¿Existe una asociación entre polimorfismos de inserción/supresión - 2549 en la región promotora del gen que codifica la vegfa como factor de riesgo y el descargo espontáneo idiopático recurrente en una muestra de mujeres jordanas? / Is there an association between - 2549 Insertion/ Deletion Polymorphisms in the Promotor Region of the Gene Encoding for VEGFA as a Risk Factor and the Idiopathic Recurrent Spontaneous Miscarriage in a sample of Jordanian Women?

Antecedentes: al menos el 50% de los casos de aborto espontáneo recurrente son etiológicamente idiopáticos. Recientemente se han propuesto varios polimorfismos genéticos como factores de riesgo de susceptibilidad a la pérdida del embarazo. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio de casos y controles es establecer la asociación entre los polimorfismos funcionales −2549 I / D en la región promotora del gen del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular A (VEGFA) y el aborto espontáneo recurrente idiopático (IRSM) en una muestra de las mujeres jordanas. Sujetos y métodos: Se reclutaron 328 sujetos, 103 y 98 mujeres con IRSM primario y secundario, respectivamente, se seleccionaron 127 mujeres normales como grupo de control. Se aisló ADN genómico de una muestra de sangre extraída de cada participante, luego, se genotipificaron los polimorfismos I / D -2549 del gen VEGFA mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos revelaron que el polimorfismo ID y el alelo D de VEGFA -2549 polimorfismos I / D tienen las frecuencias más altas en pacientes IRSM tanto primario como secundario, sin diferencia significativa entre los tres grupos en cuanto a polimorfismos y frecuencias alélicas, pacientes con DD + ID Los modelos genéticos tienen una asociación positiva con un alto riesgo de IRSM versus el modelo II, y los pacientes con alelo D son más propensos a tener IRSM que los que tienen el alelo I, no hay diferencia significativa en la asociación de polimorfismos VEGFA -2549 I / D con IRSM en los tres modelos genéticos de los pacientes con IRSM primario y secundario. Conclusión: los pacientes con modelo genético ID de polimorfismos I / D -2549 en la región promotora del gen VEGFA y el alelo D tienen mayor riesgo de IRSM

Background: At least 50% of the cases of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage are aetiologically idiopathic. Recently various genetic polymorphisms have been proposed as susceptibility risk factors for pregnancy loss. Objective: The aim of the present case control study is to establish the association between the functional −2549 I/D polymorphisms in the promoter region of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene and idiopathic recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (IRSM) in a sample of Jordanian women. Subjects and methods: 328 subjects were recruited, 103 and 98 women with primary and secondary IRSM, respectively, 127 normal women were selected as a control group. Genomic DNA was isolated from a blood sample withdrawn from each participant, then, -2549 I/D polymorphisms of VEGFA gene were genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: The obtained results revealed that ID polymorphism and D allele of VEGFA -2549 I/D polymorphisms have the highest frequencies in both primary and secondary IRSM patients, no significant difference between the three groups regarding polymorphisms and allele frequencies, patients with DD+ID genetic models have positive association with high risk of IRSM versus II model, and patients with D allele are more liable to have IRSM than those having I allele, no significant difference in the association of VEGFA -2549 I/D polymorphisms with IRSM in the three genetic models of the primary and secondary IRSM patients. Conclusion: patients with ID genetic model of -2549 I/D polymorphisms in the VEGFA gene's promotor region and D allele have higher risk for IRSM.

Desenvolvimento de biomateriais à base de quitosana: matriz de fibras eletrofiadas para regeneração tecidual e de hidrogel coacervado para entrega controlada de fármaco / Development of chitosan-based biomaterials: electrospun fiber matrix for tissue regeneration and coacervate hydrogel for controlled drug delivery

