Interactions between circRNAs and miR-141 in Cancer: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis and Therapy.

The function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the pathogenesis and development of cancer is indisputable. Molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis involve the aberrant expression of ncRNAs, including circular RNAs (circRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded, covalently closed RNAs responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through their diverse functions. As a part of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs) network, they play a central role in the regulation of accessibility of miRNAs to their mRNA targets. The interplay between these molecular players is based on the primary role of circRNAs that act as miRNAs sponges, and the circRNA/miRNA imbalance plays a central role in different pathologies including cancer. Herein, we present the latest state of knowledge about interactions between circRNAs and miR-141, a well-known member of the miR-200 family, in malignant transformation, with emphasis on the biological role of circRNA/miR-141/mRNA networks as a future target for novel anti-cancer therapies.

Dexmedetomidine Increases MMP-12 and MBP Concentrations after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with Extracorporeal Circulation Anaesthesia without Impacting Cognitive Function: A Randomised Control Trial.

Postoperative neurological deficits remain a concern for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. Even minor injuries can lead to neurocognitive decline (i.e., postoperative cognitive dysfunction). Dexmedetomidine may be beneficial given its reported neuroprotective effect. We aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on brain injury during cardiac surgery anaesthesia. This prospective observational study analysed data for 46 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery with extracorporeal circulation between August 2018 and March 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: control (CON) with typical anaesthesia and dexmedetomidine (DEX) with dexmedetomidine infusion. Concentrations of the biomarkers matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were measured preoperatively and at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Cognitive evaluations were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and 3 months after discharge using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination version III (ACE-III). The primary endpoint was the ACE-III score at discharge. Increased MMP-12 and MBP concentrations were observed in the DEX group 24 and 72 h postoperatively. No significant differences in ACE-III scores were observed between the groups at discharge; however, the values were increased when compared with initial values after 3 months (p = 0.000). The current results indicate that the administration of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to anaesthesia can increase MMP-12 and MBP levels without effects on neurocognitive outcomes at discharge and 3 months postoperatively.

Red blood cell distribution width derivatives in alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Looking for undiscovered blood markers of liver fibrosis and steatosis still remains an issue worth exploring. There are still plenty of unresolved issues related to the actual role of hematological indices as potential markers of liver function. AIM: To study red blood cell distribution width (RDW), RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR) and RDW-to-lymphocyte ratio (RLR) in alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). METHODS: The study group was composed of 302 people: 142 patients with ALC and 92 with MAFLD; 68 persons were included as controls. RDW, RPR and RLR were measured in each person. Indirect and direct parameters of liver fibrosis were also assessed [aspartate transaminase to alkaline transaminase ratio, aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio (GPR), procollagen I carboxyterminal propeptide, procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide, transforming growth factor-α, platelet-derived growth factor AB, laminin]. MELD score in ALC patients and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score together with BARD score were obtained in the MAFLD group. The achieved results were compared to controls. Then a correlation between assessed markers was done. Diagnostic value of each investigated parameter and its suggested cut-off in the research group were evaluated with area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: RDW, RPR and RLR values turned out to be significantly higher in ALC and MAFLD groups compared to controls (ALC: P < 0.0001; NAFLD: P < 0.05, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). RPR correlated positively with MELD score (P < 0.01) and indirect indices of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 and GPR; P < 0.0001) in ALC patients; negative correlations were found between PDGF-AB and both: RDW and RPR (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). RPR correlated positively with NAFLD fibrosis score and APRI (P < 0.0001) in the MAFLD group; a positive relationship was observed between RDW and FIB-4, too (P < 0.05). AUC values and suggested cut-offs for RDW, RPR and RLR in ALC patients were: 0.912 (> 14.2%), 0.965 (> 0.075) and 0.914 (> 8.684), respectively. AUC values and suggested cut-offs for RDW, RPR and RLR in MAFLD patients were: 0.606 (> 12.8%), 0.724 (> 0.047) and 0.691 (> 6.25), respectively. CONCLUSION: RDW with its derivatives appear to be valuable diagnostic markers in patients with ALC. They can also be associated with a deterioration of liver function in this group.

An Insight into miR-1290: An Oncogenic miRNA with Diagnostic Potential.

