Molecular Biomarkers of Bladder Cancer: A Mini-Review.

Cancers are quite common, but mostly very serious diseases and therefore belong to the most important areas of scientific research activity. Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies, it is a heterogeneous disease with significant diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic problems. It represents a disease with a variable course and a different response to therapy. The "conventional" prognostic markers used so far cannot reliably predict the natural course of the disease or estimate the tumor response to the chosen type of treatment. Molecular markers can provide us with the opportunity to diagnose a bladder tumor early, identify patients who are at risk of recurrence, or predict how tumors will respond to therapeutic approaches. As a result, diagnostics are found to help clinicians find the best therapeutic options for patients with bladder cancer. In this study, we focused on a brief description of potential molecular markers in bladder tumors in the context of precise diagnostics. Last but not least, we also focused on a new approach to the treatment of cancer using nanomaterials.

Decellularization techniques of human foreskin for tissue engineering application.

The rapid development of tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine brings an acute need for biocompatible and bioactive biological scaffolds to regenerate or restore damaged tissue. Great attention is focused on the decellularization of tissues or even whole organs, and the subsequent colonization of such decellularized extracellular matrices by recipient cells. The foreskin is an integral, normal part of the external genitalia that forms the anatomical covering of the glans penis and the urinary meatus of all human and non-human primates. It is mucocutaneous tissue that marks the boundary between mucosa and skin. In this work, we compared two innovative decellularization techniques for human foreskins obtained from donors. We compared the efficacy and feasibility of these protocols and the biosafety of prepared acellular dermal matrixes that can serve as a suitable scaffold for TE. The present study confirms the feasibility of foreskin decellularization based on enzymatic or detergent methods. Both techniques conserved the ultrastructure and composition of natural ECM while being DNA-free and non-toxic, making it an excellent scaffold for follow-up research and TE applications.

Comparative Analysis of Somatic Stem Cells With Emphasis on Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration.

Congenital anomalies, diseases, and injuries may result in osteochondral damage. Recently, a big hope has been given to somatic stem cells (SSCs) which are characterized as undifferentiated cells with an ability of long-term self-renewing and plasticity. They are adherent with a fibroblast-like morphology in vitro and express various surface markers (e.g. CD29, CD73, CD90, and CD105), but they are negative for CD31, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. SSCs secrete various bioactive molecules, which are involved in processes of regeneration. The main goal of the present study was the characterization and comparison of biological properties of SSCs obtained from adipose tissue, dental pulp, and urine concerning osteochondral regeneration. SSCs were maintained in an appropriate growth medium up to the third passage and were analyzed by light and electron microscope. The immunophenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. The kinetics of proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Human Cytokine/Chemokine Multiplex Assay was used, and SSCs secretory profile was measured by Luminex MAGPIX® Instrument. Pellet cultures and a chondrogenic medium were used to induce chondrogenic differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation was induced by the osteogenic medium. Chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation was analyzed by real-time PCR. SSCs had similar fibroblast-like morphology. They have similar kinetics of proliferation. SSCs shared the expression CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105. They lack expression of CD29 and CD34. SSCs secerned similar levels of IL10 and IL18 while differing in IFN-gamma, IL6, IL8, MCP-1, and RANTES production. SSCs possess a similar capacity for chondrogenic differentiation but slightly differ in osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, it can be emphasized that SSCs from adipose tissue, dental pulp, and urine share the majority of cellular characteristics typical for SSCs and have great potential to be used in osteochondral tissue regeneration.

