Glutathione S transferase T1 gene polymorphism and its promoter methylation are associated with breast cancer susceptibility in Egyptian women.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in women. Glutathione S-transferase (GSTT1) is involved in activation of detoxification reactions and catalysis of chemicals conjugation with glutathione. GSTT1 genotype is a limiting factor for some environmental diseases. Epigenetic changes have an essential role in BC through inappropriate interaction between genomic and environmental risk factors. AIM: This study was directed to explore the association of BC risk with GSTT1 genetic variations and its methylation status in Egyptian women. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study included 100 healthy women as the control group and 100 patients were clinically and histologically diagnosed with breast cancer. All blood samples were used for genomic DNA extraction. GSTT1 genotyping was accomplished by multiplex PCR and methylation-specific PCR was used to analyze the GSTT1 promoter methylation status. RESULTS: Breast cancer patients showed significant incidence of null GSTT1 in relation to controls (p = 0.004). GSTT1 gene promoter methylation status showed significant difference between hypermethylated and unmethylated patients when compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.005). GSTT1 promoter methylation status was not significantly associated with null genotype. There was no significant association between GSTT1-null genotypes and BC stage in cases with or without family history, but for promotor methylation, there was significant association with stage III and IV breast cancer disease. CONCLUSION: GSTT1 null genetic variant and promoter hypermethylation in the GSTT region of the gene may be considered as critical risk factors for BC in Egyptian women.

Circulating Long Non-Coding RNA GAS5: A Non-Invasive Molecular Marker for Prognosis, Response to Treatment and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are dysregulated in several diseases, especially cancers, e.g. non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of specific notice in this regard is growth arrest-specific 5 gene (lncRNA GAS5), which is principally recognised as a tumor suppressor gene in numerous cancers. Functionally, GAS5 is involved in arresting cellular growth and induction of apoptosis. We analysed plasma GAS5 expression by qRT-PCR in 100 patients with NSCLC before and after tumour resection surgery. We reported a downregulation of GAS5 expression in NSCLC tissue and plasma, which showed elevation after surgery. Downregulation of GAS5 was associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients.

Proteome Based Approach Defines Candidates for Designing a Multitope Vaccine against the Nipah Virus.

Nipah virus is one of the most harmful emerging viruses with deadly effects on both humans and animals. Because of the severe outbreaks, in 2018, the World Health Organization focused on the urgent need for the development of effective solutions against the virus. However, up to date, there is no effective vaccine against the Nipah virus in the market. In the current study, the complete proteome of the Nipah virus (nine proteins) was analyzed for the antigenicity score and the virulence role of each protein, where we came up with fusion glycoprotein (F), glycoprotein (G), protein (V), and protein (W) as the candidates for epitope prediction. Following that, the multitope vaccine was designed based on top-ranking CTL, HTL, and BCL epitopes from the selected proteins. We used suitable linkers, adjuvant, and PADRE peptides to finalize the constructed vaccine, which was analyzed for its physicochemical features, antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and solubility. The designed vaccine passed these assessments through computational analysis and, as a final step, we ran a docking analysis between the designed vaccine and TLR-3 and validated the docked complex through molecular dynamics simulation, which estimated a strong binding and supported the nomination of the designed vaccine as a putative solution for Nipah virus. Here, we describe the computational approach for design and analysis of this vaccine.

Effects of catechin hydrate in benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung toxicity: roles of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage.

The major sources for human exposure to Benzo [a] pyrene (B[a]P) are contaminated food, water, and inhalation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. B[a]P is a well-known human genotoxic carcinogen (IARC Group 1). It has a tumorigenic potential in virtually all in vivo experimental animal model systems. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of catechin hydrate (CH) against B [a] P-induced toxicity in the lung of adult albino rats. Thirty-six adult male albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into six groups, three control groups, and three experimental groups: B[a] P-treated group, (CH)-treated group, and B[a] P+(CH)-treated group. At the end of the fourth week of the study, blood samples and lung tissues were obtained for the biochemical and genotoxicity, RT-PCR, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations, respectively. Our results clarified that B[a] P exposure caused a subsequent decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT), and conversely (MDA) levels elevated markedly. Also, B[a] P induced DNA damages and activated the apoptotic pathway, presented by upregulated Bax, caspase-3, and downregulated Bcl-2 gens. However, treatment with CH increased antioxidant enzymes as well as regulated apoptosis. Discernible histological changes in the lung also supported the protective effects of CH. These findings suggested that CH is an effective natural product that attenuates Benzo [a] pyrene-induced lung toxicity.