For more than two decades, the view of the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has been radically changing. These RNA molecules that are transcribed from our genome do not have the capacity to encode proteins, but are critical regulators of gene expression at different levels. Our knowledge is constantly enriched by new reports revealing the role of these new molecular players in the development of many pathological conditions, including cancer. One of the ncRNA classes includes short RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in the post-transcriptional control of gene expression affecting various cellular processes. The aberrant expression of miRNAs with oncogenic and tumor-suppressive function is associated with cancer initiation, promotion, malignant transformation, progression and metastasis. Oncogenic miRNAs, also known as oncomirs, mediate the downregulation of tumor-suppressor genes and their expression is upregulated in cancer. Nowadays, miRNAs show promising application in diagnosis, prediction, disease monitoring and therapy response. Our review presents a current view of the oncogenic role of miR-1290 with emphasis on its properties as a cancer biomarker in clinical medicine.

A Crosstalk between Diet, Microbiome and microRNA in Epigenetic Regulation of Colorectal Cancer.

A still growing interest between human nutrition in relation to health and disease states can be observed. Dietary components shape the composition of microbiota colonizing our gastrointestinal tract which play a vital role in maintaining human health. There is a strong evidence that diet, gut microbiota and their metabolites significantly influence our epigenome, particularly through the modulation of microRNAs. These group of small non-coding RNAs maintain cellular homeostasis, however any changes leading to impaired expression of miRNAs contribute to the development of different pathologies, including neoplastic diseases. Imbalance of intestinal microbiota due to diet is primary associated with the development of colorectal cancer as well as other types of cancers. In the present work we summarize current knowledge with particular emphasis on diet-microbiota-miRNAs axis and its relation to the development of colorectal cancer.

Plateletcrit and Mean Platelet Volume in the Evaluation of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients.

Platelet (PLT) indices have been proposed as potential markers in the assessment of liver fibrosis and exacerbation of liver failure. The aim of our study was to verify mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT) in alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. One hundred forty-two patients with ALC, 92 with NAFLD, and 68 in control group were enrolled in this study. Hematological indices (MPV, PCT, and PDW) and serological (indirect and direct) markers of liver fibrosis (AAR, APRI, FIB-4, GPR, PICP, PIIINP, TGF-α, PDGF-AB, laminin) were measured in each participant. MELD score in ALC patients and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) together with BARD score in the NAFLD group were also obtained. Results were compared between research and control groups. Then, a correlation between evaluated indices was performed in study groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) and area under the curve (AUC) values were applied to assess the diagnostic accuracy of measured indices. Significant increase in PDW and decrease in PCT in comparison to controls were noted in examined ALC (60.4% vs. 51.2% and 0.1% vs. 0.21%, respectively, p < 0.0001) and NAFLD (54.75% vs. 51.2% and 0.19 vs. 0.21%, respectively, p < 0.01) patients. Decreased level of MPV was observed in NAFLD group (7.85 fl vs. 8.90 fl, p < 0.0001). Additionally, PCT correlated with NFS (p < 0.0001). Evaluated PLT indices correlated with MELD score (MPV and PDW, p < 0.001; PCT, p < 0.05). They correlated with indirect and direct markers of liver fibrosis in the whole research group, too. PCT was the parameter with the greatest diagnostic accuracy in ALC patients (AUC = 0,839 for cutoff < 0.17%); in NAFLD group, it was MPV (AUC = 0,808 for cutoff < 7.9 fl). PCT in ALC and MPV in NAFLD can be perceived as potential diagnostic markers.

Serum miR-210-3p can be used to differentiate between patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis.

Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To the best of our knowledge, there are no suitable non-invasive biomarkers for differentiation between CP and PDAC; however, potential molecular candidates include circulating miRNAs due to ease of extraction, their stability and tissue specificity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify potential serum marker(s) that may be used for differentiating between CP and PDAC. In total, 77 patients were enrolled in the present study; 34 patients with CP, 26 patients with PDAC and a control group of 17 healthy individuals. Expression of miR-10b-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-210-3p and miR-216a-5p in serum was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Serum miRNA expression levels in patients with CP, PDAC and in the control group were compared. Routine biochemical blood parameters were determined and correlation analysis of these parameters with miRNA expression was performed. Expression of miR-210-3p was increased in the sera of patients with PDAC compared with the CP patients (P=0.015) and with the control group (P<0.001). MiR-106b-5p (P=0.056) and miR-10b-5p (P=0.080) were not significantly upregulated in patients with PDAC compared with those with CP. Analysis of miRNA expression in relation to laboratory blood parameters showed positive correlations between miR-210-3p with alkaline phosphatase (r=0.605; P=0.022) and with γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (r=0.529; P=0.029) in PDAC. The novel finding of the present study was that miR-10b-5p was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (r=0.429; P=0.047) in patients with PDAC and with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (r=0.483; P=0.005) in CP. Based on the preliminary data obtained in the present study, it was concluded that miR-210-3p may be used as a non-invasive biomarker that can be used to distinguish between patients with PDAC and CP.

