DECREASED EXPRESSION OF MICRORNA-629 IN GASTRIC CANCER SAMPLES POTENTIATED BY THE VIRULENCE MARKER OF H. PYLORI, CAGA GENE.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with the etiology of several gastrointestinal tract pathologies, and cagA-positive (cagA+) strains are found in populations with gastric ulcers and precancerous lesions, inducing pro-inflammatory responses. The development of neoplasms is related to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, indicating highly expressed miRNA-629. The article aims to correlate the expression level of miRNA-629 with the presence of H. pylori and the pathogenicity marker cagA. METHODS: 203 gastric biopsy samples were evaluated from individuals with normal gastric tissue (n=60), gastritis (n=96), and gastric cancer (n=47) of both genders and over 18 years old. The samples were subdivided according to the presence or absence of H. pylori, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and quantified. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using commercial kits, and the relative expression was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. RESULTS: Individuals infected with H. pylori are nine times more likely to develop gastric cancer. Cancer patients appeared to have decreased expression of miRNA-629; however, the presence of the bacterium would not influence this reduction. Individuals in the cancer group showed lower miRNA-629 expression when cagA+; however, in the control group, the expression was higher when cagA+. CONCLUSION: H. pylori is a factor involved in the etiology and progression of gastric diseases. Reduction in miRNA-629 expression in cancer patients occurs independent of the presence of the bacterium, but when the cagA pathogenicity marker is present, it induces changes in the gene expression of the respective miRNA.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI OIPA VIRULENCE GENE AS A MOLECULAR MARKER OF SEVERE GASTROPATHIES.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is an etiologic agent of gastroduodenal diseases. The microorganism, considered a type I carcinogen, affects about 50% of the global population. H. pylori virulence factors are determinant for the clinical outcome of the infection. The outer inflammatory protein A (oipA) gene encodes an outer membrane adhesin and is related to severe gastropathies, such as gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the oipA gene with the severity of gastroduodenal diseases in dyspeptic patients in region Central Brazil. METHODS: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of H. pylori. Samples positives were used for molecular screening of the oipA gene. Gastropathies were categorized as non-severe and severe diseases. RESULTS: Approximately 68% of patients had H. pylori and 36% were infected with H. pylori oipA+ strains. Infection was significantly associated in patients aged over 44 years (P=0.004). However, there was no association between oipA and patients' age (P=0.89). Approximately 46% of patients infected with oipA+ strains had some severe illness. Gastric adenocarcinoma was the most frequent severe gastropathy. The H. pylori oipA genotype was inversely associated with the severity of gastroduodenal diseases (OR=0.247, 95%CI: 0.0804-0.7149 and P=0.007). CONCLUSION: The characterization of possible molecular markers will contribute to personalized medicine, impacting the prognosis of patients. BACKGROUND: • Evidence points to an association between the H. pylori oipA gene and gastropathies. BACKGROUND: • There is a high prevalence of H. pylori infection with a relevant percentage of oipA+ strains. BACKGROUND: • More severe gastropathies were observed in those infected with H. pylori oipA+ strains.

Changes in Expression of Key Genes in Alzheimer's Disease: A Specific Brain Tissue Change.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible and neurodegenerative disorder. Its etiology is not clear, but the involvement of genetic components plays a central role in the onset of the disease. In the present study, the expression of 10 genes (APP, PS1 and PS2, APOE, APBA2, LRP1, GRIN2B, INSR, GJB1, and IDE) involved in the main pathways related to AD were analyzed in auditory cortices and cerebellum from 29 AD patients and 29 healthy older adults. Raw analysis revealed tissue-specific changes in genes LRP1, INSR, and APP. A correlation analysis showed a significant effect also tissue-specific AD in APP, GRIN2B, INSR, and LRP1. Furthermore, the E4 allele of the APOE gene revealed a significant correlation with change expression tissue-specific in ABPA2, APP, GRIN2B, LRP1, and INSR genes. To assess the existence of a correction between changes in target gene expression and a probability of AD in each tissue (auditory cortices and cerebellum) an analysis of the effect of expressions was realized and showed that the reduction in the expression of the APP in auditory cortex and GRIN2B cerebellum had a significant effect in increasing the probability of AD, in the same logic, our result also suggesting that increased expression of the LRP1 and INSR genes had a significant effect on increasing the probability of AD. Our results showed tissue-specific gene expression alterations associated with AD and certainly opened new perspectives to characterize factors involved in gene regulation and to obtain possible biomarkers for AD.

