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Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M, van der Veen T, Bigdeli T, Herms S, Diaconu CC, Neagu AI, Bass N, Thygesen J, Forstner AJ, Nöthen MM, McQuillin A. Schizophrenia polygenic risk scores, clinical variables and genetic pathways as predictors of phenotypic traits of bipolar I disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 356:507-518. [PMID: 38640977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM We investigated the predictive value of polygenic risk scores (PRS) derived from the schizophrenia GWAS (Trubetskoy et al., 2022) (SCZ3) for phenotypic traits of bipolar disorder type-I (BP-I) in 1878 BP-I cases and 2751 controls from Romania and UK. METHODS We used PRSice-v2.3.3 and PRS-CS for computing SCZ3-PRS for testing the predictive power of SCZ3-PRS alone and in combination with clinical variables for several BP-I subphenotypes and for pathway analysis. Non-linear predictive models were also used. RESULTS SCZ3-PRS significantly predicted psychosis, incongruent and congruent psychosis, general age-of-onset (AO) of BP-I, AO-depression, AO-Mania, rapid cycling in univariate regressions. A negative correlation between the number of depressive episodes and psychosis, mainly incongruent and an inverse relationship between increased SCZ3-SNP loading and BP-I-rapid cycling were observed. In random forest models comparing the predictive power of SCZ3-PRS alone and in combination with nine clinical variables, the best predictions were provided by combinations of SCZ3-PRS-CS and clinical variables closely followed by models containing only clinical variables. SCZ3-PRS performed worst. Twenty-two significant pathways underlying psychosis were identified. LIMITATIONS The combined RO-UK sample had a certain degree of heterogeneity of the BP-I severity: only the RO sample and partially the UK sample included hospitalized BP-I cases. The hospitalization is an indicator of illness severity. Not all UK subjects had complete subphenotype information. CONCLUSION Our study shows that the SCZ3-PRS have a modest clinical value for predicting phenotypic traits of BP-I. For clinical use their best performance is in combination with clinical variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grigoroiu-Serbanescu
- Psychiatric Genetics Research Unit, Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Tracey van der Veen
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Bigdeli
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Herms
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicholas Bass
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Johan Thygesen
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andreas J Forstner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrew McQuillin
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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Chivu-Economescu M, Herlea V, Dima S, Sorop A, Pechianu C, Procop A, Kitahara S, Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Neagu AI, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Popescu I, Duda DG. Soluble PD-L1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in resectable gastric cancer patients. Gastric Cancer 2023; 26:934-946. [PMID: 37668884 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-023-01429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we compared programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in primary tissue samples and its soluble form (sPD-L1) concentration in matched preoperative plasma samples from gastric cancer patients to understand the relationship between tissue and plasma PD-L1 expression and to determine its diagnostic and prognostic value. METHODS PD-L1 expression in tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and sPD-L1 concentration in plasma was quantified by ELISA. The levels of the CD274 gene, which encodes for PD-L1 protein, were examined as part of bulk tissue RNA-sequencing analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the association between sPD-L1 levels and various laboratory parameters, disease characteristics, and patient outcomes. RESULTS GC patients had significantly higher levels of sPD-L1 in their plasma (71.69 pg/mL) compared to healthy controls (35.34 pg/mL) (p < 0.0001). Moreover, sPD-L1 levels were significantly correlated with tissue PD-L1 protein, CD274 mRNA expression, larger tumor size, advanced tumor stage, and lymph node metastasis. Elevated sPD-L1 levels (> 103.5 ng/mL) were associated with poor overall survival (HR = 2.16, 95%CI 1.15-4.08, p = 0.017). Furthermore, intratumoral neutrophil and dendritic cell levels were directly correlated with plasma sPD-L1 concentration in the GC patients. CONCLUSIONS sPD-L1 was readily measurable in GC patients, and its level was associated with GC tissue PD-L1 expression, greater inflammatory cell infiltration, disease progression, and survival. Thus, sPD-L1 may be a useful minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Herlea
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Dima
- Center of Digestive Diseases and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Sorop
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Pechianu
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Procop
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Cox-724, 100 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Iulia Neagu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Center of Digestive Diseases and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Cox-724, 100 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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Diaconu CC, Ellis RJ, Hermann DM. Editorial: UN world AIDS day, a neuroscience perspective. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1288615. [PMID: 37854515 PMCID: PMC10579934 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1288615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C. Diaconu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ronald J. Ellis
- Departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dirk M. Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Gurban P, Mambet C, Botezatu A, Necula LG, Neagu AI, Matei L, Pitica IM, Nedeianu S, Chivu-Economescu M, Bleotu C, Ataman M, Mocanu G, Saguna C, Pavel AG, Stambouli D, Sepulchre E, Anton G, Diaconu CC, Constantinescu SN. Leukemic conversion involving RAS mutations of type 1 CALR-mutated primary myelofibrosis in a patient treated for HCV cirrhosis: a case report. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1266996. [PMID: 37841434 PMCID: PMC10570518 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1266996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic frameshift mutations in exon 9 of calreticulin (CALR) gene are recognized as disease drivers in primary myelofibrosis (PMF), one of the three classical Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Type 1/type 1-like CALR mutations particularly confer a favorable prognostic and survival advantage in PMF patients. We report an unusual case of PMF incidentally diagnosed in a 68-year-old woman known with hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis who developed a progressive painful splenomegaly, without anomalies in blood cell counts. While harboring a type 1 CALR mutation, the patient underwent a leukemic transformation in less than 1 year from diagnosis, with a lethal outcome. Analysis of paired DNA samples from chronic and leukemic phases by a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray revealed that the leukemic clone developed from the CALR-mutated clone through the acquisition of genetic events in the RAS signaling pathway: an increased variant allele frequency of the germline NRAS Y64D mutation present in the chronic phase (via an acquired uniparental disomy of chromosome 1) and gaining NRAS G12D in the blast phase. SNP microarray analysis showed five clinically significant copy number losses at regions 7q22.1, 8q11.1-q11.21, 10p12.1-p11.22, 11p14.1-p11.2, and Xp11.4, revealing a complex karyotype already in the chronic phase. We discuss how additional mutations, detected by NGS, as well as HCV infection and antiviral therapy, might have negatively impacted this type 1 CALR-mutated PMF. We suggest that larger studies are required to determine if more careful monitoring would be needed in MPN patients also carrying HCV and receiving anti-HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petruta Gurban
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- Cytogenomic Medical Laboratory Ltd., Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Mambet
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Radiology, Oncology, and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Hematology Department, Emergency University Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Botezatu
- Molecular Virology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura G. Necula
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana I. Neagu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Radiology, Oncology, and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana M. Pitica
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Saviana Nedeianu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Ataman
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Mocanu
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Saguna
- Department of Radiology, Oncology, and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca G. Pavel
- Cytogenomic Medical Laboratory Ltd., Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Elise Sepulchre
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gabriela Anton
- Molecular Virology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefan N. Constantinescu
- De Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- SIGN (Cell Signalling and Molecular Hematology), Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO) Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Pitica I, Neagu A, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Chivu-Economescu M. Collagen Family as Promising Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012415. [PMID: 36293285 PMCID: PMC9604126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer detection and therapy, it has been estimated that the incidence of cancers will increase, while the mortality rate will continue to remain high, a fact explained by the large number of patients diagnosed in advanced stages when therapy is often useless. Therefore, it is necessary to invest knowledge and resources in the development of new non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of cancer and new therapeutic targets for better health management. In this review, we provided an overview on the collagen family as promising biomarkers and on how they may be exploited as therapeutic targets in cancer. The collagen family tridimensional structure, organization, and functions are very complex, being in a tight relationship with the extracellular matrix, tumor, and immune microenvironment. Moreover, accumulating evidence underlines the role of collagens in promoting tumor growth and creating a permissive tumor microenvironment for metastatic dissemination. Knowledge of the molecular basis of these interactions may help in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, in overcoming chemoresistance, and in providing new targets for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-21-324-2592
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Pitica
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Neagu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
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Chivu-Economescu M, Vremera T, Ruta SM, Grancea C, Leustean M, Chiriac D, David A, Matei L, Diaconu CC, Gatea A, Ilie C, Radu I, Cornienco AM, Iancu LS, Cirstoiu C, Pop CS, Petru R, Strambu V, Malciolu S, Popescu CP, Florescu SA, Rafila A, Furtunescu FL, Pistol A. Assessment of the Humoral Immune Response Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers: A One Year Longitudinal Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1526. [PMID: 35884831 PMCID: PMC9312940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous variability of SARS-CoV-2 and the rapid waning of specific antibodies threatens the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. We aimed to evaluate antibody kinetics one year after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with an mRNA vaccine in healthcare workers (HCW), with or without a booster. A marked decline in anti-Spike(S)/Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) antibody levels was registered during the first eight months post-vaccination, followed by a transitory increase after the booster. At three months post-booster an increased antibody level was maintained only in HCW vaccinated after a prior infection, who also developed a higher and long-lasting level of anti-S IgA antibodies. Still, IgG anti-nucleocapsid (NCP) fades five months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the decline in antibodies one-year post-vaccination, 68.2% of HCW preserved the neutralization capacity against the ancestral variant, with a decrease of only 17.08% in the neutralizing capacity against the Omicron variant. Nevertheless, breakthrough infections were present in 6.65% of all participants, without any correlation with the previous level of anti-S/RBD IgG. Protection against the ancestral and Omicron variants is maintained at least three months after a booster in HCW, possibly reflecting a continuous antigenic stimulation in the professional setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.-E.); (C.G.); (D.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Teodora Vremera
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
- ECDC Fellowship Programme, Public Health Microbiology Path (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 16973 Solna, Sweden
| | - Simona Maria Ruta
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Camelia Grancea
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.-E.); (C.G.); (D.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Mihaela Leustean
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Daniela Chiriac
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.-E.); (C.G.); (D.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Adina David
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Lilia Matei
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.-E.); (C.G.); (D.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (M.C.-E.); (C.G.); (D.C.); (L.M.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Adina Gatea
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Ciprian Ilie
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Iuliana Radu
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Ana Maria Cornienco
- National Institute of Public Health Bucharest, 050463 Bucharest, Romania; (T.V.); (M.L.); (A.D.); (A.G.); (C.I.); (I.R.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Luminita Smaranda Iancu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
- Regional Center of Public Health Iași, 700465 Iași, Romania
| | - Catalin Cirstoiu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Silvia Pop
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- University Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Petru
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- Dr. Carol Davila Nephrology Clinical Hospital, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor Strambu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- Dr. Carol Davila Nephrology Clinical Hospital, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefan Malciolu
- Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Corneliu Petru Popescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Simin Aysel Florescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Alexandru Rafila
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Matei Bals”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Ligia Furtunescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Adriana Pistol
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.P.); (R.P.); (V.S.); (C.P.P.); (S.A.F.); (A.R.); (F.L.F.); (A.P.)
