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De Maria L, Pentimone F, Cavone D, Caputi A, Sponselli S, Fragassi F, Dicataldo F, Luisi V, Delvecchio G, Giannelli G, Cafaro F, Sole S, Ronghi C, Zagaria S, Loiacono G, Sifanno G, Ferri GM, Vimercati L. Clinical investigation of former workers exposed to asbestos: the health surveillance experience of an Italian University Hospital. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1411910. [PMID: 38952736 PMCID: PMC11215018 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1411910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The need for health surveillance of former workers exposed to asbestos was provided by law in Italy after the asbestos ban in 1992. Objectives We describe the results of the health surveillance of former workers exposed to asbestos, conducted over 27 years, from 1994 to 2020, at the Operative Unit of Occupational Medicine of the University Hospital of Bari. Materials and methods We adopted the health surveillance protocol, which was validated at the national level in 2018. Results A total of 1,405 former workers exposed to asbestos were examined. We proceeded with diagnosing pathologies in 339 cases (24% of the cohort subjected to surveillance), with diagnoses of some cases involving multiple pathologies. Specifically, pleural plaques were diagnosed in 49.2% of the 339 cases, asbestosis in 35.9%, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in 20.3%, mesothelioma of the vaginal tunic of the testis (MTVT) in 9.1%, lung cancer in 5.8%, and laryngeal cancer in 0.8%. Conclusion Despite the 1992 asbestos ban, asbestos-related diseases remain a serious public health issue. It is important to establish criteria that ensure the health surveillance of formerly exposed workers minimizes costs, reduces the number of invasive examinations, and optimizes achievable results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luigi Vimercati
- University of Bari, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine Unit, Bari, Italy
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Albano GD, Rodolico V, Di Franco S, Re GL, Midiri M, Malta G, Cannizzaro E, Argo A, Zerbo S. Asbestos exposure determined 357 days after death through autopsy: a report of a multidisciplinary approach. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00838-z. [PMID: 38806807 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00838-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and poses a significant risk to individuals working in construction, shipping, mining, and related industries. In a forensic context, postmortem investigations are crucial for accurate diagnosis, for which the gold standard is the histopathological examination. This case report describes the autopsy and related investigations conducted on an 84-year-old man, nearly one year (357 days) after his death. After a post-mortem CT scan, an autoptic investigation was performed, followed by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The integration of the evidence from these examinations with previously available personal and clinical information conclusively confirmed the diagnosis of asbestosis. We demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of our diagnostic protocol in detecting asbestosis and asbestos fibers and excluding mesothelioma even in decomposed tissues. According to our findings autopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard in cases of suspected asbestosis within a forensic context, even 1 year after death, therefore it is always highly recommended, even in cases where the body has decomposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Davide Albano
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy.
| | - Vito Rodolico
- Pathological Anatomy Department, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lo Re
- Radiology Department, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Midiri
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
| | - Ginevra Malta
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
| | - Antonina Argo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
| | - Stefania Zerbo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90100, Italy
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Lombardo C, Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Broggi G, Caltabiano R, Filetti V, Matera S, D'Agata V, Loreto C. Pleural mesothelioma from fluoro-edenite exposure: PACAP and PAC1 receptor. A preliminary report. Eur J Histochem 2024; 68:3994. [PMID: 38699968 PMCID: PMC11110723 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2024.3994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma is a devastating malignancy primarily associated with asbestos exposure. However, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to fluoro-edenite fibers, a naturally occurring mineral fiber, can also lead to the development of pleural mesothelioma. In this study, based on the hypothesis that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and PACAP-preferring receptor (PAC1R) expressions could be dysregulated in pleural mesothelioma samples and that they could potentially act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, we aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of PACAP and PAC1R in pleural biopsies from patients with pleural mesothelioma exposed to fluoro-edenite fibers. A total of 12 patients were included in this study, and their biopsies were processed for immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the expression of PACAP and its receptor. The study revealed a correlation between the overexpression of PACAP and PAC1R and shorter overall survival in patients with malignant mesothelioma. These findings suggest that PACAP and PAC1R expression levels could serve as potential prognostic biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical analysis of PACAP and PAC1R may provide valuable information for clinicians to guide therapeutic decisions and identify patients with poorer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania.
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania.
| | - Veronica Filetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Serena Matera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania.
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania.
