Glutaredoxin 2 Protein (Grx2) as an Independent Prognostic Factor Associated with the Survival of Colon Adenocarcinoma Patients

Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2; Glrx2) is a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase located in mitochondria, which is central to the regulation of glutathione homeostasis and mitochondrial redox, and plays a crucial role in highly metabolic tissues. In response to mitochondrial redox signals and oxidative stress, Grx2 can catalyze the oxidation and S-glutathionylation of membrane-bound thiol proteins in mitochondria. Therefore, it can have a significant impact on cancer development. To investigate this further, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of Grx2 protein expression in colon adenocarcinoma samples collected from patients with primary colon adenocarcinoma (stage I and II) and patients with metastasis to regional lymph nodes (stage III). The results of our study revealed a significant relationship between the immunohistochemical expression of Grx2 and tumor histological grade, depth of invasion, regional lymph node involvement, angioinvasion, staging, and PCNA immunohistochemical expression. It was found that 87% of patients with stage I had high levels of Grx2 expression. In contrast, only 33% of patients with stage II and 1% of patients with stage III had high levels of Grx2 expression. Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that the immunohistochemical expression of Grx2 protein apart from the grade of tumor differentiation was an independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with colon adenocarcinoma. Studies analyzing Grx2 levels in patients' blood confirmed that the highest levels of serum Grx2 protein was also found in stage I patients, which was reflected in the survival curves. A higher level of Grx2 in the serum has been associated with a more favorable outcome. These results were supported by in vitro analysis conducted on colorectal cancer cell lines that corresponded to stages I, II, and III of colorectal cancer, using qRT-PCR and Western Blot.

A Prognostic Activity of Glutaredoxin 1 Protein (Grx1) in Colon Cancer

Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) is an essential enzyme that regulates redox signal transduction and repairs protein oxidation by reversing S-glutathionylation, an oxidative modification of protein cysteine residues. Grx1 removes glutathione from proteins to restore their reduced state (protein-SH) and regulate protein-SSG levels in redox signaling networks. Thus, it can exert an influence on the development of cancer. To further investigate this problem, we performed an analysis of Grx1 expression in colon adenocarcinoma samples from the Polish population of patients with primary colon adenocarcinoma (stages I and II of colon cancer) and those with regional lymph node metastasis (stage III of colon cancer). Our study revealed a significant correlation between the expression of Grx1 protein through immunohistochemical analysis and various clinical characteristics of patients, such as histological grade, depth of invasion, angioinvasion, staging, regional lymph node invasion, and PCNA expression. It was found that almost 88% of patients with stage I had high levels of Grx1 expression, while only 1% of patients with stage III exhibited high levels of Grx1 protein expression. Furthermore, the study discovered that high levels of Grx1 expression were present in samples of colon mucosa without any pathological changes. These results were supported by in vitro analysis conducted on colorectal cancer cell lines that corresponded to stages I, II, and III of colorectal cancer, using qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Concentration of Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins (SFRPs) in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Subtypes-A Preliminary Study

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer worldwide. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) are important tumour suppressors and antagonists of the Wnt signalling pathway, which is linked with cancer development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of SFRP1, SFRP2, and SFRP5 proteins in tumour and non-tumour (NT) samples obtained from 65 patients with primary NSCLC. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the concentrations of SFRPs in the tissue homogenates. A significantly lower SFRP2 protein concentration was found in the total NSCLC tumour samples and the following NSCLC subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (p > 0.05, p = 0.028 and p = 0.001, respectively). AC tumour samples had a higher SFRP1 level than NT samples (p = 0.022), while the highest SFRP1 concentration was found in NSCLC samples from patients with clinical stage T4 cancer. Increased concentrations of SFRP1 and SFRP5 were present in stage III NSCLC samples, while the tumour samples with high pleural invasion (PL2) had an increased level of SFRP2. The results from this study suggest that the tumour suppressor or oncogenic roles of SFRPs could be connected with the NSCLC subtype. The levels of SFRPs varied according to the clinicopathological parameters of NSCLC.