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7
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Botezatu A, Vladoiu S, Fudulu A, Albulescu A, Plesa A, Muresan A, Stancu C, Iancu IV, Diaconu CC, Velicu A, Popa OM, Badiu C, Dinu-Draganescu D. Advanced molecular approaches in male infertility diagnosis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:684-704. [PMID: 35594455 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years a special attention has been given to a major health concern namely to male infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, taken into account the statistics that highlight that sperm counts have dropped by 50-60% in recent decades. According to the WHO, infertility affects approximately 9% of couples globally, and the male factor is believed to be present in roughly 50% of cases, with exclusive responsibility in 30%. The aim of this manuscript is to present an evidence-based approach for diagnosing male infertility that includes finding new solutions for diagnosis and critical outcomes, retrieving up-to-date studies and existing guidelines. The diverse factors that induce male infertility generated in a vast amount of data that needed to be analysed by a clinician before a decision could be made for each individual. Modern medicine faces numerous obstacles as a result of the massive amount of data generated by the molecular biology discipline. To address complex clinical problems, vast data must be collected, analysed, and used, which can be very challenging. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to create a decision support system can help predict the diagnosis and guide treatment for infertile men, based on analysis of different data as environmental and lifestyle, clinical (sperm count, morphology, hormone testing, karyotype, etc.) and "omics" bigdata. Ultimately, the development of AI algorithms will assist clinicians in formulating diagnosis, making treatment decisions, and predicting outcomes for assisted reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Botezatu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Vladoiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Fudulu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Albulescu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Chemical pharmaceutical Research & Development
| | - A Plesa
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Muresan
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Stancu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I V Iancu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Velicu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O M Popa
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Badiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania.,"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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8
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Chivu-Economescu M, Necula LG, Matei L, Dragu D, Bleotu C, Sorop A, Herlea V, Dima S, Popescu I, Diaconu CC. Collagen Family and Other Matrix Remodeling Proteins Identified by Bioinformatics Analysis as Hub Genes Involved in Gastric Cancer Progression and Prognosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063214. [PMID: 35328635 PMCID: PMC8950589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer has remained in the top five cancers for over ten years, both in terms of incidence and mortality due to the shortage of biomarkers for disease follow-up and effective therapies. Aiming to fill this gap, we performed a bioinformatics assessment on our data and two additional GEO microarray profiles, followed by a deep analysis of the 40 differentially expressed genes identified. PPI network analysis and MCODE plug-in pointed out nine upregulated hub genes coding for proteins from the collagen family (COL12A1, COL5A2, and COL10A1) or involved in the assembly (BGN) or degradation of collagens (CTHRC1), and also associated with cell adhesion (THBS2 and SPP1) and extracellular matrix degradation (FAP, SULF1). Those genes were highly upregulated at the mRNA and protein level, the increase being correlated with pathological T stages. The high expression of BGN (p = 8 × 10−12), THBS2 (p = 1.2 × 10−6), CTHRC1 (p = 1.1 × 10−4), SULF1 (p = 3.8 × 10−4), COL5A1 (p = 1.3 × 10−4), COL10A1 (p = 5.7 × 10−4), COL12A1 (p = 2 × 10−3) correlated with poor overall survival and an immune infiltrate based especially on immunosuppressive M2 macrophages (p-value range 4.82 × 10−7–1.63 × 10−13). Our results emphasize that these genes could be candidate biomarkers for GC progression and prognosis and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +40-21-324-2592
| | - Laura G. Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania; (V.H.); (I.P.)
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
| | - Andrei Sorop
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.S.); (S.D.)
| | - Vlad Herlea
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania; (V.H.); (I.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Dima
- Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania; (A.S.); (S.D.)
- Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania; (V.H.); (I.P.)
- Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania; (L.G.N.); (L.M.); (D.D.); (C.B.); (C.C.D.)
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9
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Chivu-Economescu M, Bleotu C, Grancea C, Chiriac D, Botezatu A, Iancu IV, Pitica I, Necula LG, Neagu A, Matei L, Dragu D, Sultana C, Radu EL, Nastasie A, Voicu O, Ataman M, Nedeianu S, Mambet C, Diaconu CC, Ruta SM. Kinetics and persistence of cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in healthcare workers with or without prior COVID-19. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1293-1305. [PMID: 35043552 PMCID: PMC8831971 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines are highly efficient against severe forms of the disease, hospitalization and death. Nevertheless, insufficient protection against several circulating viral variants might suggest waning immunity and the need for an additional vaccine dose. We conducted a longitudinal study on the kinetics and persistence of immune responses in healthcare workers vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine with or without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. No new infections were diagnosed during follow‐up. At 6 months, post‐vaccination or post‐infection, despite a downward trend in the level of anti‐S IgG antibodies, the neutralizing activity does not decrease significantly, remaining higher than 75% (85.14% for subjects with natural infection, 88.82% for vaccinated after prior infection and 78.37% for vaccinated only). In a live‐virus neutralization assay, the highest neutralization titres were present at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up in persons vaccinated after prior infection. Anti‐S IgA levels showed a significant descending trend in vaccinated subjects (p < 0.05) after 14 weeks. Cellular immune responses are present even in vaccinated participants with declining antibody levels (index ratio 1.1–3) or low neutralizing activity (30%–40%) at 6 months, although with lower T‐cell stimulation index (p = 0.046) and IFN‐γ secretion (p = 0.0007) compared to those with preserved humoral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Anca Botezatu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Iulia V Iancu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Pitica
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura G Necula
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Neagu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Sultana
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena L Radu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Nastasie
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Voicu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Ataman
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cristina Mambet
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Simona Maria Ruta
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Popescu R, Grămescu M, Caba L, Pânzaru MC, Butnariu L, Braha E, Popa S, Rusu C, Cardos G, Zeleniuc M, Martiniuc V, Gug C, Păduraru L, Stamatin M, Diaconu CC, Gorduza EV. A Case of Inherited t(4;10)(q26;q26.2) Chromosomal Translocation Elucidated by Multiple Chromosomal and Molecular Analyses. Case Report and Review of the Literature. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121957. [PMID: 34946906 PMCID: PMC8701147 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a complex chromosomal anomaly identified using cytogenetic and molecular methods. The child was diagnosed during the neonatal period with a multiple congenital anomalies syndrome characterized by: flattened occipital region; slight turricephaly; tall and broad forehead; hypertelorism; deep-set eyes; down slanting and short palpebral fissures; epicanthic folds; prominent nose with wide root and bulbous tip; microstomia; micro-retrognathia, large, short philtrum with prominent reliefs; low set, prominent ears; and congenital heart disease. The GTG banding karyotype showed a 46,XY,der(10)(10pter→10q26.2::4q26→4qter) chromosomal formula and his mother presented an apparently balanced reciprocal translocation: 46,XX,t(4;10)(q26;q26.2). The chromosomal anomalies of the child were confirmed by MLPA, and supplementary investigation discovered a quadruplication of the 4q35.2 region. The mother has a triplication of the same chromosomal fragment (4q35.2). Using array-CGH, we described the anomalies completely. Thus, the boy has a 71,057 kb triplication of the 4q26-q35.2 region, a 562 kb microdeletion in the 10q26.3 region, and a 795 kb quadruplication of the 4q35.2 region, while the mother presents a 795 kb triplication of the 4q35.2 region. Analyzing these data, we consider that the boy's phenotype is influenced only by the 4q partial trisomy. We compare our case with similar cases, and we review the literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Popescu
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Mihaela Grămescu
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Lavinia Caba
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Monica-Cristina Pânzaru
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Lăcrămioara Butnariu
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Elena Braha
- “C. I. Parhon” National Institute of Endocrinology, 34-35 Aviatorilor Avenue, 011853 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Setalia Popa
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Cristina Rusu
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
| | - Georgeta Cardos
- Personal Genetics Laboratory Bucharest, 4 Strada Frumoasa Street, 010987 Bucharest, Romania; (G.C.); (M.Z.)
| | - Monica Zeleniuc
- Personal Genetics Laboratory Bucharest, 4 Strada Frumoasa Street, 010987 Bucharest, Romania; (G.C.); (M.Z.)
- Medical Genetics Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Avenue, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Violeta Martiniuc
- Medical Genetics Department, “Cuza-Vodă” Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 34 Cuza Voda Street, 700038 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Cristina Gug
- Microscopic Morphology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 Piata Eftimie Murgu, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Luminiţa Păduraru
- Neonatology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Stamatin
- Neonatology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, 285 Mihai Bravu, 030304 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Eusebiu Vlad Gorduza
- Medical Genetics Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (R.P.); (M.G.); (M.-C.P.); (L.B.); (S.P.); (C.R.); (E.V.G.)
