The impact of ATP-sensitive potassium channel modulation on mitochondria in a Parkinson's disease model using SH-SY5Y cells depends on their differentiation state.

Inward rectifying potassium channels sensitive to ATP levels (KATP) have been the subject of investigation for several decades. Modulators of KATP channels are well-established treatments for metabolic as well as cardiovascular diseases. Experimental studies have also shown the potential of KATP modulation in neurodegenerative disorders. However, to date, data regarding the effects of KATP antagonists/agonists in experiments related to neurodegeneration remain inconsistent. The main source of confusion in evaluating available data seems to be the choice of experimental models. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of both opening and blocking KATP channels in two forms of SH-SY5Y cells. Our results offer valuable insights into the significance of metabolic differences between differentiated and non-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, particularly in the context of glibenclamide and diazoxide effects under normal conditions and during the initiation of pathological events simulating Parkinson's disease in vitro. We emphasize the analysis of mitochondrial functions and changes in mitochondrial network morphology. The heightened protein expression of KATP channels identified in non-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells seems to be a platform for a more significant impact of KATP modulators in this cell type. The efficiency of rotenone treatment in inducing morphological changes in the mitochondrial network depends on the differentiation status of SH-SY5Y cells.

Methylation of MMP2, TIMP2, MMP9 and TIMP1 in abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and its complications are among the most serious cardiovascular diseases and its occurrence has risen sharply in recent years. The aim of this pilot study is to explore the relationship between the methylation of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of the metalloproteinases genes' promoter region, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) through the detection of the methylation status of MMP2, TIMP2, TIMP1, and MMP9 genes in peripheral blood. METHODS: The study included 43 males with verified AAA (case group) and 34 healthy males (control group). The methylation status of the genes' promoter region was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). RESULTS: In adominal aortic aneurysm patients, the methylation ratio of MMP2 gene was positive in 9.3 % (4 cases), 2.3 % (1 case) had methylated TIMP2 gene, 7.0 % (3 cases) had methylated TIMP1 gene, while the methylation ratio of MMP9 gene was positive in 93.0 % (40 cases). In the control group, MMP2 gene was found to be methylated in 5.9 % (2 cases), 5.9 % of cases had methylated TIMP2 and TIMP1 genes (2 cases), and MMP9 gene was found to be methylated in 91.2 % (31 cases). CONCLUSION: In our pilot study, we found no association between DNA methylation of gelatinases and their tissue inhibitors, and the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 27).

Circulating tumor cells in lung carcinogenesis: minireview.

Metastasis development causes death in over 90% of cancer patients, and understanding the underlying biological features has long been hindered by difficulties in studying the widespread cancerous lesions and the absence of reliable methods of isolating and detecting viable metastatic cells during disease progression. These problems have an adverse impact on developing new agents capable of blocking cancer spread. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have a crucial role in carcinogenesis, and this review presents advanced understanding of the characteristics of CTCs and CTC cluster metastatic properties. CTC analysis could well be more valuable for the biomarker profile than tissue biopsies, and herein we highlight current research findings which have the potential to improve clinical management of lung cancer patients. We also discuss problems in CTCs and CTC cluster biology, the limitations of detection methods and possible future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the study of circulating cells.

Factors affecting the uterine sarcomas developement and possibilities of their clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this article is to summarize the known factors underlying the tumorigenesis of sarcomas and to present the limitations of clinical diagnosis. DESIGN: A review article. SETTINGS: Division of Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Center, JLF UK Martin, Slovakia; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics JLF UK and UNM Martin, Slovakia; Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center in Martin, JLF UK, Martin, Slovakia. METHODS: An analysis and summarisation of published studies about etiology, aberrant factors and limmitations of clinical diagnosis of uterne sarcomas. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Uterine sarcomas are heterogenous, malignant tumour types of mesenchymal origin with a very low incidence. On the other hand, sarcomas are very aggressive tumours with a poor prognosis, and a very low chance of surviving in general. The most common types of sarcomas are leiomyosarcomas, followed in percentage occurrence by endometrial stromal sarcomas and adenosarcomas. This tumour pathogenesis remains still relatively unknown. There are recognized only several predisposition factor types, and the limitated molecular-genetic aberrations associated with their occurrence. Importantly, the potential perturbation of the malignant mass during the implementation of invasive methods can be considered as the most serious risk factor. In regards to the visualization methods application, there are still limited ways of distinguishing between malignant and benign forms, especially in the case of leiomyosarcomas.