Os atuais avanços no desenvolvimento de biomateriais caminham para 2 áreas promissoras: a de regeneração tecidual e a de entrega controlada de fármacos. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou a síntese e caracterização de diferentes matrizes (fibras e hidrogel) à base de quitosana, a fim de se obter materiais biomiméticos para atuação em ambas áreas. Para regeneração, delineou-se a síntese de um arcabouço de fibras de quitosana com e sem cristais de nanohidroxiapatita onde, para isso, foram eletrofiadas soluções de quitosana (Ch) e de quitosana com nanohidroxiapatita (ChHa). Os espécimes de Ch apresentaram maior homogeneidade e maior diâmetro médio de fibras (690 ± 102 nm) que ChHa (358 ± 49 nm). No teste de viabilidade celular e na atividade da fosfatase alcalina não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos experimentais (Ch e ChHa), porém ambos diferiram do grupo controle (p < 0,001). Para o âmbito de liberação de fármacos, sintetizou-se, pela técnica de emulsão, dois tipos de hidrogéis: o primeiro, uma mistura da fase aquosa da solução de Ch (1 mL) e da solução de DNA (1 mL) (1:1) e o segundo, mistura da fase aquosa da solução de Ch (1 mL) e solução de Pectina (1 mL) (1:1). Ambas misturas foram realizadas em álcool benzílico (5 mL) com instrumento de dispersão de alto desempenho (31-34000 rpm min-1 por 5 min). Após a obtenção dos géis, 20mg de cada grupo foram imersos em uma solução aquosa de Própolis Verde (PV), na concentração de 70 µg/mL por 2 h e a cinética de liberação do PV foi analisada a 25 e 37oC em água e saliva artificial. Os espécimes obtidos foram liofilizados e depois caracterizados físicoquimicamente. A presença de pectina e de DNA foi comprovada por FTIR. A sorção de PV induziu uma modificação significativa da superfície do gel. Constatou-se uma separação de fases entre a quitosana e o DNA. A eficiência do encapsulamento não mudou significativamente entre 25 e 37oC. A cinética de liberação na água ou na saliva apresentou um mecanismo de duas etapas. E os resultados biológicos exibiram que esses materiais são aceitáveis no ambiente biológico. Assim, conclui-se que a matriz de fibras de quitosana com nHAp é capaz de promover diferenciação celular e a matriz de hidrogel de quitosana com Pectina ou DNA possui potencial para a liberação controlada de fármacos(AU)

Current advances in biomaterial development are moving to 2 promising areas: tissue regeneration and controlled drug delivery. Thus, the present study aimed the synthesis and characterization of different matrices (fibers and hydrogel) based on chitosan, in order to obtain biomimetic materials for performance in both areas. For regeneration, the synthesis of a scaffold of chitosan fibers with and without nanohydroxyapatite crystals was delineated, where chitosan (Ch) and chitosan with hydroxyapatite (ChHa) solutions were electrospun. Ch specimens presented higher homogeneity and larger mean fiber diameter (690±102nm) than ChHa (358 ± 49nm). In the cell viability test and alkaline phosphatase activity there was no statistical difference between the experimental groups. (Ch and ChHa), but both differed from the control group (p < 0,001). For the drug release scope, two types of hydrogels were synthesized by the emulsion technique: the first, a mixture of the aqueous phase of Ch solution (1 mL) and DNA solution (1 mL) (1:1) and the second, mixture of the aqueous phase of the Ch solution (1mL) and Pectin solution (1 mL) (1:1). Both mixtures were performed in benzyl alcohol (5 mL) with high performance dispersion instrument (31-34000 rpm min-1 for 5 min). After obtaining the gels, 20mg from each group were immersed in an aqueous solution of Propolis Green (PV), at a concentration of 70 µg/mL for 2 h and the release kinetics of PV were analyzed at 25 and 37oC in water and artificial saliva. The obtained specimens were lyophilized and then physically-chemically characterized. The presence of pectin and DNA was confirmed by FTIR. PV sorption induced a significant modification of the gel surface. A phase separation was found between chitosan and DNA. Encapsulation efficiency did not change significantly between 25 and 37oC. The release kinetics in water or saliva presented a two-step mechanism. And the biological results showed that these materials are acceptable in the biological environment. Thus, it is concluded that the nHAp chitosan fiber matrix is capable of promoting cell differentiation, whereas the chitosan hydrogel matrix with Pectin or DNA are potential biomaterials for controlled drug release(AU)

Development and Evaluation of a Duplex Real-Time PCR Assay With a Novel Internal Standard for Precise Quantification of Plasma DNA