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Ledda C, Loreto C, Lombardo C, Cardile V, Rapisarda V. Mesothelin methylation, soluble mesothelin related protein levels and inflammation profiling in workers chronically exposed to naturally occurring asbestos fibers. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101872. [PMID: 38134842 PMCID: PMC10751818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to asbestiform fibers, including chrysotile and amphibole, is carcinogenic, causing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) when inhaled. Some populations globally face Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) exposure, leading to MPM cases like in Biancavilla, Italy, from Fluoro-edenite (FE) contamination. Studies show NOA exposure causes epigenetic changes, focusing on mesothelin methylation, an MPM marker, and altered inflammation, emphasizing the health risks of FE and asbestos. This research, conducted from February 2022 to October 2022, studied 125 construction workers from Biancavilla and 125 controls from 40 km away without Biancavilla work history. With at least ten years in construction and no respiratory conditions, participants underwent medical assessments and gave blood samples for analysis, including inflammation markers, mesothelin methylation, and soluble mesothelin-related protein levels. The results showed similar demographics but differing inflammation and methylation levels in exposed workers, suggesting long-term cellular changes. Pearson correlation showed intricate biomarker relationships. Significant inflammatory differences were found between FE exposed and non-exposed workers, indicating potential health impacts from FE. This raises concerns for communities like Biancavilla, emphasizing the importance of extensive epigenetic research for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venera Cardile
- Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Lombardo C, Broggi G, Vitale E, Ledda C, Loreto C, Matera S, Hagnas M, Caltabiano R, Filetti V. Expression of stathmin in asbestos-like fibers-induced mesothelioma: A preliminary report. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1249-1256. [PMID: 37466108 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesothelioma is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, however, recent studies have also linked exposure to "naturally occurring asbestos" fibers with this disease. Fluoro-edenite, a silicate mineral found in the southeast of Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), has been identified as a potential risk factor for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer often has a poor prognosis, and current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are inadequate. Histological subtype, gender, and age at diagnosis are the most significant parameters for mesothelioma. Stathmin, a cytosolic protein that regulates cell growth and migration and is overexpressed in many human malignancies, has not yet been linked to mesothelioma survival or clinical-pathological variables. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of stathmin in ten mesothelioma tissue samples with available clinical and follow-up data. MATERIAL AND METHODS Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from ten mesothelioma patients were processed for immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate stathmin expression. RESULTS Our findings suggest that stathmin overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with mesothelioma. Furthermore, stathmin expression was significantly correlated with the survival time of mesothelioma patients. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that stathmin expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for mesothelioma. This biomarker could be used to promptly identify patients with poor prognosis and to guide clinicians in the selection of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ermanno Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Hagnas
- Rovaniemi Health Center, Rovaniemi, Finland
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, "G.F. Ingrassia", Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Veronica Filetti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Histology and Sciences of Movement, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Abd-Elmawla MA, Abdel Mageed SS, Al-Noshokaty TM, Elballal MS, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, El-Husseiny AA, Fathi D, Midan HM, Rizk NI, Elrebehy MA, Sayed GA, Tabaa MME, Salman A, Mohammed OA, Ashraf A, Khidr EG, Khaled R, El-Dakroury WA, Helal GK, Moustafa YM, Doghish AS. Melodic maestros: Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 250:154817. [PMID: 37713736 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly lethal form of pleural cancer characterized by a scarcity of effective therapeutic interventions, resulting in unfavorable prognoses for afflicted individuals. Besides, many patients experience substantial consequences from being diagnosed in advanced stages. The available diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options for MPM are restricted in scope. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a subset of small, noncoding RNA molecules that exert significant regulatory influence over several cellular processes within cell biology. A wide range of miRNAs have atypical expression patterns in cancer, serving specific functions as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. This review aims to collate, epitomize, and analyze the latest scholarly investigations on miRNAs that are believed to be implicated in the dysregulation leading to MPM. miRNAs are also discussed concerning their potential clinical usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for MPM. The future holds promising prospects for enhancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic modalities for MPM, with miRNAs emerging as a potential trigger for such advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Nehal I Rizk
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ghadir A Sayed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manar Mohammed El Tabaa
- Pharmacology & Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Studies & Research Institute (ESRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Aya Salman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Ashraf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Emad Gamil Khidr
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reem Khaled
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Dakroury
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Gouda Kamel Helal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
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Bioinformatics Analysis of miRNAs Targeting TRAF5 in DLBCL Involving in NF- κB Signaling Pathway and Affecting the Apoptosis and Signal Transduction. Genet Res (Camb) 2022; 2022:3222253. [PMID: 36619898 PMCID: PMC9803564 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3222253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with high heterogeneity. There is an unmet need to investigate valid indicators for the diagnosis and therapy of DLBCL. Methods GEO database was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential miRNAs in DLBCL tissues. The Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were applied to analyse DEGs. Then multiple databases were searched for related miRNAs within DLBCL, TNF receptor-associated factor 5 (TRAF5) and NF-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The KOBAS database was used to assist in the screening of miRNAs of interest and construct the regulatory network of miRNA-mRNA. Finally, the expression level and diagnostic performance of miRNAs were analyzed with GEO datasets, and DEGs were identified from the GEPIA database. Results DEGs were significantly concentrated in the NF-κB signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and involved in the process of immune response and protein binding. MiR-15a-5p, miR-147a, miR-192-5p, miR-197-3p, miR-532-5p, and miR-650 were revealed to be targeting TRAF5 and participating in NF-κB signaling pathway and might impact the apoptosis and signal transduction of DLBCL. In the GEPIA database, TRAF5 was significantly overexpressed in DLBCL. The expression of miR-197-3p was upregulated within GEO datasets, while the rest of the miRNAs were downregulated in DLBCL. Conclusions Subsets of miRNAs may participate in the NF-κB signaling pathway by co-targeting TRAF5 and could be prospective biomarkers exploring the pathogenesis of DLBCL.
