The possible correlation between miR-762, Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in lung cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.

MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that have a significant role in translational repression and gene silencing through binding to downstream target mRNAs. MiR-762 can stimulate the proliferation and metastasis of various types of cancer. Hippo pathway is one of the pathways that regulate tissue development and carcinogenesis. Dysregulation of this pathway plays a vital role in the progression of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between miR-762, the Hippo signaling pathway, TWIST1, and SMAD3 in patients with lung cancer, as well as patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. The relative expression of miR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 was determined in 50 lung cancer patients, 30 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, and 20 healthy volunteers by real-time PCR. The levels of YAP protein and neuron-specific enolase were estimated by ELISA and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, respectively. Compared to the control group, miR-762, YAP, TWIST1, and SMAD3 expression were significantly upregulated in lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients, except SMAD3 was significantly downregulated in chronic inflammatory patients. MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein were significantly downregulated in all patients. MiR-762 has a significant negative correlation with MST1, LATS2, and YAP protein in lung cancer patients and with MST1 and LATS2 in chronic inflammatory patients. MiR-762 may be involved in the induction of malignant behaviors in lung cancer through suppression of the Hippo pathway. MiR-762, MST1, LATS2, YAP mRNA and protein, TWIST1, and SMAD3 may be effective diagnostic biomarkers in both lung cancer patients and chronic inflammatory patients. High YAP, TWIST1, SMA3 expression, and NSE level are associated with a favorable prognosis for lung cancer.

Chitosan-loaded piperlongumine nanoparticles and kaempferol enhance the anti-cancer action of doxorubicin in targeting of Ehrlich solid adenocarcinoma: in vivo and in silico modeling study.

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug that generates free radical-induced toxicities. Natural agents are used to potentiate or ameliorate the toxicity of chemotherapy. None of the studies investigating whether antioxidants or prooxidants should be used with chemotherapy have addressed their efficacy in the same study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential synergy between doxorubicin and two natural rarely in vivo studied anticancer agents; the antioxidant "Kaempferol" and prooxidant "Piperlongumine" in Ehrlich tumor mice model. 77 albino mice were divided into 11 groups; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were injected intramuscularly to develop solid tumors. After 14 days, intratumoral injections of single or combinations of free or Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, Piperlongumine, and Kaempferol were performed. Tumor Characterization of nanoparticles was measured, tumors were histopathologically examined and evaluation of expression for cancer-related genes by real-time PCR. In silico molecular docking was performed to uncover potential novel targets for Piperlongumine and Kaempferol. Despite receiving half of the overall dose compared to the free drugs, the combined doxorubicin/ piperlongumine-chitosan nanoparticles treatment was the most efficient in reducing tumor volume; down-regulating Cyclin D1, and BCL2; as well as the Beclin-1, and Cyclophilin A genes modulating growth, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis, respectively; up-regulating the Glutathione peroxidase expression as a defense mechanism protecting from oxidative damage. When combined with doxorubicin, Kaempferol and Piperlongumine were effective against Ehrlich solid tumors. However, the combination with the Piperlongumine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhanced its anticancer effect compared to the Kaempferol or the same free compounds.

Expression status of circ-SMARCA5, circ-NOL10, circ-LDLRAD3, and circ-RHOT1 in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant burden on both the healthcare systems as well as individuals. The high mortality rate of CRC may be attributed to its metastatic potential, heterogeneity, and delayed diagnosis. CircRNAs are an essential class of regulatory RNAs that play significant roles in cancers. This study aimed to detect the expression status of circ-SMARCA5, circ-NOL10, circ-LDLRAD3, and circ-RHOT1 in patients with CRC. This study included 50 CRC patients, 30 individuals with colorectal diseases (non-cancer), and 20 healthy volunteers. By using real-time PCR, the relative expression of circ-SMARCA5, circ-NOL10, circ-LDLRAD3, and circ-RHOT1 was determined in the collected blood samples. In addition, ECLIA was used to quantify carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. All circRNAs expression and CEA levels were significantly up-regulated in cancer patients (CRC, colon, rectum) as compared to healthy controls, except circ-SMARCA5. Moreover, there was a significant up-regulation of circRNAs in most non-cancer patients (UC, polyp, piles). Insignificant upregulation was observed in circRNAs and CEA when comparing cancer with non-cancer patients. No correlations were found between the studied parameters and most clinicopathological characteristics of cancer and non-cancer patients. Circ-SMARCA5, circ-NOL10, circ-LDLRAD3, and circ-RHOT1 were differentially expressed in patients with CRC as well as in non-cancer patients. Circ-SMARCA5 and circ-NOL10 may act as tumor suppressors, while circ-LDLRAD3 and circ-RHOT1 may be oncogenes. Circ-SMARCA5, circ-NOL10, circ-LDLRAD3, and circ-RHOT1 could be promising markers for the early detection of CRC.