CD40 ligand-expressing recombinant vaccinia virus promotes the generation of CD8(+) central memory T cells.

Central memory CD8(+) T cells (TCM ) play key roles in the protective immunity against infectious agents, cancer immunotherapy, and adoptive treatments of malignant and viral diseases. CD8(+) TCM cells are characterized by specific phenotypes, homing, and proliferative capacities. However, CD8(+) TCM -cell generation is challenging, and usually requires CD4(+) CD40L(+) T-cell "help" during the priming of naïve CD8(+) T cells. We have generated a replication incompetent CD40 ligand-expressing recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV40L) to promote the differentiation of human naïve CD8(+) T cells into TCM specific for viral and tumor-associated antigens. Soluble CD40 ligand recombinant protein (sCD40L), and vaccinia virus wild-type (VV WT), alone or in combination, were used as controls. Here, we show that, in the absence of CD4(+) T cells, a single "in vitro" stimulation of naïve CD8(+) T cells by rVV40L-infected nonprofessional CD14(+) antigen presenting cells promotes the rapid generation of viral or tumor associated antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells displaying TCM phenotypic and functional properties. These observations demonstrate the high ability of rVV40L to fine tune CD8(+) mediated immune responses, and strongly support the use of similar reagents for clinical immunization and adoptive immunotherapy purposes.

Assessment of neutralizing interleukin-4 effect on CD133 gene expression in colon cancer cell line.

Colorectal cancer may be maintained by cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that express the cell surface marker CD133. CSCs (CD133+cells) exhibits greater resistance to the chemotherapy and this resistance may be mediated in part by an autocrine response to IL4. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of anti-IL4 antibody alone or in combination with chemotherapy on the CD133 expression andthe tumor growth. We used Caco cell line in our experiments and the samples were as the following; untreated colorectal cell line, cells treated by chemotherapy, cells treated by anti-IL4 antibody in 3doses (2.5, 5, 10µg/ml), cells treatedby combination of chemotherapy and anti-IL4 antibody in 3 doses. Results of our in vitro studies demonstrated that anti-IL4 inhibited growth of Caco cell line in a dose-dependent manner revealing a 32.11% inhibition at the highest concentration (10µg/ml). There was further significant inhibition by combination of anti IL4 and chemotherapy in a dose response manner when compared to group treated by chemotherapy only. These effects were associated with decreased expression of CD133 in tumor cells also. Lastly, anti-IL4 antibody stimulated apoptosis. Our study suggested that neutralizing of IL4 by anti IL4 antibody affect the CD133+ cells may be by increasing their apoptosis. The effects of anti IL4 antibody either, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, inhibited the tumor growth and decreased the viable tumor cells. Furthermore, neutralizing of IL4 increased the efficacy of chemotherapy treatment.

Vitamin D, Parathormone and Associated Minerals among Students in Zagazig District, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors among students of age 13-18 years. DESIGN: Community-based cross sectional survey. SETTING: Two schools were selected using multistage sampling techniques. SAMPLING: Cluster sampling of all enrolled students (550 students). OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OHD), parathyroid hormone and calcium. Data was collected about nutritional intake, physical activity and lifestyle variables that are potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D prevalence was 23.8%, of which 5.3% was deficiency and 18.5% insufficiency. Serum 25 OHD levels inversely correlated with parathyroid hormone levels (r=-0.206, P= 0.00). Low calcium and ionized calcium levels were 40.6% and 45.9%, respectively, and significantly correlated with vitamin D levels. Female students have significantly higher levels of hypovitaminosis D compared to males (29.3% to 15.0%, respectively) and the level of vitamin D significantly improved with increased age. Exposure to sun had a significant effect on vitamin D levels, and physical activity, soft drink consumption and smoking did not. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that age, sun exposure and Ca level were the only significant independent predictors of hypovitaminosis D among the studied group. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that hypovitaminosis D is a prevalent health problem in adolescents, especially girls, who were at higher risk, and increased age and sun exposure improved vitamin D status among the studied group. There is therefore a need to consider vitamin D supplementation for school children together with increased awareness through a health education program.