Potential of survivin for treatment of gynaecological tumour diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this article is to consolidate known facts about survivin, its contribution to inhibition of apoptosis, impact to tumorigenesis of gynaecological types of tumours. and possibilities of inhibition of survivin on molecular-genetic levels. DESIGN: A review article. SETTINGS: Division of Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Center in Martin, JLF UK Martin, Slovakia; Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics JLF UK and UNM Martin, Slovakia; Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center, JLF UK Martin, Slovakia. METHODS: An analysis of the literature using database search engines focused on aberations in fuction of survivin, primarily in case of gynaecological tumours and possibilities of its inhibition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Survivin is the smallest member of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family. Despite of its size and affiliation to mentioned gene family, survivin can affect besides inhibition of apoptosis also proper process of mitosis, DNA reparation and angiogenesis. High levels of survivin expression are typical for fetal tissues during intrauterine developement. In healthy, adult tissues remain levels of survivin very low. Nonetheless, abundant expression of survivin is in many cases typical for various types of cancer, including gynaecologycal cancers Generally, it is possible to associate higher amounts of survivin with poor prognosis and resistance to chemo- or radiotherapy.

Association between interleukin-18 variants and prostate cancer in Slovak population.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18), pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays important role in antitumor immunity. Polymorphisms in the IL-18 gene may lead to its altered production/activity and such modulate susceptibility to prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the -607 and +105 polymorphisms in the IL-18 gene and the risk of prostate cancer development and progression in Slovak population. The study was performed using 425 patients with prostate cancer, 270 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) and 263 healthy male controls. The statistically significant association of the -607 AC genotype (OR = 2.24; p < 0.001), CC genotype (OR = 1.86; p = 0.006), as well as C allele (OR = 1.27; p = 0.033) with the higher risk of prostate cancer development was observed. No association of the IL-18 -607 polymorphism and BHP was detected. The subset analysis revealed the significant association of the -607 AC genotype (OR = 2.01; p = 0.008) with development of higher-grade carcinomas (Gleason score ≥7) and the strong association of the -607 AC genotype (OR = 3.11; p < 0.001), CC genotype (OR = 2.96; p < 0.001) as well as C allele (OR = 1.51; p = 0.003) with the higher risk of prostate cancer development in the group of patients with PSA < 10 ng/ml. The -607 AC genotype was also connected with significantly higher IL-18 plasma concentrations. No association between the IL-18 +105 polymorphism and prostate cancer was observed. The analysis of the distribution of the -607 and +105 haplotypes showed significant association of the - 607 C/ + 105 A and - 607 C/ + 105 C haplotypes with the risk of prostate cancer. This study found that the IL-18 -607 promoter polymorphism could contribute to prostate cancer development in Slovak population. Its presence was also associated with development of higher-grade carcinomas and therefore may influences the prognosis and aggressiveness of the disease.

The Role of Dysregulated MicroRNA Expression in Lung Cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small single-stranded non-protein-coding RNAs that play important regulatory roles in many cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, growth control, and apoptosis. They regulate gene expression on the posttranscriptional level by translational repression, mRNA cleavage, or mRNA degradation in various physiological and pathological processes. In addition, some miRNAs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, so they can regulate several genes that play important roles in tumorigenesis. It was found that miRNAs are directly involved in many types of cancer, including lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide with a substantially low survival rate. In this work, we summarize recent findings related to miRNAs mechanisms of action and the role of their dysregulated expression in lung tumorigenesis. We describe the most important miRNAs involved in lung cancer development and targets of their activity. The understanding of the miRNA regulation in cancer may help better understand the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and their importance in cancerous transformation.

Associations of CYP1A2 Polymorphisms with the Risk Haplotypes in Lung Cancer in the Slovak Population.