Gene profiling of SEC13, SMAD7, GHRL, long non-coding RNA GHRLOS, HIF-1α in gastric cancer patients.

Even with considerable progress in cancer researches, gastric cancer is still one of the global health problems. Recognition of the differential expressed genes in GC is the most appropriate approach for establishing new diagnostic targets. This study evaluates SEC13, SMAD7, GHRL, lncRNA GHRLOS, HIF-1α genes profiling as well as HIF-1α protein level for GC. The expression of selected genes, serum HIF-1α and CEA protein levels were determined for 50 GC patients and 50 healthy controls by real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and ELICA respectively. The sensitivities of these parameters as diagnostic biomarkers were evaluated. SMAD7, HIF-1α expression, serum HIF-1α, and CEA level were significantly upregulated in GC patients as compared to the control group (P = 0.024, < 0.001) and had significant positive correlations between each other except SMAD7 with serum HIF-1α, and CEA level. On the other hand, SEC13, GHRL, and lncRNA GHRLOS expression were significantly downregulated in GC patients (P = < 0.001, 0.025, < 0.001 respectively) and had significant positive correlations with each other (P < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were observed between most of both groups. All studied parameters were associated with GC clinical stages except SMAD7 was associated with stage IV only (P = 0.005) and GHRL did not associate with tumor stages (P ˃ 0.05). All studied parameters may be promising biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GC. SMAD7, HIF-1α gene, and HIF-1α protein may be jointly implicated in cancer development and prognosis, while SEC13, GHRL, and lncRNA GHRLOS may act as tumor suppressors.

Liraglutide treatment and acylcarnitine profiles in Egyptian obese insulin-resistant females.

Using metabolomics technique to investigate the response to liraglutide treatment produces helpful information regarding the effects of drug on metabolic regulation. This study tested whether loss of weight by liraglutide combined with decreasing acylcarnitines (AcylCNs) represent an effective strategy to improve insulin sensitivity in obese insulin-resistant females. AcylCN profiles by tandem mass spectrometry, plasma glycosylated hemoglobin, lactate, pyruvate, serum fasting glucose, creatinine, and insulin were assessed for obese insulin-resistant females before and after treatment with liraglutide for 3 months and non-obese females. All studied parameters in obese insulin-resistant females before treatment were significantly higher than control subjects except C0 and C3 levels which were significantly low. Liraglutide treatment was effective in weight loss, increased C0 and C3 levels and decreased values of all other studied parameters comparing with before treatment but still higher than control. However, creatinine level was unaffected by treatment. This study can conclude that circulating AcylCN profiles can reflect mitochondrial overload that happen in response to obesity. Also, AcylCNs can be used as markers for diagnosis of metabolic disorders. Liraglutide treatment leads to durable improvements in weight reduction and glycometabolic control and the utilization of intracellular glucose.

Temporal expression of Toxoplasma stage-specific genes in brain tissue: coincidence with parasitological and histopathological findings in mice models.

