Indirect serum biomarkers perform sub optimally in screening for significant liver fibrosis among HIV-infected and uninfected adults in Uganda

ntroduction: Indirect serum biomarkers present an acceptable noninvasive and cheap alternative for screening of significant liver fibrosis (SLF). Evaluation of their use in resource limited settings is important to determine their utility. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study among 520 HIV infected and HIV uninfected adults attending care clinics in Kampala Uganda. Presence of SLF was determined using Fibroscan® liver stiffness measurement of ≥7.2KPa. The diagnostic value of indirect serum biomarkers for diagnosis of SLF was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) using Fibroscan® as gold standard. Results: Overall AUROC values for Age Platelet Index (API), Aspartate to Alanine Ratio (AAR), AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), Fibrosis Index based on 4 Factors (FIB-4) and Gamma glutamyl transferase to Platelet Ratio Index (GPR) were 0.52, 0.49, 0.55, 0.55 and 0.54 respectively. Among HIV-infected participants AUROC values were slightly improved at predicting presence of SLF but still under 70%. Conclusion: Despite APRI and FIB-4 being more likely to identify participants with SLF, the overall diagnostic value of all serum biomarkers was poor with and without stratification by HIV status. We recommend the use of Fibroscan® technology as more accurate non-invasive diagnostic method for screening of SLF

Levels of the interleukins 17A, 22, and 23 and the S100 protein family in the gingival crevicular fluid of psoriatic patients with or without periodontitis,

Abstract Background: Psoriasis and periodontitis are immunologically mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Epidemiologic evidence has linked both; however, the change of markers in gingival crevicular fluid has been poorly evaluated. Objective: To evaluate the levels of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 in gingival crevicular fluid of psoriatic and healthy subjects with and without periodontitis and their relations to psoriasis severity. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Sample comprised the following groups: healthy controls without periodontitis or with mild periodontitis (n = 21), healthy controls with moderate or severe periodontitis (n = 18), individuals with psoriasis without or mild periodontitis (n = 11), and individuals with psoriasis and moderate or severe periodontitis (n = 32). Levels of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, S100A8, and S100A9 were determined by multiplex assay and S100A7 was measured by ELISA. Results: No inter-group differences in the levels of IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and S100A7 were found. S100A8 levels were higher in psoriatic patients than controls (p < 0.05). S100A8 was positively correlated with psoriasis severity in the group with psoriasis (p < 0.05). S100A9 exceeded the detection limits. Study limitations: This pilot study presents a small sample size. Conclusions: The concentrations of S100A8 were highest in psoriatic patients regardless of periodontal health/status. S100A8 was associated with the severity of psoriasis. The concentrations of interleukins and S100A7 were similar in psoriatic patients with or without periodontitis vs. healthy controls.

Value of S100A8 in evaluating the prognosis of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the association between S100A8 expression and prognosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 377 children with ALL who were treated with the CCLG-2008-ALL regimen were retrospectively reviewed. ELISA and PCR were used to measure serum protein levels and mRNA expression of S100A8. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and a Cox regression analysis was also performed.@*RESULTS@#The children were followed up for 56 months, and the overall survival rate of the 377 children was 89.1%. The prednisone good response group had significantly lower S100A8 protein and mRNA levels than the prednisone poor response group (P<0.01). In the children with standard or median risk, both S100A8 protein and mRNA levels were associated with event-free survival rate (P<0.05). There were significant differences in S100A8 protein and mRNA levels between the children with different risk stratifications (P<0.01). The children who experienced events had significantly higher S100A8 protein and mRNA levels than those who did not (P<0.01). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the Cox regression model suggested that S100A8 overexpression was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of children with ALL.@*CONCLUSIONS@#High S100A8 expression may be associated with the poor prognosis of children with ALL and is promising as a new marker for individualized precise treatment of children with ALL.