Diminuição da expressão do microRNA-629 em amostras de câncer gástrico potencializada pelo marcador de virulências do H. pylori, gene cagA / Decreased expression of microrna-629 in gastric cancer samples potentiated by the virulence marker of h. pylori, caga gene

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium associated with the etiology of several gastrointestinal tract pathologies, and cagA-positive (cagA+) strains are found in populations with gastric ulcers and precancerous lesions, inducing pro-inflammatory responses. The development of neoplasms is related to microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation, indicating highly expressed miRNA-629. The article aims to correlate the expression level of miRNA-629 with the presence of H. pylori and the pathogenicity marker cagA. Methods: 203 gastric biopsy samples were evaluated from individuals with normal gastric tissue (n=60), gastritis (n=96), and gastric cancer (n=47) of both genders and over 18 years old. The samples were subdivided according to the presence or absence of H. pylori, detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RNA was extracted using a commercial kit and quantified. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using commercial kits, and the relative expression was calculated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Results: Individuals infected with H. pylori are nine times more likely to develop gastric cancer. Cancer patients appeared to have decreased expression of miRNA-629; however, the presence of the bacterium would not influence this reduction. Individuals in the cancer group showed lower miRNA-629 expression when cagA+; however, in the control group, the expression was higher when cagA+. Conclusion: H. pylori is a factor involved in the etiology and progression of gastric diseases. Reduction in miRNA-629 expression in cancer patients occurs independent of the presence of the bacterium, but when the cagA pathogenicity marker is present, it induces changes in the gene expression of the respective miRNA.

RESUMO Contexto: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) é uma bactéria gram-negativa associada à etiologia de várias patologias do trato gastrointestinal, e cepas positivas para cagA (cagA+) são encontradas em populações com úlceras gástricas e lesões pré-cancerígenas, induzindo respostas pró-inflamatórias. O desenvolvimento de neoplasias está relacionado à desregulação do microRNA (miRNA), indicando miRNA-629 altamente expresso. O artigo tem como objetivo correlacionar o nível de expressão do miRNA-629 com a presença de H. pylori e o marcador de patogenicidade cagA. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 203 amostras de biópsia gástrica de indivíduos com tecido gástrico normal (n=60), gastrite (n=96) e câncer gástrico (n=47) de ambos os sexos e com mais de 18 anos. As amostras foram subdivididas de acordo com a presença ou ausência de H. pylori, detectado por reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). O RNA foi extraído usando um kit comercial e quantificado. O DNA complementar (cDNA) foi sintetizado usando kits comerciais, e a expressão relativa foi calculada usando o método 2-ΔΔCt. Resultados: Indivíduos infectados com H. pylori têm nove vezes mais chances de desenvolver câncer gástrico. Pacientes com câncer parecem ter diminuição da expressão do miRNA-629; no entanto, a presença da bactéria não influenciaria essa redução. Indivíduos no grupo do câncer apresentaram menor expressão do miRNA-629 quando cagA+; no entanto, no grupo controle, a expressão foi maior quando cagA+. Conclusão: H. pylori é um fator envolvido na etiologia e progressão das doenças gástricas. A redução na expressão do miRNA-629 em pacientes com câncer ocorre independentemente da presença da bactéria, mas quando o marcador de patogenicidade cagA está presente, induz mudanças na expressão gênica do respectivo miRNA.