In the intermediate hosts, tachyzoites of T. gondii predominate in the acute stage while bradyzoites persist inside tissue cysts with the potential for reactivation. The two stages exhibit different metabolic and antigenic characters. The present study aimed to investigate temporal expression of Toxoplasma SAG1 and BAG1 genes in the brain tissue and the coincident parasitological and histopathological findings in mice models of toxoplasmosis. The study included group A: mice infected with RH strain and sacrificed 7 days post-infection (p.i.); group B: mice infected with RH strain and treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (30 mg/kg/day and 150 mg/kg/day respectively) 24 h p.i. until sacrificed at days 5, 10, or 20 post-treatment; group C: mice infected with ME-49 strain and sacrificed at days 7, 27, 47, or 67 p.i; and group D: mice infected with ME-49 strain and received dexamethasone daily starting at day 68 p.i. and scarified at days 6 or 10 post-treatment. All mice were inspected daily for abnormal physical signs. Peritoneal exudate and brain homogenate were examined for detection of Toxoplasma stages. Brain sections were examined histopathologically. SAG1 and BAG1 gene expression was evaluated using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and the ΔΔCt method. Results revealed that marked BAG1 upregulation is consistent with detection of Toxoplasma cysts and degenerative changes while predominance of tachyzoites and inflammatory infiltrate is compatible with SAG1 upregulation. The study sheds light on the potential for using stage-specific gene expression pattern as markers for evaluation of toxoplasmosis disease progression in clinical settings.

Plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and cfDNA Integrity as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Breast Cancer.

Diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) by using sensitive and specific biomarkers is necessary. Cell-free DNA is a candidate biomarker in various cancers. Contrasting, shorted uniformed DNA released from apoptotic non-diseased cells, DNA released from malignant cells varies in size. DNA integrity is a ratio between 247 and 115 bp. So, this study was designed to investigate the role of plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and DNA integrity as possible diagnostic and prognostic markers in BC patients as compared to plasma CA15.3. The concentrations of selected parameters were determined for 40 patients with BC (2 stage I, 31 stage II, 2 stage III, and 5 stage IV) and 10 healthy volunteers by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. The sensitivities of ALU-247, ALU-115, and cfDI as biomarkers for BC were evaluated and compared with CA15.3. Also, disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated. For all parameters, the concentrations in patients were significantly higher than in the control group; association with tumor stage and high sensitivities was observed. The studied parameters failed to predict survival or relapse in BC patients before surgery. Plasma ALU-247, ALU-115, and DNA integrity may prove to have clinical utility in BC diagnosis. Elevated preoperative CA15.3 was shown to be directly related to tumor burden, which may improve its diagnostic capability. Those selected parameters could be effectively used together with plasma CA15.3 for BC screening at early stage. Furthermore, both ALU-247 and ALU-115 seem to be preoperative prognostic markers for BC.

XPD gene polymorphisms and the effects of induction chemotherapy in cytogenetically normal de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents nearly half of newly diagnosed de novo AML cases. XPD is one of the DNA repair proteins, whose genetic polymorphisms are thought to affect their function as regards response to chemotherapeutic drugs and chemotherapy-induced toxicities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We investigated the XPD Asp312Asn and Lys751Gln polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 51 newly diagnosed cytogenetically normal de novo AML patients. The response to the standard induction chemotherapy protocol and chemotherapy-induced toxicities were monitored. RESULTS: The XPD Asp312Asn GG genotype was the most frequent (57%) followed by the GA variant (37%), and the AA variant was the least frequent (6%). As regards the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism, the AA genotype was the most frequent (49%), followed by the AC (39%) and CC (12%) variants. These variants were not associated with age, sex, FAB subtype, CNS infiltration, chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or metabolic toxicity. The XPD Lys751Gln CC polymorphic variant was associated with chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and lower chance to achieve response to induction chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: XPD Lys751Gln and not Asp312Asn polymorphism was associated with chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and response to induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed cytogenetically normal AML patients. Pretreatment assay of XPD Lys751Gln may help to anticipate cardiotoxicity in those at risk. Moreover, it may be considered a prognostic marker in AML cases. However, further large scale research is needed to verify its usefulness.

Application and evaluation of a molecular approach for detection of the schistosomicidal effect of Mirazid® (myrrh) in the murine model.

The conventional PCR technique was used for studying the schistosomicidal effect of Mirazid® in the murine model. Results of the molecular study were compared with the parasitological results (ova and worm count). The used PCR technique was more sensitive than the Kato-Katz thick smears. Mirazid® showed some schistosomicidal effects against murine Schistosoma mansoni. However, it was not efficient enough to cure any of the studied mice.