Monitoring COVID-19 spread in selected Prague's schools based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded a broad range of techniques to better monitor its extent. Owing to its consistency, non-invasiveness, and cost effectiveness, wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a relevant approach to monitor the pandemic's course. In this work, we analyzed the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic in five primary schools in Prague, the Czech Republic, and how different preventive measures impact the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copy numbers in wastewaters. Copy numbers were measured by reverse transcription-multiplex quantitative real-time PCR. These copy numbers were compared to the number of infected individuals in each school identified through regular clinical tests. Each school had a different monitoring regime and subsequent application of preventive measures to thwart the spread of COVID-19. The schools that constantly identified and swiftly quarantined infected individuals exhibited persistently low amounts of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies in their wastewaters. In one school, a consistent monitoring of infected individuals, coupled with a delayed action to quarantine, allowed for the estimation of a linear model to predict the number of infected individuals based on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewater. The results show the importance of case detection and quarantining to stop the spread of the pandemic and its impact on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewaters. This work also shows that wastewater-based epidemiological models can be reliably used even in small water catchments, but difficulties arise to fit models due to the nonconstant input of viral particles into the wastewater systems.

Sports activities and cardiovascular system change.

Sports activity is generally considered to be beneficial to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Sports activities significantly affect the cardiovascular system. A number of studies show that they significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as decrease cardiovascular mortality. This review discusses changes in various cardiovascular parameters in athletes - vagotonia/bradycardia, hypertrophy of heart, ECG changes, blood pressure, and variability of cardiovascular parameters. Because of its relationship to the cardiovascular system, VO2max, which is widely used as an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness, is also discussed. The review concludes with a discussion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, particularly in relation to changes in the cardiovascular system in athletes. The review appropriately summarizes the above issues and points out some new implications.

Effects of peroral hormonal contraception on cardiovascular system: analysis of selected cardiovascular parameters in an adolescent cohort; a pilot project.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have some strong advantages over more traditional types of contraception, including their consistently high contraceptive effect as well as multiple additional positive side effects. OCPs went through decades of intense pharmaceutical development and current formulas are well optimized - however, a handful of their negative side effects remain, including some that affect cardiovascular system, for example higher risk of hypertension, venous thromboembolism and increased arterial stiffness. The gold standard for arterial stiffness assessment is currently applanation tonometry, a method that relies on arterial pulse wave velocity measurement (PWV). Another possible method for arterial stiffness measurement is the use of the VaSera device, which measures cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). The aim of this study was to discover the effect of OCPs use on selected cardiovascular parameters related to arterial stiffness. We measured these cardiovascular parameters in the OCPs using group (OCP) and in the control group (CTRL) using applanation tonometer Sphygmocor and the VaSera device. Comparison of the data from both groups showed us significantly increased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) as well as significantly lower subendocardial viability index (SVI) in the OCP. These results imply a negative effect of hormonal contraceptives on the cardiovascular system with most of the negative changes affecting the peripheral arteries. Despite this evidence supporting the hypothesis of OCPs having a negative effect on cardiovascular health, further research is necessary.

Mineral water Vincentka and its influence on mucosal ulcers.

Gastropathy is one of the most common diseases of the human gastrointestinal tract. Apart from its consequences in the stomach, it is also manifested in other parts of the digestive tract, particularly in the duodenum. The aim of this pilot study was to verify on animal model the empirically observed alleviation of gastropathy symptoms in patients who underwent a drinking treatment of Vincentka natural mineral water during their spa treatment. Sixteen male Wistar rats were included in the study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (E; n=8) and control group (C; n=8). The experimental protocol consisted of three phases: (1) handling phase (7 days); (2) mineral water (E)/tap water (C) administration (7 days); (3) acute gastritis induction (1 day). Twenty-four hours after the induction of acute gastritis, the animals were sacrificed. The collected tissues (stomach and duodenum) and blood were examined by standard histological microscopy, and by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. Histopathological analysis revealed significantly reduced damage to the gastric mucosa in the experimental group. Significantly different values of blood plasma antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress parameters and blood plasma biochemical parameters were also found. Based on these results, we conclude that the mineral water Vincentka has a positive impact on development and symptoms of acute gastric ulcers.

CT evaluated sarcopenia signals: Shorter survival for small cell lung cancer patients.

Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from small cell lung cancer (SCLC), however, a universal indicator of sarcopenia usable in clinical practice is still missing. A novel indicator for describing the severity of cancer could be helpful in tailoring the anti-tumor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scans of total muscle area and radiation attenuation in patients suffering from small cell lung cancer. We used staging CT scans performed at the time of diagnosis to measure total muscle area (TMA) and average psoas density (PD) at level of the 3rd lumbar vertebra. TMA and PD were statistically evaluated in association with overall survival and disease staging. We used Mann-Whitney test and Spearman´s correlation coefficient for statistical testing and p-value under 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Retrospectively we examined 47 patients suffering from SCLC (mean age 65.05+/-7.3 years, BMI 23.97+/-4.4 kg/m2, BSA 1.77+/-0.2 m2, 30-day mortality was 4.3 % with 10 months median survival). As sarcopenia was pointed TMA under 55 and 39 cm2/m2 for men and women respectively. The sarcopenic patients had significantly shorter median survival (7 vs. 11 months, p=0.05). We observed a significant relationship between survival and performance status (Spearman´s correlation, R=-0.39, p=0.05). The patients were divided into two groups according to the extensive (ED, n=34) or limited (LD, n=13) form of the disease. We observed significant difference in PD (42.49+/-6.1 vs. 47.67+/-4.5 HU, p=0.006) between ED vs. LD groups.

The prognostic value of E-cadherin and Ki-67 compared to standard histopathologic examination in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prognostic value of expression levels of selected biomarkers and their statistical analysis in relation to survival and standard histopathologic examination and other clinicopathologic variables in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). BACKGROUND: Worldwide, bladder cancer is a frequent malignant disease with rising incidence. Characteristic invasiveness and high recurrence rates call for more diagnostic methods to obtain more accurate information. Prognosis is affected by a significant interpersonal variability of the disease. For this reason, constant search for alternative and better diagnostic methods is essential. METHODS: We analysed cancer tissue from patients with Ta and T1 bladder cancer. E-cadherin and Ki-67 expression levels were analysed using immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels quantified to a percentual amount were statistically analysed in relation to survival and their frequency distribution in the study group. RESULTS: E-cadherin and Ki-67 expression levels show high association with tumor stage and grade         (p<0.001), in contrast, the association with recurrence has proven insignificant. Patients with non-aberrant biomarker expression levels have much higher survival rates than the cases with aberrant expression. CONCLUSION: Low expression levels of Ki-67 and high expression levels of E-cadherin positively affect survival of patients, whereas aberrant expressions pose poorer prognosis (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 33).

Variability of peripheral pulse wave velocity in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 during orthostatic challenge.

Diabetes mellitus 2 (DM2) is the seventh cause of death worldwide. One of the reasons is late diagnosis of vascular damage. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has become an independent marker of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Moreover, the previous studies have shown the importance of beat-to-beat PWV measurement due to its variability among the heart cycle. However, variability of PWV (PWVv) of the whole body hasn't been examined yet. We have studied a group of DM II and heathy volunteers, to investigate the beat-to-beat mean PWV (PWVm) and PWVv in the different body positions. PWV of left lower and upper extremities were measured in DM2 (7 m/8 f, age 68+/-10 years, BP 158/90+/-19/9 mm Hg) and healthy controls (5 m/6 f, age 23+/-2 years, BP 117/76+/-9/5 mm Hg). Volunteers were lying in the resting position and of head-up-tilt in 45° (HUT) for 6 min. PWVv was evaluated as a mean power spectrum in the frequency bands LF and HF (0.04-0.15 Hz, 0.15-0.5 Hz). Resting PWVm of upper extremity was higher in DM2. HUT increased lower extremity PWVm only in DM2. Extremities PWVm ratio was significantly lower in DM2 during HUT compared to controls. LF and HF PWVv had the same response to HUT. Resting PWVv was higher in DM2. Lower extremity PWVv increased during HUT in both groups. PWVm and PWVv in DM2 differed between extremities and were significantly influenced by postural changes due to hydrostatic pressure. Increased resting PWVm and PWVv in DM2 is a marker of increased arterial stiffness.

Is it possible to estimate urethral mobility based on maximal urethral closure pressure measurements?

