ABSTRACT
Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to identify specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and investigate expression level of their target genes for evaluation of pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Materials and Methods: In this study, we have studied on EOC patients' serum and whole blood, healthy control (HC) serum, and whole blood samples. Sixteen serum samples were collected to compare miRNA expression analysis through microarray. According to microarray results, one of the dysregulated miRNA in serum, hsa-let-7d-3p, was validated by RT-qPCR for discriminate two groups. The hsa-let-7d-3p is one of the tumor suppressive let-7d family members. Let-7d is downregulated in numerous types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and directly targets various oncogenes. We analyzed the let-7d targets, which are High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2) and (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog), as the oncogenes that are associated with EOC. The relation between target genes of hsa-let-7d-3p and EOC has been examined by Pathway Studio. Twenty serum and whole blood samples collected to analyze expression level of target genes were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: 31 significantly dysregulated miRNAs were identified by microarray in serum. Hsa-let-7d-3p has been selected for the validation, according to P-value and dysregulated level. RT-qPCR results showed that hsa-let-7d-3p could discriminate EOC patients from HC (P = 0.0484, AUC = 0.7). Furthermore, we identified hsa-let-7d-3p's target genes (HMGA2, KRAS) by bioinformatic analysis. The expression level of genes could discriminate patients with EOC from HC, with a power area under the ROC curves (AUC) of 62 and 64.2, respectively. Conclusion: HMGA2 and KRAS could be translationally downregulated by the hsa-let-7d-3p, and the loss of hsa-let-7d-3p expression led to the progression of EOC related to the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis
ABSTRACT
There are several studies on seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] in adults in the Middle East. To determine seroprevalence of HAV among adult population in Fars province, southern Iran. In a cross-sectional study, we checked anti-HAV antibody [IgG] in subjected refereed to our health care centers to perform laboratory tests before getting determined. Some risk factors like level of education, type of residence, job, numbers of family members, and access to treated water were also evaluated in these participants. From 1050 subjects studied, 927 [88.2%] had ant-HAV antibody; 123 [11.8%] were antibody negative. Among subjects aged <20 years, the anti-HAV seroprevalence was the lowest [79.3%] followed by subjects aged 20-30 years [91.3%] and those >30 years [99%] [p= 0.01]. 85.1% of studied individuals in urban areas had anti-HAV IgG while 95.9% of subjects in rural regions were anti-HAV positive [p=0.001]. The seroprevalence of HAV antibody was significantly associated with number of family members [p=0.001]. HAV is highly prevalent in our region especially in rural areas. It is better to vaccinate the children for HAV by the time they receive HBV vaccine or when they are five years