S100A8 inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells dependent on the receptor for advanced glycation end-products

BACKGROUND: Airway remodeling is a key feature of asthma, characterized by increased proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). S100A8 is a calcium-binding protein with a potential to regulate cell proliferation. Here, the effect of exogenous S100A8 protein on the proliferation of ASMCs induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. METHODS: Rat ASMCs were cultured with or without a neutralizing antibody to the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), a potential receptor for S100A8 protein. Purified recombinant rat S100A8 protein was then added into the cultured cells, and the proliferation of ASMCs induced by PDGF was detected by colorimetric-based WST-8 assay and ampedance-based xCELLigence proliferation assay. The expression levels of RAGE in ASMCs were analyzed using western blotting assay. RESULTS: Results showed that exogenous S100A8 inhibited the PDGF-induced proliferation of rat ASMCs in a dose- dependent manner with the maximal effect at 1 µg/ml in vitro. Furthermore, when ASMCs was pre-treated with anti-RAGE neutralizing antibody, the inhibitory effect of S100A8 on PDGF-induced proliferation was significantly suppressed. In addition, neither the treatment with S100A8 or PDGF alone nor the pre-treatment with rS100A8 followed by PDGF stimulation affected the expression levels of RAGE. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that S100A8 inhibits PDGF-induced ASMCs proliferation in a manner dependent on membrane receptor RAGE.

Association between serum levels of S100A8/S100A9 and clinical features of colorectal cancer patients / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the association between serum levels of S100A8/S100A9 and clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer patients.
@*METHODS@#A total of 82 patients with CRC and 14 healthy controls were enrolled for this study. The levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in serum were detected by ELISA assay. The association between S100A8/S100A9 and clinicopathological features was analyzed by student-t test and one-way ANOVA. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to analyze diagnostic efficiency of serum S100A8 and S100A9 for colon rectal cancer. Logistic regression model was also established to analyze the possible risk factors for elevation of S100A8/S100A9.
@*RESULTS@#The levels of S100A8 and S100A9 were (1 403.3±593.7) and (2 890.3±994.9) pg/mL in patients with colon cancer, and (712.8±265.3) and (1 492.7±564.6) pg/mL in controls, respectively, with significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). The similar results were found in rectal cancer patients, with a level of S100A8 and S100A9 at (1 417.7±666.5) and (3 026.7±887.6) pg/mL, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of S100A8 and S100A9 are better than traditional biomarkers. The levels of S100A9 in serum of CRC patients were correlated with clinical stages and distant metastasis. Serum levels of S100A9 in patients of stage III [(3 111.9±178.5) pg/mL] and stage IV [(3 831.4±278.5) pg/mL] were significantly (P<0.01) higher than that in stage I [(2 276.1±167.4) pg/mL], whereas there was significant change in S100A8 levels. Logistic regression showed the possible risk factors for the elevation of S100A9, including depth of invasion, lymphatic metastasis and degree of differentiation (P<0.05).
@*CONCLUSION@#Serum level of S100A8 and S100A9 in CRC patients were significantly increased and serum level of S100A9 was positively correlated with the malignant features of CRC.