Phase I enzymes, including cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, and polypeptide 2 (CYP1A2), are involved in the activation of carcinogens to reactive intermediates that are capable of binding covalently to DNA to form DNA adducts, potentially initiating the carcinogenic process. The aim of present study was to investigate the association of CYP1A2 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with lung cancer risk. A case-control study was carried out on 105 lung cancer patients and 189 controls. To investigate three CYP1A2 polymorphisms: rs2472299, rs2470890, rs11072508 we used a high resolution melting analysis. We found significant allele associations (rs2470890 and rs2422299) with lung cancer risk. We searched for meaningful associations for all variants in the dominant, recessive, and additive genetic models. Genotype associations in the recessive model were of marginal significance for the same single nucleotide polymorphisms. A haplotype analysis included five variants with the frequency higher than 1 %. The haplotype "acc", present with the highest frequency, was associated with increased lung cancer risk (38.7 % vs. 31.5 %; OR 1.38; 95 %CI 0.95-2.01). On the contrary, rare haplotype "gtc" was significantly associated with decreased lung cancer risk in the Slovak population. In conclusion, the present study identified the risk alleles and haploid genotype associations of the CYP1A2 gene in lung cancer.

Genotyping of EGFR Mutations from Bronchial Cytological Specimens in Slovakian Lung Cancer Patients.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a histologically and molecularly heterogeneous disease predominating in Slovakia among newly diagnosed oncological disorders and leading in the number of associated deaths. NSCLC diagnostics has advanced especially in molecular typing of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and subsequent targeted molecular therapy using tyrosine-kinase inhibitor(s) (TKI). The selection of patients for targeted therapy, we describe in this study, is mostly guided through bronchial smears rather than more invasive biopsies. We identified 32 adenocarcinomas, 40 squamous-cell carcinomas, 12 large-cell carcinomas, along with two unspecified carcinomas, in the NSCLC group who had bronchial smears taken. The assessment of tumor cell number, and genomic DNA allowed for screening of clinically relevant somatic EGFR mutations in 86 patients. Using quantitative PCR, 12 patients (14 %) were recommended for EGFR-TKI therapy. The most prevalent EGFR HIT-a in the somatosome, terms introduced and defined in this study, were exon 19 deletions, which were found in combination with the TKI-resistant p.T790M mutation in exon 20 in one patient. The study describes a method that is minimally invasive, reliable, and meets all criteria of routine molecular diagnostics. A multidisciplinary approach of EGFR genotyping from bronchial smears implemented in the study allows expanding targeted molecular therapy in NSCLC patients.

Polymorphisms of Selected DNA Repair Genes and Lung Cancer in Chromium Exposure.

Chromium is a well-known mutagen and carcinogen involved in lung cancer development. DNA repair genes play an important role in the elimination of genetic changes caused by chromium exposure. In the present study, we investigated the polymorphisms of the following DNA repair genes: XRCC3, participating in the homologous recombination repair, and hMLH1 and hMSH2, functioning in the mismatch repair. We focused on the risk the polymorphisms present in the development of lung cancer regarding the exposure to chromium. We analyzed 106 individuals; 45 patients exposed to chromium with diagnosed lung cancer and 61 healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by a PCR-RFLP method. We unravelled a potential for increased risk of lung cancer development in the hMLH1 (rs1800734) AA genotype in the recessive model. In conclusion, gene polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes underscores the risk of lung cancer development in chromium exposed individuals.

Mismatch repair gene polymorphisms and association with lung cancer development.

hMLH1 and hMSH2 are two of the main members of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes family. Polymorphism of MMR genes is associated with a risk of developing sporadic and hereditary tumors. In the present case-control study, we investigated the promoter polymorphisms of selected mismatch repair genes: hMLH1 (rs1800734) and hMSH2 (rs2303425), and the risk they present regarding the development of lung cancer in the Slovak population. The study included 422 lung cancer cases, 511 controls for hMLH1 gene and 486 controls for hMSH2 gene. Polymorphism was investigated by a PCR-RFLP method. The risk of cancer development was evaluated in both dominant and recessive genetic models. The evaluation of rs1800734 polymorphism in patients in the dominant model showed a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer in the presence of at least one variant allele A (genotype GA and AA) (OR=1.40; 95% CI=1.08-1.82; p=0.01). These findings were equally strong expressed in women (OR=2.00; 95% CI=1.23-3.25; p=0.006). The results for rs2303425 polymorphism revealed an increased risk of lung cancer for variant genotype CC (OR=2.28; 95% CI=1.12-4.63; p=0.024) in the recessive model. A combination of rs1800734 and rs2303425 polymorphisms was shown to be risky for genotype GGCC; OR=3.08; 95% CI=1.09-8.72; p=0.03. The risk appeared even greater in female gender; (OR=11.56; 95% CI=1.33-100.36, 1.26-94.66; p=0.005. We conclude that the genotype of mismatch repair genes underscores the risk of lung cancer development in the Slovak population.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and lung cancer in chromium exposure.