The Analysis of Selected miRNAs and Target MDM2 Gene Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

MiRNAs could play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. The oncoprotein MDM2 (murine double minute 2) was identified as a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53. This study aims to analyse the expression of the MDM2 target miRNA candidates (miR-3613-3p, miR-371b-5p and miR-3658) and the MDM2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples and their association with the selected socio-demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. The study group consisted of 50 patients. The miRNAs and MDM2 gene expression levels were assessed by qPCR. The expression analysis of the miRNAs showed the expression of only one of them, i.e., miR-3613-3p. We found no statistically significant differences in the miR-3613-3p expression in tumour samples compared to the margin samples. When analysing the effect of smoking on miR-3613-3p expression, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. In addition, we showed an association between the miR-3613-3p expression level and some clinical parameters in tumour samples (T, N and G). Our study demonstrates that miR-3613-3p overexpression is involved in the tumour progression of OSCC. This indicates that miR-3613-3p possesses potential prognostic values.

Sequencing Analysis of MUC6 and MUC16 Gene Fragments in Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Novel Mutations: A Preliminary Study

The growing incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) calls for better understanding of the mutational landscape of such cases. Mucins (MUCs) are multifunctional glycoproteins expressed by the epithelial cells and may be associated with the epithelial tumour invasion and progression. The present study aimed at the analysis of the sequence of selected MUC6 and MUC16 gene fragments in the tumour, as well as the margin, samples obtained from 18 OPSCC patients. Possible associations between the detected mutations and the clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of the study group were analysed. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis of the selected MUC6 and MUC16 cDNA fragments were performed. Our study found 13 and 3 mutations in MUC6 and MUC16, respectively. In particular, one novelty variant found that the MUC6 gene (chr11:1018257 A>T) was the most frequent across our cohort, in both the tumour and the margin samples, and was then classified as a high impact, stop-gain mutation. The current study found novel mutations in MUC6 and MUC16 providing new insight into the genetic alternation in mucin genes among the OPSCC patients. Further studies, including larger cohorts, are recommended to recognise the pattern in which the mutations affect oropharyngeal carcinogenesis.

Low Prevalence of HSV-1 and Helicobacter pylori in HNSCC and Chronic Tonsillitis Patients Compared to Healthy Individuals

Recent studies identified viral and bacterial factors, including HSV-1 and H. pylori, as possible factors associated with diseases such as chronic tonsillitis and cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We assessed the prevalence of HSV-1/2 and H. pylori in patients with HNSCC, chronic tonsillitis, and healthy individuals using PCR after DNA isolation. Associations were sought between the presence of HSV-1, H. pylori, and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics and stimulant use. HSV-1 and H. pylori were most frequently identified in controls (HSV-1: 12.5% and H. pylori: 6.3%). There were 7 (7.8%) and 8 (8.6%) patients with positive HSV-1 in HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, respectively, while the prevalence of H. pylori was 0/90 (0%) and 3/93 (3.2%), respectively. More cases of HSV-1 were observed in older individuals in the control group. All positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were associated with advanced tumor stage (T3/T4). The prevalence of HSV-1 and H. pylori was highest in the controls compared to HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, which indicates that the pathogens were not risk factors. However, since all positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were observed only in patients with advanced tumor stage, we suggested a possible link between HSV-1 and tumor progression. Further follow-up of the study groups is planned.