Gene de virulência oipA de Helicobacter pylori como marcador molecular de gastropatias severas / Helicobacter pylori oipa virulence gene as a molecular marker of severe gastropathies

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori is an etiologic agent of gastroduodenal diseases. The microorganism, considered a type I carcinogen, affects about 50% of the global population. H. pylori virulence factors are determinant for the clinical outcome of the infection. The outer inflammatory protein A (oipA) gene encodes an outer membrane adhesin and is related to severe gastropathies, such as gastric cancer. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the oipA gene with the severity of gastroduodenal diseases in dyspeptic patients in region Central Brazil. Methods: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of H. pylori. Samples positives were used for molecular screening of the oipA gene. Gastropathies were categorized as non-severe and severe diseases. Results: Approximately 68% of patients had H. pylori and 36% were infected with H. pylori oipA+ strains. Infection was significantly associated in patients aged over 44 years (P=0.004). However, there was no association between oipA and patients' age (P=0.89). Approximately 46% of patients infected with oipA+ strains had some severe illness. Gastric adenocarcinoma was the most frequent severe gastropathy. The H. pylori oipA genotype was inversely associated with the severity of gastroduodenal diseases (OR=0.247, 95%CI: 0.0804-0.7149 and P=0.007). Conclusion: The characterization of possible molecular markers will contribute to personalized medicine, impacting the prognosis of patients.

RESUMO Contexto: Helicobacter pylori é um agente etiológico de doenças gastroduodenais. O microrganismo, considerado cancerígeno tipo I, afeta cerca de 50% da população mundial. Os fatores de virulência do H. pylori são determinantes para o desfecho clínico da infecção. O gene da proteína inflamatória externa A (oipA) codifica uma adesina da membrana externa e está relacionado a gastropatias severas, como o câncer gástrico. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação do gene oipA com a gravidade das doenças gastroduodenais em pacientes dispépticos na região Brasil Central. Métodos: A reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para determinar a presença de H. pylori. Amostras positivas foram utilizadas para triagem molecular do gene oipA. As gastropatias foram categorizadas como doenças não severas e severas. Resultados: Aproximadamente 68% dos pacientes apresentaram H. pylori e 36% estavam infectados com cepas H. pylori oipA+. A infecção foi significativamente associada em pacientes com idade superior a 44 anos (P=0,004). No entanto, não houve associação entre oipA e a idade dos pacientes (P=0,89). Aproximadamente 46% dos pacientes infectados com cepas oipA+ tiveram alguma doença severa. O adenocarcinoma gástrico foi a gastropatia severa mais frequente. O genótipo oipA de H. pylori foi inversamente associado à gravidade das doenças gastroduodenais (OR=0,247, IC95%: 0,0804-0,7149 P=0,007). Conclusão: A caracterização de possíveis marcadores moleculares contribuirá para a medicina personalizada, impactando no prognóstico dos pacientes.