- Medical Genetics Department, “Cuza-Vodă” Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, 34 Cuza Voda Street, 700038 Iasi, Romania;
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11
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Chivu-Economescu M, Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC. Clinical Applications of Liquid Biopsy in Gastric Cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:749250. [PMID: 34651002 PMCID: PMC8505538 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.749250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy represents an exciting new area in the field of cancer diagnosis and management, offering a less invasive and more convenient approach to obtain a time-point image of the tumor burden and its genomic profile. Samples collected from several body fluids, mostly blood, can be used to gain access to circulating tumor cells and DNA, non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and exosomes, at any moment, offering a dynamic picture of the tumor. For patients with GC, the use of blood-based biopsies may be particularly beneficial since tissue biopsies are difficult to obtain and cause real distress to the patient. With advantages such as repeatability and minimal invasion, it is no wonder that the field of liquid biopsy has received tremendous attention. However, the abundance of studies, involving a wide range of assays with different principles, prevented for the moment the reproducibility of the results and therefore the translation into the clinic of liquid biopsy. In this review, we present the latest technical development and data on circulating biomarkers available through liquid biopsy in gastric cancer with an emphasis on their clinical utility in areas such as cancer screening, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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12
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Levy G, Mambet C, Pecquet C, Bailly S, Havelange V, Diaconu CC, Constantinescu SN. Targets in MPNs and potential therapeutics. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2021; 366:41-81. [PMID: 35153006 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Philadelphia-negative classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), including Polycythemia Vera (PV), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), are clonal hemopathies that emerge in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment. MPN driver mutations are restricted to specific exons (14 and 12) of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), thrombopoietin receptor (MPL/TPOR) and calreticulin (CALR) genes, are involved directly in clonal myeloproliferation and generate the MPN phenotype. As a result, an increased number of fully functional erythrocytes, platelets and leukocytes is observed in the peripheral blood. Nevertheless, the complexity and heterogeneity of MPN clinical phenotypes cannot be solely explained by the type of driver mutation. Other factors, such as additional somatic mutations affecting epigenetic regulators or spliceosomes components, mutant allele burdens and modifiers of signaling by driver mutants, clonal architecture and the order of mutation acquisition, signaling events that occur downstream of a driver mutation, the presence of specific germ-line variants, the interaction of the neoplastic clone with bone marrow microenvironment and chronic inflammation, all can modulate the disease phenotype, influence the MPN clinical course and therefore, might be useful therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Levy
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; SIGN Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cristina Mambet
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania; Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christian Pecquet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; SIGN Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Bailly
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; SIGN Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Hematology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Violaine Havelange
- SIGN Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Hematology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stefan N Constantinescu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels, Belgium; SIGN Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and Biotechnology), Brussels, Belgium; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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13
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Rascu AM, Otelea MR, Mambet C, Handra C, Neagu AI, Rascu A, Giurcaneanu C, Diaconu CC. Modified Plasma Cytokine Profile in Occupational Dermatitis. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 20:1295-1302. [PMID: 32515314 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320666200607194021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant progress in the diagnosis of contact dermatitis, the identification by specific tests or biomarkers remains an unsolved issue, particularly when needed for the confirmation of the occupational origin of the disease. OBJECTIVE To characterize the plasma proteome profile in occupational dermatitis in workers of paint industry. METHODS The study has a case-control design, comparing exposed workers with and without occupational contact dermatitis, matched for age, gender, occupational history, and comorbidities. An immunological assay (Human XL Cytokine Array Kit - ARY022B, R&D Systems) was used to measure the plasma levels of 105 cytokines and chemokines in a pooled sample of the cases and a pooled sample of the controls. RESULTS A 1.5-fold increase was noticed for interleukin 3, interleukin 10, and leptin in cases, as compared to controls. Fibroblast growth factor-7 and growth/differentiation factor-15 showed a 1.4-fold increase, while interleukin 19, interleukin 31, and macrophage inflammatory protein 3a.had only a 1.3- fold increase. The leukemia inhibitory factor was the only plasma cytokine that showed a 1.3-fold decrease. All other cytokines had a variation of less than 1.2-fold between cases and controls. CONCLUSION The recognition of the molecular signatures is very important for an accurate and indisputable diagnosis of occupational contact dermatitis. In workers from the paint industry, plasma levels of interleukins 3, 10, 13 and 19, fibroblast growth factor-7, and growth/differentiation factor-15, together with leukemia inducible factor, may differentiate subjects with contact dermatitis from those without skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Rascu
- Clinic Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marina R Otelea
- Clinic Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Claudia Handra
- Clinic Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana I Neagu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Agripina Rascu
- Clinic Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Calin Giurcaneanu
- Clinic Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Dermatology Clinic, Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Pitica I, Neagu AI, Bleotu C, Dima S, Popescu I, Diaconu CC, Chivu-Economescu M. High plasma levels of COL10A1 are associated with advanced tumor stage in gastric cancer patients. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:3024-3033. [PMID: 32587446 PMCID: PMC7304107 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i22.3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) remains an aggressive malignancy with a high rate of mortality, being the third leading cause of cancer-related death. More than one million newly diagnosed cases and 782685 deaths due to GC were reported in 2018. GC is characterized by limited effective treatment options and the lack of consistent biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of these patients. The discovery of new biomarkers useful in the early diagnosis of GC is mandatory.
AIM To evaluate the potential of COL10A1 as a circulating biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients.
METHODS Plasma and tissue obtained from 49 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have been used in exploring the expression of COL10A1. Real-time PCR and western blot techniques were used to evaluate COL10A1 level in gastric tumor tissue compared to normal adjacent tissue. The circulating level of COL10A1 was also evaluated by ELISA in plasma of gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Survival analysis was made in order to evaluate the potential of COL10A1 as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients.
RESULTS Our results showed a significant increase in COL10A1 gene expression and protein levels in gastric tumor tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue (P < 0.05). COL10A1 seems to show an elevated expression from the beginning of carcinogenesis, in the early stages, and its increased level remains elevated during cancer progression. A significant increase of COL10A1 plasma level in gastric adenocarcinoma patients was also identified. Moreover, increased COL10A1 plasma level was associated with poor survival of the patients. Plasma COL10A1 performed a diagnostic value in GC with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.9171 (P = 0.0002), sensitivity of 87.76%, and specificity of 100.0%. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the potential role of plasma COL10A1 in the early detection of GC, as in the early stage, we obtained an AUC of 0.8789 (P = 0.0030), sensitivity of 81.25%, and specificity of 100.0%.
CONCLUSION Circulating expression level of COL10A1 is significantly increased in gastric adenocarcinoma patients being associated with poor survival and is a potential biomarker for early detection of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
- Titu Maiorescu University, Faculty of Medicine, Bucharest 040441, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Ioana Pitica
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Ana Iulia Neagu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Simona Dima
- Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest 022328, Romania
| | | | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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15
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Temereanca A, Ene L, Rosca A, Diaconu CC, Luca A, Burlacu R, Radoi R, Bulacu-Talnariu A, Marcotte TD, Achim CL, Ruta S. Neurocognitive Impairment in the Combined Antiretroviral Therapy Era in a Romanian Cohort of Young Adults with Chronic HIV Infection. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:367-372. [PMID: 31476875 PMCID: PMC7232656 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) continue to be reported even in patients with successful antiretroviral treatment. We investigated the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and possible HIV-associated determinants of cognition in a Romanian cohort of young adults, parenterally infected with HIV during their first years of life. Two hundred fourteen treatment-experienced HIV-positive individuals [median age: 24 years, males: 48%, median duration on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART): 12 years] underwent standard immunologic and virological monitoring and antiretroviral resistance testing using pol gene sequencing in both plasma and, when available, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) paired samples. Neurocognitive impairment was assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, and a global deficit score (GDS) was calculated (cutoff ≥0.5). Cognitive impairment was detected in 35% of the study participants, without any association with sex, median age, CD4 cell count (actual or nadir), CSF and plasma viral load (actual or zenith), AIDS diagnosis, duration of HIV infection, and cART characteristics. Participants carrying resistant viruses tended to be more frequently cognitively impaired (p = 0.36), with a higher median GDS value (p = 0.06) compared with participants harboring wild-type HIV, although the figures did not reach statistical significance. No signs of virological compartmentalization were observed based on CSF versus plasma viral load and on the profile of pol sequences. A moderate rate of mild neurocognitive impairment is still present in young adults with chronic HIV infection acquired in early childhood despite successful cART, without any association with classic markers of HIV infection. New biomarkers reflecting persistent central nervous system inflammation and neuronal injury may be more relevant for the development of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura Temereanca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Luminita Ene
- HIV/AIDS Department, Dr Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adelina Rosca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C. Diaconu
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Luca
- HIV/AIDS Department, Dr Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Burlacu
- HIV/AIDS Department, Dr Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Radoi
- HIV/AIDS Department, Dr Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adina Bulacu-Talnariu
- HIV/AIDS Department, Dr Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Thomas D. Marcotte
- Pathology Department, University of California at San Diego, Gilman, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Cristian L. Achim
- Pathology Department, University of California at San Diego, Gilman, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Simona Ruta
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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16
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Marcu A, Colita A, Radu LE, Jercan CG, Bica AM, Asan M, Coriu D, Tanase AD, Diaconu CC, Mambet C, Botezatu A, Pasca S, Teodorescu P, Anton G, Gurban P, Colita A. Single-Center Experience With Epigenetic Treatment for Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 10:484. [PMID: 32328464 PMCID: PMC7161089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm diagnosed in young children, characterized by somatic or germline mutations that lead to hyperactive RAS signaling. The only curative option is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recent data showing that aberrant DNA methylation plays a significant role in pathogenesis and correlates with clinical risk suggest a possible benefit of hypomethylating agents (HMA) in JMML treatment. Aim: The aim is to report the results of HMA-based therapy with 5-azacytidine (AZA) in three JMML patients treated in a single center, non-participating in EWOG-MDS study. Methods: The diagnosis and treatment response were evaluated according to international consensus criteria. AZA 75 mg/m2 intravenous (i.v.) was administered once daily on days 1–7 of each 28-day cycle. All patients were monitored for hematologic response, spleen size, and evolution of extramedullary disease. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) were performed after the 3rd AZA cycle and before SCT to evaluate the molecular alterations and genetic response. Results: Three patients diagnosed with JMML were treated with AZA (off-label indication) in Pediatric Department of Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania between 2017 and 2019. There were two females and one male with median age 11 months, range 2–16 months. The cytogenetic analysis showed normal karyotype in all patients. Molecular analysis confirmed KRAS G13D mutation in two patients and NRAS G12D mutation in one patient. The clinical evaluation showed important splenomegaly and hepatomegaly in all 3 pts. One patient received AZA for early relapse after haploidentical HSCT and the other two patients received upfront AZA, as bridging therapy before HSCT. After HMA therapy, 2/3 patients achieved clinical partial response (cPR), 1/3 had clinical stable disease (cSD) and all had genetic stable disease (gSD) after 3 cycles and were able to receive the planned HSTC. One patient achieved clinical and genetic complete response before HSCT. During 22 cycles of AZA there were only four adverse events but only one determined dose reduction and treatment delay. Conclusion: Our data show that AZA monotherapy is safe and effective in controlling disease both in upfront and relapsed patients in order to proceed to HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andra Marcu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Colita