BACKGROUND: Circulating levels of cell-free DNA increase in many pathologic conditions. However, notable discrepancies in the quantitative analysis of cell-free DNA from a large number of laboratories have become a considerable pitfall, hampering its clinical application. METHODS: We designed a novel recombinant DNA fragment that could be applied as an internal standard in a newly developed and validated duplex real-time PCR assay for the quantitative analysis of total cell-free plasma DNA, which was tested in 5,442 healthy adults and 200 trauma patients. RESULTS: Compared with two traditional methods, this novel assay showed a lower detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL, lower intra- and inter-assay CVs, and higher accuracy in the recovery test. The median plasma DNA concentration of healthy males (20.3 ng/mL, n=3,092) was significantly higher than that of healthy females (16.1 ng/mL, n=2,350) (Mann-Whitney two-sample rank sum test, P<0.0001). The reference intervals of plasma DNA concentration were 0-45.8 ng/mL and 0-52.5 ng/mL for healthy females and males, respectively. The plasma DNA concentrations of the majority of trauma patients (96%) were higher than the upper normal cutoff values and were closely related to the corresponding injury severity scores (R²=0.916, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This duplex real-time PCR assay with a new internal standard could eliminate variation and allow for more sensitive, repeatable, accurate, and stable quantitative measurements of plasma DNA, showing promising application in clinical diagnosis.

Shortened telomere length in bipolar disorder: a comparison of the early and late stages of disease

Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) has been associated with increased rates of age-related diseases, such as type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disorders. Several biological findings have been associated with age-related disorders, including increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and telomere shortening. The objective of this study was to compare telomere length among participants with BD at early and late stages and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-six euthymic subjects with BD and 34 healthy controls were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and mean telomere length was measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Telomere length was significantly shorter in both the early and late subgroups of BD subjects when compared to the respective controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). The sample size prevented additional subgroup analyses, including potential effects of medication, smoking status, and lifestyle. Conclusion: This study is concordant with previous evidence of telomere shortening in BD, in both early and late stages of the disorder, and supports the notion of accelerated aging in BD.

Análise da relação da ocorrência de polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único do gene DOCK9 em ceratocone / Relation analysis of the occurrence of single nucleotide polymorphism of the DOCK9 gene in keratoconus

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de mutação em locus gênico candidato e sua relação com ceratocone em pacientes atendidos no Brasil comparados a voluntários saudáveis, através da análise de polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único no gene DOCK9. Métodos: Neste estudo clínico foram avaliados 108 indivíduos, sendo 46 pacientes com ceratocone e 62 voluntários saudáveis (controles). Amostras de DNA foram obtidas do sangue coletado de pacientes com ceratocone e controles para a realização de análise de genotipagem. O genótipo do polimorfismo de nucleotídeo único rs7995432 no gene DOCK9 foi determinado através de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (qPCR). Resultados: A frequência do alelo mutante (C) foi de 4,8% para os pacientes e 7,6% para os controles. Para o alelo selvagem (T), as frequências foram de 95,2% para os pacientes e 92,4% para os controles. O genótipo heterozigótico esteve presente em 9,5% dos pacientes e 11% dos controles, enquanto o genótipo homozigótico para o alelo selvagem (TT) foi encontrado em 90,5% e 87% para os pacientes e controles, respectivamente. Conclusão: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na frequência e discriminação dos alelos mutante e selvagem entre os pacientes com ceratocone e os controles. Portanto, não foi possível fazer uma associação destas mutações no gene DOCK9 com a ocorrência do ceratocone para esta população.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of a mutation in candidate genetic loci and its relation with keratoconus in patients treated in Brazil compared to healthy volunteers, through analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism in the DOCK9 gene. Methods: In this clinical study, 108 participants were evaluated, including 46 keratoconus patients and 62 healthy volunteers (controls). DNA samples were extracted from collected blood from keratoconus patients and controls. The genotyping of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs7995432 in the DOCK9 gene was determined through a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: The frequency of the mutant allele (C) was 4.8% in patients and 7.6% in controls. For the wild allele (T), the frequencies were 95.2% in patients and 92.4% in controls. The heterozygous genotype was present in 9.5% of patients and 11% of controls, while the homozygous genotype for the wild allele (TT) was found in 90.5% and 87% for patients and controls, respectively. Conclusion: There were no significant differences un the frequency and discrimination of the mutant and wild alleles between patients and controls. Therefore, these results confirm no association of these mutations in the DOCK9 gene and the occurrence of keratoconus for this population.