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Bai L, Gong J, Guo Y, Li Y, Huang H, Liu X. Construction of a ceRNA network in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) driven by exosomal lncRNA. Front Genet 2022; 13:979924. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.979924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common and frustrating syndrome in women of reproductive age, is characterized by symptoms including hyperandrogenemia, ovulation dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. The role of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks is receiving increasing attention and has been reported in multiple complicated diseases, such as various carcinomas, endometriosis, and tubal factor infertility. However, the association of ceRNA networks with the pathogenesis of PCOS remains unclear. This study aimed to construct a ceRNA network orchestrated by exosomal lnRNA and circRNA in PCOS. We screened RNA data of 34 samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), miRNAs (DEMs), mRNAs (DEGs), and circRNA associated with the progression of PCOS (PCOS, n = 17 vs. normal, n = 17). A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted. Importantly, the function of the ceRNA network was explored using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. We identified 46 DELs (25 upregulated and 21 downregulated), 31 DEMs (20 upregulated and 11 downregulated), 165 DEGs (52 upregulated and 113 downregulated), and 1 differentially expressed circRNA. The PPI network had 79 nodes and 112 edges. The GSEA results showed that these genes were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation; TNF signaling pathways; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways, and fatty acid metabolism. Additionally, we constructed a novel PCOS-associated lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA ceRNA triple network and a circRNA-related network. Thereafter, we described the potential roles played by follicular fluid exosomes in PCOS. Our present study describes the molecular pathogenesis of PCOS in human ovarian granulosa cells at the post-transcriptional level, which provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCOS and further scientific research.
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Chronic Pesticide Exposure in Farm Workers Is Associated with the Epigenetic Modulation of hsa-miR-199a-5p. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127018. [PMID: 35742265 PMCID: PMC9222590 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of pesticides in intensive agriculture has had a negative impact on human health. It was widely demonstrated how pesticides can induce different genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with the development of different diseases, including tumors and neurological disorders. Therefore, the identification of effective indicators for the prediction of harmful pesticide exposure is mandatory. In this context, the aim of the study was to evaluate the modification of hsa-miR-199a-5p expression levels in liquid biopsy samples obtained from healthy donors and farm workers with chronic exposure to pesticides. For this purpose, the high-sensitive droplet digital PCR assay (ddPCR) was used to detect variation in the expression levels of the selected microRNA (miRNA). The ddPCR analyses revealed a significant down-regulation of hsa-miR-199a-5p observed in individuals exposed to pesticides compared to control samples highlighting the good predictive value of this miRNA as demonstrated by statistical analyses. Overall, the obtained results encourage the analysis of miRNAs as predictive biomarkers of chronic pesticide exposure thus improving the current strategies for the monitoring of harmful pesticide exposure.
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Dysregulation of microRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in mesothelial and mesothelioma cell lines after asbestiform fiber exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9181. [PMID: 35654808 PMCID: PMC9163335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence demonstrated that fluoro-edenite (FE) can develop chronic respiratory diseases and elicit carcinogenic effects. Environmental exposure to FE fibers is correlated with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). An early diagnosis of MPM, and a comprehensive health monitoring of the patients exposed to FE fibers are two clinical issues that may be solved by the identification of specific biomarkers. We reported the microRNA (miRNA) and transfer RNA-derived non coding RNA (tRNA-derived ncRNA) transcriptome in human normal mesothelial and malignant mesothelioma cell lines exposed or not exposed to several concentration FE fibers. Furthermore, an interactive mesothelioma-based network was derived by using NetME tool. In untreated condition, the expression of miRNAs and tRNA-derived ncRNAs in tumor cells was significantly different with respect to non-tumor samples. Moreover, interesting and significant changes were found after the exposure of both cells lines to FE fibers. The network-based pathway analysis showed several signaling and metabolic pathways potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MPM. From papers analyzed by NetME, it is clear that many miRNAs can positively or negatively influence various pathways involved in MPM. For the first time, the analysis of tRNA-derived ncRNAs molecules in the context of mesothelioma has been made by using in vitro systems. Further studies will be designed to test and validate their diagnostic potential in high-risk individuals' liquid biopsies.
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Special Issue: "Role of MicroRNA in Cancer Development and Treatment". J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12030503. [PMID: 35330502 PMCID: PMC8951822 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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