OBJECTIVE: Is it possible to estimate urethral mobility based on MUCP measurements? DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University, General Teaching Hospital, Prague. METHODS: This retrospective study included 567 patients from three prospective studies within years 2002 to 2009. Ultrasound examination was performed in 560 of them and maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) values were measured in 507 women. The MUCP was defined as the difference between maximum urethral pressure and bladder pressure. An ultrasound examination was performed using the transperineal approach in accordance with the recommendations of the German Urogynecology Working Group and ICS, IUGA terminology. The mobility was expressed as a distance between the position at rest and at the maximal Valsalva manoeuvre. Data were summarized as mean and median, with SD and quantile range for measures of variability. Either a matched pairs t-test or Wilcoxon test was used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Mean MUCP was 47.4 cm H2O (SD 22.2, first quantile 32, third quantile 62). Mean urethral descent was 20.6 mm (SD 8.2, first quantile 14.9, third quantile 25.6 mm). Using regression analysis there was an increase in urethral descent; this difference is statistically significant. For a MUCP increase of 10 cm H2O we could estimate an increase in urethral descent of 1.1 mm. CONCLUSION: We established a statistically significant relationship between urethral descent and MUCP. Unfortunately those differences are not clinically relevant, especially for MUCP over 20 cm H2O. For MUCP below 20 cm H2O low urethral descent is more likely. Clinical use of MUCP as predictor of urethral descent is limited due to the high variability involved.

Status of nutrition and cardiovascular system in children from the south Moravian region of the Czech Republic: a pilot study.

Nutritional status, its assessment and its influence on numerous diseases is currently still being discussed. The aim of this study was to determine the current state of nutrition by various research methods in school children. Also, to verify the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) determination in school environment and to compare the nutritional status in two different types of school. We used a quantitative questionnaire method in 64 children from schools in the South Moravian Region. We have verified the weight and height measurement in the same group by sophisticated instruments. We have determined the basic parameters of the cardiovascular system (non-invasive continuously blood pressure recording; mutual spectral analysis for estimation of baroreflex sensitivity; applanation tonometry and cardiac polygraphy for arterial stiffness evaluation). The indicative questionnaire method encountered a problem with the weight of almost 40 % of the population approached - both obesity (14.3 %) and malnutrition (25.2 %). Cardiovascular parameters were in physiological range for the given age categories. We found increased values in BMI, % of body fat and heart rate in children from countryside type of school, respectively. We concluded that obesity/malnutrition are both common phenomena in the children population in the Czech Republic.

Impact of acute and subchronic inhalation exposure to PbO nanoparticles on mice.

Lead nanoparticles (NPs) are released into air from metal processing, road transport or combustion processes. Inhalation exposure is therefore very likely to occur. However, even though the effects of bulk lead are well known, there is limited knowledge regarding impact of Pb NPs inhalation. This study focused on acute and subchronic exposures to lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO NPs). Mice were exposed to PbO NPs in whole body inhalation chambers for 4-72 h in acute experiment (4.05 × 106 PbO NPs/cm3), and for 1-11 weeks in subchronic experiment (3.83 × 105 particles/cm3 in lower and 1.93 × 106 particles/cm3 in higher exposure group). Presence of NPs was confirmed in all studied organs, including brain, which is very important considering lead neurotoxicity. Lead concentration gradually increased in all tissues depending on the exposure concentration and duration. The most burdened organs were lung and kidney, however liver and brain also showed significant increase of lead concentration during exposure. Histological analysis documented numerous morphological alterations and tissue damage, mainly in lung, but also in liver. Mild pathological changes were observed also in kidney and brain. Levels of glutathione (reduced and oxidized) were modulated mainly in lung in both, acute and subchronic exposures. Increase of lipid peroxidation was observed in kidney after acute exposure. This study characterized impacts of short to longer-term inhalation exposure, proved transport of PbO NPs to secondary organs, documented time and concentration dependent gradual increase of Pb concentration and histopathological damage in tissues.

Disruption of dopamine D1/D2 receptor complex is involved in the function of haloperidol in cardiac H9c2 cells.