An Analysis of the Filaggrin Gene Polymorphism in Korean Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Research of the FLG mutation in various ethnic groups revealed non-overlapping mutation patterns. In addition, Japanese and Chinese atopic patients showed somewhat different mutations. These ethnic differences make the research on Korean patients mandatory; however, no systematic research on Korean atopic dermatitis (AD) patients has been performed. This study aims to investigate the genetic polymorphism of FLG in Korean atopic dermatitis patients. The study was made up of three groups including 9 Ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) patients, 50 AD patients and 55 normal controls: the ichthyosis group was incorporated due to the reported association between the FLG mutation and IV. In comparison to other sequencing methods, the overlapping long-range PCR was used. We revealed the genetic polymorphism of filaggrin in Koreans, and at the same time, we discovered nonsense mutations in p.Y1767X and p.K4022X in Korean AD patients. By using FLG sequencing techniques confirmed in this study, new mutations or genetic polymorphisms with ethnic characteristics would be detected and further larger studies of repeat number polymorphisms could be performed.

Incorporación del estudio de ADN fetal en sangre materna al cribado de cromosomopatías / Incorporation of the study of fetal DNA in maternal blood to the screening of chromosomal diseases

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad del cribado combinado de primer trimestre para la detección prenatal de aneuploidías tras 6 años de implantación en nuestro servicio y su repercusión en la disminución de pruebas diagnósticas invasivas. Se propone establecer un protocolo para incorporar el estudio de ADN fetal en sangre materna a partir de las revisiones bibliográficas publicadas. MÉTODO: Se evaluó el riesgo de anomalía cromosómica fetal en 3177 gestaciones mediante cribado combinado de primer trimestre entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2014. Se revisaron las amniocentesis realizadas desde que se instauró el cribado combinado en 2008 comparándolas con las de los 5 años anteriores. RESULTADOS: La tasa de detección del cribado para trisomía 21 fue del 94,4% y la tasa de falsos positivos de 6,4%. En el año 2005 estábamos realizando 194 amniocentesis, tras 6 años de implantación del cribado, en el año 2013 se realizaron 35 amniocentesis lo que implica una disminución del 70%. CONCLUSIONES: El cribado combinado de primer trimestre ha demostrado una mayor tasa de detección para trisomía 21 que el cribado de segundo trimestre y/o la edad materna, además de que ha llevado a una importante reducción en el número de pruebas invasivas. En los próximos años la incorporación del estudio de ADN fetal mejorará la detección de aneuploidías, con una drástica disminución de las pruebas invasivas por lo que se hace necesario la implantación de nuevos protocolos.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of first trimester combined screening in the prenatal detection of aneuploidy after 6 years of implantation in our service and its impact in reducing invasive diagnostic tests. It is proposed to establish a protocol to incorporate the study of fetal DNA in maternal blood from published literature reviews. METHODS: The risk of fetal chromosomal anomalies was assessed in 3177 pregnancies with first trimester combined screening between January 2009 and December 2014. The amniocenteses performed were checked against those of the previous 5 years. RESULTS: The detection rate of screening for trisomy 21 was 94.4% and the false-positive rate was 6.4%. In 2005 there were 194 amniocenteses. In 2013, 5 years after the introduction of screening, 68 amniocenteses were performed, representing a 70% reduction in invasive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: First trimester combined screening has shown a higher detection rate for trisomy 21 that the second trimester screening and/or maternal age, and has substantially reduced the use of invasive prenatal diagnostics procedures. In the coming years, the incorporation of the study of fetal DNA improve the detection of aneuploidys with a drastic reduction of invasive tests so that, the implementation of new protocols is necessary.

Application of Ion Torrent PGM™ System in Detection of Fetal DNA in Maternal Plasma / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility of detecting of Y-STR of fetal DNA in maternal plasma using Ion Torrent PGM™ System.@*METHODS@#A total of 16 fetal DNA samples from maternal plasmas (8 cases from 38 weeks gestational age and 8 ones from 12 weeks) were prepared and a multiplex assay with 7 STR loci (DYS390, DYS391, DYS393, DYS438, DYS437, DYS456, DYS635) was designed for multiplex-PCR amplification. Using Ion Torrent PGM™ System, the results of Y-STR sequences and capillary electrophoresis were obtained and compared.@*RESULTS@#Y-STR specific alleles were detected in the maternal plasma of all the pregnant women having male babies of second and third trimester, which were higher than that detected by capillary electrophoresis. Consistent Y-STR genotypes were observed between fetal DNA from maternal plasma and genomic DNA from the newborn babies.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on Ion Torrent PGM™ System, the prenatal Y-STR detection method may provide a high-sensitive and high-throughput choice for prenatal STR detection in forensic testing.