CDK10, CDK11, FOXO1, and FOXO3 Gene Expression in Alzheimer's Disease Encephalic Samples.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder that affects different regions of the brain. Its pathophysiology includes the accumulation of ß-amyloid protein, formation of neurofibrillary tangles, and inflammatory processes. Genetic factors are involved in the onset of AD, but they are not fully elucidated. Identification of gene expression in encephalic tissues of patients with AD may help elucidate its development. Our objectives were to characterize and compare the gene expression of CDK10, CDK11, FOXO1, and FOXO3 in encephalic tissue samples from AD patients and elderly controls, from the auditory cortex and cerebellum. RT-qPCR was used on samples from 82 individuals (45 with AD and 37 controls). We observed a statistically significant increase in CDK10 (p = 0.029*) and CDK11 (p = 0.048*) gene expression in the AD group compared to the control, which was most evident in the cerebellum. Furthermore, the Spearman test demonstrated the presence of a positive correlation of gene expression both in the auditory cortex in the AD group (r = 0.046/p = 0.004) and control group (r = 0.454/p = 0.005); and in the cerebellum in the AD group (r = 0.654 /p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference and correlation in the gene expression of FOXO1 and FOXO3 in the AD group and the control. In conclusion, CDK10 and CDK11 have high expression in AD patients compared to control, and they present a positive correlation of gene expression in the analyzed groups and tissues, which suggests that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Genetic and Transcriptional Analysis of 8q24.21 Cluster in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Previous studies from our research group have shown that trisomy 8 and the amplification of the 8q24.21 region is very frequent in gastric cancer (GC). Little is known about the role of most genes located in this region. Thus, the aim of this study was to understand the possible impact of transcriptional alterations and copy number variation (CNV) of four genes located in the 8q24.21 region - FAM49B, FAM84B, GSDMC and miR-5194 - in GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one to 85 matched pairs of tumoral and adjacent non-tumoral gastric tissues, from patients with primary GC, were used to analyze gene expression and CNV of the selected genes. We also included 29 H. pylori negative and gastritis negative gastric mucosa tissues from individuals without cancer obtained by endoscopy, as control samples. RESULTS: The expression of FAM49B, GSDMC and miR-5194 was higher in both tumoral and adjacent non-tumoral samples compared to the negative control. The expression of FAM84B showed no significant difference between tumoral samples and negative controls. However, the expression of FAM84B in the adjacent non-tumoral samples was higher compared to negative control and tumoral samples. Moreover, the higher expression of GSDMC was associated with T3 and T4 tumors, with tumors on stage III and IV and with advanced tumors. Higher copy numbers of FAM49B and GSDMC were associated with intestinal tumor type and with moderately or well-differentiated tumors. Higher copy number of FAM84B was associated with moderately or well-differentiated tumors. Furthermore, the expression of all four genes was positively correlated. CONCLUSION: All four genes are upregulated in GC and may play an important role in these neoplasms. GSDMC expression was associated with more aggressive tumors.

Decrease of miR-125a-5p in Gastritis and Gastric Cancer and Its Possible Association with H. pylori.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-125a-5p in patients with dyspeptic symptoms and gastric cancer, correlating them with the development of this cancer and H. pylori. METHODS: Patients were divided in groups according to histopathological analysis (control, gastritis, and cancer groups). Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect H. pylori and real-time quantitative PCR to determine miR-125a-5p expression. RESULTS: H. pylori was detected in 44% of the patients, with prevalence in the gastritis and cancer groups. A statistically significant decrease of miR-125a-5p expression was found in the control positive (p = 0.0183*), gastritis positive (p = 0.0380*), and cancer positive (p = 0.0288*) groups when compared with the control negative group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that decreased expression of the miRNA-125a-5p associated with the presence of the H. pylori is an important mechanism in gastric diseases and could be a possible marker for early diagnosis of gastric cancer.

Dysregulated Expression of Apoptosis-Associated Genes and MicroRNAs and Their Involvement in Gastric Carcinogenesis.

PURPOSE: Analyze the expression of caspase-9, Smac/DIABLO, XIAP, let-7a, and let-7b in patients with normal gastric tissue, chronic gastritis, and gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The expression of caspase-9, Smac/DIABLO, XIAP, let-7a, and let-7b by qRT-PCR was analyzed in 158 samples from 53 patients with normal gastric mucosa, 86 with chronic gastritis, and 19 with gastric cancer. RESULTS: The comparison between the gastric cancer and the control group revealed a decreased expression of caspase-9 in gastric cancer tissues; considering the Helicobacter pylor presence, comparable results were revealed. Smac/DIABLO was increased in gastric cancer cells, while XIAP demonstrated no significant difference in the gene expression. The microRNA analysis revealed a decreased expression of let-7a and let-7b in samples positive to H. pylori infection and in gastric cancer group, regardless of the presence of the bacterium. CONCLUSION: Our study provided some evidence of low activity of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, as well as the influence of H. pylori on let-7a and let-7b expression.