Chromium is a well known carcinogen involved in the lung cancer development. Polymorphism of some of the DNA repair genes may be associated with elevated risk of cancerous transformation. In the present study, we investigated the polymorphisms of the following selected members of the base and nucleotide excision repair genes: XPC (Lys939Gln), XPD (Lys751Gln), XRCC1(Arg399Gln), and hOGG1(Ser326Ser), and the risk they present toward the development of lung cancer, with emphasis on the effect of chromium exposure. We analyzed 119 individuals; 50 patients exposed to chromium with diagnosed lung cancer and 69 healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by a PCR-RFLP method. We found a significantly increased risk of lung cancer development in XPD genotype Lys/Gln (OR=1.94; 95% CI=1.10-3.43; p=0.015) and in the gene combinations: XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Lys/Gln (OR=6.5; 95% CI=1.53-27.49; p=0.009) and XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Gln/Gln(OR=5.2; 95% CI=1.07-25.32; p=0.04). In conclusion, gene polymorphisms in the DNA repair genes may underscore the risk of lung cancer development in the chromium-exposed individuals.

Towards optimizing the protocol for untargeted profiling of urine volatiles via gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. A pilot study.

The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in various biological samples holds immense potential for non-invasive disease diagnostics and metabolic profiling. One of the biological fluids that are suitable for use in clinical practice is urine. Given the limited quantity of VOCs in the urine headspace, it's imperative to enhance their extraction into the gaseous phase and prevent any degradation of VOCs during the thawing process. The study aimed to test several key parameters (incubation time, temperature, and thawing) that can influence urine volatilome and monitor selected VOCs for their stability. The analysis in this study was performed using a BreathSpec® (G.A.S., Dortmund, Germany) device consisting of a gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). Testing three different temperatures and incubation times yielded a low number of VOCs (9 out of 34) that exhibited statistically significant differences. However, examining three thawing conditions revealed no VOCs with statistically significant changes. Thus, we conclude that urine composition remains relatively stable despite exposure to various thermal stresses.

DNA repair genes polymorphism and lung cancer risk with the emphasis to sex differences.

Polymorphisms in nucleotide and base excision repair genes are associated with the variability in the risk of developing lung cancer. In the present study, we investigated the polymorphisms of following selected DNA repair genes: XPC (Lys939Gln), XPD (Lys751Gln), hOGG1 (Ser326Cys) and XRCC1 (Arg399Gln), and the risks they present towards the development of lung cancer with the emphasis to gender differences within the Slovak population. We analyzed 761 individuals comprising 382 patients with diagnosed lung cancer and 379 healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We found out statistically significant increased risk for lung cancer development between genders. Female carrying XPC Gln/Gln, XPC Lys/Gln+Gln/Gln and XRCC1 Arg/Gln, XRCC1 Arg/Gln+Gln/Gln genotypes had significantly increased risk of lung cancer corresponding to OR = 2.06; p = 0.04, OR = 1.66; p = 0.04 and OR = 1.62; p = 0.04, OR = 1.69; p = 0.02 respectively. In total, significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer was found in the following combinations of genotypes: XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Lys/Lys (OR = 1.62; p = 0.04), XRCC1 Gln/Gln+hOGG1 Ser/Ser (OR = 2.14; p = 0.02). After stratification for genders, the following combinations of genotype were found to be significant in male: XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Lys/Lys (OR = 1.87; p = 0.03), XRCC1 Arg/Gln+XPC Lys/Lys (OR = 4.52; p = 0.0007), XRCC1 Arg/Gln+XPC Lys/Gln (OR = 5.44; p < 0.0001). In female, different combinations of the following genotypes were found to be significant: XRCC1 Arg/Gln+hOGG1 Ser/Ser (OR = 1.98; p = 0.04), XRCC1 Gln/Gln+hOGG1 Ser/Ser (OR = 3.75; p = 0.02), XRCC1 Arg/Gln+XPC Lys/Gln (OR = 2.40; p = 0.04), XRCC1 Arg/Gln+XPC Gln/Gln (OR = 3.03; p = 0.04). We found out decreased cancer risk in genotype combinations between female patients and healthy controls: XPD Lys/Lys+XPC Lys/Gln (OR = 0.45; p = 0.02), XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Lys/Lys (OR = 0.32; p = 0.005), XPD Lys/Gln+XPC Lys/Gln (OR = 0.48; p = 0.02). Our results did not show any difference between pooled smokers and non-smokers in observed gene polymorphisms in the association to the lung cancer risk. However, gender stratification indicated the possible effect of heterozygous constitution of hOGG1 gene (Ser/Cys) on lung cancer risk in female non-smokers (OR = 0.20; p = 0.01) and heterozygous constitution of XPC gene (Lys/Gln) in male smokers (OR = 2.70; p = 0.01).