Mechanistic action of mesenchymal stem cell injection in the treatment of chemically induced ovarian failure in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: No curative treatment is known for primary ovarian failure; however, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), through self-renewal and regeneration, push the trial to evaluate their role in the treatment of ovarian failure. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of MSCs on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced ovarian failure in rabbits and to clarify the mechanism(s) by which MSCs exert their action. METHODS: Thirty-five adult female rabbits were injected with CTX to induce ovarian failure. Five rabbits were euthanized after the last injection of CTX for histological examination. The others (30 rabbits) were further subdivided into two groups: group 1 (ovarian failure group, 15 rabbits) received no treatment; group 2 (ovarian failure and MSC recipient group, 15 rabbits) received MSCs isolated from extracted bone marrow of male rabbits. RESULTS: A decrease of follicle-stimulating hormone and an increase of estrogen and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the MSC recipient group versus the ovarian failure group were found. Weak caspase-3 expression and +ve proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining after MSC injection were detected. Cytological and histological examinations showed increased follicle numbers with apparent normal structure of ovarian follicles in the MSC recipient group. Moreover, Y chromosome-containing cells from male donors were present within the ovarian tissues in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that intravenous injection of MSCs into rabbits with chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage improved ovarian function. MSCs accomplish this function by direct differentiation into specific cellular phenotypes and by secretion of VEGF, which influence the regeneration of the ovary.

Role of Circ-ITCH Gene Polymorphisms and Its Expression in Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Prognosis.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer (BC) is the first leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females worldwide. We have investigated the correlation between circ-ITCH gene polymorphisms, circ-ITCH expression, and their effect on ß-catenin levels and BC development. METHODS: Participants included 62 BC and 62 controls matched in terms of age. The circ-ITCH polymorphisms rs10485505 and rs4911154 were genotyped using whole blood samples. In addition, mRNA expression analysis of circ-ITCH was performed on BC tissues. The ß-catenin levels in serum samples were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: The qRT-PCR results demonstrated that circ-ITCH was significantly downregulated in BC compared to normal healthy tissues. The genotype distribution of rs10485505 and rs4911154 were significantly associated with BC risk. For rs10485505, genotype CT and TT were significantly associated with an increased BC risk. In contrast, there was a significant association between rs4911154, genotypes GA and AA, and an increased BC risk. Regarding the rs10485505 genotype, carriers of the T allele frequently have a poor prognosis compared to carriers of the CC genotype. Serum ß-catenin in the BC patients' group was significantly higher than in the control group. The relative expression levels of circ-ITCH were remarkably decreased in the BC samples of patients carrying the A allele at rs4911154 compared to patients with a GG genotype. Conversely, ß-catenin protein levels were increased in patients carrying the A allele, while rs10485505 genotype carriers of the CT and TT genotypes showed downregulation of circ-ITCH expression fold compared to the CC genotype. Contrarily, ß-catenin levels markedly increased in TT and CT genotypes compared with the CC genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our research showed that the rs10485505 polymorphism (T allele) and the rs4911154 polymorphism (A allele) are associated with the risk and prognosis of BC. This finding may be due to the effect on the level of circ-ITCH mRNA expression in BC tissues as well as the level of ß-catenin in BC patients.

FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism in Egyptian children with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

INTRODUCTION: Phagocytosis of autoantibody-sensitized coated platelets through Fc gamma receptors on phagocytic cells is an important mechanism of thrombocytopenia in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the contribution of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism to the risk of ITP and their association with disease characteristics in Egyptian children. METHODS: A case control study was conducted on eighty children with primary ITP and eighty age and sex healthy matched subjects as a control group. The FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism was detected using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: We found that the FcγRIIa-131H and -131R allele frequencies were 51.3 % and 48.7%, respectively, in children with ITP, versus 75% and 25%, respectively, in controls (p = 0.002). The compound heterozygous HR genotype was significantly higher in ITP patients (p < 0.05). The FcγRIIIa-158F and -158V allele frequencies were 46.3% and 53.7%, respectively, in children with ITP, versus 70% and 30%, respectively, in controls (p = 0.002). The compound heterozygous VF genotype was significantly higher in ITP patients (p < 0.05). The combined HR/FV genotype was 47.5% in ITP patients, versus 10% in controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between children with newly diagnosed ITP and those who developed chronic ITP, regarding the frequency distribution of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa alleles and genotypes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a possible association of the FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genes polymorphism with the risk for, and genetic susceptibility to ITP in Egyptian children, but large-scale studies are still needed to support our findings.