Diagnostic and Predictive Levels of Calcium-binding Protein A8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 6 in Sepsis-associated Encephalopathy: A Prospective Observational Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Despite its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality, sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is still poorly understood. The aim of this prospective and observational study was to investigate the clinical significance of calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) in serum and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in diagnosing SAE and predicting its prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Data of septic patients were collected within 24 h after Intensive Care Unit admission from July 2014 to March 2015. Healthy medical personnel served as the control group. SAE was defined as cerebral dysfunction in the presence of sepsis that fulfilled the exclusion criteria. The biochemical indicators, Glasgow Coma Scale, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score II, TRAF6 in PBMC, serum S100A8, S100β, and neuron-specific enolase were evaluated in SAE patients afresh. TRAF6 and S100A8 were also measured in the control group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 57 enrolled patients, 29 were diagnosed with SAE. The S100A8 and TRAF6 concentrations in SAE patients were both significantly higher than that in no-encephalopathy (NE) patients, and higher in NE than that in controls (3.74 ± 3.13 vs. 1.08 ± 0.75 vs. 0.37 ± 0.14 ng/ml, P < 0.01; 3.18 ± 1.55 vs. 1.02 ± 0.63 vs. 0.47 ± 0.10, P < 0.01). S100A8 levels of 1.93 ng/ml were diagnostic of SAE with 92.90% specificity and 69.00% sensitivity in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under the curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.95). TRAF6-relative levels of 1.44 were diagnostic of SAE with 85.70% specificity and 86.20% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99). In addition, S100A8 levels of 2.41 ng/ml predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 90.00% specificity and 73.70% sensitivity in the ROC curve, and the area under the curve was 0.88. TRAF6 relative levels of 2.94 predicted 28-day mortality of SAE with 80.00% specificity and 68.40% sensitivity, and the area under the curve was 0.77. Compared with TRAF6, the specificity of serum S100A8 in diagnosing SAE and predicting mortality was higher, although the sensitivity was low. In contrast, the TRAF6 had higher sensitivity for diagnosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Peripheral blood levels of S100A8 and TRAF6 in SAE patients were elevated and might be related to the severity of SAE and predict the outcome of SAE. The efficacy and specificity of S100A8 for SAE diagnosis were superior, despite its weak sensitivity. S100A8 might be a better biomarker for diagnosis of SAE and predicting prognosis.</p>

Expression of S100A8 and A100A9 in giant cell tumor of bone and its relation with CT and MR imaging findings / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mRNA and protein expression levels of S100A8 and S100A9 in giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone, and its relation with radiological findings and biological behavior.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty three patient with GCT of bone admitted in Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2009 to June 2012 were enrolled in the study. The expression levels of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA and protein were detected by using semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting in 43 specimens of GCT and 6 specimens of normal bone marrow. The CT and MRI findings of patients were retrospectively reviewed, its relation with tissue expression of S100A8 and S100A9 was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 43 GCT cases 40 showed positive expression of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA and protein, and the expression levels were significantly higher than those in normal bone marrow P<0.05). The expression level of S100A8 protein was significantly different in bone GCT with different composition ratio on MRI (P<0.05).The expression level of S100A9 protein was significantly different in GCT with different degree of bone destruction on CT scan (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA and protein is up-regulated in GCT of bone. The expression of S100A8 and S100A9 is associated with the real composition ratio and the degree of bone destruction, respectively, indicating that S100A8 and S100A9 may be involved in the biological behavior of bone GCT.</p>

Expression of myeloid-related protein complex in association with circulating endothelial cells in children with acute Kawasaki disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of myeloid-related protein complex (MRP-8/14) in children with acute Kawasaki Disease (KD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 41 children with acute KD and 40 age- and sex-matched control children with upper respiratory tract infection were recruited. Serum levels of MRP-8/MRP-14 complex were measured by ELISA, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) abundance of MRP-8 and MRP-14 in circulating granulocytes and monocytes was determined by RT-PCR, and the number of circulating endothelial cells was determined by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the analysis was stratified according to the presence or absence of coronary artery ectasia in the KD patient group, serum levels of MRP-8/MRP-14 complex, MRP-8 and MRP-14 mRNA abundance in granulocytes, and the number of circulating endothelial cells were all significantly higher in KD patients with coronary artery ectasia than in KD patients without coronary artery ectasia (P<0.05). Serum levels of MRP-8/MRP-14 complex were positively correlated with the number of endothelial cells in the circulation (r=0.69, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Serum levels of MRP-8/MRP-14 complex are elevated in a positive association with the number of circulating endothelial cells in KD children with coronary artery ectasia, suggesting a causative role in the development of coronary artery lesions.</p>

S100A8/A9 as a biomarker for synovial inflammation and joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