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Coltea Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Letitia Elena Radu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Georgiana Jercan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Bica
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Minodora Asan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniel Coriu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Daniela Tanase
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Titu Maiorescu University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Mambet
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Botezatu
- Molecular Virology Department, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Patric Teodorescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania.,Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Anton
- Molecular Virology Department, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Petruta Gurban
- Personal Genetics-Medical Genetics Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Colita
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Pediatrics, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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17
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Burlacu R, Umlauf A, Marcotte TD, Soontornniyomkij B, Diaconu CC, Bulacu-Talnariu A, Temereanca A, Ruta SM, Letendre S, Ene L, Achim CL. Plasma CXCL10 correlates with HAND in HIV-infected women. J Neurovirol 2019; 26:23-31. [PMID: 31414350 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-019-00785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is characterized by chronic immune activation. We aimed to identify biomarkers associated with HAND and to investigate their association with cognitive function and sex, in a homogenous cohort of HIV-infected (HIV+) young adults, parenterally infected during early childhood. One hundred forty-four HIV+ Romanian participants (51% women) without major confounders underwent standardized neurocognitive and medical evaluation in a cross-sectional study. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL10, and TNF-α were measured in plasma in all participants and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a subgroup of 56 study participants. Biomarkers were compared with neurocognitive outcomes, and the influence of sex and HIV disease biomarkers was assessed. In this cohort of young adults (median age of 24 years), the rate of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) was 36.1%. Median current CD4+ count was 479 cells/mm3 and 36.8% had detectable plasma viral load. Women had better HIV-associated overall status. In plasma, controlling for sex, higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were associated with NCI (p < 0.05). Plasma CXCL10 showed a significant interaction with sex (p = 0.02); higher values were associated with NCI in women only (p = 0.02). Individuals with undetectable viral load had significantly lower plasma CXCL10 (p < 0.001) and CCL2 (p = 0.02) levels, and CSF CXCL10 (p = 0.01), IL-6 (p = 0.04), and TNF-α (p = 0.04) levels. NCI in young men and women living with HIV was associated with higher IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma, but not in the CSF. CXCL10 was identified as a biomarker of NCI specifically in women with chronic HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Burlacu
- HIV Department, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - A Umlauf
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - T D Marcotte
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - B Soontornniyomkij
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - C C Diaconu
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Bulacu-Talnariu
- HIV Department, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Temereanca
- Department of Virology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Emerging Viral Diseases Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S M Ruta
- Department of Virology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Emerging Viral Diseases Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Letendre
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - L Ene
- HIV Department, 'Dr. Victor Babes' Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C L Achim
- HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
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18
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Necula L, Matei L, Dragu D, Neagu AI, Mambet C, Nedeianu S, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Chivu-Economescu M. Recent advances in gastric cancer early diagnosis. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:2029-2044. [PMID: 31114131 PMCID: PMC6506585 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i17.2029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) remains an important cause of cancer death worldwide with a high mortality rate due to the fact that the majority of GC cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when the prognosis is poor and the treatment options are limited. Unfortunately, the existing circulating biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis display low sensitivity and specificity and the GC diagnosis is based only on the invasive procedures such as upper digestive endoscopy. There is a huge need for less invasive or non-invasive tests but also highly specific biomarkers in case of GC. Body fluids such as peripheral blood, urine or saliva, stomach wash/gastric juice could be a source of specific biomarkers, providing important data for screening and diagnosis in GC. This review summarized the recently discovered circulating molecules such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, which hold the promise to develop new strategies for early diagnosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest 040441, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Denisa Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Ana I Neagu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Cristina Mambet
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Saviana Nedeianu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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19
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Mambet C, Necula L, Mihai S, Matei L, Bleotu C, Chivu-Economescu M, Stanca O, Tatic A, Berbec N, Tanase C, Diaconu CC. Increased Dkk-1 plasma levels may discriminate disease subtypes in myeloproliferative neoplasms. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:4005-4011. [PMID: 29975001 PMCID: PMC6050480 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the bone marrow niche induced by abnormal production of cytokines and other soluble factors have been associated with disease progression in classical BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Variations in circulating proteins might reflect local disease processes and plasma proteome profiling could serve to identify possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We employed a human cytokine array to screen for 105 distinct analytes in pooled plasma samples obtained from untreated young MPN patients (<35 years) with different clinical phenotypes and driver mutations, as well as from healthy individuals. Among molecules that exhibited significantly increased levels in MPN patients versus controls, the top of the list was represented by Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk-1), which also showed the highest potential for discrimination between MPN subtypes. In the next step, a quantitative ELISA was used to measure plasma Dkk-1 levels in 30 young-onset MPN-10 essential thrombocythemia (ET), 10 polycythemia vera (PV), 10 pre-fibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF)-and 10 controls. The results suggested that plasma Dkk-1 levels could differentiate ET from pre-PMF, in JAK2 V617F-positive as well as in CALR-positive patients, and also ET from PV in JAK2 V617F-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mambet
- MyeloAL Program, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Necula
- MyeloAL Program, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Mihai
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, "Victor Babes" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- MyeloAL Program, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- MyeloAL Program, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Oana Stanca
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurelia Tatic
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Center of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Berbec
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Tanase
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, "Victor Babes" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- MyeloAL Program, Stefan S Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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20
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Chivu-Economescu M, Matei L, Necula LG, Dragu DL, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC. New therapeutic options opened by the molecular classification of gastric cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:1942-1961. [PMID: 29760539 PMCID: PMC5949709 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i18.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most lethal and aggressive cancers, being the third cause of cancer related death worldwide. Even with radical gastrectomy and the latest generation of molecular chemotherapeutics, the numbers of recurrence and mortality remains high. This is due to its biological heterogeneity based on the interaction between multiple factors, from genomic to environmental factors, diet or infections with various pathogens. Therefore, understanding the molecular characteristics at a genomic level is critical to develop new treatment strategies. Recent advances in GC molecular classification provide the unique opportunity to improve GC therapy by exploiting the biomarkers and developing novel targeted therapy specific to each subtype. This article highlights the molecular characteristics of each subtype of gastric cancer that could be considered in shaping a therapeutic decision, and also presents the completed and ongoing clinical trials addressed to those targets. The implementation of the novel molecular classification system will allow a preliminary patient selection for clinical trials, a mandatory issue if it is desired to test the efficacy of a certain inhibitor to the given target. This will represent a substantial advance as well as a powerful tool for targeted therapy. Nevertheless, translating the scientific results into new personalized treatment opportunities is needed in order to improve clinical care, the survival and quality of life of patients with GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Laura G Necula
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
- Nicolae Cajal Institute, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest 040441, Romania
| | - Denisa L Dragu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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21
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Dediu GN, Diaconu CC, Dumitrache Rujinski S, Iancu MA, Balaceanu LA, Dina I, Bogdan M. May inflammatory markers be used for monitoring the continuous positive airway pressure effect in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and arrhythmias? Med Hypotheses 2018; 115:81-86. [PMID: 29685205 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is defined by recurrent episodes of significant reduction or absence of the oro-nasal airflow during sleep, in the presence of thorax and abdominal movements and snoring. The pathophysiological consequences of intermittent hypoxia determined by OSAS are represented by systemic inflammation, the release of free oxygen radicals and activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Cardiac arrhythmias are a frequent comorbidity in patients with OSAS. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has an effect on inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, and red cell distribution width) in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS We tested this hypothesis on 52 patients diagnosed with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias, divided into two groups: group A (patients who received CPAP therapy and pharmacological therapy) and group B (only pharmacological therapy). The patients were evaluated at enrollment (T0), at 3 and 6 months. We did not find a statistically significant difference of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and fibrinogen levels between the two groups. Regarding the red cell distribution width (RDW), the CPAP treatment seems to have improved the RDW values in patients who received this treatment. Also, in patients from group A, a significant decrease in the average heart rate was noticed after 3 months. CONSEQUENCES Fibrinogen and ESR cannot be used for monitoring the CPAP therapy in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias. Instead, the beneficial effect of CPAP in patients with OSAS and cardiac arrhythmias can be monitored with the help of the RDW, which could also be used for evaluating the cardiovascular risk in patients with OSAS and arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Dediu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Romania.
| | - S Dumitrache Rujinski
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Marius Nasta", Bucharest, Romania
| | - M A Iancu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania
| | - L A Balaceanu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - I Dina
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; Clinical Emergency Hospital "Sf. Ioan", Bucharest, Romania
| | - M Bogdan
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Bucharest, Romania; National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Marius Nasta", Bucharest, Romania
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22
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Ngo A, Koay A, Pecquet C, Diaconu CC, Jenkins DA, Shiau AK, Constantinescu SN, Choong ML. Phenotypic Screening for Inhibitors of a Mutant Thrombopoietin Receptor. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1787:53-66. [PMID: 29736709 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7847-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An inhibitor for the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) would be more specific for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) due to constitutively active mutant TpoR compared to the current treatment approach of inhibiting Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). We describe a cell-based high-throughput phenotypic screening approach to identify inhibitors for constitutively active mutant TpoR. A stepwise elimination process is used to differentiate generally cytotoxic compounds from compounds that specifically inhibit growth of cells expressing wild-type TpoR and/or mutant TpoR. We have systematically optimized the phenotypic screening assay and documented in this chapter critical parameters for a successful phenotypic screen, such as cell growth and seeding optimization, plate reproducibility and uniformity studies, and an assay robustness analysis with a pilot screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ngo
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ann Koay
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christian Pecquet
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Université catholique de Louvain and de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - David A Jenkins
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew K Shiau
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stefan N Constantinescu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Université catholique de Louvain and de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Meng Ling Choong
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore.