AIMS: Haloperidol is an antipsychotic agent and acts as dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) antagonist, as a prototypical ligand of sigma1 receptors (Sig1R) and it increases expression of type 1 IP3 receptors (IP3R1). However, precise mechanism of haloperidol action on cardiomyocytes through dopaminergic signaling was not described yet. This study investigated a role of dopamine receptors in haloperidol-induced increase in IP3R1 and Sig1R, and compared physiological effect of melperone and haloperidol on basic heart parameters in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used differentiated NG-108 cells and H9c2 cells. Gene expression, Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate haloperidol-induced differences; proximity ligation assay (PLA) and immunoprecipitation to determine interactions of D1/D2 receptors. To evaluate cardiac parameters, Wistar albino male rats were used. KEY FINDINGS: We have shown that antagonism of D2R with either haloperidol or melperone results in upregulation of both, IP3R1 and Sig1R, which is associated with increased D2R, but reduced D1R expression. Immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and PLA support formation of heteromeric D1/D2 complexes in H9c2 cells. Treatment with haloperidol (but not melperone) caused decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and significant increase in heart rate. SIGNIFICANCE: Because D1R/D2R complexes can engage Gq-like signaling in other experimental systems, these results are consistent with the possibility that disruption of D1R/D2R complex in H9c2 cells might cause a decrease in IP3R1 activity, which in turn may account for the increase expression of IP3R and Sig1R. D2R is probably not responsible for changes in cardiac parameters, since melperone did not have any effect.

Effect of long-term culture on the biological and morphological characteristics of human adipose tissue-derived stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that can be obtained from different tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical blood, Wharton's jelly, and dental pulp. Due to their differentiation potential, regenerative and immunosuppressive properties, as well as ability to expand under in vitro conditions, these cells represent a promising therapeutic tool for regenerative medicine. However, the basic prerequisite for the therapeutic utilization of MSCs is obtaining a sufficient amount. While this may be achieved by prolonged cultivation, long-term culture of MSCs is associated with accumulation of morphological and functional changes. In our study, we focused on analyzing morphological and biological changes of cultured adipose tissue-derived stem cells over 30 passages. We performed morphological analysis using light and electron microscopy, as well as analysis of selected biological properties (expression of surface antigens and selected genes involved in cell regulation and apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell senescence) every 5 passages. Our results showed that long-term expansion leads to significant changes in morphology and affects proliferation kinetics and the cell cycle. On the other hand, the MSCs maintained a prototypical immunophenotype, normal cell cycle and apoptosis regulator function, and maintained a low level of telomerase activity during later passages.

Non-invasive assessment of vascular system function and damage induced by anthracycline treatment in the pediatric cancer survivors.

Anthracyclines represent one of the important classes of anti-cancer drugs; however, their major disadvantage is their profound cardiovascular toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate influence of anthracyclines on cardiovascular stiffness parameters estimated from pulse wave (PW). PW was measured in 59 cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines in childhood and in 248 healthy age-matched controls. Both patients and controls were divided into three age groups (13 - 15, 16 - 18 and 19 - 24 years). Central PW augmentation index (C-AI75) and augmentation pressure (C-AP75), both normalized to heart rate 75 bpm, were calculated as parameters of arterial wall stiffness. Central Buckberg sub-endocardial viability ratio (SEVR) was calculated as a parameter of diastolic function. Patients and controls were compared in each age group. C-AI75 and C-AP75 were significantly increased in patients in age groups 16 - 18 and 19 - 24 years. SEVR was decreased in patients in the oldest age group. Our results suggest that although toxic influence of anthracyclines to arterial wall and heart are developing during childhood and puberty, they can be detected rather in the adulthood. These changes are yet subclinical; however, their presence indicates potentially increased cardiovascular risk in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines during childhood.

Nilotinib induces ER stress and cell death in H9c2 cells.

Tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKi) represent a relatively novel class of anticancer drugs that target cellular pathways overexpressed in certain types of malignancies, such as chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Nilotinib, ponatinib and imatinib exhibit cardiotoxic and vascular effects. In this study, we focused on possible cardiotoxicity of nilotinib using H9c2 cells as a suitable cell model. We studied role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in nilotinib toxicity using a complex approach. Nilotinib impaired mitochondrial function and induced formation of ROS under clinically relevant concentrations. In addition, ability of nilotinib to induce ER stress has been shown. These events result in apoptotic cell death. All these mechanisms contribute to cytotoxic effect of the drug. In addition, involvement of ER stress in nilotinib toxicity may be important in co-treatment with pharmaceuticals affecting ER and ER stress, e.g. beta-blockers or sartans, and should be further investigated.

Development of causal interactions between systolic blood pressure and inter-beat intervals in adolescents.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes control the cardiac inter-beat intervals (IBI) duration via baroreflex. Conversely, SBP is influenced by IBI via non-baroreflex mechanisms. Both causal pathways (feedback - baroreflex and feedforward - non-baroreflex) form a closed loop of the SBP - IBI interaction. The aim of this study was to assess the age-related changes in the IBI - SBP interaction. We have non-invasively recorded resting beat-to-beat SBP and IBI in 335 healthy subjects of different age, ranging from 11 to 23 years. Using a linear autoregressive bivariate model we obtained gain (Gain(SBP,IBI), used traditionally as baroreflex sensitivity) and coherence (Coh(SBP,IBI)) of the SBP-IBI interaction and causal gain and coherence in baroreflex (Gain(SBP->IBI), Coh(SBP->IBI) and coherence in non-baroreflex (Coh(IBI->SBP)) directions separately. A non-linear approach was used for causal coupling indices evaluation (C(SBP->IBI), C(IBI->SBP)) quantifying the amount of information transferred between signals. We performed a correlation to age analysis of all measures. Coh(IBI->SBP) and C(IBI->SBP) were higher than Coh(SBP->IBI) and C(SBP->IBI), respectively. Gain(SBP,IBI) increased and Coh(SBP->IBI) decreased with age. The coupling indices did not correlate with age. We conclude that the feedforward influence dominated at rest. The increase of Gain(SBP,IBI) with age was not found in the closed loop model. A decrease of Coh(SBP->IBI) could be related to a change in the cardiovascular control system complexity during maturation.

Biomarkers for determination prostate cancer: implication for diagnosis and prognosis.

Prostate cancer (PCa) belongs to most common cancers and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. A genetic predisposition or acquired genetic and epigenetic changes with effect of other factors, such as advanced age, race and environmental factors contribute to PCa development. PCa is a very heterogeneous disease that is characterized by different clinical behavior, from indolent, slow-growing tumors to aggressive, fast-growing tumors with lethal progression. Early diagnostics and identification of PCa type are crucial prerequisites for efficient treatment of patients. Recently, the diagnostics of early stages of PCa is based mostly on evaluation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum of patients. Men with high levels of PSA undergo biopsy in order to determine histopatological grading of PCa - Gleason scoring which classifies tumors from most to least differentiated as well as staging - determination of the status of their primary tumors, with or without lymph node involvement. The results from this screening diagnosis lead into conventional treatment, including radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy. In case of advanced PCa, conventional treatment continues with androgen deprivation therapy. However, in many cases the cancer recurs. Therefore, the clinicians and researchers are forced to find more precise and sensitive biomarker suitable for PCa diagnostics as well as prognostics and therapy. This paper provides review of current most promising molecular and immunohistochemical biomarkers in PCa diagnosis, prognosis and clinical behavior.

Absence of maternal cell contamination in mesenchymal stromal cell cultures derived from equine umbilical cord tissue.

This study aimed to determine whether maternal cell contamination exists in cells derived from equine umbilical cord tissue, a perspective material for cell-based therapies in veterinary medicine. Potential maternal cell contamination was analyzed at DNA level via a set of 16 microsatellite markers in cells originating from the cord tissue of 22 foals. In these cells no maternal cell contamination was detected at a sensitivity level of 0.01%. Our results suggest that equine umbilical cord tissue-derived cells are entirely of fetal origin.