S100A8 and S100A9 are major leukocyte proteins, known as damage-associated molecular patterns, found at high concentrations in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A heterodimeric complex of S100A8/A9 is secreted by activated leukocytes and binds to Toll-like receptor 4, which mediates downstream signaling and promotes inflammation and autoimmunity. Serum and synovial fluid levels of S100A8/A9 are markedly higher in patients with RA than in patients with osteoarthritis or miscellaneous inflammatory arthritis. Serum levels of S100A8/A9 are significantly correlated with clinical and laboratory markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and the Disease Activity Score for 28 joints. Significant correlations have also been found between S100A8/A9 and radiographic and clinical assessments of joint damage, such as hand radiographs and the Rheumatoid Arthritis Articular Damage score. In addition, among known inflammatory markers, S100A8/A9 has the strongest correlation with total sum scores of ultrasonography assessment. Furthermore, baseline levels of S100A8/A9 are independently associated with progression of joint destruction in longitudinal studies and are responsive to change during conventional and biologic treatments. These findings suggest S100A8/A9 to be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for RA.

S100A8 protein in inflammation / 生理学报

S100A8, an important member of the S100 protein family, is a low-molecular-weight (10.8 kDa) calcium-binding protein containing conserved EF-hand structural motifs. Previous studies have shown that the biological function of S100A8 protein is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases, for example asthma. S100A8 protein plays important roles in the regulation of inflammation. It can activate inflammatory cells and cytokines via chemotactic activity for neutrophils, and bind to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), thus mediating intracellular inflammatory signaling transduction. Additionally, recent studies have reported the anti-inflammation activity of S100A8 protein, which indicates that S100A8 may have a more complex function of biological regulation in the different pathophysiological conditions. In this review, we summarized the studies on the functions and molecular mechanisms of S100A8 protein in inflammation, which would propose a novel strategy for the prophylaxis and treatment of asthma and other inflammatory diseases.

Clinical significance of MRP8 and cypA expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissues / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study differential expression of MRP8, CypA protein in the patients of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and the relationship in the development of LSCC.@*METHOD@#Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MRP8,CypA protein in LSCC tissues of 41 cases and matched paraneoplastic normal tissues of 41 cases,with results compared to the clinical data to determine significance.@*RESULT@#The expression of MRP8, CypA protein in carcinoma and normal tissues and composition of different positive grades were in statistical significance (P 0.05), but related to pathological stage (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#MRP8 protein is on intimate terms with different pathological differentiation stage of LSCC. MRP8, CypA protein may play an important role in the development and progression of LSCC.

mRNA Expression of S100A8 as a Prognostic Marker for Progression of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE: S100A8 is a member of the S100 protein family containing 2EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. Altered expression of this protein is associated with various diseases and cancers. The present study aimed to evaluate whether S100A8 has prognostic value for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 103 primary NMIBC samples obtained by transurethral resection were evaluated. mRNA levels were examined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. The results were compared with clinico-pathological parameters. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to plot the curves for progression-free survival. The multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify the independent prognostic factors for progression. RESULTS: mRNA expression levels of S100A8 were significantly related to the progression of NMIBC. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated significant differences in tumor progression according to the level of S100A8 expression (log-rank test, p<0.001). The multivariate Cox regression model revealed that the S100A8 mRNA expression level (hazard ratio: 12.538; 95% confidence interval: 2.245-70.023, p=0.004) was an independent predictor for disease progression of NMIBC. CONCLUSIONS: Expression levels of S100A8 might be a useful prognostic marker for disease progression of NMIBC.

