ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the expression levels and prognostic value of the Lipoyltransferase 2 (LIPT2) gene in a pan-cancer view. METHODOLOGY: Our study comprehensively investigated the role of LIPT2 in pan-cancer, combining bioinformatics analyses with experimental validations. RESULTS: Analysis of LIPT2 mRNA expression across various cancers revealed a significant up-regulation in 18 tumor types and down-regulation in 8 types, indicating its diverse involvement. Prognostic assessment demonstrated a correlation between elevated LIPT2 expression and poorer outcomes in Overall Survival (OS) and Disease-Free Survival (DFS), particularly in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), and Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma (PCPG). Protein expression analysis in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG affirmed a consistent increase in LIPT2 levels compared to normal tissues. Examining the methylation status in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG, we found reduced promoter methylation levels in tumor samples, suggesting a potential influence on LIPT2 function. Genetic mutation analysis using cBioPortal indicated a low mutation frequency (< 2%) in LIPT2 across GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Immune correlation analysis unveiled a positive association between LIPT2 expression and infiltration levels of immune cells in GBM, LIHC, and PCPG. Single-cell analysis illustrated LIPT2's positive correlation with functional states, including angiogenesis and inflammation. Enrichment analysis identified LIPT2-associated processes and pathways, providing insights into its potential molecular mechanisms. Drug sensitivity analysis demonstrated that elevated LIPT2 expression conferred resistance to multiple compounds, while lower expression increased sensitivity. Finally, RT-qPCR validation in HCC cell lines confirmed the heightened expression of LIPT2 compared to a control cell line, reinforcing the bioinformatics findings. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study highlights LIPT2 as a versatile player in cancer, influencing diverse aspects from molecular processes to clinical outcomes across different cancer types.
ABSTRACT
Introduction One of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world is uveitis, which predominantly results in the feared complication of macular edema. We report the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of macular edema secondary to noninfectious uveitis. Methodology This prospective, nonrandomized interventional study was conducted at Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT) Eye Hospital, Lahore, from August 2019 till July 2020. All individuals older than 18 years, nonpregnant females with a central macular thickness of >320 µm were included. Those patients with uncontrolled diabetes, immunodeficiency, or any other disease mandating systemic corticosteroid use were excluded. All patients had a detailed ocular exam one week before the treatment, and 0.1 ml of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml was injected using a 30-G hollow needle into the suprachoroidal space. After the injection, an eye patch was applied and the patient was observed for three hours. All data were documented in a preformed proforma. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 38.1 ± 9.48 years. Statistically significant differences were found between central macular thickness at presentation and at one and three months of the procedure, i.e., 569.60 ± 170.396, 266.77 ± 73.127, and 208.27 ± 37.292 µm, respectively. A similar difference was observed when comparing visual acuity at baseline to visual acuity at one and three months of the procedure (p < 0.001). Conclusion The current study indicates that a single dose of suprachoroidal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of macular edema secondary to uveitis is safe and efficacious. No rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) was observed during the study period. Significant improvements in central macular thickness and visual acuity as well as tolerability and safety of the treatment were seen in our study. Further larger-scale studies are needed to ascertain the long-term benefits of the suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide.