Electric field-directed migration of mesenchymal stem cells enhances their therapeutic potential on cisplatin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats.

Cisplatin is widely used as an anti-neoplastic agent but is limited by its nephrotoxicity. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the management of acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a new era in treatment but effective homing of administered cells is needed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on cisplatin-induced AKI in rats after directed migration by electric field (EF). Forty-eight adult male albino rats were equally classified into four groups: control, cisplatin-treated, cisplatin plus BM-MSCs, and cisplatin plus BM-MSCs exposed to EF. Serum levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis for gene expression of Bcl2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8 was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, periodic acid Schiff staining, and immunohistochemical analysis were also done. MSC-treated groups showed improvement of kidney function; increased serum levels of IL-10 and decreased levels of TNF-α; and increased mRNA expression of Bcl2 and decreased expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-8 proteins comparable to the cisplatin-injured group. EF application increased MSCs homing with significant decrease in serum urea level and caspase-3 gene expression together with significant increase in Bcl2 expression than occurred in the MSCs group. Restoration of normal kidney histomorphology with significant decrease in immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 protein was observed in the BM-MSCs plus EF group compared to the BM-MSCs group. EF stimulation enhanced the MSCs homing and improved their therapeutic potential on acute cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Evaluation of TET Family Gene Expression and 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine as Potential Epigenetic Markers in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic modification in cancer. Ten-eleven translocation enzymes (TET) catalyze the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in the DNA. In the current research, we aimed to evaluate the role of 5-hmC and TET enzymes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and their possible association with outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ELISA was used to measure the 5-hmC levels in genomic DNA and qRT-PCR was used to evaluate TET1, TET2, and TET3 mRNAs expression levels in NSCLC tissues and their paired normal controls. RESULTS: The levels of 5-hmC were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues than in normal tissues, with a mean ±SD of 0.28±0.37 vs. 1.84±0.58, respectively (t=22.77, p<0.0001), and this reduction was correlated with adverse clinical features. In addition, all TET genes were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues in comparison to their matched normal tissues. The mean±SD level of TET1-mRNA was 38.48±16.38 in NSCLC vs. 80.65±11.25 in normal tissues (t=21.33, p<0.0001), TET2-mRNA level in NSCLC was 5.25±2.78 vs. 9.52±1.01 in normal tissues (t=14.48, p<0.0001), and TET3-mRNA level in NSCLC was 5.21±2.8 vs. 9.51±0.86 in normal tissues (t=14.75, p<0.0001). Downregulation of TET genes was correlated with poor clinical features. CONCLUSION: 5-HmC levels as well as TET1, TET2, and TET3 mRNA levels were reduced in NSCLC tissues. The reduced levels of 5-hmC and TET mRNAs were associated with adverse clinical features, suggesting that the level of 5-hmC may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.

Preventing vaccinia virus class-I epitopes presentation by HSV-ICP47 enhances the immunogenicity of a TAP-independent cancer vaccine epitope.

Herpes simplex virus protein ICP47, encoded by US12 gene, strongly downregulates major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I antigen restricted presentation by blocking transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) protein. To decrease viral vector antigenic immunodominance and MHC class-I driven clearance, we engineered recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) expressing ICP47 alone (rVV-US12) or together with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeted Melan-A/MART-1(27-35) model tumor epitope (rVV-MUS12). In this study, we show that antigen presenting cells (APC), infected with rVV-US12, display a decreased ability to present TAP dependent MHC class-I restricted viral antigens to CD8+ T-cells. While HLA class-I cell surface expression is strongly downregulated, other important immune related molecules such as CD80, CD44 and, most importantly, MHC class-II are unaffected. Characterization of rVV-MUS12 infected cells demonstrates that over-expression of a TAP-independent peptide, partially compensates for ICP47 induced surface MHC class-I downregulation (30% vs. 70% respectively). Most importantly, in conditions where clearance of infected APC by virus-specific CTL represents a limiting factor, a significant enhancement of CTL responses to the tumor epitope can be detected in cultures stimulated with rVV-MUS12, as compared to those stimulated by rVV-MART alone. Such reagents could become of high relevance in multiple boost protocols required for cancer immunotherapy, to limit vector-specific responsiveness.