The Potential Association between E2F2, MDM2 and p16 Protein Concentration and Selected Sociodemographic and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2), murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and p16 are some of the key proteins associated with the control of the cell cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate E2F2, MDM2 and p16 concentrations in the tumour and margin samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma and to assess their association with some selected sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 73 patients. Protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of E2F2, MDM2 or p16 in the tumour samples as compared to the margin specimens. We found that patients with N0 showed significantly lower E2F2 concentrations than patients with N1 in the tumour samples and the median protein concentration of E2F2 was higher in HPV-negative patients in the tumour samples. Moreover, the level of p16 in the margin samples was lower in alcohol drinkers as compared to non-drinkers. Similar observations were found in concurrent drinkers and smokers compared to non-drinkers and non-smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

E2F2 could potentially promote tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, our results showed a differential level of the analysed proteins in response to alcohol consumption and the HPV status.

miR-125b-5p, miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p and Target E2F2 Gene in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is known that E2F2 (E2F transcription factor 2) plays an important role as controller in the cell cycle. This study aimed to analyse the expression of the E2F2 gene and E2F2 protein and demonstrate E2F2 target microRNAs (miRNAs) candidates (miR-125b-5p, miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p) in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples. The study group consisted 50 patients. The E2F2 gene and miRNAs expression levels were assessed by qPCR, while the E2F2 protein was assessed by ELISA. When analysing the effect of miRNAs expression on E2F2 gene expression and E2F2 protein level, we observed no statistically significant correlations. miR-125b-5p was downregulated, while miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p were upregulated in tumour samples compared to margin. We observed a difference between the miR-125b-5p expression level in smokers and non-smokers in margin samples. Furthermore, HPV-positive individuals had a significantly higher miR-125b-5p and miR-214-5p expression level compared to HPV-negative patients in tumour samples. The study result showed that the E2F2 gene is not the target for analysed miRNAs in OSCC. Moreover, miR-155-3p and miR-125b-5p could play roles in the pathogenesis of OSCC. A differential expression of the analysed miRNAs was observed in response to tobacco smoke and HPV status.

Selected SNPs of FCN2 Associated with Chronic Tonsillitis in the Polish Adult Population

Chronic tonsillitis is a problem related to bacterial and viral infections. Ficolins play a key role in the defence against various pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the associations between the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FCN2 gene and chronic tonsillitis in the Polish population. The study included 101 patients with chronic tonsillitis and 101 healthy individuals. The selected SNPs of FCN2 (rs3124953, rs17514136 and rs3124954) were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystem, Foster City, CA, USA). The analysis of rs17514136 and rs3124953 showed no significant differences in genotype frequencies between the chronic tonsillitis patients and controls (p > 0.01). The CT genotype of rs3124954 was significantly more frequent, while the CC genotype was less frequent in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The frequency of the A/G/T haplotype (rs17514136/rs3124953/rs3124954) was significantly more common in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.0011). Moreover, the FCN2 CT genotype of rs3124954 was associated with a higher risk of chronic tonsillitis, while the CC genotype of rs3124954 decreased this risk. Our findings demonstrate that FCN2 rs3124954 may be associated with chronic tonsillitis in the Polish adult population.

Expression Profiles of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most commonly detected neoplasms worldwide. Not all mechanisms associated with cell cycle disturbances are known in OSCC. Examples of genes involved in the control of the cell cycle are CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF mRNA expression and influence on clinical variables.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 88 Polish patients. The gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

RESULTS

We found no statistically significant differences in the expression level of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF genes in tumour samples compared to margin samples. No association was found between the gene expression levels and clinical parameters, except E2F2. The patients with G2 tumours had a significantly higher gene expression level of E2F2 than patients with low-grade G1 tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

We have not demonstrated that a change in expression profiles of genes has a significant impact on the pathogenesis of OSCC. It may also be useful to conduct further studies on the use of E2F2 expression profile changes as a factor to describe the invasiveness and dynamics of OSCC development.

[The relationship between chemerin, bone metabolism, the RANKL/RANK/OPG system, and bone mineral density in girls with anorexia nervosa]

INTRODUCTION

Based on recent studies in humans, chemerin has been classified as an adipokine that might be associated with osteoporosis and BMD. Bone loss is common in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). Moreover, dysfunction in the production of chemerin has also been shown. Therefore, we carried out a comparative analysis between chemerin, bone metabolism, the RANKL/RANK/OPG system, and BMD in girls with AN.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Plasma chemerin, OC, CTx, OPG, and sRANKL were determined by ELISA in 75 girls with AN aged 12.6-17.8 years. BMD was assessed by DXA and expressed as Z-score according to the lumbar spine (s) and total body (TB) sites. According to the s-BMD- and TB-BMD Z-score, girls with AN were divided into two subgroups with parallel analyses used: normal (Z-score > -2.0) and low (Z-score ≤ -2.0) s-BMD, and normal (Z-score > -2.0) and low (Z-score ≤ -2.0) TB-BMD.