Daño basal del ADN en un grupo de individuos cubanos sanos mediante ensayo Cometa alcalino / Basal DNA damage on a group of Cuban healthy individuals by alkaline Comet assay / Dano basal no DNA em um grupo de indivíduos cubanos saudáveis através do ensaio Cometa alcalino

El ADN de las células humanas está sujeto de forma constante a diferentes tipos de daños debido a factores ambientales y a procesos metabólicos propios de la célula, que de no ser reparados y renovada su integridad, provocan inestabilidad genómica. Consecuentemente el daño en el ADN ha sido utilizado como marcador biológico en el biomonitoreo humano. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el daño basal del ADN en linfocitos aislados de sangre periférica de individuos voluntarios sanos, sin antecedentes patológicos y/o exposición a agentes genotóxicos. Se incluyó un total de 95 sujetos residentes en La Habana, con una edad promedio de 34±12 años, en los que el 71,13% correspondió a mujeres. Se empleó la variante alcalina del ensayo Cometa. Los niveles de daño fueron determinados en unidades arbitrarias. El daño basal del ADN, cuantificado en los 95 individuos, fue de 34,98±19,6 UA (25%=20,5 UA, 75%=47,5 UA). Los valores determinados constituyen los valores de referencia del laboratorio para el daño basal del ADN, en sujetos sanos. El punto de corte de daño al ADN, correspondiente al percentil 75, presenta aplicabilidad en el estudio de pacientes e individuos expuestos a xenobióticos. El uso de este valor permite la realización de estrategias de intervención oportunas que contribuyan a reparar tempranamente el daño detectado.

Human cell DNA is constantly subject to different types of damage due to environmental factors and metabolic processes of the same cell, which cause genomic instability if not repaired and completely renewed. Consequently, DNA damage has been used as a biomarker in human biomonitoring. The aim of this study was to determine basal DNA damage in lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers with no medical history and/or exposure to genotoxic agents. A total of 95 subjects from the western region of Cuba, with an average age of 34±12 years, 71.13% of whom were female were included. Alkaline Comet assay variant was used. Damage levels were determined in arbitrary units. Basal DNA damage, measured in 95 subjects, was 34.98 ± 19.6 AU (25% = 20.5 AU, 75% = 47.5 AU). The values determined are the laboratory reference values for basal DNA damage in healthy subjects. The cutoff of DNA damage, corresponding to 75 percentile, has applicability in the study of patients and subjects exposed to xenobiotics. Use of this value allows for the realization of appropriate intervention strategies that help early repair of the damage detected.

O DNA das células humanas está constantemente sujeito a diferentes tipos de danos devido a fatores ambientais e a processos metabólicos próprios da célula, que se não forem reparados e a sua integridade renovada, provocam instabilidade genômica. Por conseguinte, o dano no DNA foi utilizado como um biomarcador no biomonitoramento humano. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o dano basal do DNA em linfócitos isolados de sangue periférico de voluntários saudáveis, sem antecedentes patológicos e/ou exposição a agentes genotóxicos. Um total de 95 indivíduos residentes em Havana foram incluídos, com uma idade em média de 34±12 dos quais 71,13% eram mulheres. Foi utilizada a variante alcalina do ensaio Cometa. Os níveis de dano foram determinados em unidades arbitrárias. O dano basal do DNA, medido nos 95 pacientes, foi de 34,98 ± 19,6 UA (25% = 20,5 UA, 75%=47,5 UA). Os valores determinados são os valores de referência do laboratório para o dano basal do DNA em indivíduos saudáveis. O ponto de corte de dano ao DNA, correspondente ao 75 percentil, tem aplicabilidade no estudo de pacientes e indivíduos expostos a xenobióticos. O uso deste valor permite a realização de estratégias de intervenção adequadas que ajudem a reparar precocemente o dano detectado.

