Cervical Cancer Markers: Epigenetics and microRNAs.

Gynecologic malignant neoplasms are a severe health problem among female patients, of which cervical cancer (CC), in particular, is a common disease leading to high mortality rates. Despite extensive attempts by researchers to solve the molecular mystery of CC, the mechanisms of its pathogenesis remain unclear. Tumor markers used in the clinical laboratory, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), cancer antigen (CA)-125, and CA19-9, provide some help in diagnosing patients with CC. However, finding new molecular markers with high sensitivity and specificity is necessary. This review focuses on the role of epigenetic changes, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), to CC. Several miRNAs that associated with CC potentially have the advantage of being early biomarkers. Moreover, altered serum miRNAs or single nucleotide polymorphisms in miRNA patterns may predict disease progression.

Molecular basis of human cerebral malaria development.

Cerebral malaria is still a deleterious health problem in tropical countries. The wide spread of malarial drug resistance and the lack of an effective vaccine are obstacles for disease management and prevention. Parasite and human genetic factors play important roles in malaria susceptibility and disease severity. The malaria parasite exerted a potent selective signature on the human genome, which is apparent in the genetic polymorphism landscape of genes related to pathogenesis. Currently, much genomic data and a novel body of knowledge, including the identification of microRNAs, are being increasingly accumulated for the development of laboratory testing cassettes for cerebral malaria prevention. Therefore, understanding of the underlying complex molecular basis of cerebral malaria is important for the design of strategy for cerebral malaria treatment and control.

Clinical and laboratory update on the DEL variant.

Serological assays for the RhD blood group are based on detection of the RhD antigen on human red blood cells using a specific anti-D antibody. The weak expression of the RhD antigen in the DEL variant hinders the sensitivity of conventional serological assays. Evidence of anti-D immunization in patients with D-negativity who have received DEL-variant blood units has been reported in various populations. This observation has prompted the need for genetic epidemiological and clinical data on the DEL variant in the development of DEL molecular diagnostic testing. This review highlights the molecular features of the DEL variant, the clinical consequences of DEL-blood transfusion, and current approaches for detection of the DEL-variant for donor screening and transfusion.