Expression of Ki-67, Bcl-2, Survivin and p53 Proteins in Patients with Pulmonary Carcinoma.

Apoptosis is the fundamental process necessary for eliminating damaged or mutated cells. Alterations in the apoptotic pathway appear to be key events in cancer development and progression. Bcl-2 is the key member of the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulator proteins with anti-apoptotic effects. Survivin acts as an inhibitor of apoptosis as well and has been implicated in both inhibition of apoptosis and mitosis regulation. p53 is one of the tumor suppressor proteins, prevents tumor formation through cell cycle blocking and eliminates damaged cells via the activation of apoptosis. The Ki-67 protein is a cellular marker for proliferation. To investigate the possible interactions of the aforementioned proteins, we examined their expression in 76 patients with diagnosed lung cancer using immunohistochemical visualisation. Ki-67 protein was expressed in the cancer cells of all patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We found a negative correlation between survivin and p53 expression. A decreased intensity of survivin expression and fewer cells positive for survivin (66.7%) in SCLC in comparison with other lung cancer types (98.0%) was detected. Reversely, expression of Bcl-2 was found in more than 90% of cases with SCLC. We hypothesize that high expression and intensity of Bcl-2 protein could be a factor behind a bad prognosis in SCLC.

Lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in association with genetic polymorphisms of GSTs in Slovak population.

Slovak Republic belongs to the countries with high incidence of lung cancer. Gene polymorphisms of the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) may play a role in individual lung cancer susceptibility. In presented case-control study we investigate the incidence of polymorphism of GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 genes and their combinations as possible predictive factors for identification of individuals with increased risk of formation and development of adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung in Slovak population. The study was conducted on 520 individuals consisting of 118 patients with adenocarcinoma, 112 patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 290 control individuals. GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 gene polymorphisms were assayed by standard PCR and PCR-RFLP technique. The results of this study indicate that the GSTT1null-genotype and combination GSTT1 null and Ile/Val or Val/Val are associated with increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma. A significant association with 2.13 - fold increased risk was observed between lung adenocarcinoma and GSTT1 null genotype (95% CI = 1.29 - 3.51; p= 0.004). Also it was proved 2.83 times statistically higher risk for development of this histological type of lung cancer (95% CI = 1.34 - 6.01; P= 0.005) in combination of GSTT1null and Ile/Val or Val/Val genotypes. GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1 polymorphism did not show any significant association with SCC. Our study suggests that genetic make-up in metabolizing genes may increase susceptibility towards lung cancer development.

Survivin: a promising biomarker in breast carcinoma.

The antiapoptotic protein survivin can be detected in most types of malignant tumors, but it is rarely expressed in corresponding normal adult tissues. Therefore, survivin appears to represent a promising diagnostic biomarker. We examined survivin expression in 13 cases of normal breast tissue, 38 cases of fibroadenomas and 80 cases of breast carcinomas by immunohistochemical staining using anti-survivin antibody (DAKO, Clone 12C4). In each section, the intensity of staining, percentage of labeled cells, and the subcellular location of survivin antigen were assessed. Survivin was detected in 4/13 cases of normal breast tissue (30.7%), in 28/38 cases of fibroadenomas (73.7%), and in 67/80 cases of carcinomas (83.8%). Normal breast tissue showed cytoplasmic positivity only. In fibroadenomas, 19 cases (50.0%) revealed cytoplasmic reaction, and in 9 cases (23.7%), small foci of cells with combined nuclear and cytoplasmic location were identified. In carcinomas, cytoplasmic staining was found in 12/80 cases (15.0%), nuclear staining in 10/80 cases (12.5%), and combined cytoplasmic and nuclear staining in 45/80 cases (56.3%). Subcellular location of survivin between benign and malignant lesions revealed significant differences (p<0,001). Our findings point at practical use of survivin detection. We confirm the importance of nuclear staining of survivin antigen in breast carcinoma, which seems to be a notable diagnostic marker for estimation of the degree of neoplasia.