RESULTS

Mean OC and the OPG/sRANKL ratio were markedly lower in the low s-BMD subgroup compared to the normal s-BMD subgroup. The s-Z-score values (both low and normal) correlated significantly and positively with the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Only in the low s-BMD subgroup did chemerin correlate significantly and positively with all nutritional indices and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. In the low TB-BMD subgroup the mean OC and the OPG/sRANKL ratio were lower than in the normal TB-BMD subgroup. The TB-Z-score values (both normal and low) correlated significantly and positively with all nutritional indices and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. The low TB-Z-score values correlated significantly and positively also with chemerin. In the low TB-BMD subgroup chemerin correlated significantly and positively with weight and BMI (expressed as absolute values), Cole index, the duration of the disease, and OPG/sRANKL ratio while its correlation with age was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Undernutrition and associated deficit of adipose tissue may result in inadequate chemerin production and skeletal disorders in girls with AN. Chemerin acts as a coordinator of the dynamic balance between bone metabolism and the OPG/RANK/RANKL system and, in turn, may contribute to the loss of bone mass in girls with AN. The cortical bone site seems to be more severely responsive to chemerin actions than the trabecular bone site.

miREIA - an immunoassay method in assessment of microRNA levels in tumor tissue-pilot study. The impact of miR-93-5p, miR-142-5p and IFNγ on PD-L1 level in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second and third most common cancer in females and males, respectively. The PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint is an important source of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and is associated with IFNγ. Recent studies have revealed that a significant number of tumor suppressive miRNAs can regulate the expression of PD-L1.                The objective quantification of selected microRNAs using the miREIA method in CRC tissue was performed. We investigated the roles of miR-93-5p and miR-142-5p expression and the levels of IFNγ in regulating the expression of PD-L1 in tumor and margin tissues of CRC in relation to the histological grade, TNM classification, and tumor localization. 37 samples of tumor and margin tissues from CRC patients were evaluated. MiR-93-5p and miR-142-5p levels were measured by a method for quantitative measurement of human microRNA (miREIA). The concentrations of PD-L1 and IFNγ were determined by the ELISA kit. We found higher concentrations of miR-93-5p, PD-L1 and IFNγ in tumor samples compared to tumor margin samples. A significant correlation was found between PD-L1 and IFNγ in tumor and margin specimens; between miR-142-5p and miR-93-5p levels  in tumor and margin specimens. A higher level of miR-93-5p was found in tumor margin tissues on the left side of the colon. Patients with distant metastases were characterized by higher miR-93-5p concentration compared to patients without metastases. CRC is an important source of PD-L1, IFNγ and miR-93-5p expression. Understanding the mechanisms underlying intratumoral PD-L1 expression may open new opportunities for targeted immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Selected CDKN2A and MDM2 polymorphisms in oral cavity cancer

The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive human malignancy diagnosed in more than 800 000 new cases worldwide, and mostly arises in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx. The study presented here aimed to determine a possible association of rs11515 and rs3088440 gene polymorphisms in the CDKN2A gene (cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A), as well as rs769412 and rs937283 in the MDM2 gene (murine double minute 2), with oral cavity cancer in a sample of Polish population; CDKN2A is crucial in regulating the cell cycle while MDM2 is an oncogene involved in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. The study included 95 primary tumor samples following surgical resection from patients, and the control group consisted of 100 healthy individuals. DNA samples were genotyped by employing the 5' nuclease assay for allelic discrimination using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystems, USA). There was no significant association between any of the polymorphism (rs11515, rs3088440, rs769412 and rs937283) and the oral cavity cancer risk. We found that the AA homozygotes for rs3088440 were significantly more frequent in the control group (OR=0.046, p<0.0001). In addition, the GG genotype of rs769412 was not found in any group. We found no influence of the examined genotypes on clinicopathological parameters, such as T, N and grading values in patients with oral cavity cancer. The results of this study indicate that none of the investigated polymorphisms were associated with the risk of oral cavity cancer in the examined sample of the Polish population.