Up-regulation of the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in lung adenocarcinoma and its correlation with inflammation and other clinical features / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>S100A8 and S100A9 are two members of the S100 protein family characterized by the presence of two Ca2+-binding sites of the EF-hand type. Previous studies suggested that the whole S100 family displays significant functions in tumor growth, progression and invasion. This study aimed to determine the expression of the two indices of the family, S100A8 and S100A9, in lung cancer tissues and normal lung tissues and its correlation with clinical features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 cases with a variety of clinical data that were diagnosed with different histological subtypes of lung cancer were investigated. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (Sq-Rt-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining of cancer, adjacent and peripheral lung tissues were executed to distinguish the expression patterns of S100A8 and S100A9 and to further clarify their correlation with clinical features.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Immunohistochemical staining of both proteins showed a significant up-regulation in lung cancer tissue (S100A8, S100A9, P<0.0001), and PCR revealed that the levels of S100A8 and S100A9 expression were significantly higher in lung cancer tissues (S100A8 P=0.002/0.004; S100A9 P=0.022/0.026). The higher expression was found to be correlated with the clinical characteristics of adenocarcinoma, inflammation and stage IV lesion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>S100A8, S100A9 up-regulation was found in the lung adenocarcinoma and end stage lung cancer tissue, the correlation of which with their higher expression in inflammatory lung tissues may indicate the collaborative effect of inflammation on the progression of cancer.</p>

Comparison of the Expression Profile of JunB, c-Jun, and S100A8 (Calgranulin A) in Psoriasis Vulgaris and Guttate Psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune- mediated skin disease. Recently, several psoriasis-linked genetic loci have been reported; PSORS4 contains S100A8 (calgranulin A), and PSOR6 (19p13) locus harbors JunB (19p13.2). S100A8 is considered to be a marker of inflammation in a variety of diseases. The expression of JunB and c-Jun have been reported to be reduced in psoriatic lesions. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to assess the role and correlation of S100A8, JunB, and c-Jun in the pathogenesis of guttate psoriasis and psoriasis vulgaris by studying whether any difference of immunohistochemical expression existed. METHODS: Skin biopsy specimens from patients with psoriasis vulgaris (n=37) and guttate psoriasis (n=17), and a normal skin controls (n=9) were utilized in the study. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections were prepared and JunB, c-Jun, and calgranulin A were immunohistochemically stained in order to compare the expression of those three proteins in each group. RESULTS: Reduced JunB expression was observed in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and guttate psoriasis, as compared to patients in the control group; however, c-Jun expression was reduced only in the psoriasis vulgaris group. The expression of S100A8 increased in the psoriasis groups as compared to the control group. In addition, the expression of S100A8 was different between the psoriasis vulgaris and guttate psoriasis groups; S100A8 was expressed more profoundly in the guttate psoriasis group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that S100A8 contributes to the pathogenesis of guttate psoriasis, and it may be a good target for therapy for guttate psoriasis provoked by microorganisms.

Analysis of in vitro anti-leukemia effect of 5-aza-2'-deoxycitydine / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of methylation transferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycitydine (5-aza-2 dC) on the growth, differentiation and apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia(AML) cell line HL-60, and to explore the possible anti-leukemia mechanism of 5-aza-2 dC.@*METHODS@#HL-60 cells were treated by 5-aza-2 dC at various concentrations for different periods of time. The effect of 5-aza-2 dC on the growth of HL-60 cells were detected by MTT assay. The effect on the cell cycle and differentiation were detected by flow cytometry. The effect on the apoptosis were detected by Hochest33342 staining and flow cytometry. The expression of S100A8 and S100A9 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).@*RESULTS@#(1) 5-aza-2 dC inhibited the growth of HL-60 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and HL-60 cells were arrested at G2/M phases; (2) 5-aza-2 dC enhanced the expression of cell differentiation antigen CD11b at HL-60 cells, especially at the low drug concentration; (3) 5-aza-2 dC induced HL-60 cell apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, especially at the high drug concentration; (4) 5-aza-2 dC increased the expression levels of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA in HL-60 cells.@*CONCLUSION@#5-aza-2 dC can inhibit the growth of HL-60 cells accompanied with G2/M phase arrest, induce the differentiation and apoptosis of the cells, and increase the expression levels of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA, which may be the anti-AML mechanism of 5-aza-2 dC.

