The Tumor Suppressor BRCA1/2, Cancer Susceptibility and Genome Instability in Gynecological and Mammary Cancers

Germline genetic variants in Turkish familial multiple myeloma/monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance cases

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy primarily affecting the elderly, with a striking male predilection and ethnic disparities in incidence. Familial predisposition to MM has long been recognized, but the genetic underpinnings remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate germline variants in Turkish families with recurrent MM cases. A total of 37 MM-affected families, comprising 77 individuals, were included. Targeted next-generation sequencing analysis yielded no previously reported rare variants. Whole exome sequencing analysis in 11 families identified rare disease-causing variants in various genes, some previously linked to familial MM and others not previously associated. Notably, genes involved in ubiquitination, V(D)J recombination and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were among those identified. Furthermore, a specific variant in BNIP1 (rs28199) was found in 13 patients across nine families, indicating its potential significance in MM pathogenesis. While this study sheds light on genetic variations in familial MM in Turkey, its limitations include sample size and the absence of in vivo investigations. In conclusion, familial MM likely involves a polygenic inheritance pattern with rare, disease-causing variants in various genes, emphasizing the need for international collaborative efforts to unravel the intricate genetic basis of MM and develop targeted therapies.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among the Women with Breast Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer represents a formidable peril to the female populace on a worldwide level. The association between breast cancer and various factors, including viral infections, has been extensively investigated. Recently, the link between HBV infection and breast cancer patients has garnered attention. The present research aims to assess the prevalence of HBV markers among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ahvaz city, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum specimens were procured from 90 patients who had been clinically diagnosed with breast cancer. The age of the patients ranged from 29 to 80 years, with a mean age of 49.42±10.7. Histological examination of biopsy specimens revealed that 75 (83.33%) were ductal, 11 (8.88%) lobular, 2 (2.22%) mucinous, 1 (1.11%) medullary, and 1 (1.11%) was metastatic. The serum samples were subjected to initial HBsAg and anti-HBc testing via ELISA. Samples that tested seropositive (HBsAg + anti-HBc) were subsequently analyzed for the S region of HBV through nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed for positive HBV DNA tests.

RESULTS

Among the 5/90 (5.55%) cancer patients, it was found that 3 (3.33%) cases of ductal carcinoma and one (1.11%) lobular carcinoma displayed positivity for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBV PCR). Notably, one (1.11%) patient with ductal carcinoma solely demonstrated anti-HBc positivity. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the S region revealed that all HBV strains identified were categorized as genotype D.

CONCLUSION

The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant findings (p= 0.315) in the distribution of cancer types across different age groups. Among patients diagnosed with breast cancer, a notable prevalence of 5.5% was observed in HBV markers. The dominant HBV genotype among breast cancer patients was identified as genotype D.