Epigenetic Modifications in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common human malignancy in the world, with high mortality and poor prognosis for patients. Among the risk factors are tobacco and alcohol intake, human papilloma virus, and also genetic and epigenetic modifications. Many studies show that epigenetic events play an important role in HNSCC development and progression, including DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, histone posttranslational covalent modifications, and effects of non-coding RNA. Epigenetic modifications may influence silencing of tumor suppressor genes by promoter hypermethylation, regulate transcription by microRNAs and changes in chromatin structure, or induce genome instability through hypomethylation. Moreover, getting to better understand aberrant patterns of methylation may provide biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis, while knowledge about target genes of microRNAs may improve the therapy of HNSCC and extend overall survival. The aim of this review is to present recent studies which demonstrate the role of epigenetic regulation in the development of HNSCC.

Selected genetic determinants of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma including of some genes for cell cycle control and DNA repair

The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which are located in different anatomical structures like: oral cavity, throat and larynx, are becoming a major clinical problem due to the ever increasing number of cases and also due to difficulty with treating patients. Among the risks factors associated with that group of cancers the exogenous factors such as: exposure to carcinogens in tobacco smoke, alcohol abuse, impropriety dietary habits, poor oral hygiene as well as infection with the human papillomavirus and infection with Epstein-Barr virus, are well-known and had been described. The second potential group of the risk factors are endogenous factors such as genetic predisposition and disorder immune system. Recently, in view of technical progress of molecular biology, the aim of researches became the polymorphisms the most of genes encoding proteins with a wide variety of functions. In the present study we comprehensively discussed the problems associated with the molecular basis of development the head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma. More specifically, this study investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations of genes involved in cell cycle control (TP53, p73, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F1, E2F2 and EGFR) and in different pathways of DNA repair (XPA, XPB, XPC, XPD, XPF, XPG, ERCC1, OGG1, XRCC1, NBS1, RAD51, BRCA2, XRCC2, XRCC3, XRCC5 and XRCC6). The results of studies indicate a mixed picture of genetic predisposition of the head and neck cancers. Nevertheless, it can be observed that a single polymorphism of specific gene moderately influence on the pathogenesis of that cancers. Commonly, coexistence of few polymorphism at the same time may increase the cancer risk significantly. It is undeniable that the issues discussed in that article should be the subject of further analysis.

Expression profiles of selected genes in tumors and matched surgical margins in oral cavity cancer: Do we have to pay attention to the molecular analysis of the surgical margins?

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are associated with an interplay between genetics and the environment; they account for 3% of all diagnosed malignant tumors in men and 2% of those in women.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to analyze the significance of TIMP3, SFRP1, SFRP2, CDH1, RASSF1, RORA, and DAPK1 gene expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors, and in matching surgical margin samples. We also analyzed the association between clinical parameters and the expression of the selected genes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Following surgical resection, 56 primary HNSCC tumors and matching surgical margin samples were collected from patients at the Clinic of Oncological and Reconstructive Surgery of Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and the Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, Poland. The gene expression levels were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR.