Novel mutations identified in EIF2B5 gene in Kashmiri patients as susceptibility factor for multiple sclerosis.

White matter disease refers to a set of diseases that affect the white matter of the brain and all of which have different consequences on brain function. Most of the studies have shown that it results from the defects during protein synthesis, with the gene defects in EIF2B1–5, encoding the five subunits of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B) α, β, γ, δ and ε, respectively. eIF2B plays a crucial role in protein translation and its regulation under different conditions. The previous studies have shown that mutations in five subunits of eIF2B cause white matter disease of the brain and thus EIF2B is the main culprit in development of white matter disease. In this study, the mutational screening of EIF2B5 gene encoding eIF2Bε was performed for the first time in 12 Kashmiri patients, each having a unique white matter disease condition. We found two novel missense mutations in EIF2B5: c.580A>G, p.Thr194Ala and c.611C>T, p.Ala204Val among the patients with demyelinating disease (multiple sclerosis), but no mutation was found in other patients. In conclusion our study suggests involvement of the EIF2B5 gene in MS development, thus suggesting p.Thr194Ala to be a susceptibility factor for the development of multiple sclerosis.

Cell-free DNA concentration and integrity as a screening tool for cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to evaluate cell-free DNA (CFDNA) concentration and integrity in patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases and in controls to investigate their value as a screening test for cancer, and to correlate them with clinicopathological parameters of cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included three groups; group I: 120 cancer patients, group II: 120 patients with benign diseases and group III: 120 normal healthy volunteers as control. One plasma sample was collected from each subject. CFDNA was purified from the plasma then its concentration was measured and integrity was assessed by PCR amplification of 100, 200, 400, and 800 bp bands. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference in CFDNA levels between cancer group and each of benign and control groups. AUC of ROC curve for cancer group versus normal and benign groups were 0.962 and 0.895, which indicated the efficiency of CFDNA as a marker of cancer. As for integrity, normal and benign subjects showed only two bands at 100 and 200 bp, while all cancer patients demonstrated the 400 bp band and 78% of them had the 800 bp whose presence correlated with vascular invasion. CONCLUSION: The combined use of CFDNA concentration and integrity is a candidate for a universal screening test of cancer. Upon setting suitable boundaries for the test it might be applied to identify cancer patients, particularly among subjects with predisposing factors. Being less expensive, CFDNA concentration could be applied for mass screening and for patients with values overlapping those of normal and benign subjects, the use of the more expensive, yet more specific, integrity test is suggested.

Breast cancer proliferative activity: is it the source of serum free DNA?

To study the relationship between serum DNA and breast cancer proliferative activity, then compare the diagnostic and prognostic values of serum DNA, TPS and CEA. A total of 100 breast cancer patients before surgery and 50 apparently healthy controls were analyzed for serum DNA, TPS and CEA. Serum DNA levels were nonsignificantly correlated with serum TPS levels. Serum DNA, TPS and CEA levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. Using ROC curve analysis, serum TPS and DNA had the highest AUC compared to serum CEA. Neither serum TPS, DNA nor CEA correlated with breast cancer clinicopathological data. Only serum CEA was significantly correlated with patients' disease-free survival. Neither Breast cancer mass nor proliferative activity is the source of serum free DNA. Serum TPS is superior to DNA and CEA as a diagnostic marker for breast cancer. Only preoperative serum CEA has a prognostic role in predicting relapse of breast cancer patients, but not serum TPS or DNA

Genes con islas CpG amplificados con la mezcla formamida, albúmina sérica bovina y dimetilsulfóxido / CG-rich genes amplified with the formamide, bovine seric albumin y dimethylsulfoxide mix / Genes com Ilhas CpG amplificados com a mistura formamida, albumina sérica bovina, e dimetilsulfóxido

