The Spectrum of Germline Nucleotide Variants in Gastric Cancer Patients in the Kyrgyz Republic

Gastric cancer is a major challenge in modern oncology due to its high detection rate and prevalence. While sporadic cases make up the majority of gastric cancer, hereditary gastric cancer is caused by germline mutations in several genes linked to different syndromes. Thus, identifying hereditary forms of gastric cancer is considered crucial globally. A survey study using NGS-based analysis was conducted to determine the frequency of different types of hereditary gastric cancer in the yet-unstudied Kyrgyz population. The study cohort included 113 patients with diagnosed gastric cancer from Kyrgyzstan. The age of patients was 57.6 ± 8.9. Next-generation sequencing analysis of genomic DNA was performed using a custom Roche NimbleGen enrichment panel. The results showed that 6.2% (7/113) of the patients had pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants. Additionally, 3.5% (4/113) of the patients carried heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in high penetrance genes, such as TP53, POLD1, RET, and BRCA2. Moreover, 2.7% (3/113) of the patients carried heterozygous mutations in genes linked to autosomal recessive conditions, specifically PALB2, FANCA, and FANCD2. We have not identified any genetic variants in hereditary GC-associated genes: CDH1, STK11, SMAD4, BMPRIA, APC, MLH1, and others. Our study included patients with sporadic features of GC. The use of recognized criteria (NCCN, Gastric Cancer, Version 2.2022) would increase the number of identified genetic variants in hereditary GC-associated genes. Further research is required to determine the clinical relevance of the genetic variants identified in the current study.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Applied in Fibrin Glue Stimulate Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold a great promise for cell therapy. To date, they represent one of the best choices for the treatment of post-traumatic injuries of the peripheral nervous system. Although autologous can be easily transplanted in the injured area, clinical advances in this filed have been impaired by lack of preservation of graft cells into the injury area after transplantation. Indeed, cell viability is not retained after injection into the blood stream, and cells injected directly into the area of injury either are washed off or inhibit regeneration through scar formation and neuroma development. This study proposes a new way of MSCs delivery to the area of traumatic injury by using fibrin glue, which not only fixes cells at the site of application but also provides extracellular matrix support. Using a sciatic nerve injury model, MSC derived from adipose tissue embedded in fibrin glue were able to enter the nerve and migrate mainly retrogradely after transplantation. They also demonstrated a neuroprotective effect on DRG L5 sensory neurons and stimulated axon growth and myelination. Post-traumatic changes of the sensory neuron phenotype were also improved. Importantly, MSCs stimulated nerve angiogenesis and motor function recovery. Therefore, our data suggest that MSC therapy using fibrin glue is a safe and efficient method of cell transplantation in cases of sciatic nerve injury, and that this method of delivery of regeneration stimulants could be beneficial for the successful treatment of other central and peripheral nervous system conditions.