Magnoflorine-Isolation and the Anticancer Potential against NCI-H1299 Lung, MDA-MB-468 Breast, T98G Glioma, and TE671 Rhabdomyosarcoma Cancer Cells.

Magnoflorine (MGN) is a quaternary aporphine alkaloid that exhibits numerous therapeutic properties, including neuropsychopharmacological, anti-anxiety, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antifungal activities. The aim of the present study was an investigation of the influence of MGN on viability, proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 lung, MDA-MB-468 breast, T98G glioma, and TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cells. MGN was isolated from the roots of Berberis cretica L. by counter-current partition chromatography (CPC). Cell viability and proliferation assessments were performed by means of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrDU) assays, respectively. The induction of apoptosis and cell cycle progression was measured using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. MGN in high doses inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and inhibits cell cycle in S/G2 phases in a dose-dependent manner. MGN seems to be a promising anti-cancer compound in therapy of some types of lung, breast, glioma, and rhabdomyosarcoma cancers, for which current standard therapies are limited or have severe strong side effects.

Elevated miRNA Inversely Correlates with E-cadherin Gene Expression in Tissue Biopsies from Crohn Disease Patients in contrast to Ulcerative Colitis Patients.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). Similar symptoms, but different treatment procedures for both diseases require precise diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are major posttranscriptional players that regulate the expression of genes during the inflammation and thus could be appropriate biomarkers for differentiation between UC and CD. For this purpose, we analyzed the expression of miR-21-3p, miR-31-3p, miR-125b-1-3p, miR-146a-3p, miR-155-5p, and E-cadherin (CDH1) genes associated with IBD, in 67 tissue samples: 28 inflamed mucosa samples (n = 16 UC, n = 12 CD), 28 adjacent normal colonic mucosa (n = 16 UC, n = 12 CD), and 11 normal mucosa from healthy patients using reverse transcription real-time RT-PCR. We found all analyzed miRNAs were significantly overexpressed in UC tissue as compared to adjacent normal tissue of patients with UC, as well as to normal mucosa from healthy controls. Four miRNAs (except miR-125b-1-3p) were significantly upregulated in CD lesions as compared to adjacent normal tissue of patients with CD, and four miRNAs, except miR-146a-3p, were significantly higher in CD samples compared to normal mucosa from healthy individuals. In the CD group, we found an inverse correlation between miR-155-5p or miR-146a-3p expressions and CDH1expression in inflamed mucosa. This type of correlation was also detected for miR-213p in adjacent normal tissue and CDH1 in inflamed mucosa, as well as between miR-155-5p and CDH1 in adjacent normal tissue. Elevated miRNA expression is characteristic for IBD-mediated inflammation process and inversely correlated with CDH1 gene expression, which suggest involvement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in IBD development.

Towards an evaluation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients with hematological scales.

BACKGROUND: Seeking potentially novel blood markers of liver fibrosis and steatosis is constantly of crucial importance. Despite a growing number of studies in this field of hepatology, a certain role of hematological indices in the course of liver disorders has not been fully elucidated, yet. AIM: To evaluate a diagnostic accuracy of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume-to-platelet-ratio (MPR) in the course of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients with ALC, 92 with NAFLD and 68 persons in control group were enrolled in the study. Hematological indices (NLR, PLR and MPR), indirect and direct markers of liver fibrosis (aspartate transaminase to alkaline transaminase ratio, aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio, procollagen I carboxyterminal propeptide, procollagen III aminoterminal propeptide, transforming growth factor-α, platelet-derived growth factor AB, laminin) were measured in each person. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in ALC group and NAFLD fibrosis score together with BARD score were calculated in NAFLD patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) values were applied to assess the sensitivity and specificity of examined markers and to evaluate proposed cut-offs of measured indices in the course of ALC and NAFLD. RESULTS: MPR and NLR values in ALC patients were significantly higher in comparison to control group; PLR level was significantly lower. MPR and PLR correlated with assessed indirect and direct markers of liver fibrosis. MPR, NLR and PLR correlated with MELD score. NLR level in NAFLD patients was significantly higher in comparison to controls. MPR correlated with indirect markers of liver fibrosis and NAFLD fibrosis score. AUC values and proposed cut-offs for NLR, PLR and MPR in ALC patients were: 0.821 (> 2.227), 0.675 (< 70.445) and 0.929 (> 0.048), respectively. AUC values and proposed cut-offs for NLR, PLR and MPR in NAFLD group were: 0.725 (> 2.034), 0.528 (> 97.101) and 0.547 (> 0.038), respectively. CONCLUSION: Hematological markers are inseparably connected with serological indices of liver fibrosis in ALC and NAFLD patients. MPR and NLR turned out to be the most powerful parameters in ALC patients.