The impact of DNA demethylation on the upregulation of the NRN1 and TNFAIP3 genes associated with advanced gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Very few therapeutic options are currently available in this neoplasia. The use of 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZAdC) was approved for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes, and this drug can treat solid tumours at low doses. Epigenetic manipulation of GC cell lines is a useful tool to better understand gene expression regulatory mechanisms for clinical applications. Therefore, we compared the gene expression profile of 5-AZAdC-treated and untreated GC cell lines by a microarray assay. Among the genes identified in this analysis, we selected NRN1 and TNFAIP3 to be evaluated for gene expression by RT-qPCR and DNA methylation by bisulfite DNA next-generation sequencing in 43 and 52 pairs of GC and adjacent non-neoplastic tissue samples, respectively. We identified 83 candidate genes modulated by DNA methylation in GC cell lines. Increased expression of NRN1 and TNFAIP3 was associated with advanced tumours (P < 0.05). We showed that increased NRN1 and TNFAIP3 expression seems to be regulated by DNA demethylation in GC samples: inverse correlations between the mRNA and DNA methylation levels in the promoter of NRN1 (P < 0.05) and the intron of TNFAIP3 (P < 0.05) were detected. Reduced NRN1 promoter methylation was associated with III/IV TNM stage tumours (P = 0.03) and the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection (P = 0.02). The identification of demethylated activated genes in GC may be useful in clinical practice, stratifying patients who are less likely to benefit from 5-AZAdC-based therapies. KEY MESSAGES: Higher expression of NRN1 and TNFAIP3 is associated with advanced gastric cancer (GC). NRN1 promoter hypomethylation contributes to gene upregulation in advanced GC. TNFAIP3 intronic-specific CpG site demethylation contributes to gene upregulation in GC. These findings may be useful to stratify GC patients who are less likely to benefit from DNA demethylating-based therapies.

Analysis of Gene Expression of miRNA-106b-5p and TRAIL in the Apoptosis Pathway in Gastric Cancer.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the main causes of gastric gancer. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a protein able to promote apoptosis in cancer cells, however not in gastric cancer, which presents resistance to apoptosis via TRAIL. It is believed that MicroRNA-106b-5p might be involved in this resistance, although its role in Gastric Cancer is unclear. We aimed to determine the expression of microRNA-106b-5p and TRAIL in patients with gastric diseases, infected by H. pylori, and understand the relationship between these genes and their role in apoptosis and the gastric cancer pathways. H. pylori was detected by PCR, gene expression analysis was performed by real-time-qPCR, and bioinformatics analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Cytoscape software. A total of 244 patients were divided into groups (Control, Gastritis, and Cancer); H. pylori was detected in 42.2% of the samples. The cancer group had a poor expression of TRAIL (p < 0.0001) and overexpression of microRNA-106b-5p (p=0.0005), however, our results confirmed that these genes are not directly related to each other although both are apoptosis-related regulators. Our results also indicated that H. pylori decreases microRNA-106b-5p expression and that this is a carcinogenic bacterium responsible for gastric diseases.