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23
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Chivu-Economescu M, Dragu DL, Necula LG, Matei L, Enciu AM, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC. Knockdown of KRT17 by siRNA induces antitumoral effects on gastric cancer cells. Gastric Cancer 2017; 20:948-959. [PMID: 28299464 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-017-0712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratin 17 (KRT17) was shown to be an important molecular marker for predicting the carcinogenesis, progression, and prognosis of various cancer types. Our previous studies identified KRT17 as a possible biomarker for gastric cancer by gene microarray, with an elevated expression that occurred early during tumorigenesis and increased during tumor progression. Based on these findings, we aimed to investigate KRT17 biological functions in gastric adenocarcinoma and its possible use as a rational molecular target for anticancer therapy. METHODS We used RNA interference-mediated knockdown of KRT17 expression and analyzed the effects on cell proliferation, cell migration, and signal transduction in two gastric cell lines (AGS and NCI-N87) in vitro and on xenograft growth in vivo. RESULTS The functional analysis of KRT17 knockdown cell lines showed a decreased cell proliferation (with 42.36% ± 3.2%) and migration ability (with 37.2% ± 6.2%) relative to scrambled siRNA control. The in vivo tumorigenicity on nude mice exhibited a significant decrease in tumor weight with 69.14% in xenografts obtained from AGS cells and 84.43% in xeno-NCI-N87 tumors. The analysis on KRT17 knockdown outcome on intracellular signaling identifies AKT/mTOR as the main affected pathway that sustains proliferation and survival, and also the AMPKα1/CREB pathway that was recently shown to induce organ protection and antiinflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight KRT17 as a possible biomarker in gastric cancer promoting tumor growth, motility, and invasion, and suggest that KRT17 can be a valuable molecular target for development of anti-gastric cancer-specific therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu-Economescu
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Denisa L Dragu
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura G Necula
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania.,Nicolae Cajal Institute, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania.,Biochemistry-Proteomics Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Enciu
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Department, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- Cellular and Molecular Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Mihai Bravu 285 Ave, 030304, Bucharest, Romania
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Ngo A, Koay AZ, Pecquet C, Diaconu CC, Ould-Amer Y, Huang Q, Kang C, Poulsen A, Lee MA, Jenkins D, Shiau A, Constantinescu SN, Choong ML. A Phenotypic Screen for Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Constitutively Active Mutant Thrombopoietin Receptor Implicated in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2016; 19:824-833. [PMID: 27748177 DOI: 10.2174/1386207319666161010163825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rather than a Janus Kinase 2 inhibitor (ruxolitinib), a specific thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) inhibitor would be more specific for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms due to TpoR mutations. OBJECTIVE A cell-based phenotypic approach to identify specific TpoR inhibitors was implemented and a library of 505,483 small molecules was screened for inhibitory effects on cells transformed by TpoR mutants. RESULTS Among the identified hits are two analogs of 3-(4-piperidinyl) indole. The analogs showed about five-fold preferential inhibition of cell viability towards Ba/F3 cells expressing the TpoR W515L mutation compared to the parental cells. There was no significant difference in inhibition of cell viability between the TpoR wild type and the TpoR W515L mutant cells. Preferential inhibition of viability was observed in Ba/F3 cells expressing erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) when stimulated with Epo compared to stimulation with interleukin-3 (IL3). The indole analog inhibited ex vivo colony formations of primary bone marrow cells from heterozygous JAK2 V617F knock-in mice. Drug combination treatment study was performed using ruxolitinib and the indole analog. Drug synergistic effects were observed when cells were stimulated to proliferate through both the IL3 and TpoR pathways. Our compound specifically targets monoamine receptors in the rhodopsin-like receptor family of G protein-coupled receptor. CONCLUSION This screen has identified a monoamine receptor inhibitor that can inhibit viability of cells with active TpoR or EpoR signalings. Drug synergism with ruxolitib is demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Meng Ling Choong
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, 31 Biopolis Way, #03-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore.. Singapore
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Mambet C, Matei L, Necula LG, Diaconu CC. A link between the driver mutations and dysregulated apoptosis in BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2016; 37:331-45. [PMID: 26890068 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2016.1152276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The current understanding of BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms pathogenesis is centred on the phenotypic driver mutations in JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes, and the constitutive activation of JAK-STAT pathway. Nonetheless, there is still a need to better characterize the cellular processes that are triggered by these genetic alterations, such as apoptosis that might play a role in the pathological expansion of the myeloid lineages and, especially, in the morphological anomalies of the bone marrow megakaryocytes. In this article we will explore the connection between the driver mutations in MPN and the abnormal apoptosis that might be translated in new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mambet
- a Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department , Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Lilia Matei
- a Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department , Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Laura Georgiana Necula
- a Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department , Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology , Bucharest , Romania.,b Biochemistry-Proteomics Department , Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology , Bucharest , Romania.,c Titu Maiorescu University , Bucharest , Romania
| | - Carmen C Diaconu
- a Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department , Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology , Bucharest , Romania
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Botezatu A, Puiu M, Cucu N, Diaconu CC, Badiu C, Arsene C, Iancu IV, Plesa A, Anton G. Comparative molecular approaches in Prader–Willi syndrome diagnosis. Gene 2016; 575:353-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M, Diaconu CC, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Neagu AI, Becker T. Association of age-of-onset groups with GWAS significant schizophrenia and bipolar disorder loci in Romanian bipolar I patients. Psychiatry Res 2015; 230:964-7. [PMID: 26596365 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the influence of the age-of-onset (AO) on the association of 45 loci conferring risk for bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia with BP-type-I in a Romanian sample (461 patients, 436 controls). The AO-analysis implicated the EGFR gene, as well as loci in other genes, in the AO variation of BP-type-I and revealed for the first time the link between BP-type-I and risk variants considered specific to schizophrenia (polymorphisms in MMP16/RIPK2 and CNNM2 genes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grigoroiu-Serbanescu
- Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Biometric Psychiatric Genetics Research Unit, Bucharest, Romania.
| | | | | | | | - Tim Becker
- Institute for Community Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University Greifswald, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
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Dragu DL, Necula LG, Bleotu C, Diaconu CC, Chivu-Economescu M. Therapies targeting cancer stem cells: Current trends and future challenges. World J Stem Cells 2015; 7:1185-1201. [PMID: 26516409 PMCID: PMC4620424 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v7.i9.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapies against cancer, chemo- and radiotherapy, have multiple limitations that lead to treatment failure and cancer recurrence. These limitations are related to systemic and local toxicity, while treatment failure and cancer relapse are due to drug resistance and self-renewal, properties of a small population of tumor cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are involved in cancer initiation, maintenance, metastasis and recurrence. Therefore, in order to develop efficient treatments that can induce a long-lasting clinical response preventing tumor relapse it is important to develop drugs that can specifically target and eliminate CSCs. Recent identification of surface markers and understanding of molecular feature associated with CSC phenotype helped with the design of effective treatments. In this review we discuss targeting surface biomarkers, signaling pathways that regulate CSCs self-renewal and differentiation, drug-efflux pumps involved in apoptosis resistance, microenvironmental signals that sustain CSCs growth, manipulation of miRNA expression, and induction of CSCs apoptosis and differentiation, with specific aim to hamper CSCs regeneration and cancer relapse. Some of these agents are under evaluation in preclinical and clinical studies, most of them for using in combination with traditional therapies. The combined therapy using conventional anticancer drugs with CSCs-targeting agents, may offer a promising strategy for management and eradication of different types of cancers.