Novel partners of S100A8 identified in laryngeal cancer cell lines / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore mechanism of S100A8 in the oncogenesis and development of laryngeal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Proteins interacting with S100A8 were isolated from laryngeal cancer cell lines Hep-2 by immunoprecipitation assay with anti-S100A8 antibody. The target bands were cut out and identified by maxtrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF). The peptide mass fingerprinting data of the proteins identified were analyzed based on the Mascot database. The NF-kappa B binding sites of the proteins were predicted by P-Match software. The binding ability of one of the proteins to S100A8 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four proteins interacting with S100A8 were obtained, which were hypothetical protein LOC80154, MHC class I HLA-B, similar to T-box 1 isoform C and sarcolemmal associated protein 1. The four genes were predicted to have NF-kappa B binding sites. MHC class I HLA-B, which is one of targets in NF-kappa B pathway, was first confirmed to have the binding ability to S100A8.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The novel partners of S100A8 identified in the study might be involved in NF-kappa B pathway. The binding ability of MHC class I HLA-B to S100A8 implies that S100A8 might function as a new member with other proteins including HLA-B in NF-kappa B pathway. These findings provide a new clue to further study on the molecular mechanism of S100A8 in the genesis of laryngeal carcinomas.</p>

Search for Gene Expression in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma using GeneFishing(TM) DEG PCR Technique / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression profiles using GeneFishing(TM) DEG kit in Korean women with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Cervical cancer biopsies were obtained from patients at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mary's hodpital. In this study, we used a common reference that was mixed with an equal amount of RNA extracted from non-cervical cancer patients. The profiles of expression genes between cervical normal and squamous cell carcinoma tissue were identified using GeneFishing(TM) DEG Kit and screened by BLAST search. RESULTS: Almost 100 differential expressed genes were identified in universal control and cervical squamous cell carcinoma, 53 of differential expressed genes, up-regulated expression of 32 and 21 down-regulated expression was sequenced. Up-regulated genes were calcylin, calgranulin A, TRK oncogene, HLC5, fibrillarin, collagene type I alpha1 etc. and down-regulated genes were galectin 1, PRP8 pre-mRNA precessing factor 8 homology, clusterin etc. CONCLUSION: We identified gene expression profile in cervical squamous cell carcinoma using GeneFishing(TM) Kit in Korean women. The functional genomics of these genes should be further studied.

The relationship between a nucleotide substitution of S100A8 gene and aggressive periodontitis / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To screen polymorphisms in the upstream region of S100A8 gene and to detect whether the polymorphisms were associated with aggressive periodontitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty aggressive periodontitis patients and twenty-eight healthy controls were recruited for the study with informed consent. All subjects were of Chinese descent and systemically healthy. The regions about 800 bp upstream from the ATG start codon in exon 2 of the S100A8 gene of 10 patients and 8 controls were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by direct sequencing. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at 94 bp upstream from the ATG start codon was selected, and then the shorter regions (about 250 bp upstream from the ATG start codon) of the rest subjects were also amplified by PCR and analyzed by direct sequencing. The frequency of the SNP and the distribution of the genotype were detected and compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A nucleotide substitution (A-->G) at 94 bp upstream from the ATG start codon was demonstrated in Chinese, which was in a cis-acting element, named gamma interferon response element (gamma-IRE) in intron 1 of S100A8 gene. All of the subjects that carried the polymorphism were heterozygous. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of allele 2 (corresponding to the nucleotide G) between patients and controls (11.7% vs. 17.9%, chi2 = 0.887, P > 0.05). The prevalence of the heterozygous genotype was 23.2% and 35.7% (chi2 = 1.07, P > 0.05) in patients and controls, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This is the first report that a nucleotide substitution of S100A8 gene was demonstrated in Chinese. The frequencies of allele 2 and heterozygous genotype were lower in patients, but there is no statistically significant difference between the aggressive periodontitis patients and healthy controls in this preliminary study.</p>