Toll-like receptor 9 polymorphisms and Helicobacter pylori influence gene expression and risk of gastric carcinogenesis in the Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first line of host defense, and are involved in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) recognition and activation of both inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that activate the immune response may modulate the risk of precancerous lesions and gastric cancer (GC). Among them, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) polymorphisms have emerged with a risk factor of infectious diseases and cancer, however the studies are still inconclusive. AIM: To evaluate whether TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 SNPs contribute to the risk of gastric carcinogenesis, and its influence on mRNA expression. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to evaluate two TLR9 SNPs (TLR9-1237 TC-rs5743836 and TLR9-1486 CT-rs187084) in chronic gastritis (CG) and GC patients. A total of 609 DNA samples of peripheral blood [248 CG, 161 GC, and 200 samples from healthy individuals (C)] were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. All samples were tested for the H. pylori infection using Hpx1 and Hpx2 primers. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction by TaqMan® assay was used to quantify TLR9 mRNA from fresh gastric tissues (48 GC, 26 CG, and 14 C). RESULTS: For TLR9-1237, the TC + CC or CC genotypes were associated with a higher risk of GC than C [recessive model odds ratio (OR) = 5.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.52-9.94, P < 0.0001], and the CG (recessive model OR =4.63; 95%CI: 2.44-8.79, P < 0.0001) groups. For TLR9-1486, an association between the CT + TT genotypes and increased risk of both GC (dominant model OR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.57-4.72, P < 0.0001) and CG (dominant model OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.15-2.79, P = 0.0094) was observed when compared to the C group. Moreover, the presence of TLR9-1237 TC/CC + TLR9-1486 CC genotypes potentiate the risk for this neoplasm (OR = 18.57; 95%CI: 5.06-68.15, P < 0.0001). The TLR9 mRNA level was significantly higher in the GC group (RQ = 9.24, P < 0.0001) in relation to the CG group (RQ = 1.55, P = 0.0010) and normal mucosa (RQ = 1.0). When the samples were grouped according to the polymorphic genotypes and the presence of H. pylori infection, an influence of TLR9-1237 TC + CC polymorphic genotypes (P = 0.0083) and H. pylori infection (P < 0.0001) was observed on the upregulation of mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 polymorphisms are associated with a higher risk of carcinogenesis gastric, and that TLR9 mRNA levels can be modulated by TLR9-1237 TC + CC variant genotypes and H. pylori infection.

Analysis of 8q24.21 miRNA cluster expression and copy number variation in gastric cancer.

Aim: To analyze gene expression and copy number of five miRNAs (miR-1204, miR-1205, miR-1206, miR-1207 and miR-1208) localized in this chromosome region in gastric cancer (GC). Materials & methods: 65 paired neoplastic and non-neoplastic specimens collected from GC patients and 20 non-neoplastic gastric tissues from cancer-free individuals were included in this study. The expression levels of the five miRNAs were accessed by real time qPCR and were correlated. Results: MiR-1207-3p, miR-1205, miR-1207-5p and miR-1208 were upregulated in approximately 50% of GC tumors in relation to those of adjacent non-neoplastic tissues. MiR-1205 expression was associated with gain of gene copies and was upregulated in adjacent non-neoplastic samples relative to external controls. Conclusion: The coexpression of the 8q24 miRNAs indicated the role of miR-1205 in the initiation of gastric cancer development.

Role of histone acetylation in gastric cancer: implications of dietetic compounds and clinical perspectives.

Histone modifications regulate the structural status of chromatin and thereby influence the transcriptional status of genes. These processes are controlled by the recruitment of different enzymes to a specific genomic site. Furthermore, obtaining an understanding of these mechanisms could help delineate alternative treatment and preventive strategies for cancer. For example, in gastric cancer, cholecalciferol, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, garcinol and sodium butyrate are natural regulators of acetylation and deacetylation enzyme activity that exert chemopreventive and anticancer effects. Here, we review the recent findings on histone acetylation in gastric cancer and discuss the effects of nutrients and bioactive compounds on histone acetylation and their potential role in the prevention and treatment of this type of cancer.

Status (on/off) of oipA gene: their associations with gastritis and gastric cancer and geographic origins.