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Abstract
Epigenetic processes including aberrant promoter methylation of tumor suppressor gene play a key role in gastric carcinogenesis. TET proteins are involved in DNA demethylation; many cancers, haematological or solid, present loss-of-function mutations and aberrant expression/regulation of TET. In gastric cancer there are few studies reporting a decreased expression of TET and associations between these proteins and signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Identifying connections between aberrant expression of TET, disruption of the balance between DNA methylation and demethylation and their association with gastric carcinogenesis might be useful for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Georgiana Necula
- a Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department , Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology , Bucharest , Romania
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Plesa A, Anton G, Iancu IV, Diaconu CC, Huica I, Stanescu AD, Socolov D, Nistor E, Popa E, Stoian M, Botezatu A. Molecular variants of human papilloma virus 16 E2, E4, E5, E6 and E7 genes associated with cervical neoplasia in Romanian patients. Arch Virol 2014; 159:3305-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Choong ML, Pecquet C, Pendharkar V, Diaconu CC, Yong JWY, Tai SJ, Wang SF, Defour JP, Sangthongpitag K, Villeval JL, Vainchenker W, Constantinescu SN, Lee MA. Combination treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasms using JAK and pan-class I PI3K inhibitors. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:1397-409. [PMID: 24251790 PMCID: PMC4117552 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Current JAK2 inhibitors used for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) treatment are not specific enough to selectively suppress aberrant JAK2 signalling and preserve physiological JAK2 signalling. We tested whether combining a JAK2 inhibitor with a series of serine threonine kinase inhibitors, targeting nine signalling pathways and already used in clinical trials, synergized in inhibiting growth of haematopoietic cells expressing mutant and wild-type forms of JAK2 (V617F) or thrombopoietin receptor (W515L). Out of 15 kinase inhibitors, the ZSTK474 phosphatydylinositol-3′-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor molecule showed strong synergic inhibition by Chou and Talalay analysis with JAK2 and JAK2/JAK1 inhibitors. Other pan-class I, but not gamma or delta specific PI3K inhibitors, also synergized with JAK2 inhibitors. Synergy was not observed in Bcr-Abl transformed cells. The best JAK2/JAK1 and PI3K inhibitor combination pair (ruxolitinib and GDC0941) reduces spleen weight in nude mice inoculated with Ba/F3 cells expressing TpoR and JAK2 V617F. It also exerted strong inhibitory effects on erythropoietin-independent erythroid colonies from MPN patients and JAK2 V617F knock-in mice, where at certain doses, a preferential inhibition of JAK2 V617F mutated progenitors was detected. Our data support the use of a combination of JAK2 and pan-class I PI3K inhibitors in the treatment of MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ling Choong
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
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Vassos E, Steinberg S, Cichon S, Breen G, Sigurdsson E, Andreassen OA, Djurovic S, Morken G, Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M, Diaconu CC, Czerski PM, Hauser J, Babadjanova G, Abramova LI, Mühleisen TW, Nöthen MM, Rietschel M, McGuffin P, St Clair D, Gustafsson O, Melle I, Pietiläinen OPH, Ruggeri M, Tosato S, Werge T, Ophoff RA, Rujescu D, Børglum AD, Mors O, Mortensen PB, Demontis D, Hollegaard MV, van Winkel R, Kenis G, De Hert M, Réthelyi JM, Bitter I, Rubino IA, Golimbet V, Kiemeney LA, van den Berg LH, Franke B, Jönsson EG, Farmer A, Stefansson H, Stefansson K, Collier DA. Replication study and meta-analysis in European samples supports association of the 3p21.1 locus with bipolar disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 72:645-50. [PMID: 22560537 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common genetic polymorphisms at chromosome 3p21.1, including rs2251219 in polybromo 1 (PBRM1), have been implicated in susceptibility to bipolar affective disorder (BP) through genome-wide association studies. Subsequent studies have suggested that this is also a risk locus for other psychiatric phenotypes, including major depression and schizophrenia. METHODS To replicate the association, we studied 2562 cases with BP and 25,439 control subjects collected from seven cohorts with either genome-wide association or individual genotyping of rs2251219 and tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms across the PBRM1 gene. Results from the different case-control groups were combined with the inverse variance weighting method. RESULTS In our dataset, rs2251219 was associated with BP (odds ratio [OR] = .89, p = .003), and meta-analysis of previously published data with our nonoverlapping new data confirmed genome-wide significant association (OR = .875, p = 2.68 × 10(-9)). Genotypic data from the SGENE-plus consortium were used to examine the association of the same variant with schizophrenia in an overall sample of 8794 cases and 25,457 control subjects, but this was not statistically significant (OR = .97, p = .21). CONCLUSIONS There is strong evidence of association of rs2251219 with BP. However, our data do not support association of this marker with schizophrenia. Because the region of association has high linkage disequilibrium, forming a large haplotype block across many genes, it is not clear which gene is causally implicated in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Vassos
- MRC SGDP Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Necula LG, Chivu-Economescu M, Stanciulescu EL, Bleotu C, Dima SO, Alexiu I, Dumitru A, Constantinescu G, Popescu I, Diaconu CC. IL-6 and IL-11 as markers for tumor aggressiveness and prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma patients without mutations in Gp130 subunits. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2012; 21:23-29. [PMID: 22457856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A point mutation (gp130Y757F/Y759F) was identified as being responsible for aberrant activation of gp130 in mice and associated with gastric adenocarcinoma induction. As a result, we investigated the possible role of key point mutations in Tyr from IL6ST exon 17 that encode for the catalytic domain of gp130, and of its respective activators (IL-6 family member cytokines) in human gastric cancer initiation and development. METHOD DNA, protein and plasma from 51 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma have been used in exploring gp130 status. We used sequencing analysis of IL6ST exon 17 in order to identify possible mutations that would lead to constitutive active forms of the receptor. The levels of gp130 activators (IL-6, IL-11, LIF) were analyzed by ELISA in plasma and mucosa of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. RESULTS Sequencing analysis did not identify mutations in gp130 key positions (Y759, Y767, Y814, Y905 and Y915). An increased IL-6 and IL-11 level in gastric mucosa was observed, correlated with staging, indicating these cytokines as gp130 activators in tumor epithelial cell. Those variations were consistent with increased IL-6 level in plasma. Furthermore, IL-6, but not IL-11 showed a significant correlation with patient's survival time, suggesting that tissue and plasma concentration of IL-6 might be a marker of tumor aggressiveness with prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS According to our results, no mutations were detected in gp130 key positions in human gastric adenocarcinoma samples. However, gp130 activation may occur due to the increased level of IL-6 and IL-11 cytokines detected that can become valuable biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Necula
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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Diaconu CC. Left atrial thrombus: a case report. J Med Life 2011; 4:417-8. [PMID: 22514576 PMCID: PMC3227162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Echocardiography is essential in establishing the diagnosis in patients with cardiac masses. The differentiation between myxomas and thrombi is sometimes difficult, but is critical in making the right therapeutical decision. OBJECTIVE A 70-year-old female presented to the Emergency Department with palpitations, dyspnea and anterior epistaxis. She had a 3 years history of atrial fibrillation and chronic heart failure NYHA class III. METHOD AND RESULT Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showed the thickening of the mitral valves with moderate mitral insufficiency and a mobile round mass in the left atrium, heterogeneous, inhomogeneous, 18 mm in size, attached with a narrow stalk to the interatrial septum, reaching mitral annular plane; tricuspid insufficiency with a maximum 30 mmHg gradient, intact interatrial septum, akinesia of two thirds of basal inferior wall, 42% ejection fraction. DISCUSSION The two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the intraatrial mass. Epistaxis was considered to be due to heart failure and the increased venous pressure. The patient was referred to the cardiovascular surgery clinic, but refused surgery. Anticoagulation with fraxiparine 0,6 ml/day was started and continued for 3 weeks, after cessation of epistaxis by nasal tamponament. Then echocardiography was repeated, with no remnant mass in the left atrium. The conclusion was that the mass must have been a thrombus that has melted away. In this particular case, the left intraatrial thrombus may have been due to the presence of atrial fibrillation.
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Diaconu CC. Atrial septal defect in an elderly woman-a case report. J Med Life 2011; 4:91-3. [PMID: 21505579 PMCID: PMC3056427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The atrial septal defect is one of the most common congenital anomalies in adults, but it is rarely diagnosed. It is characterized by a defect in the interatrial septum that allows pulmonary venous return to pass from the left to the right atrium. OBJECTIVE A case of a 75-year-old female who presented with dyspnea, orthopnea, lower extremities swelling and palpitations is reported here. She had a 3 years history of atrial fibrillation and one-year history of cardiac failure NYHA (New York Heart Association) class Ⅱ. METHODS AND RESULTS Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated right atrium of 74,2 mm, a dilated left atrium of 55,2 mm, a dilated left ventricle of 64/72,3 mm, a dilated right ventricle of 44,4 mm. Atrial septal defect ostium secundum type, with left-to-right shunt. Severe tricuspid insufficiency with a maximum gradient of 55,4 mm Hg. 4th degree mitral insufficiency. Severe pulmonary hypertension of 75 mm Hg. The ejection fraction of 29%. Atrial fibrillation. Interventricular sept with paradoxical motion. DISCUSSION Ostium secundum defect is the most common type of atrial septal defect and accounts for 60-70% of all cases. The malformation often goes unnoticed for decades because symptoms may be absent and because physical signs are subtle. Symptoms usually take 30-40 years to develop. They are the consequences of pulmonary hypertension, atrial tachyarrhythmias and, sometimes, associated mitral valve disease. The echocardiography can establish the size and location of the atrial septal defect, the magnitude and hemodynamic impact of the left-to-right shunt, and the presence and degree of pulmonary hypertension. The particularity of this case is that the patient lived for over 70 years almost asymptomatic.
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Chivu Economescu M, Necula LG, Dragu D, Badea L, Dima SO, Tudor S, Nastase A, Popescu I, Diaconu CC. Identification of potential biomarkers for early and advanced gastric adenocarcinoma detection. Hepatogastroenterology 2010; 57:1453-1464. [PMID: 21443102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS This study aimed to understand gradual biological variations during gastric tumorigenesis, and to identify the candidate genes that are involved in tumor progression and metastasis. METHODOLOGY cDNA microarray data were obtained from 10 pair of cancerous and normal adjacent tissue from gastric adenocarcinoma patients. The samples were divided in primary and advanced gastric adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis. Validation of the microarray data was accomplished by quantitative RT-PCR on additional 41 samples. The significantly modified genes were grouped in clusters according to their functional annotation, and comparison was done regarding molecular mechanisms involved tumor progression. RESULTS A total of 136 genes were up-regulated and 96 genes were down-regulated by at least fourfold in tumor tissue. The analysis of gene clusters revealed a complex remodelling of normal gastric epithelium morphology and function associated with the tumorigenesis and metastasis. A large number of proteases are being overexpressed, together with keratins, genes associated with morphogenesis and anti-apoptosis. Between the most significant down-regulated genes, there were genes involved in gastric motility and synthesis and genes related to metabolic and pro-apoptotic processes. We also report, the identification of seven genes, significant up-regulated, that seem to be associated with tumor progression: KRT17, COL10A2, KIAA1199, SPP1, IL11, S100A2, and MMP3. CONCLUSIONS Our cDNA microarray study identified several genes that appeared to meet the criteria of a good biomarker, and may therefore be especially useful for the development of diagnostic tools, for the early detection, or for the prediction of tumor progression.
