Argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region associated protein synthesis for cytologic discrimination of follicular thyroid lesions

Expression of nucleolin, nucleophosmin, upstream binding transcription factor genes and propolis in wound models

Objective:

Nucleolar proteins have important functions in the regulation of cell homeostasis and play a crucial role in sensing various types of stress, such as genotoxic stress. Propolis has epithelial, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects. This study aimed to evaluate the gene expression levels of nucleolar proteins: nucleolin (NCL); nucleophosmin (NPM1); and upstream binding transcription factor (UBTF), as well as the benefits of propolis in wound healing.

Method:

This experimental study was conducted by creating clean and clean–contaminated wounds according to the Surgical Site Infection Guidelines, 2016. A total of seven animal groups were included in the study: control; laparotomy; anastomosis; fucidic acid with/without anastomosis; propolis with/without anastomosis Results: Statistically significant differences of levels of gene expression among the groups were detected for NCL (p=0.004), NPM1 (p=0.011) and UBTF (p=0.000). When the expression levels of the related genes and blood parameters are considered, the relationship between NCL, NPM1 and UBTF expression levels and blood parameters (NE, EO, NE(%), LY, LY(%), EO, EO(%), MO, MO(%), RBC, HB, HCT, MCV, MCHC, RDW, RDW(%), PLT, PDW and PCT) were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The nucleolar proteins such as NCL, NPM1 and UBTF have important functions in cell viability and its maintenance under various condition such as stress and injury. Additionally, propolis has positive benefits in wound healing and in the prevention of wound infection. Our findings provide the first insights into the putative role of those proteins in wound healing.

Could nucleolin and nucleophosmin levels be prognostic indicators in non-small cell lung cancer?

Aim: Lung cancer is the leading cause of mortality from cancer across the world. In this study, the use of serum nucleolin (NCL) and nucleophosmin (NPM1) levels as a marker in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response evaluation in lung cancer was investigated. Materials and Method: NCL and NPM1 levels of serum samples taken before chemotherapy and after 3-4 courses of chemotherapy from the control group and the patients diagnosed with lung cancer were studied using ELISA method. Results: Serum NCL and NPM1 levels of the patients were higher than of the controls (p = 0.085 for NCL, p = 0.000 for NPM1). NCL and NPM1 levels by histopathologic type were significantly higher in adenocarcinoma than in squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.05 for each). In view of the treatment responses to chemotherapeutic agents, there was a statistically insignificant difference between the values before and after chemotherapy (p > 0.05 for each). Conclusion: High serum NCL and NPM1 levels were found to correlate with poor prognosis, poor treatment response and low survival rate. It can be concluded that serum NCL and NPM1 levels in lung cancer can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for the disease.

May Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Regions Be Used as a Biomarker for the Detection of the Degree of Ischemic Damage Instead of Tunel in Testicular Torsion?

Background and Objectives: It is of great importance to obtain information about the severity of ischemic damage and duration of testicular torsion for an effective treatment strategy. Nucleolar-organizing regions (NORs) are sites of the ribosomal genes composed of ribosomal DNA and proteins. Post-silver staining NORs are termed “AgNOR”. Since AgNORs clearly reveals the self-renewal potential of cells damaged in ischemic events, we performed the current study. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in four groups as control, sham, early, and late T/D. In the surgical groups, testes were corrected after a 4-h ischemia period. Testicular tissue samples were taken on the third day after detorsion in group 1, 2, 3, and on the tenth day after detorsion in group 4. TUNEL and silver stainings were applied to all samples. Results: The differences were significant among the groups for both mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/total nuclear area (TAA/TNA). Moreover, the differences between control and early torsion-detorsion (T/D), between control and late T/D, between sham and early T/D, between sham and late T/D, and between early T/D and late were statistically significant for AgNOR amount. Furthermore, statistically significant differences among the groups for an average number of apoptotic cells per tubule and the percentage of apoptotic tubule values were detected. Discussion: The apoptotic index gives the ratio of cells that are damaged and will die in a programmed way and cells that remain intact, rather than show the viability of the returning testicle. However, by measuring cells that regenerate with AgNOR, we can show not only those that survive but also cells that can repair themselves. Conclusion: AgNOR proteins are usable for the early observation of ischemic injury levels. The amount of AgNOR protein can enlighten us about the extent of testicular damage after T/D treatment. It may also help the physician in the development of effective treatment strategies for cases.

Does capsaicin have therapeutic benefits in human colon adenocarcinoma? Selection of the most reliable dose via AgNOR

Background/aim

To determine the effect of different doses of capsaicin on AgNOR protein synthesis in human colon adenocarcinoma derivate from colon cancer (Caco-2 cell).

Materials and methods

In this experimental study, after the cultured of Caco-2 cell line, the cells are divided into 4 groups as control and different capsaicin exposed doses (25uµ, 50uµ, and 75uµ). Mean AgNOR number and total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) were calculated.

Results

A significant differences were detected between control and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001), between control and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000), between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001) and between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000) for TAA/NA. Also, there were significant differences between control and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.001), between control and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000), between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (50uµ) (P = 0.000) and between capsaicin (25uµ) and capsaicin (75uµ) (P = 0.000) for mean AgNOR number.Conclusion: A certain amount of capsaicin has a protective effect against colon adenocarcinoma and the dose concentrations are important for the most reliable treatment.

Are there any effects of chronic carbon monoxide exposure on argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region–associated protein synthesis in rat myocardium?

The aims of the study are to detect whether there are any possible effects of chronic carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on the argyrophilic nucleolar-organizing region (AgNOR)–associated protein synthesis and evaluate any possible relationship between the amount of AgNOR protein and the level of myocardial injury also and between AgNOR and histopathological evaluation methods. Adult male albino Wistar rats ( n = 18) were randomly divided into three groups (groups A, B, and C). Group A served as control, while groups B and C were rats exposed to CO gas chronically (1000 and 3000 ppm CO concentration with a flow rate of 4 L/min for 30 min/day for 7 days, respectively). Total AgNOR area/nuclear area (TAA/NA) and the mean AgNOR numbers for each myocyte nucleus were determined. There were significant differences among all groups for TAA/NA ratio. These differences were not significant for mean AgNOR numbers. According to the histopathological evaluation scores, there were significant differences between the groups. The differences were significant among the groups for loss of sarcomere pattern. A strong positive correlation between histopathological injury scores and TAA/NA ratio was found ( Rsq = 0.48; p = 0.002), however, the correlation was not significant for mean AgNOR numbers ( Rsq = 0.08; p = 0.25). In conclusion, TAA/NA ratio can be used as an indicator for obtaining information about the level of myocardial damage instead of histopathological evaluation scores.