Virulence factors of H. pylori, such as outer inflammatory protein A (oipA), are closely involved in the development of gastric diseases such as chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. The functional status of oipA is regulated by a repair mechanism based on CT dinucleotide repeats that influence the reading frame, thus granting the gene a functional or nonfunctional status; in other words, the functional status of the oipA gene seems to be associated with the development of gastric diseases. This study sought to detect the presence of the oipA gene and to determine its functional status in patients with gastric diseases. We analyzed 516 biopsy samples (101 with normal gastric tissue, 365 with chronic gastritis, and 50 with gastric cancer). The presence of oipA was determined by PCR, and the gene status was determined using sequencing reactions. The oipA gene was found to be associated with the development of chronic gastritis, and the "on" status of the gene was the most frequent in patients with gastric cancer who were from Western countries. The CT repeats revealed geographic characteristics, but it is the functional status of the oipA gene that seems to be involved in the development of gastric diseases and in the development of gastric cancer in particular.

Lack of Association between IL-6 Polymorphisms and Haplotypes with Gastric Cancer.

The process of combating neoplasms and mononuclear cells, and during H. pylori infection, several pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are synthesized. In view of the involvement of the IL-6 law and the presence of H. pylori in the development of gastric diseases, the present study aimed to characterize the promoter-region polymorphism -597 (G/A) (rs1800797), -572 (C/G) (rs1800796), and -174 (G/C) (rs1800795) by PCR-RFLP in 375 gastric biopsy specimens from patients with peptic symptoms. A total of 375 samples were analyzed: 87 patients (without lesion without gastric tissue); 236 patients with gastritis and 52 patients with gastric cancer analyzed the PCR-RFLP techniques. All the results were normalized in relation to the presence of H. pylori. The frequencies of the three polymorphisms were compared in the Control vs Gastritis groups and a statistically significant test observed: -174 (G/C) (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.84-1.93; P = 0.26), 572 (C/G) (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.78-2.59; P = 0.25), and 597 (G/A) (OR: 0.98; 95% CI, 0.64-1.52; P = 0.94). Similar results were obtained when the gastric cancer group was compared to the control group: -174 (G/C) (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.66-2.47; P = 0.47), -572 (C/G) (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.43-2.68; P = 0.88), and -597 (G/A) (OR: 1.01; 95% CI, 0.5-0.9; P = 0.99). The haplotypes were and were not observed statistically significant differences. In conclusion, we found no correlations between any of the three polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene analyzed in this study and a higher risk of gastritis or gastric cancer.

Aging and chromatoid body assembly: Are these two physiological events linked?

The chromatoid body is a cytoplasmic male germ cell structure that plays a role in the regulation of mRNA transcription during spermatogenesis. A proteomic analysis of this structure has identified the presence of its classic molecular markers (MVH and MIWI), as well as a significant number of transient proteins. Circadian locomotor output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK) and brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1), which are molecular components of the circadian clock, are likely located in the chromatoid body in a transient fashion. This study sought to determine whether aging produces morphological changes in the chromatoid bodies of round spermatids similar to those previously observed in BMAL1 knockout mice. A sample of 30 male mice was divided into three groups: juvenile mice (45 days old), adult mice (120 days old), and old mice (+180 days old). Aging was confirmed by viability and sperm count analyses and testosterone dosage. Squash slides prepared with fragments of seminiferous tubules were immunostained for MVH, MIWI, BMAL1, and CLOCK detection. In juvenile and adult specimens, single round chromatoid bodies were observed using MVH/BMAL1 and MIWI/CLOCK immunostaining. In old specimens, many chromatoid bodies displayed changes in number and morphology, as well as an increase in the interactions between MVH and BMAL1; MIWI and CLOCK. Changes in chromatoid body morphology increased interactions between the proteins analyzed herein, and decreased amounts of these proteins in seminiferous tubules of older mice may indicate that aging influences the assembly and physiology of chromatoid bodies, which may, in turn, affect fertility. Impact statement The results discussed in this paper indicate that aging compromises the structure and physiology of chromatoid bodies (CBs) in post-meiotic male cells. Since CB is a fundamental structure for the differentiation of the mature male germ cell it is possible that this imbalance in CB physiology may play a role in the reduction of fertility in older men. It is important to note that not only the classic CB markers (such as the MIWI and MVH proteins) were used to showcase the structural changes in the CBs but also the main components of circadian cycle control (the CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins), indicating that the reduction of circadian control in aged males may contribute to these changes in CBs as well. Therefore, it is intriguing to evaluate the hypothesis that controlling these physiological/structural changes in CBs may be a way of delaying the effects of aging in males.

