Alterations in Gene Expression of Renin-Angiotensin System Components and Related Proteins in Colorectal Cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative expression of the RNA of these 17 genes in normal and cancerous tissues obtained using chip arrays from the public functional genomics data repository, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) application, was compared statistically. RESULTS: Expression of four genes, AGT (angiotensinogen), ENPEP (aminopeptidase A) MME (neprilysin), and PREP (prolyl endopeptidase), was significantly upregulated in CRC specimens. Expression of REN (renin), THOP (thimet oligopeptidase), NLN (neurolysin), PRCP (prolyl carboxypeptidase), ANPEP (aminopeptidase N), and MAS1 (Mas receptor) was downregulated in CRC specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Presuming gene expression parallel protein expression, these results suggest that increased production of the angiotensinogen precursor of angiotensin (ANG) peptides, with the reduction of the enzymes that metabolize it to ANG II, can lead to accumulation of angiotensinogen in CRC tissues. Downregulation of THOP, NLN, PRCP, and MAS1 gene expression, whose proteins contribute to the ACE2/ANG 1-7/Mas axis, suggests that reduced activity of this RAS branch could be permissive for oncogenicity. Components of the RAS may be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of CRC.

Bordetella hinzii: An Unexpected Pathogen in Native Valve Endocarditis.

Bordetella hinzii's route of transmission to human hosts and its pathogenicity remain unclear. Only a few cases have established this species as an opportunistic zoonotic disease. We introduce the first reported case of native aortic valve endocarditis presenting with fulminant aortic valve insufficiency that responded to conventional medical and surgical treatment. The patient did not have predisposing factors to this unusual infection. This case may provide a better understanding of the disease process, transmission, and pathogenicity of Bordetella hinzii.