Diversos aditivos químicos han sido utilizados para garantizar la polimerización de genes con islas CpG. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar una mezcla potenciadora de PCR para amplificar genes con islas CpG. Con ese fin se analizaron fragmentos de los genes IRS2 y HNF1a con el programa EMBOSS CpG Report. Los iniciadores se diseñaron con el programa Primer 3 y se analizaron con el programa e-PCR. Se usaron tres aditivos químicos: Albúmina sérica bovina (0,1µg/µL), dimetilsulfóxido (5%) y formamida (5%) para 5 ensayos de PCR: dos usando un solo aditivo, dos combinando dos aditivos y uno combinando tres aditivos. Las amplificaciones con las mezclas se realizaron con las enzimas Taq Nativa, taq Recombinante y Taq Platinum. La calidad de los amplicones se probó por secuenciación. Fragmentos sin islas CpG (HNF-1a) amplificaron con las tres enzimas, sin el uso de los aditivos pero presentaron problemas de pureza en la secuenciación. Los fragmentos del gen IRS2 con islas CpG amplificaron sólo con la combinación de tres aditivos dimetilsulfóxido, albúmina sérica bovina y formamida, independientemente de la enzima usada, las secuencias fueron limpias. Se concluye que la mezcla de tres aditivos es una solución que permite obtener amplicones de alta calidad en genes con islas CpG, con cromatogramas limpios en la secuenciación.

Several chemical additives have been used to assure polymerization in CpG islands.The aim of the present work was to design a PCR enhancer mixture in order to amplify GC-rich genes. Fragments of IRS2 and HNF1a genes were analyzed using EMBOSS CpG Report Software. Primers were designed with the Primer3 Software and were tested with ePCR Software. Three additives were used: BSA (0.1µg/µL), DMSO (5%) and formamide (5%), in five PCR assays, two using one additive, two combining two additives and one with all additives. DNA sequences were amplified with the following enzymes: Native Taq, recombinant Taq and platinum Taq DNA polymerase. Amplicon quality was examined by sequencing. HNF1a gene was amplified without additives; however, the sequences were not amplified and showed purity problems in sequencing. The gene fragments IRS2 with CpG islands were amplified with additives DMSO, BSA and Formamida mixture, notwithstanding the enzyme used. These sequences were clean. DMSO-BSA-Formamide mixture can be a solution to obtain GC-rich DNA amplicons with such a high quality that it generates neat chromatograms during sequencing.

Diversos aditivos químicos têm sido utilizados para garantir a polimerização de genes com ilhas CpG. O objetivo do trabalho foi desenhar uma mistura que potencie PCR para amplificar genes com ilhas CpG. Para esta finalidade foram analisados fragmentos dos genes IRS2 e HNF1a com o programa EMBOSS CpG Report. Os iniciadores foram desenhados com o programa Primer 3 e se analisaram com o programa e-PCR. Foram utilizados três aditivos químicos: Albumina sérica bovina (0,1µg/µlL, Dimetilsulfóxido (5%) e formamida (5%) para 5 ensaios de PCR: dois usando um único aditivo, dois combinando dois aditivos e um combinando três aditivos. As amplificações com as misturas se realizaram com as enzimas, Taq Nativa, taq Recombinante e Taq Platinum. A qualidade das ampliações foi provada por sequenciação. Fragmentos sem ilhas CpG (HNF-1a) amplificaram com as três enzimas, sem o uso dos aditivos porém apresentaram problemas de pureza na sequenciação. Os fragmentos do gene IRS2 com ilhas CpG ampli­ficaram apenas com a combinação de três aditivos dimetilsulfóxido, albumina sérica bovina e formamida, independentemente da enzima usada, as sequências foram limpas. A conclusão que a mistura de três aditivos é uma solução que permite obter ampliações de alta qualidade em genes com ilhas CpG, com cromatogramas limpos na secuenciação.

Decay in intact DNA recovery in blood samples kept at room temperature.

Blood Samples were kept at room temperature for a period of 3-6 months at room temperature to know the amount of quantitative DeoxyriboNucleic Acid [DNA] recovery from these samples. We are able to recover good amount of DNA for about first 3-6 weeks after which the DNA is decreased drastically and after two months there hardly any chance of intact DNA recovery from these samples. It has been concluded that blood samples recovered from scene of crime after about 1-2 months is a waste. The samples must be recovered as early as possible to recover intact DNA from them. The samples must be collected within 1-2 months from scene of crime until and unless the climate is cold enough to increases decay time. This study is very useful for the investigating authorities which can make errors while collecting blood samples for DNA analysis.

