[Study of expression pattern of eIF4E gene as a molecular marker in thyroid cancer]

Regulation of protein synthesis in the early stage of translation depends on the function of eIF4E factor especially in the form of eukaryotic initiation factor [eIF4F]. Overexpression of eIF4E in multiple cancer types, including malignancies of the prostate, breast, colon, lung, and the hematopoietic system is indicative of the role of this factor in tumorogenesis and promotion of the cancers. In this study we investigated the expression pattern of eIF4E as a new molecular marker in thyroid tumors and their marginal normal tissues. We used semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique to examine the expression of eIF4E in 21 papillary carcinoma tissue specimens and 14 specimens of corresponding marginal normal tissue adjacent to the malignant lesions. Beta 2m gene was considered as an internal control. Rate of expression of eIF4E in different groups were compared with one another by use of SPSS software and data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and t-test. Our data revealed significant expression of eIF4E in all tumor samples compared to non-tumor lesions and normal tissues [P<0.05]. Moreover the expression level was notably increased in malignant tumor samples compared to marginal tissues of the tumors [P<0.05]. The rate of expression was more in tumor samples than non-malignant samples. The results of this study indicated that the rate of expression of eIF4E gene is associated with kind of tumor and grade of malignancy. Also this study confirmed the role of eIF4E gene in tumor progression and development of thyroid tumors. Therefore eIF4E gene expression can be an appropriate indicator for diagnosis of tumors and can be used as a guide for grading of thyroid tumors. This prognostic and diagnostic factor can be considered as a promising therapeutic target for treatment of cancers

Photocatalytic degradation of linear alkyl benzene solfunate from aqueous solution by TIO[2] nanoparticles

The possibility of linear alkyl benzene solfunate [LAS] photocatalytic degradation through application of TIO[2] nanoparticles was investigated. 10[mg/L] of LAS has been affected by either UV or TIO[2] and simultaneous use of both of them in separated experiments. Moreover, the effect of initial concentrations of LAS and TIO[2], pH, present various anions and different UV power was studied to determine the optimal operating conditions for LAS degradation in water. The amount of mineralization of LAS was reported by measuring the primary and final COD of the solution that was irradiated under optimized conditions. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 50 mg/L of TIO[2] and 30 minute irradiation time. It was also shown that 99.5% of LAS was degraded in optimal conditions. Kinetic analysis indicated that photo catalytic degradation rates of LAS can be approximated by pseudo-first order model. Measuring the initial and final COD of illuminated solution under optimized conditions, indicated that almost complete mineralization of LAS was occurred. Based on the results, UV/TIO[2] process may be effectively applied in LAS removal in low concentrations but this process is not economically efficient in high concentrations