Expression of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, IL-2, and TNF-α in inflammatory response to Helicobacter pylori infection associated with cancer progression.

miRNAs appear to play an important role in controlling the expression of several genes, and they are a potential biomarker and prognostic tool in gastric diseases. We analyzed 53 controls, 86 patients with gastritis, and 19 patients with gastric cancer. Real-time-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, IL-2, and TNF-α. The subsequent analysis of the target genes was performed using the bioinformatics approach. There was no difference in IL-2 expression between the groups. However, there was a significant increase in TNF-α expression in the gastritis group relative to the control and a significant decrease in the gastric cancer group relative to the control. There was also a statistically significant increase in miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression in the gastritis group relative to the control, but not in the gastric cancer group. Similar results were found when the presence of H. pylori was considered. The data revealed an increase in miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression but not enough to control the expression of TNF-α. The presence of H. pylori was found to affect increases in TNF-α and microRNA expression, and miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 alone were not able to eliminate bacteria or restore tissue homeostasis.

Decreased MicroRNA miR-181c Expression Associated with Gastric Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study investigated miRNA-181c expression in control patients (healthy gastric mucosa), patients with gastritis, and patients with gastric cancer. The presence of Helicobacter pylori was determined, and the associations between H. pylori infection, levels of miRNA-181c expression, and gastric disease were also analyzed. METHODS: A total of 158 subjects were included in the study, and the three groups were respectively composed of 53 controls, 86 patients with gastritis, and 19 patients with gastric cancer. miRNA-181c expression and H. pylori infection were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and PCR, respectively. The subsequent target gene analysis was performed using the bioinformatics approach to understand the possible mechanisms of gastric cancer. RESULTS: We determined significantly lower miRNA-181c expression in the gastric cancer group when compared to the control and gastritis groups, regardless of the presence of H. pylori. There was no difference in miRNA-181c expression between the control group and gastritis group, whether the presence of H. pylori was considered or not. The bioinformatics approach identified several genes as possible targets for miRNA-181c, including the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene (which encodes a protein that belongs to a family of apoptotic suppressor proteins), the caspase 9 gene, and the caspase 3 gene. All target genes identified may be involved in gastric cancer and apoptosis pathways. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the presence of H. pylori has no influence on microRNA expression and that the downregulation of miR-181c may play an important role in gastric cancer progression by controlling important genes associated with apoptosis. Therefore, miRNA-181c may be a potential marker of gastric cancer.

CDK5 and MAPT Gene Expression in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Samples.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Studies have shown that neurons are able to re-enter the cell cycle, but not enough to enable full replication. This leads to cell death and consequent neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the expression of the MAPT gene and CDK5 (the gene involved in cell cycle regulation) in brain samples from patients with AD and controls. METHOD: The real-time-PCR technique was used to characterize 150 samples from three areas of the brain (entorhinal cortex, auditory cortex, and hippocampus) of 26 AD patients and 24 healthy elderly subjects. RESULTS: When the brain samples were analyzed collectively, a decrease in CDK5 and MAPT gene expression was found in AD patients. When each groups' samples were separated by area of the brain and compared, significant differences were found in CDK5 expression in the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. In both cases, mRNA was lower in the AD group (p=0.0001); however, the same analysis using the MAPT gene revealed no significant statistical differences. No statistical differences were found when gene expression was compared between the different regions of the brain within each group. CONCLUSION: These results may contribute to a better understanding of the involvement of CDK5 and MAPT genes in AD in that they consider different areas of the brain that are affected differently based on disease progression. The main challenge is to establish an effective therapy for this debilitating disease in the future.