A gene may play a role in the carcinogenesis of endometrioid and it could be potential biomarker for early detection for endometrioid carcinoma. Further and larger investigations are needed to confirm our results.

miR604A>G gene polymorphism is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in Turkish women

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent pregnancy loss is considerably a reproductive health problem for couples. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors play an important role in the development of recurrent pregnancy loss. While there are many causes, genetic and epigenetic factors are common. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between miR604 (rs2368393) A>G gene polymorphism and the risk of recurrent miscarriage in the Turkish population.

METHODS

The study included 250 participants (i.e., 150 patients and 100 controls). DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood, and polymerase chain reactions and restriction fragment length polymorphism methodologies were applied.

RESULTS

The genotype distribution and allele frequencies of miR604A>G gene showed statistically significant differences between patients and control groups (p=0.002 and p<0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As a result of the study, we found that the AA genotype and A allele of the miR604A>G gene were statistically significant for the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in Turkish women.

A Case of 123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Scintigraphy-Negative Pheochromocytoma with a Tumor-Developing Mutation in the RET Gene

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is rare catecholamine-producing endocrine tumor that metastasizes in approximately 10% of cases. As a functional imaging of PCC, 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy was established, and some cases of PCC exhibit negative accumulation on MIBG scintigraphy, indicating a high risk of metastasis. Additionally, germline genetic variants of PCC are evident in approximately 30% of cases, although the genotype-phenotype correlation in PCC, especially the association between genetic mutations and MIBG scintigraphy, remains unclear. A 33-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for further examination for hypertension. He was diagnosed with sporadic PCC, and left adrenalectomy was performed. The adrenal tumor was negative on MIBG scintigraphy. Histology of the tumor revealed a moderately differentiated PCC. Target gene testing revealed a mutation in RET (c.2071G > A). This mutation has been reported to be a tumor-developing gene involved in the pathogenesis of PCC. Moreover, the RET mutation is the only gene mutation reported in a previous study of PCC with negative results on MIBG scintigraphy, except for the SDHB gene mutation, which is a common mutation in metastatic PCC. Correctively, the present RET gene mutation may be associated to MIBG-scintigraphy negative PCC and its pathophysiology. Clinicians should follow such cases more cautiously in clinical practice.