H3K18Ac as a Marker of Cancer Progression and Potential Target of Anti-Cancer Therapy.

Acetylation and deacetylation are posttranslational modifications (PTMs) which affect the regulation of chromatin structure and its remodeling. Acetylation of histone 3 at lysine placed on position 18 (H3K18Ac) plays an important role in driving progression of many types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, hepatocellular, pancreatic, prostate, and thyroid cancer. The aim of this review is to analyze and discuss the newest findings regarding the role of H3K18Ac and acetylation of other histones in carcinogenesis. We summarize the level of H3K18Ac in different cancer cell lines and analyze its association with patients' outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Finally, we describe future perspectives of cancer therapeutic strategies based on H3K18 modifications.

MMP-2 mRNA Expression in Ovarian Cancer Tissues Predicts Patients' Response to Platinum-Taxane Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ovarian cancer is the most frequent cause of death in women among gynecological cancers in Poland. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are frequently dysregulated in cancers and they are considered as potential biomarkers. Our goal was to assess the associations between MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression, clinicopathological parameters and patients' response to chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expression in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissues from 44 untreated patients, four ovarian cancer cell lines, and human skin fibroblasts (HSF). The expression of both MMPs was estimated using qPCR. RESULTS: MMP-2 expression was significantly higher (p=0.020) in EOCs sensitive to chemotherapy compared to resistant and refractory tumors. The highest MMP-2 expression was found in HSF and MMP-9 expression was the highest in EOCs (p<0.001). The expression of neither MMP was significantly associated with patients' overall survival (OS). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 may be engaged in early stages of ovarian carcinogenesis. MMP-2 expression in EOCs may discriminate patients with a favorable response to first line chemotherapy.

MMP-9 and MMP-2 regulation in patients undergoing non-oncological and non-vascular elective surgery independent of the use of propofol or sevoflurane.

BACKGROUND: There is debate regarding whether inhaled sevoflurane or intravenous propofol used during anesthesia achieves the best outcome. Propofol has been shown to affect expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are enzymes that play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling, with activity balance disturbances during surgery. The goal of this study was to compare MMP-2/9 concentrations, activity, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1/2 concentrations in blood of who had undergone 2 types of anesthesia: based on volatile sevoflurane and intravenous propofol during non-oncological, non-vascular surgery. METHODS: 39 patients were enrolled into analysis, 20 anesthetized with total intravenous anesthesia with propofol (P), 19 with volatile induction/maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane (S). Plasma samples collected before and 24 h after surgery were analyzed for MMP-2/9, and TIMP-1/2 concentrations using ELISAs. Additionally, MMP-2/9 activities were assessed by gelatin zymography. RESULTS: Study revealed increased MMP-9 concentration (ELISA) (P:p = 0.011; S:p = 0.001) and activity (zymography) (P:p = 0.004; S:p = 0.008) in both groups 24 h after surgery. We noticed decreased (both groups) MMP-2 concentration (P:p = 0.044; S:p = 0.027) with MMP-2 activity increase (P:p = 0.002; S:p = 0.006) 24 h after surgery. We observed decreased TIMP-1 plasma concentrations (P:p = 0.002; S:p = 0.000) 24 h after procedures, while TIMP-2 plasma levels remain unchanged (P:p = 0.097; S:p = 0.172). There were no differences between concentration and activity of MMPs and TIMPs in regard to anesthetic used. Meperidine administration correlated with lower MMP-9 activity (R=-0.430; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Concluding, neither sevoflurane nor propofol used as anesthetics modulate MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations and activities during non-oncological, non-vascular elective surgery. Meperidine seems to decrease MMP-9 activity.