RESULTS

SFRP1 gene expression was statistically significantly lower in the tumor samples than in the surgical margins (0.30 ±0.36 vs 0.62 ±0.36; p < 0.01). No correlation was found between gene expression and clinical parameters, except DAPK1, where low expression correlated with alcohol abuse (0.85 ±1.19 vs 1.97 ±3.22; p = 0.074). Moreover, patients with G3 grade tumors, i.e., poorly differentiated tumors, had significantly higher values of DAPK1 gene expression than the G1 (well-differentiated tumors) and G2 (moderately differentiated) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There are many different reasons and concepts for altered gene expression in tumors and surgical margin tissue. Tumor heterogeneity and its microenvironment are undoubtedly linked to the biology of HNSCC. In order to understand specific tumor behavior and the microenvironment, further studies are needed. To find markers connected with cancer development and to provide insight into the earliest stages of cancer development, attention should also be focused on molecular analysis of the surgical margins.

Vaspin and selected indices of bone status in girls with anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

In vitro studies indicate that vaspin may act as a regulator of bone metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between vaspin and bone metabolism in girls with anorexia nervosa (AN), as well as the potential involvement of OPG and RANKL in this relationship.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum vaspin, OC, CTx, OPG, and sRANKL were determined by ELISA in 50 girls with AN and in 30 healthy controls aged 13 to 17 years.

RESULTS

Girls with AN exhibited significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and Cole index as well as a significant increase in serum level of vaspin compared to healthy participants. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in serum OC and CTx levels and a significant increase in OPG and sRANKL, while the OPG/sRANKL ratio was significantly decreased. BMI and Cole index correlated negatively and significantly with CTx levels in the control group (C), girls with AN, and all study participants (C+AN). Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and OPG levels. The combination group (C+AN) showed a significant positive correlation between BMI, Cole index, and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. In this group of girls vaspin levels correlated positively and significantly with sRANKL and negatively with body weight, BMI, Cole index, and OPG/sRANKL ratio. Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between vaspin levels and the OPG/sRANKL ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Undernourishment and associated deficit of adipose tissue may result in inadequate vaspin production and bone metabolism disorders in girls with AN. Vaspin acts as a coordinator of the dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption processes; its action is affected by the cytokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system. Changes in the relationships between vaspin, bone markers, OPG, and RANKL might contribute to the development of osteoporosis in girls with AN. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (6): 599-606).

Expression profiles of MGMT, p16, and APC genes in tumor and matching surgical margin from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of the study was to assess the expression of MGMT, p16, and APC genes in tumors and matching surgical margin samples from 56 patients with primary OSCC. We also analyzed the association of the clinical variables with the expression of the studied genes. After RNA isolation and cDNA synthesis gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR. Two-sided parametrical Student's t-test for independent groups with equal/unequal variances showed no statistically significant differences in genes' expression in tumor compared to margin samples. No association was found between the genes' expression and clinical parameters, except for MGMT, whose low expression was probably associated with smoking (0.87 vs 1.34, p=0.065). 'Field cancerization' is an area with genetically or epigenetically altered cells and at the same time a risk factor for cancer. Disturbances in gene expression could also be the source of damages leading to cancerization. In conclusion, it is important to mention that the field remaining after a surgery may pose an increased risk of cancer development. It may be suggested that the diagnosis and treatment of cancers should not be concentrated only on the tumor itself, but also on the cancer field effect. Therefore, further molecular analysis on surgical margins and additional research regarding their assessment are required.

The Content of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin and Serum Concentration of the Soluble Transferrin Receptor for Diagnostics of Anemia in Chronically Hemodialyzed Patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal disease constitutes a serious worldwide clinical problem. An important issue arising early during the treatment of renal failure is anemia. Patients in the end-stage of renal disease chronically treated with hemodialysis frequently suffer from anemia with iron deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of determining the reticulocyte hemoglobin content and serum concentration of soluble transferrin receptor in the detection of anemia caused by iron deficiency in comparison with the classic markers of iron circulation in serum in chronic dialysis patients with ESRD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

66 sets of hematologic results and iron turnover rates were analyzed, sampled from hemodialyzed patients (test group), as well as 34 sets of the same results taken from healthy people (control group). Statistically significant variables were found and a stepwise backward discriminant analysis was performed for them.