Contribution of interleukin 27 serum level to pathogenesis and prognosis in children with immune thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT: Concepts surrounding the mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in ITP have shifted from the traditional view of autoantibody mediated platelet destruction to more complex mechanisms in which impaired platelet production, T-cell-mediated effects, and disturbed cytokine profiles play a role. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) plays pleiotropic roles in immunomodulation and autoimmune diseases.We aimed to determine the level of IL-27 in patients with ITP and its relationship to patient and disease characteristics as well as disease chronicity and response to treatment.Sixty childrens with primary immune thrombocytopenia were consequetively enrolled in this study as well as 20 age and sex matched healthy controls.ITP patients had significantly higher levels of IL-27 than controls (770.6 and 373.8 pg/ml, respectively). Patients with acute ITP had the highest levels of IL-27 among patient groups, while patients in remission had the lowest IL-27 levels (860.1and 622.9 pg/ml, respectively). Patients who received IVIG and combined steroids plus IVIG had significantly higher IL-27 levels than others. Patients who received Eltrombopag had significantly lower IL-27 levels than others.IL-27 seems to play a role in pathogenesis of childhood ITP. IL-27 can be used as a predictor for disease occurrence as well as responsiveness to treatment.

Value of Serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: Circulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to be employed as markers for cancer detection and as prognostic tools for disease management. As a result, our goal was to explore the effectiveness of serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p as diagnostic tools in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and methods: Blood samples were collected from 55 patients with HCV-induced HCC, 55 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis, and 55 healthy controls. The expression levels of miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: miRNA-96-5p expression levels were increased in HCC patient sera, while miRNA-99a-5p levels were reduced. According to ROC curve analysis, using a combination of circulating miRNA-96-5p, miRNA-99a-5-, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) improves the accuracy of diagnoses for HCC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97, compared to AUCs of 0.82, 0.86, and 0.73, respectively, for the individual biomarkers. Furthermore, the present data suggested that higher serum miRNA-96-5p levels were linked to larger tumors and metastasis, whereas lower serum miRNA-99a-5p levels were exclusively linked to HCC metastasis. Conclusion: Using miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p in combination with AFP increased both sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of HCC. Furthermore, serum levels were linked to tumor size and metastasis. These findings suggested that serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p could be used as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC.

Assessment of serum aflatoxin B1 levels in neonatal jaundice with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: a preliminary study.

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination of food products is still a major health issue globally. Prior studies suggest that exposure to AFs during pregnancy has harmful fetal outcomes. This preliminary study was designed to assess serum AFB1 levels in neonatal jaundice (NNJ) secondary to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Twenty-four full-term neonates with hemolytic jaundice secondary to G6PD deficiency were enrolled in the study. Erythrocyte G6PD status was assessed colorimetrically, and serum aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that AFB1 was detected in 58% (14/24) of the studied newborns while detected in 75% (18/24) of their mothers. AFB1 positive cases had a highly significantly lower birthweight and G6PD activity (P = 0.001, each). Birthweight (r = - 0.574, P = 0.032) and G6PD activity (r = - 0.585, P = 0.028) negatively correlated with serum AFB1 levels while serum alanine aminotransferase activity positively correlated with serum AFB1 levels (r = 0.536, P = 0.048). Maternal AFB1 exposure is associated with adverse birth outcomes as verified by the low birthweight and the evident decline in the activity of G6PD enzyme with the resultant hemolytic NNJ.

Modulatory effects of catechin hydrate on benzo[a]pyrene-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male albino rats.