Combination of Osthole and Cisplatin Against Rhabdomyosarcoma TE671 Cells Yielded Additive Pharmacologic Interaction by Means of Isobolographic Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Osthole is a simple coumarin that has been found to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant and antiallergic activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the combined anti-proliferative effect of cisplatin (CDDP) and osthole on a rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, and assess the pharmacology of drug-drug interaction between these drugs using isobolographic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anticancer actions of osthole in combination with CDDP were evaluated using the tetrazolium dye-based MTT cell proliferation assay. RESULTS: Osthole and CDDP applied together augmented their anti-cancer activities and yielded an additive type of pharmacologic interaction by means of isobolographic analysis. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy using osthole and cisplatin could be suggested as a potential chemotherapy regimen against rhabdomyosarcoma.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition Enhances Proliferation of NKT Cells Derived from Patients with Laryngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze whether inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 by celecoxib and the subsequent enhancement in the proliferation of natural killer T (NKT) cells could play a role in dendritic cell (DC)-based laryngeal cancer (LC) immunotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 48 male patients diagnosed with LC and 30 control patients without cancer disease. Neoplastic cell lysate preparations were made from cancer tissues obtained after surgery and used for in vitro DCs generation. NKT cells proliferation assay was performed based on 3H-thymidine incorporation assay. RESULTS: An increased proliferation of NKT cells was obtained from control patients compared to NKT cells obtained from LC patients regardless of the type of stimulation or treatment. In the patient group diagnosed with LC, COX-2 inhibition resulted in a significantly enhanced proliferation of NKT cells when stimulated with autologous DCs than NKT cells stimulated with DCs without COX-2 inhibition. These correlations were not present in the control group. Higher proliferation rate of NKT cells was also observed in non-metastatic and highly differentiated LC, which was independent of the type of stimulation or treatment. CONCLUSION: COX-2 inhibition could be regarded as immunotherapy-enhancing tool in patients with LC.

Additive Interaction of Cisplatin and Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Combined Treatment in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells - An Isobolographic Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the anticancer effect and the type of pharmacologic drug-drug interaction of cisplatin (CDDP) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) combined treatment on the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antiproliferative actions of cisplatin and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, vorinostat), as well as valproic acid (VPA) alone and in combination, were evaluated using the tetrazolium dye-based MTT cell proliferation assay and isobolographic analysis. RESULTS: All tested compounds inhibited proliferation of rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of CDDP with SAHA and CDDP with VPA produced additive interaction with type-I isobolographic analysis. CONCLUSION: When adding SAHA or VPA to CDDP therapy, one can expect additive anticancer effects in the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line.

[Single nucleotide polymorphisms in lung cancer patients and cisplatin treatment]. / Polimorfizm pojedynczych nukleotydów u pacjentów chorych na raka pluca a leczenie cisplatyna.

Lung cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for over 80% of all cases of lung cancer. Despite efforts to develop and improve early screening methods, the majority of tumors are detected at advanced stages. For over 30 years, cisplatin (CDDP), or any of its analogues, has been used in the treatment of many types of tumors, including lung cancer. The use of platinum-based chemotherapeutics is limited by their toxicity and later on by the development of chemoresistance by tumor cells. The molecular mechanisms of CDDP resistance are not fully resolved. Genetic variants of DNA repair proteins, as well as proteins involved in drug accumulation or detoxification, play a crucial role in determining the cell's response to platinum-based chemotherapy. The identification of selected gene polymorphisms could improve the prognosis of a patient's response to therapy and overall survival. In this review we will focus on the gene polymorphisms involved in CDDP resistance, in particular in lung tumors, and discuss their potential as prognosis and survival markers.

MicroRNAs-role in lung cancer.

Regulation of gene expression is essential for normal physiological functions; thus deregulation of gene expression is common in disease conditions. One level of regulation of gene expression is performed by noncoding RNAs, among which microRNAs (miRNA) are the best studied. Abnormal expression of these molecular players can lead to pathogenic processes such as heart disease, immune system abnormalities, and carcinogenesis, to name but a few. Of a length of 18-25 nucleotides miRNAs are involved in binding partial complementary sequences within the 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated region) of the target mRNAs. Depending on the type of neoplastic transformation, miRNAs can act both as oncogenes (oncomirs) or as tumor suppressors. Because of the great importance of miRNAs, most researches focus on either their role as biomarkers or their potential as therapeutic targets. Herein, we present the review of microRNA biology, function, and tumorigenic potential with emphasis on their role in lung cancer.