Elevated Expression of Notch 2 & Notch 3 is associated with Disease Progression in Colorectal Cancer

Background: The potential involvement of Notch signaling pathway in cell fate decision, tumor heterogeneity and angiogenesis in solid tumors can be explored in colorectal cancer (CRC). This might further help to improve outcomes in CRC. Here, the promoter methylation of Notch receptor gene (Notch2 and Notch3) and their co-expression with its downstream transcription factor Hes1 has been analyzed. Methods: Seventy-two CRC patients were enrolled to study the role of Notch2, Notch3 and Hes1 genes in colorectal cancer. Promoter methylation and mRNA expression in tumor and adjoining normal tissue were assessed by Methylation Specific PCR and quantitative Real time PCR respectively. Statistical correlation was done by using SPSS. Results: We found that Notch2 and Notch3 were hypomethylated in 52/72 (72.22%) and 54/72 (75%) cases respectively. Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed significant association with advanced stage (p=0.001) and (p=0.003) and nodal metastasis (p=0.036) and (p=0.012) respectively. Both Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed increased mRNA expression in 49 (68.05%) and 51(70.84%) patients with a fold change of 3.37 and 5.43 respectively. Positive correlation between hypomethylation and expression was observed for both genes. High expression of Hes1 was found in 53(73.61%) of cases which was highly relatable with over expression of notch receptor genes. Upregulation of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with high grade tumors, advance stage and presence of LN metastasis, additionally Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with distant metastasis. Conclusion: Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and 3 receptors is playing crucial role in regulating the expression of these genes in CRC. Overexpression of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 are associated with disease progression in CRC.

[Comparison between hip muscle isometric strength of injured and healthy legs in female collegiate athletes with a history of inversion ankle sprains]

Background and Aim: Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most prevalent injuries in high school, college, and recreational sports. The risk of repeat injury increases when hip muscles? strength alters in female athletes with a history of ankle sprain due to distal injury. The purpose of this study was to make a comparison between hip muscle isometric strength of injured and healthy legs in female collegiate athletes with a history of inversion ankle sprains

Material and Material: Twenty subjects [age 22.5 +/- 2 years, weight 64.24 +/- 10.45 kg, height 163.85 +/- 5.2 cm] with a history of at least 2 unilateral ankle inversion sprains in the previous three months participated in this study. Demographic data of the subjects were recorded in the questionnaires, and then the measurement protocol began. At the same time, the participants' uninvolved limbs were regarded as our control group. Hand held dynamometer [model 01160 Nicholas] used to assess hip abductor and extensor muscle strength in both limbs. We used paired t-test to compare hip muscle strength between injured and unaffected limbs

Results: The results of strength tests indicated lower mean values of hip abductor and extensor muscle strength in the injured limb compared to the uninjured limb, but no significant difference was noted in the hip muscle strength between the different sides. Although the athletes had history of inversion ankle sprain, they did not show any decrease in the hip abductor and extensor muscle strength

Conclusion: This study showed that exercise experiences can compensate for the probable weaknesses of hip muscle strength in the injured limbs