Benzo [a] pyrene (B[a]P) is a potent mutagen and carcinogen, considered one of the commonest concomitants in the environment. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of catechin hydrate on benzo pyrene-induced kidney toxicity. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into six groups: group I untreated control, group II received 10 mL/kg of corn oil (solvent of benzo [a] pyrene) twice a week, group III received 1 mL/kg 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (solvent of catechin) once per day, group IV received 50 mg/kg body weight of benzo[a]pyrene twice a week, group V received 20 mg/kg body weight of catechin in 1 mL/kg 0.5% DMSO once daily, and group VI received both catechin+benzo [a] pyrene with the same doses. All treatment was given by oral gavage for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical investigations, tissues were obtained for genotoxicity, RT-PCR, and histopathological studies. B[a]P exposure induced an increase in serum urea and creatinine levels along with severe renal histopathological changes. Our results showed a subsequent decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and conversely, (malondialdehyde) levels markedly elevated. Also, B[a]P induced DNA damage as well as activated an apoptotic pathway confirmed by upregulation of Bax, caspase-3, and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. However, treatment with catechin-corrected kidney functions and antioxidant enzymes as well as regulated apoptosis. Histological results also supported the protective effects of catechin. These findings suggested that catechin hydrate is an effective natural product that attenuates benzo pyrene-induced kidney toxicity.

piRNA-823 Is a Unique Potential Diagnostic Non-Invasive Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most important factor in deciding its prognosis, so the need to develop an accurate screening test is a must. P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI) RNA-823 (piR-823) is one of the first piRNAs recognized to be linked to malignancy. We aimed to investigate the expression levels of piR-823 in both serum and tissues of colorectal cancer patients and the ability to use its serum level as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker to detect colorectal cancer. We determined piR-823 expression levels in 84 serum samples of CRC patients, 75 serum samples of healthy controls, and biological specimens obtained from the 84 patients with colorectal cancer from both the tumor tissues and the normal neighboring tissues using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR. We showed that piR-823 had significantly higher serum and tissue expression levels in CRC patients compared to the controls. We observed a significant positive correlation between piR-823 serum levels and the staging of CRC, with significantly higher levels exhibiting advanced stages of CRC (III and IV). This translates into poorer differentiation and lymph node metastasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) test showed 83.3% sensitivity and 89.3% specificity at a cut-off value of >5.98-fold change, with an area under the curve of 0.933 (p < 0.0001) concerning the ability of piR-823 in diagnosing patients with colorectal carcinoma. piR-823 expression is upregulated in colorectal cancer patients' serum and tissues, and it can be used as a diagnostic noninvasive biomarker for CRC.

Assessment of Glutathione Peroxidase-1 (GPX1) Gene Expression as a Specific Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignant tumor of the mesothelial lining of the thorax. It has been related to frequent exposure to asbestos. Diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma is considered a criticizing problem for clinicians. Early diagnosis and sufficient surgical excision of MPM are considered the cornerstone success factors for the management of early MPM. Glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) is an intracellular protein found to be extensively distributed in all cells, and it belongs to the GPX group. In the current study, we included ninety-eight patients with MPM that underwent surgery at the Zagazig University Hospital in Egypt. We assessed GPX1 gene expression level as it was thought to be related to pathogenicity of cancer in a variety of malignant tumors. We observed a significant elevation in GPX1-mRNA levels in MPM relative to the nearby normal pleural tissues. It was found to be of important diagnostic specificity in the differentiation of MPM from normal tissues. Moreover, we studied the survival of patients in correlation to the GPX1 expression levels and we reported that median overall survival was about 16 months in patients with high GPX1 expression levels, while it was found to be about 40 months in low GPX1 levels.

Genetic polymorphism of vitamin D receptors and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and osteonecrosis risk in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis (ON) is one of the major therapy-related complications in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The purpose of the current study is to assess the frequency of ON in children with ALL and to detect whether polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene can affect the risk of ON. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nighty-six ALL children were enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D levels were performed in addition to the detection of polymorphisms in PAI-1and VDR genes by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Ten out of 96 patients had ON (four males and six females aged above 10 years) and had an insufficient level of 25(OH)D. Fifty-two percent of patients had PAI-1 GG genotype while 48% had PAI-1 GA genotype. PAI-1 polymorphism was detected in 60% of all ON cases. The frequencies of VDR genotypes were CT (56.3%), CC (39.6%), and TT (4.2%). Osteonecrosis was found in eight patients with CC genotype and in two patients with CT genotype. CONCLUSION: Osteonecrosis can develop early during the therapy of ALL. Older age and insufficient level of 25(OH)D were considered important risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis. PAT-1 and VDR gene polymorphism may be a genetic risk factor in its pathogenesis.