Expression of specific microRNAs in tissue and plasma in colorectal cancer

Background@#MicroRNAs (miRNA/miR) play significant roles in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. They become dysregulated during carcinogenesis and are eventually released into the circulation, enabling their detection in body fluids. Thus, this study compared the miRNA expression in tissue and plasma samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and clinically healthy controls and determined miRNA expression as a potential CRC biomarker. @*Methods@#Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), miR-21-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-135b-5p, miR-196b-5p, and miR-197-3p, expression was analyzed and compared between the malignant (n = 41) and the adjacent neoplasm free mucosal tissues (n = 41) of CRC patients. The findings were validated in plasma samples (n = 36) collected from the same CRC patients prior to surgery or any form of treatment and compared to plasma from their age and sex-matched controls (n = 36). @*Results@#MiR-21-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR- 196b-5p were upregulated and miR-135b-5p was downregulated in CRC malignant tissues compared to their expression in adjacent neoplasm-free tissue. This was further observed in the plasma of the same CRC cases compared to controls. MiR-92a-3p showed itself the most sensitive (0.93; p < .001) and most specific (0.95; p < .001) in detecting CRC in tissue. In plasma, miR-196b-5p was the most sensitive (0.97; p < .001) and specific (0.94; p < .001) in detecting CRC. Plasma miR-92a-3p and miR-196b-5p were the most sensitive (0.95; p < .001) and specific (0.94; p < .001) in the early detection of CRC. @*Conclusions@#Results show that specific miRNAs dysregulated in malignanttissues are released and can be detected in the circulation, supporting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers of CRC.

Human Papillomavirus Serologic Profiles of Selected Filipinos with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The low prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and mRNA in biopsy samples of Filipinos with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been reported previously. Here, the HPV serologic profiles of HNSCC cases were analyzed and associated with lifestyle and sexual practices. METHODS: Serum samples were collected between May 2012 and September 2013 from HNSCC patients (n = 22) in the northwest region of the Philippines, and age- and sex-matched clinically healthy controls. Antibodies to capsid and early oncoproteins of HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, 6, and 11 were analyzed using multiplex serology. RESULTS: Most of the cases were males with tumors of the oral cavity or larynx. Two of the cases tested positive for at least one of the early oncoproteins (E6, E7, E1, and/or E2) of HPV16, and 11 did not display reactivity to any HPV early or late oncoproteins. Of the controls, four tested positive for at least one of the HPV16 early oncoproteins, and 10 were non-reactive to all HPV types. Titers to HPV16 E6 or E7 of the seropositive cases and controls were considerably lower than those typically observed in economically developed countries. CONCLUSIONS: The low HPV titers seen here are consistent with the results of molecular analyses for this population. Hence, the seropositivity of some of the HNSCC cases is likely an indication of prior exposure to the virus and not the presence of HPV-driven tumors.

Association of house dust mite-specific IgE with asthma control, medications and household pets

BACKGROUND: Evidence is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of creating a low-allergen environment or reducing allergen exposure to control asthma exacerbations. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the association of house dust mite (HDM)-specific IgE levels with asthma symptom control, selected medications, family history of allergic disease, and exposure to second-hand smoke and household pets. METHODS: Serum samples from 102 doctor-diagnosed allergic asthma patients and 100 non-atopic controls were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the HDM species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), and Blomia tropicalis (Bt) allergens. Point-biserial correlation coefficient, Pearson R correlation, and logistic regression analyses were used to determine association of HDM-specific IgE levels with the abovementioned variables. RESULTS: Of the 102 cases, 38.24%, 47.06%, and 33.33% were sensitized to Bt, Df, and Dp, respectively. Sensitized patients showed greater probability [Bt (OR = 1.21), Df (OR = 1.14), and Dp (OR = 1.35)] to manifest symptoms than those who were not. Obtained p-values [Bt (p = 0.73), Df (p = 0.83), and Dp (p = 0.59)], however, proved that HDM-specific IgE levels had no significant contribution in predicting or explaining occurrence of asthma symptoms. Bt- and Df-specific IgEs showed moderately weak but significant relationship with bambuterol HCl and expectorant, respectively. Patients currently on said medications registered higher HDM-specific IgE levels than those who were not. No significant correlation between IgE levels and family history of allergic disease or with exposure to second-hand smoke was seen. Dp-specific IgE levels of patients exposed to household pets were significantly lower compared to those without exposure. CONCLUSION: This study proves that sensitization to Bt, Df, and Dp allergens is not significantly associated with asthma symptoms and control. Although cases were shown to be sensitized to HDMs, their current medications were at least effective in controlling their asthma symptoms.