Identification of sibling sisters using STR and SNP / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#The methods for identification of sibling sisters were explored with detection of genetic markers on autochromosome and X-chromosome.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA of the sibling sisters were extracted, and 15 STRs on autochromosome and 17 STRs on X-chromosome were genotyped by Sinofiler kit, Mentype Argus X-8 kit and in-house kit of X-STRs, respectively. 11 X-SNPs were genotyped with TaqMan technology.@*RESULTS@#Full sibling relationship of the test samples were confirmed by calculating full sibling index of STRs in autochromosome, which were also supported by the detection of 1-2 same alleles at each locus on X-chromosome.@*CONCLUSION@#In identification of full sibling sister, not only STRs on autochromosome but also polymorphism genetic markers in X-chromosome can be utilized.

Effects of variant materials and temperatures on DNA identification

Human body fluids such as blood and saliva represent the most common source of biological material found at the scene of the crime. Limitations of existing presumptive tests for body fluid identification in forensics, which are usually based on chemo luminescence or protein analysis, are expected to be overcome by DNA-based methods. Our study aiming mainly for sex determination of blood samples found at the scene. of the crime at different temperatures up to 40°C and after different times up to 3 months if they were discovered on cotton fabrics or wooden pieces. For this work 20 blood samples from different females and males were collected in test tubes without any anticoagulant substance, then samples of each sex were further subdivided into 4 main groups: gp 1 for immediate DNA extraction, PCR and identification of amelogenin, SRY, and androgen receptor sequences, gp 2 samples left at room temperature for 4 days, gp 3 samples put on cotton fabrics pieces and preserved at 21°C and 40°C for successive 7 days and 3 months. Gp 4 samples put on pieces of wood and preserved at 21 °C and 40°C for successive 7 days and 3 months. Then all samples were subjected to DNA extraction, PCR and identification of amelogenin, SRY, and androgen receptor sequences. Results showed that coagulated blood samples and blood stains from cotton fabrics are suitable for DNA extraction and identification up to 40°C and up to 3 months while samples found at wood surfaces cannot resist high temperatures up to 40°C either for short or long time

Comparisons of Three Automated Systems for Genomic DNA Extraction in a Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory

PURPOSE: The extraction of nucleic acid is initially a limiting step for successful molecular-based diagnostic workup. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three automated DNA extraction systems for clinical laboratory use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Venous blood samples from 22 healthy volunteers were analyzed using QIAamp(R) Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen), MagNA Pure LC Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit I (Roche), and Magtration-Magnazorb DNA common kit-200N (PSS). The concentration of extracted DNAs was measured by NanoDrop ND-1000 (PeqLab). Also, extracted DNAs were confirmed by applying in direct agarose gel electrophoresis and were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human beta-globin gene. RESULTS: The corrected concentrations of extracted DNAs were 25.42 +/- 8.82 ng/microLiter (13.49-52.85 ng/microLiter) by QIAamp(R) Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen), and 22.65 +/- 14.49 ng/microLiter (19.18-93.39 ng/microLiter) by MagNA Pure LC Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit I, and 22.35 +/- 6.47 ng/microLiter (12.57-35.08 ng/microLiter) by Magtration-Magnazorb DNA common kit-200N (PSS). No statistically significant difference was noticed among the three commercial kits (p > 0.05). Only the mean value of DNA purity through PSS was slightly lower than others. All the extracted DNAs were successfully identified in direct agarose gel electrophoresis. And all the product of beta-globin gene PCR showed a reproducible pattern of bands. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of the three automated extraction systems is of an equivalent level and good enough to produce reasonable results. Each laboratory could select the automated system according to its clinical and laboratory conditions.

Whole-blood polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism: a simplified method by microwave irradiation

The aim of the present study was to develop a simple, quick and cheap method to process whole-blood samples for the molecular techniques polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] without the use of expensive reagents or sophisticated machines. Venous whole-blood samples were collected from 40 individuals. The samples were frozen at -80°C, and then rapidly thawed at 37°C. Each sample was incubated with distilled water, then boiled in a microwave and centrifuged. The supernatant was taken directly for PCR and RFLP. For comparison, PCR and RFLP were performed on DNA purified from the same samples using the phenol-chloroform method and two commercial DNA extraction kits. PCR/RFLP results using the presented method were qualitatively similar to those obtained by DNA extracted using the other three methods. The presented method proved to be a simpler and cheaper way of processing whole-blood samples for PCR and RFLP analyses