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Diaconu CC, Neagu AI, Lungu R, Tardei G, Alexiu I, Bleotu C, Economescu MC, Bumbăcea RS, Pele I, Bumbăcea D. Plasticity of regulatory T cells under cytokine pressure. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol 2010; 69:190-196. [PMID: 21462833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T helper (Th) cells have been divided into different subsets as defined by their cytokine products and functions after their activation. CD4+ T cell subsets are continuously discovered and until now Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells have been almost unanimously recognized but yet not completely characterized. The selective production of cytokines by each of the subsets is probably the master key of the mechanisms of immune regulation. The cytokine milieu is extremely important on deciding the fate of T cells. Generally, more than one cytokine is needed for differentiating to a particular lineage and just recently it was shown that this status quo of commitment could be challenged. It is well known that cytokines bind to Type I/II cytokine receptors signaling via Janus kinases (JAKs) followed by activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT). STAT molecules work together with other transcription factors (Foxp3, RORgammat and RORalpha, T-bet, GATA3, Runx 1, NFAT, etc.) also controlled by cytokines, in modulating the Th phenotype and functions. In this review, we analyze the plasticity of Treg population focusing on the most recent discoveries on how microenvironmental cytokines refine/modify Treg phenotype and function, thus changing their fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen C Diaconu
- Antiviral Therapy Department, Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.
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Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M, Herms S, Diaconu CC, Jamra RA, Meier S, Bleotu C, Neagu AI, Prelipceanu D, Sima D, Gherghel M, Mihailescu R, Rietschel M, Nöthen MM, Cichon S, Mühleisen TW. Possible association of different G72/G30 SNPs with mood episodes and persecutory delusions in bipolar I Romanian patients. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:657-63. [PMID: 20230869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The G72/G30 gene is one of the common loci shared both by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Studies accumulating since the discovery of this gene complex produced controversial results in both disorders in different populations. OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between the G72/G30 gene and bipolar I disorder (BPI) in the Romanian population paying special attention to the association of G72/G30 with lifetime psychosis and in particular with persecutory delusions in BPI patients. METHOD Fourteen G72/G30-SNPs were genotyped in a Romanian sample of 198 BPI patients and 180 controls screened for psychiatric disorders. Statistical analysis was performed with FAMHAP and HAPLOVIEW-v3.32. The significance level of the results was corrected through permutations in 100,000 simulations. RESULTS None of the fourteen SNPs was associated with the global diagnosis of BPI in our total patient sample or with the psychotic BPI subtype. When confining the psychotic phenotype to persecutory delusions, we observed trends to association for SNPs previously associated with schizophrenia and persecutory delusions in BPI [M21 (P=0.080); M22 (P=0.092; P=0.042 under dominant transmission model); M24 (P=0.092)]. Four SNPs reached nominal significance in the non-psychotic BPI subgroup [rs3916965 (M12) (P=0.044), rs1935057 (P=0.037), rs3916967 (M14) (P=0.043), and rs2391191 (M15, non-synonymous) (P=0.043)]. After correction through permutations, the haploblock GA including M14 and M15 showed a trend to association with BPI (P=0.0524; OR=1.82) in the non-psychotic BPI subgroup. CONCLUSION We report a potential association of different G72/G30-SNPs with non-psychotic mood episodes and with persecutory delusions in BPI Romanian patients. The results represent a first partial replication of two studies: Williams et al. (2006) and Schulze et al. (2005). The results have just a suggestive value since the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was not applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grigoroiu-Serbanescu
- Biometric Psychiatric Genetics Research Unit, Alexandru Obregia Psychiatric Hospital, Sos. Berceni, 10, R-041914, Bucharest, Romania.
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Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M, Herms S, Mühleisen TW, Georgi A, Diaconu CC, Strohmaier J, Czerski P, Hauser J, Leszczynska-Rodziewicz A, Jamra RA, Babadjanova G, Tiganov A, Krasnov V, Kapiletti S, Neagu AI, Vollmer J, Breuer R, Rietschel M, Nöthen MM, Cichon S, Propping P, Nöthen MM, Cichon S. Variation in P2RX7 candidate gene (rs2230912) is not associated with bipolar I disorder and unipolar major depression in four European samples. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2009; 150B:1017-21. [PMID: 19330776 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Two recent studies reported evidence for association between genetic variation of the positional candidate gene P2RX7 on chromosome 12q24 and bipolar I disorder (BPI) [Barden et al. (2006); Am J Med Genet Part B 141B:374-382; McQuillin et al. (2008); Mol Psychiatry 13:1-7] and one study found association with unipolar major depression (Mdd-UP) [Lucae et al. (2006); Hum Mol Genet 15:2438-2445]. In the present work, we aimed to replicate the SNP that showed the strongest association in the above-mentioned studies, namely rs2230912 (P2RX7-E13A) resulting in a change of the amino acid glutamine to arginine at position 460 (Gln460Arg), in four European bipolar I disorder samples from Germany, Poland, Romania, and Russia totaling 1,445 patients, in a German sample of recurrent Mdd-UP patients (N = 640), and a control sample of 2,006 subjects. We found no allelic or genotypic association between rs2230912 and BPI or Mdd-UP both in the national samples and in the combined European patient sample. Additional studies are needed to clarify the potential involvement of P2RX7 and of SNP rs2230912 in the etiology of major affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grigoroiu-Serbanescu
- Biometric Psychiatric Genetics Research Unit, Alexandru Obregia Psychiatric Hospital, Bucharest, Romania.
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Staerk J, Kallin A, Royer Y, Diaconu CC, Dusa A, Demoulin JB, Vainchenker W, Constantinescu SN. JAK2, the JAK2 V617F mutant and cytokine receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 55:88-91. [PMID: 16904848 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2006.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a unique recurrent somatic mutation was identified as a major molecular event in polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis. Expression of this mutant in cytokine-dependent hematopoietic cell lines induces autonomous growth. This effect is enhanced by overexpression of cytokine receptors, and can be inhibited by co-expression at higher levels of the wild type JAK2, which may compete for a limited pool of receptors. In JAK2-deficient cells, we showed that JAK2 V617F can transmit signals from ligand-activated TpoR or EpoR. Furthermore, the mutant JAK2 can be demonstrated to stimulate traffic of the EpoR. Thus, JAK2 V617F mutant must be able to interact via its intact FERM-SH2 domains with the cytosolic domains of cytokine receptors. A synergy between JAK2 V617F and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) can be detected in cytokine-dependent cell proliferation. Once cells are rendered autonomous by expression of JAK2 V617F, IGF1 acquires the ability to activate the JAK-STAT pathway. Thus, expression of JAK2 V617F may explain the described hypersensitivity of PV erythroid progenitors to IGF1. The V617 is conserved in two other mammalian JAKs, JAK1 and Tyk2. The homologous mutants JAK1 V658F and Tyk2 V678F are also active in proliferation and transcriptional assays. Such mutants may be found in human cancers or autoimmune diseases. In contrast, the JAK3 M592F does not lead to activation of JAK3. Current hypotheses on how JAK2 V617F contributes to three myeloproliferative diseases, and which other events may favor one disease versus another, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Staerk
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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41
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Chivu M, Diaconu CC, Bleotu C, Alexiu I, Brasoveanu L, Cernescu C. The comparison of different protocols for expansion of umbilical-cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. J Cell Mol Med 2005; 8:223-31. [PMID: 15256070 PMCID: PMC6740219 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is maintained by the activity of multipotent stem cells, which have the dual capacity to self-renew and to differentiate into all of the blood cell lineages. The major challenge of stem cells based regenerative therapy is to expand ex vivo the primitive compartment to increase transplantable stem cells number. The present study was designed to evaluate several culture systems for in vitro maintenance of umbilical cord blood stem cells. The influences of different growth conditions such as stromal feeder layer, cytokines supplement and placental conditioned medium (PCM) have been evaluated over a relatively short period of time on CD34(+) cell expansion and maintenance of clonogenic progenitors. When cells were expanded on feeder layer in the presence of added cytokines and PCM on average a 2.96-fold increase of CD34(+)CD71(-) and a 3.13-fold increase of CD34(+)HLA-DR(-) was observed. The total number of colony forming cells (35 +/- 2.65) indicated also that the yield of clonogenic progenitors obtained with a combination of all factors was two folds higher than each of these factors alone and ten time above control (3.67 +/- 2.52). In conclusion, the results of our study clearly show that the ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells obtained from human umbilical cord blood is dependent on controlled experimental conditions, which might be helpful when designing culture systems for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu
- St. S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, sos. Mihai Bravu, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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Paus S, Rietschel M, Schulze TG, Ohlraun S, Diaconu CC, Van Den Bogaert A, Maier W, Propping P, Cichon S, Nöthen MM. Systematic screening for mutations in the human N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 gene in schizophrenic patients from the German population. Psychiatr Genet 2004; 14:233-4. [PMID: 15564900 DOI: 10.1097/00041444-200412000-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Evidence for a dysfunction of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of ionotropic glutamate receptors in schizophrenic patients, comes from neurochemical and clinical pharmacologic data. Therefore, the NMDAR1 gene can be regarded as an interesting candidate gene for schizophrenia. Several groups have tried to identify variants of this gene in schizophrenic patients in different, however not in German, populations. We sought to identify sequence changes of potential functional relevance in genomic DNA from 46 German unrelated schizophrenic patients by means of single-strand conformation analysis. No mutations of likely functional relevance were observed. We identified two synonymous coding Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (cSNPs) in exons 6 and 7, and two SNPs in exon-flanking intronic sequences. Genotype distribution of these four SNPs was not significantly different between schizophrenic patients and controls. Our results suggest that the NMDAR1 subunit is not frequently involved in the development of schizophrenia in the German population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Paus
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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43
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Diaconu CC, Bleotu C, Chivu M, Alexiu I, Petrusca D, Anton G, Achim R, Ruta SM, Cernescu C. The development of larger cells that spontaneously escape senescence--a step during the immortalization of a human cancer cell line. J Cell Mol Med 2004; 8:93-101. [PMID: 15090264 PMCID: PMC6740141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00263.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few information concerning the changes associated with the transition interval when slow growing, primary explanted human cancer cells are displaced by new selected faster growing cells and became an immortal cell line. In a previous paper (J. Cell. Mol. Med., 5: 49-59, 2001) we described the TV cell line derived from a laryngeal tumor which harbors human papillomavirus (HPV) gene sequences throughout more than sixty in vitro passages. In this paper we analyze the modifications observed during the crisis interval when significant amount of cells senesce but occasional cells acquire some mutations that make them immortal. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed the heterogeneity of the cells in terms of their size and nucleus/cell ratio. Proliferation capacity was assessed by flow cytometry analyzing DNA content and expression of transferrin receptor (CD71). We discussed the possibility that HPV genome sequences alleviate a proliferation block during the crisis growth arrest of human larynx carcinoma cell line and the possibility that the cells monitor their size and growth by measuring the levels of some protein whose synthesis is coupled to cell development.