RESULTS

The results showed that dialyzed patients have a significantly lower serum concentration of hemoglobin, CHr, HCT, TSAT, Fe and TIBC and significantly higher serum concentration of sTfR, ferritin and C-reactive protein compared to the control group. Based on the results of discriminant analysis, we proposed a scheme for assessing the risk of anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentrations of hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, iron in the serum and C-reactive protein turned out to be the most useful for diagnostic purposes. Moreover, the concentration of soluble transferrin receptor confirmed its high diagnostic value in the detection of iron deficiency-based anemia in patients undergoing dialysis for chronic renal failure at the end-stage compared to conventional iron turnover ratios in the serum.

Association between omentin-1, bone metabolism markers, and cytokines of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in girls with anorexia nervosa

INTRODUCTION

Omentin-1, secreted by visceral adipose tissue, has been indicated in the regulation of bone metabolism in girls with anorexia nervosa (AN). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between omentin-1 and bone metabolism in girls with AN as well as the potential involvement of OPG and RANKL in this relationship.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Serum omentin-1, OC, CTx, OPG, and sRANKL were determined by ELISA in 49 girls with AN and in 30 healthy controls, aged 13 to 17 years.

RESULTS

Girls with AN exhibited significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and Cole index as well as a significant increase in serum omentin-1 levels, compared to healthy participants. These changes were associated with a significant decrease in serum OC and CTx levels and a significant increase in OPG and sRANKL while the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios were significantly decreased. BMI and the Cole index correlated negatively and significantly with omentin-1 levels, positively with CTx levels and the OC/CTx ratio in the control group (C), girls with AN, and all study participants (C + AN). Girls with AN showed a significant negative correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and OPG levels. The combined group (C + AN) showed a significant positive correlation between BMI, the Cole index, and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. Omentin-1 levels correlated negatively and significantly with OC and CTx levels as well as with the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios in the C, AN, and C + AN groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between omentin-1, bone markers, and the OC/CTx and OPG/sRANKL ratios observed in girls with AN indicates the involvement of this adipokine in the regulation of dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption processes. Omentin-1 might exert a negative effect on bone remodelling in girls with AN by inhibiting both bone formation and resorption. The OPG/sRANKL system plays an important role in the latter.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from southern Poland

In 2008-2011 ticks were collected from southern Poland. Out of 6336 individuals collected and identified as Ixodes ricinus, 768 (2 larvae, 84 nymphs, 417 females, 265 males) were included in molecular study. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in ticks. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the presence of pathogens in ticks. Subsequently the amplified DNA was digested with TasI enzyme. The infection rate was 15% (116) of examined ticks. PCR-RFLP analysis allowed distinguishing three genospecies of B. burgdorferi s.l.: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. afzelii, and B. garinii. RFLP analyses of 116 positive samples revealed 96 (83%) monoinfections and 13 (11%) coinfections, whereas unidentified genospecies were present in 7 (6%) of positive samples. In the case of monoinfections, B. burgdorferi s.s. was the predominant species of pathogen in infected ticks - 61.4%. Other genospecies: B. garinii and B. afzelii were detected in 22.9% and 15.6% of the samples, respectively. To sum up, 15 % of ticks were infected by B. burgdorferi s.l which increases the risk of human infections in the recreational areas of southern Poland. Furthermore, there is a need to increase public awareness and implement more preventive measures concerning Lyme disease.

