Evaluation of GenoFlow DR-MTB Array Test for Detection of Rifampin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Translational Genomic Research: The Association between Genetic Profiles and Cognitive Functioning or Cardiac Function Among Breast Cancer Survivors Completing Chemotherapy

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that Chemotherapy (CT) treated breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have "risk variants" in genes may be more susceptible to cognitive impairment (CI) and/or poor cardiac phenotypes. The objective of this preliminary study was to examine whether there is a relationship between genetic variants and objective/subjective cognitive or cardiac phenotypes. Methods and Analysis: BCS were recruited from Moffitt Cancer Center, Morsani College of Medicine, AdventHealth Tampa and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Genomic DNA were collected at baseline for genotyping analysis. A total of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 14 genes involved in cognitive or cardiac function were evaluated. Three genetic models (additive, dominant, and recessive) were used to test correlation coefficients between genetic variants and objective/subjective measures of cognitive functioning and cardiac outcomes (heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation). Results: BCS (207 participants) with a mean age of 56 enrolled in this study. The majority were non-Hispanic white (73.7%), married (63.1%), and received both CT and radiation treatment (77.3%). Three SNPs in genes related to cognitive functioning (rs429358 in APOE, rs1800497 in ANKK1, rs10119 in TOMM40) emerged with the most consistent significant relationship with cognitive outcomes. Among five candidate SNPs related to cardiac functioning, rs8055236 in CDH13 and rs1801133 in MTHER emerged with potential significant relationships with cardiac phenotype. Conclusions: These preliminary results provide initial targets to further examine whether BCS with specific genetic profiles may preferentially benefit from interventions designed to improve cognitive and cardiac functioning following CT.

Translational genomic research: the role of genetic polymorphisms in MBSR program among breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC])

Genetic variations of breast cancer survivors (BCS) may contribute to level of residual symptoms, such as depression, stress, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to investigate whether particular single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) moderated symptom improvement resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program. An overarching goal of personalized medicine is to identify individuals as risk for disease and tailor interventions based on genetic profiles of patients with diseases including cancer. BCS were recruited from Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida's Breast Health Program and were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 92) or Usual Care (n = 93). Measures of symptoms, demographic, and clinical history data were attained at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. A total of 10 SNPs from eight genes known to be related to these symptoms were studied using genomic DNA extracted from blood. Our results were examined for effect sizes, consistency, and statistical significance (p < .05). Three SNPs (rs4680 in COMT, rs6314 in HTR2A, and rs429358 in APOE) emerged as having the strongest (though relatively weak) and most consistent effects in moderating the impact of the MBSR program on symptom outcomes. Although effects were generally weak, with only one effect withstanding multiple comparisons correction for statistical significance, this translational behavioral research may help start the identification of genetic profiles that moderate the impact of MBSR(BC). The ultimate goal of this study is the development of personalized treatment programs tailored to the genetic profile of each patient.

Genetic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates circulating in Abuja, Nigeria

Objective

Nigeria ranks fourth among the high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. This study describes the prevalence of drug resistance and the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and seventy-eight consecutive sputum samples were collected from adults with presumptive TB during 2013–2014. DNA was extracted from Löwenstein–Jensen cultures and analyzed for the identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria species, detection of drug resistance with line probe assays, and high-throughput spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping) using microbead-based hybridization.

Results

Two hundred and two cultures were positive for M. tuberculosis complex, 24 negative, 38 contaminated, and 15 positive for nontuberculous mycobacteria. Five (2.5%) M. tuberculosis complex isolates were resistant to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (multidrug resistant), nine (4.5%) to RIF alone, and 15 (7.4%) to isoniazid alone; two RIF-resistant isolates were also resistant to fluoroquinolones and ethambutol, and one multidrug resistant isolate was also resistant to ethambutol. Among the 180 isolates with spoligotyping results, 164 (91.1%) were classified as lineage 4 (Euro-American), 13 (7.2%) as lineage 5 (West African 1), two (1.1%) as lineage 2 (East Asia), and one (0.6%) as lineage 6 (West African 2). One hundred and fifty-six (86.7%) isolates were grouped in 17 clusters (2–108 isolates/cluster), of which 108 (60.0%) were grouped as L4.6.2/Cameroon (spoligotype international type 61).

Conclusion

The description of drug resistance prevalence and genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis in this study may be useful for improving TB control in Nigeria.