Evaluation of the Role of p53 Tumour Suppressor Posttranslational Modifications and TTC5 Cofactor in Lung Cancer.

Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor are found in over 50% of cancers. p53 function is controlled through posttranslational modifications and cofactor interactions. In this study, we investigated the posttranslationally modified p53, including p53 acetylated at lysine 382 (K382), p53 phosphorylated at serine 46 (S46), and the p53 cofactor TTC5/STRAP (Tetratricopeptide repeat domain 5/ Stress-responsive activator of p300-TTC5) proteins in lung cancer. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of lung cancer tissues from 250 patients was carried out and the results were correlated with clinicopathological features. Significant associations between total or modified p53 with a higher grade of the tumour and shorter overall survival (OS) probability were detected, suggesting that mutant and/or modified p53 acts as an oncoprotein in these patients. Acetylated at K382 p53 was predominantly nuclear in some samples and cytoplasmic in others. The localization of the K382 acetylated p53 was significantly associated with the gender and grade of the disease. The TTC5 protein levels were significantly associated with the grade, tumor size, and node involvement in a complex manner. SIRT1 expression was evaluated in 50 lung cancer patients and significant positive correlation was found with p53 S46 intensity, whereas negative TTC5 staining was associated with SIRT1 expression. Furthermore, p53 protein levels showed positive association with poor OS, whereas TTC5 protein levels showed positive association with better OS outcome. Overall, our results indicate that an analysis of p53 modified versions together with TTC5 expression, upon testing on a larger sample size of patients, could serve as useful prognostic factors or drug targets for lung cancer treatment.

Characterizing of Four Common BCR-ABL Kinase Domain Mutations (T315I, Y253H, M351T and E255K) in Iranian Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients With Imatinib Resistance.

BACKGROUND: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a kind of hematopoietic stem-cell cancer. A significant number of CML patients who do not achieve an acceptable response to therapy, show acquired resistance against Imatinib. One of the most considerable causes of resistance against Imatinib as the first line of therapy, are BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations. OBJECTIVES: One of the most considerable causes of resistance against Imatinib as the first line of therapy, are BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 39 CML patients with Imatinib resistance. Basic hematologic parameters in blood samples were checked to identify hematologic response. To identify molecular response, BCR-ABL/ABL ratio was assessed by Real-time PCR. The ABL kinase domain amplification was performed by PCR. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was performed to detect four common mutations (T315I, Y253H, E255K and M351T). Finally the results were approved by direct sequencing. RESULTS: In this study, the Y253H mutation, detected by RFLP method and confirmed by direct sequencing, was the prevalent ABL kinase domain mutation in these 39 CML patients. The G250E, V379I and L384M mutations were found in three different cases with failure molecular response. CML patients with these four ABL kinase domain mutations cannot achieve major molecular response (MMR). In addition, complete hematologic response (CHR) was observed only in the V379I mutated case and not in other mutated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of ABL kinase domain mutations may be used as a proper and useful method for improving therapeutic strategies, avoiding delay in treatment and excessive expenditure in CML patients with Imatinib resistance.

Identification of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms in Iranian patients who are under warfarin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Although catalytic properties of different genetic polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 products have been identified, there is limited study available regarding warfarin dose requirement in Iranian patient population. This study investigates the impact of these polymorphisms on 115 patients, referred to Payvand Clinical and Specialty Laboratory for determining the appropriate dose of warfarin. RESULTS of the study may be applicable to individuals who are under warfarin therapy to avoid warfarin resistance or intolerance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: PT-INR test was utilized as a screening method. Genotyping were performed for VKORC1 and CYP2C9 using PCR method. Statistical analyses including unpaired t-test or ANOVA and regression were done using SPSS. RESULTS: VKORC1 GA was the most common genotype of VKORC1 allele among the study samples, with a rate of 57.4%. In CYP2C9 variant, 20% and 14.8% of subjects carried CYP2C9*1/*2 and CYP2C9*1/*3 genotyping, respectively. By contrast, the WT *1/*1 genotype was more abundant and dominant. The high frequency of VKORC1 (_1639) GA genotype (57.4%), was significant versus for the rest of the cohort (42.6%). In addition, a significant relationship was found between CYP2C9*1 and drug dose (P>0.021). CONCLUSION: In this study, samples were characterized by higher frequencies of CYP2C9*1 and VKORC1 G/A, determined as higher warfarin taking doses. The results showed a significant relationship of the VCORC1 and CYP2C9 polymorphisms with warfarin sensitivity and severe side effects. Estimating right doses of warfarin to prescribe can help to reduce the risk of over- or under-anticoagulation and subsequently, the risk of thromboembolism or bleeding.

Acquired CNS Demyelinating Syndrome in Children Referred to ShirazPediatric Neurology Ward.

OBJECTIVE: Incidence of CNS acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS), especially multiple sclerosis (MS) in children, appears to be on the rise worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, clinical presentation, neuroimaging features, and prognosis of different types of ADS in Iranian children. MATERIALS & METHODS: During the period 2002-2012, all the patients (aged 1-18 years) with ADS, such as MS, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neurotic (ON), Devic disease, and transverse myelitis (TM), referred to the pediatric neurology ward, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, were included in this study. Demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, past and family history, preclinical findings, clinical course, and outcome were obtained. RESULTS: We identified 88 patients with ADS in our center. The most prevalent disease was MS with 36.5% (n=32), followed by AEDM 26.1% (n=31), ON 17% (n=13), TM 15.9% (n=14), and Devic disease 4.5% (n=4). MS, ON, TM were more common among females while ADEM was more common in males. Children with ADEM were significantly younger than those with other types of ADS. Family history was positive in 10% of patients with MS. Previous history of recent infection was considerably seen in cases with ADEM. Clinical presentation and prognosis in this study was in accordance with those in previous studies on children. CONCLUSION: In this study, the most common type of ADS was MS, which was more common in female and older age cases. ADEM was more common in male and younger children. ADEM and ON had the best and Devic disease had the worst prognosis.