Selected mechanisms of molecular resistance of Candida albicans to azole drugs

A phenomenon of increasing resistance of Candida spp. to azoles has been observed for several years now. One of the mechanisms of lack of sensitivity to azoles is associated with CDR1, CDR2, MRD1 genes (their products are active transport pumps conditioning drug efflux from pathogen's cell), and ERG11 gene (encoding lanosterol 14α-demethylase). Test material was 120 strains of Candida albicans (60 resistant and 60 susceptible to azole drugs) obtained from clinical samples. The first stage of experiment assessed the expression of CDR1, CDR2, MDR1 and ERG11 genes by Q-PCR. The impact of ERG11 gene's mutations on the expression of this gene was analysed. The final stage of the experiment assessed the level of genome methylation of Candida albicans strains. An increase in the expression of CDR2, MDR1 and ERG11 was observed in azole-resistant strains of Candida albicans in comparison to strains sensitive to this class of drugs. Furthermore, 19 changes in the sequence of ERG11 were detected in tested strains. Four of the discovered mutations: T495A, A530C, G622A and A945C led to the following amino acid substitutions: D116E, K128T, V159I and E266D, respectively. It has also been found that statistically five mutations: T462C, G1309A, C216T, C1257T and A945C affected the expression of ERG11. The applied method of assessing the level of methylation of Candida albicans genome did not confirm its role in the development of resistance to azoles. The results indicate however, that resistance of Candida albicans strains to azole drugs is multifactorial.

Nucleotide substitutions in the Candida albicans ERG11 gene of azole-susceptible and azole-resistant clinical isolates

One of the mechanisms of Candida albicans resistance to azole drugs used in antifungal therapy relies on increased expression and presence of point mutations in the ERG11 gene that encodes sterol 14α demethylase (14DM), an enzyme which is the primary target for the azole class of antifungals. The aim of the study was to analyze nucleotide substitutions in the Candida albicans ERG11 gene of azole-susceptible and azole-resistant clinical isolates. The Candida albicans isolates represented a collection of 122 strains selected from 658 strains isolated from different biological materials. Samples were obtained from hospitalized patients. Fluconazole susceptibility was tested in vitro using a microdilution assay. Candida albicans strains used in this study consisted of two groups: 61 of the isolates were susceptible to azoles and the 61 were resistant to azoles. Four overlapping regions of the ERG11 gene of the isolates of Candida albicans strains were amplified and sequenced. The MSSCP (multitemperature single strand conformation polymorphism) method was performed to select Candida albicans samples presenting genetic differences in the ERG11 gene fragments for subsequent sequence analysis. Based on the sequencing results we managed to detect 19 substitutions of nucleotides in the ERG11 gene fragments. Sequencing revealed 4 different alterations: T495A, A530C, G622A and A945C leading to changes in the corresponding amino acid sequence: D116E, K128T, V159I and E266D. The single nucleotide changes in the ERG11 gene did not affect the sensitivity of Candida albicans strains, whereas multiple nucleotide substitutions in the ERG11 gene fragments indicated a possible relation with the increase in resistance to azole drugs.

Nucleotide substitutions in the Candida albicans ERG11 gene of azole-susceptible and azole-resistant clinical isolates

One of the mechanisms of Candida albicans resistance to azole drugs used in antifungal therapy relies on increased expression and presence of point mutations in the ERG11 gene that encodes sterol 14α demethylase (14DM), an enzyme which is the primary target for the azole class of antifungals. The aim of the study was to analyze nucleotide substitutions in the Candida albicans ERG11 gene of azole-susceptible and azole-resistant clinical isolates. The Candida albicans isolates represented a collection of 122 strains selected from 658 strains isolated from different biological materials. Samples were obtained from hospitalized patients. Fluconazole susceptibility was tested in vitro using a microdilution assay. Candida albicans strains used in this study consisted of two groups: 61 of the isolates were susceptible to azoles and the 61 were resistant to azoles. Four overlapping regions of the ERG11 gene of the isolates of Candida albicans strains were amplified and sequenced. The MSSCP (multitemperature single strand conformation polymorphism) method was performed to select Candida albicans samples presenting genetic differences in the ERG11 gene fragments for subsequent sequence analysis. Based on the sequencing results we managed to detect 19 substitutions of nucleotides in the ERG11 gene fragments. Sequencing revealed 4 different alterations: T495A, A530C, G622A and A945C leading to changes in the corresponding amino acid sequence: D116E, K128T, V159I and E266D. The single nucleotide changes in the ERG11 gene did not affect the sensitivity of Candida albicans strains, whereas multiple nucleotide substitutions in the ERG11 gene fragments indicated a possible relation with the increase in resistance to azole drugs.