p53 mutation/deletion profile in a small cohort of the Omani population with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Mutations/deletions affecting the TP53 gene are considered an independent marker predicting a poor prognosis for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL]. A cohort within a genetically isolated population was investigated for p53 mutation/deletion status. Deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] samples were extracted from 23 paraffin-embedded blocks obtained from DLBCL patients, and subjected to polymerase chain reaction [PCR] amplification and sequencing of exons 4-9 of the p53 gene. While 35% of patients analysed displayed allelic deletions [P <0.01], immunohistochemical analysis revealed a mutation rate of 69.5%. It is noteworthy that the rate of p53 mutations/deletions in this small cohort was found to be higher than that previously reported in the literature. Interestingly, patients with p53 mutations displayed a better overall survival when compared to those without. The survival of patients treated with rituximab-containing combination chemotherapy was significantly better than those who did not receive rituximab [P <0.05]. Furthermore, a modelling analysis of the deleted form of p53 revealed a huge structural change affecting the DNA-binding domain. The TP53 mutation/deletion status plays a role in mechanism[s] ruling the pathogenesis of DLBCL and may be useful for stratifying patients into distinct prognostic subsets

Hemoglobin A1c in Muscat, Oman-A 3 year study

Glycosylated Hemoglobin [HbA1c] reflects the average blood glucose level during the previous 2-3 months. HbA1c is used as marker for long term blood glucose control in diabetic patients. In this retrospective study, the prevalence of diabetic control was evaluated from HbA1c tests of diabetic patients over a period of 3 years [January 2005-December 2007] from Muscat Region, Sultanate of Oman. Blood samples from a total number of 7442 patients were analysed at Al Nahdha Hospital Laboratory received from different Primary Health Care Centers and Hospitals of Muscat region as this hospital was the referral hospital for HbA1c testing. The method used for the estimation of HbA1c was Turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay and the test was carried out in Hitachi 902 an automated chemistry analyzer. The results show that only 22.8% of patients had good glycemic control and 77.2% had bad glycemic control. Diabetic patients should be informed of the fact that maintaining HbA1c below 7% will minimize their risk of developing the complications