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Gheorghiu M, Bâră C, Păsărică D, Braşoveanu L, Bleotu C, Topârceanu F, Trandafir T, Diaconu CC. Ethanol-induced dysfunction of hepatocytes and leukocytes in patients without liver failure. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol 2004; 63:5-33. [PMID: 16295318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The repeated intake of a great amount of ethanol is followed by functional and organic changes in the body. The intestinal absorption of alcohol is accompanied by an increased absorption of Gram negative bacteria endotoxins in the portal blood. In the liver, endotoxins stimulate CD14 receptors on the membrane of Kupffer cells, with a secondary inflammatory liver response, consisting in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins. Simultaneously, alcohol metabolism in the hepatocytes by alcohol dehydrogenase, microsomal enzymes and catalase pathways determines a large production of ROS (reactive oxygen species), with secondary oxidative aggression on all liver cells: hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, endothelial sinusoidal cells, hepatic stellate cells and liver s lymphocytes. The oxidative aggression, as well as the intermediary products of the alcohol metabolism, cause a structural change of the antigenic structures of the liver and of the released proteins, that induces an immune response on the both pathways (humoral and cellular). The pathophysiological mechanisms and the paraclinical characteristics of the ethanol-induced liver failure are well known, so we were interested to study the patients with chronic alcoholism, but no clinical or paraclinical sign of liver failure, in order to describe the liver's protective mechanisms. For this reason, 153 patients with chronic alcoholism were divided into four test lots, in order to determine: the activity and the serum level of ceruloplasmin, plasma level of MDA (malondialdehyde), lactic and pyruvic acids, serum level of transferrin, alpha1-antitrypsin, CRP (C reactive protein), C3 fraction of the complement, IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8, cytosolic level of the cytochrome c in the circulating leukocytes. An immunophenotype study (as normal markers) on the peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed, too. The results demonstrate an important oxidative aggression induced by three sources: the alcohol metabolism in the hepatocytes, activated Kupffer cells and activated neutrophils that have infiltrated the liver, due to the chemoattractant effect of IL-8. This aggression induces apoptosis and necrosis of the liver cells. The major liver protective factor is, in our opinion, IL-6, due to its important antioxidant, antiapoptotic and proregenerative demonstrated actions. This protective effect of IL-6 is accompanied by antioxidant and antiprotease actions of ceruloplasmin, alpha1-antitrypsin and transferrin. We consider that an increased serum level of IL-6 accompanied by a decreased level of IL-1beta signify that antiapoptotic, antioxidant and proregenerative liver mechanisms prevail against proapoptotic and necrotic mechanisms. On the other hand, the ethanol-induced apoptosis of leukocytes (especially of the B cells) is very important, probably due to the absence of IL-6 protective action on these cells. The apoptosis of the circulating leukocytes is proved by their significant increase of the cytochrome c cytosolic level. The ethanol-induced liver immune response is predominantly cellular, as proved by the decreased ratio T helper (CD4+)/T cytotoxic (CD8+) in the peripheral blood. It is very important to observe that these significant immunologic changes appear before clinical or paraclinical signs of hepatic failure start. All these parameters were investigated in three groups of patients: chronic alcoholics, chronic alcoholics in the first 24 hours of the withdrawal and chronic alcoholics with acute alcohol intoxication, so the aggression types and the protective mechanisms were measured and differentiated in each "ethanolic status".
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Gheorghiu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Pathophysiology and Immunology Department, Romania
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Chivu M, Diaconu CC, Brasoveanu L, Alexiu I, Bleotu C, Banceanu G, Miscalencu D, Cernescu C. Ex vivo differentiation of umbilical cord blood progenitor cells in the presence of placental conditioned medium. J Cell Mol Med 2002; 6:609-20. [PMID: 12611645 PMCID: PMC6741405 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2002.tb00459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoetic stem cells (HSC) are the progenitors for the lympho-hematopoietic system, with long lifespan and high proliferation potential. Transplantation of HSC from bone marrow or peripheral blood represents a standard therapy in severe hematological conditions. A possible alternative source of HSC is the umbilical cord blood, prepared by various separation procedures followed by expansion in cultures supplemented with hematopoietic growth factors. In order to check the effects of placental conditioned medium (PCM) from placental cells culture upon viability of HSC, we added plasma, PCM, dimetil sulfoxyde or hemin in HSC cultures. Flow cytometry or direct scoring of solid cultures using CD45+, CD34+, CD71+ and CD14+ fluorescent-labeled monoclonal antibodies evaluated the effects upon cell proliferation and colony forming ability of HSC cultures, versus controls. PCM produced the highest proliferation, followed by plasma, DMSO and hemin. PCM improved the survival time and maintained a higher proportion of immature cells. PCM stimulates the differentiation towards myeloid lineage progenitor cells (>90% being CD45+), increasing the percentage of CD14+, granulocites /monocytes precursors. It is highly suggestive that PCM contains growth factors or cytokines, which regulate the development of HSC. Characterization of these factors is in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Chivu
- "St S Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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Tardei G, Duiculescu D, Capo C, Diaconu CC, Mutiu A, Mege JL, Cernescu CE. Phagocytic function of monocytes in children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 2000; 7:296-7. [PMID: 10702508 PMCID: PMC95864 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.7.2.296-297.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the phagocytic function of monocytes in 7- to 10-year-old children horizontally infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in comparison to that in healthy sex- and age-matched controls. CR3-mediated phagocytosis was increased in patients with HIV-associated pulmonary tuberculosis, independently of CD4 counts and p24 antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tardei
- St. S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.
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Diaconu CC, Szathmári M, Kéri G, Venetianer A. Apoptosis is induced in both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant hepatoma cells by somatostatin analogue TT-232. Br J Cancer 1999; 80:1197-203. [PMID: 10376972 PMCID: PMC2362376 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6690486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is an important problem in the treatment of cancer; the circumvention of resistance has become one of the basic goals of cancer therapy. The most frequent form of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which is essentially refractory to chemotherapy. We earlier showed that TT-232, a new somatostatin analogue developed in our laboratory, exerted a strong antiproliferative effect both in vitro and in vivo, but no growth hormone release inhibitory or antisecretory activity. Here we report that TT-232 has a pronounced antiproliferative effect on differentiated and dedifferentiated, drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. TT-232 induces apoptosis at comparable levels in all these hepatoma variants demonstrating that the multidrug resistance of hepatomas does not correlate with a reduced susceptibility to apoptosis induction. These results clearly reveal that the machinery involved in apoptosis is functional in both drug-sensitive and resistant hepatoma variants and can be activated by the somatostatin analogue TT-232.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Diaconu
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged
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Chiţu V, Diaconu CC, Veliceasa D, Ruţă S, Grancea C, Târdei G, Cernescu CE. Dynamics of the HIV-1 variability in adults from Bucharest, 1992-1998. Rom J Virol 1999; 50:43-51. [PMID: 11601379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Variability is a hallmark of HIV viruses both at the genetic and the phenotypic level. Viral sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of many isolates revealed specific distribution of HIV-1 subtypes according to the geographic location and route of transmission. In Romania, the currently available data coming from the study of pediatric HIV infection suggest the predominance of subtype F. However, there are few data concerning the distribution of HIV-1 subtypes among adults. We investigated the changes in the distribution of different HIV-1 subtypes among HIV-1 infected adult patients from Bucharest over a 6 years period (1992-1998) by means of V3 binding assays. The analysis of the relative incidence of different HIV-1 serotypes revealed the steady predominance of serotype F (50-75%) among the adults from Bucharest and a small but constant increase of the number of samples with serotype B- from 5% in 1994 to 14% in 1998. In contrast, the serotype E is either absent or weakly represented (4%) during the period of the study. All over the years there was a relatively high proportion (6-30%) of non-reactive samples. This could be an indication for the possible emergence of new or recombinant HIV-1 subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Chiţu
- HIV/AIDS Department, St. S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
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