NMR plasma metabolomics study of patients overcoming acute myocardial infarction: in the first 12 h after onset of chest pain with statistical discrimination towards metabolomic biomarkers.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death among adults in older age. Understanding mechanisms how organism responds to ischemia is essential for the ischemic patient's prevention and treatment. Despite the great prevalence and incidence only a small number of studies utilize a metabolomic approach to describe AMI condition. Recent studies have shown the impact of metabolites on epigenetic changes, in these studies plasma metabolites were related to neurological outcome of the patients making metabolomic studies increasingly interesting. The aim of this study was to describe metabolomic response of an organism to ischemic stress through the changes in energetic metabolites and aminoacids in blood plasma in patients overcoming acute myocardial infarction. Blood plasma from patients in the first 12 h after onset of chest pain was collected and compared with volunteers without any history of ischemic diseases via NMR spectroscopy. Lowered plasma levels of pyruvate, alanine, glutamine and neurotransmitter precursors tyrosine and tryptophan were found. Further, we observed increased plasma levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate in balance with decreased level of lipoproteins fraction, suggesting the ongoing ketonic state of an organism. Discriminatory analysis showed very promising performance where compounds: lipoproteins, alanine, pyruvate, glutamine, tryptophan and 3-hydroxybutyrate were of the highest discriminatory power with feasibility of successful statistical discrimination.

Investigation of association between genetic polymorphisms of MMP2, MMP8, MMP9 and TIMP2 and development of varicose veins in the Slovak Population - pilot study.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent metalloendopeptidases that degrades extracellular matrix (ECM) components. MMPs are associated with venous wall remodelling, proliferation, migration, phenotypic and functional transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells and ECM organization under the physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated possible association of genetic promoter polymorphisms of MMP2 (rs243866), MMP8 (rs11225395), MMP9 (rs3918242) and TIMP2 (rs8179090) to varicose veins development in the Slovak population. Genomic DNA from 276 Slovak individuals (138 cases, 138 controls) was genotyped for selected SNPs (rs243866, rs11225395, rs3918242 and rs8179090) using the PCR-RFLP analysis. The data were analysed by chi-squared (chi2) test, logistic regression, and Mann-Whitney test. The risk of varicose veins development was evaluated in dominant, codominant and recessive genetic models. The statistical evaluation of selected polymorphisms in patients in all three genetic models has not shown a significant risk of varicose veins development. Our study has not shown the association between selected polymorphisms and increased risk of varicose veins development in Slovak population. More evidence with broaden sample size is needed.

Polymorphisms of biotransforming enzymes (GSTs) and their association with colorectal cancer in the Slovak population.

The aim of present study was to summarize the results of a case-control study focused on genetic polymorphisms of selected Phase II metabolizing enzymes (GSTM1, T1, P1) and to investigate the association of these polymorphisms with the colorectal cancer risk among the Slovak population. A case-control study with 183 colorectal cancer cases and 422 controls was conducted. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and the polymorphisms of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 enzymes were determined by PCR-based methods. Association between specific genotypes and the development of colorectal cancer were examined using logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The GSTP1 val/val genotype (OR=2.1, 95%CI: 1.1 - 4.0, chi2 = 0.28 and P = 0.0025) was associated with an elevated risk. The statistically significant correlation was found also for the combined genotypes of GSTM1 null and GSTP1 valine homozygosity (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.1, chi2 = 4.5 and P = 0.03). The genotype of certain metabolising enzymes affects the risk for colorectal cancer. This effect is also important when certain allelic combinations are studied. In the near future, individual risk assessment may be reached by further increasing the number of studies of polymorphisms, combining them with the traditional epidemiological risk factor.