Serum Proteomic Profiling Reveals Differentially Expressed IGHG3 and A1AG1 as Potential Predictors of Chemotherapeutic Response in Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in the serum of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients responding to carboplatin (CAR) plus paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy compared to non-responders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum from 8 responders and 6 non-responders was subjected to proteomic analysis by label-free liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and validated by western blotting. CAR/PTX-resistant human H1792 and A549 cells were used for evaluating gene expression.

RESULTS

Fifty-two proteins were differentially expressed between responders and non-responders. Alpha 1 antitrypsin antibody, alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (A1AG1), afamin, protein S100-A9 and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 3 (IGHG3) were validated. IGHG3 was elevated (p=0.037) while A1AG1 was reduced (p=0.003) in responders as compared to non-responders. Gene expression of IGHG3 and ORM1 in resistant cells showed consistent results with the proteomics profiles.

CONCLUSION

Serum expression levels of IGHG3 and A1AG1 proteins may be useful to recruit an NSCLC subpopulation that can benefit from CAR plus PTX standard therapy.

HIV, HBV and HCV in people who inject drugs and are placed on methadone maintenance therapy, Yangon, Myanmar

Setting: Two drug treatment centres (DTCs) for people who inject drugs (PWID) and are enrolled in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), Yangon, Myanmar. Objectives: To determine, in PWID enrolled for MMT from 2015 to 2017, 1) testing uptake and results for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV); 2) risk factors for infection; and 3) retention in care and risk factors for loss to follow-up (LTFU). Design: Cohort study using secondary data. Results: Of 642 PWID, 578 (90.0%) were tested for HIV, HBV and/or HCV. Overall, 404 (69.9%) were infected: 316 (78.2%) had one infection and the remainder had dual/triple infections. Testing uptake was generally better in 2015 and 2016 than in 2017. Prevalence of HIV infection was 15-17%, for HBV it was 4-7%, and for HCV it was 68-76%. Age >30 years, being single and duration of drug use were independent risk factors for infection. Retention in MMT at 6 months was 76% and declined thereafter. Experimental use of drugs and needle sharing were independent risk factors for LTFU. Conclusion: PWID enrolled in MMT in Yangon had high rates of HIV, HBV and HCV, and retention in care declined with time. Ways to improve individual tracing, programmatic retention and linkage to care are needed.