Association between matrix metalloproteinase-9-1562C/T gene polymorphism and MMP-9 serum level in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease indicated by joint inflammation and cartilage destruction. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes play an influential role in inflammation by affecting the invasion and degradation of anatomical barriers. In this way, the current study investigated the relationship between the MMP-9-1562C/T gene polymorphism and this enzyme's serum level in RA. METHODS: The serum levels of MMP-9 in RA patients and healthy controls were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RA was confirmed using rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Then the MMP-9-1562C/T gene polymorphism was analyzed utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Also, multivariate analysis investigated the connection between this polymorphism and the risk of RA. RESULTS: In this study, the increase of MMP-9 in patients due to the development of single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of this gene (-1562 C→T) was confirmed by increasing the frequency of heterozygous genotype (CT). Logistic regression analysis also demonstrated that the chance of development of RA is higher in people with CT/CC genotype than in other alleles. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that MMP-9-1562C/T gene polymorphism can play a significant role in the occurrence of RA.

Survey of the association between polymorphisms of CTLA-4 exon 1 49 A/G genes with rheumatoid arthritis in Iran.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), which suppresses T cell proliferation, is a promising candidate for the susceptibility genes to rheumatic arthritis diseases (RA). This study aims to examine the association between the polymorphisms of the CTLA-4 exon 1(+ 49) genes with RA in the Qazvin city of Iran population. The polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was applied to genotype the CTLA-4 exon 1(+ 49) polymorphisms in 105 RA patients and 90 control subjects. Laboratory diagnostic tests were also measured for RA and control groups. Our results did not demonstrate a significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies of the CTLA-4 exon 1(+ 49) between RA patients and the control group (p < .0001). There was no significant difference in age at onset, CRP, RF value in patients with RA according to the CTLA-4 polymorphisms; just anti-CCP showed a significant difference. Our data declared that polymorphisms of CTLA-4 exon 1(+ 49) genes are not correlated with RA susceptibility and its clinical and paraclinical manifestations.

Omega-3 PUFA Alters the Expression Level but Not the Methylation Pattern of the WIF1 Gene Promoter in a Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line (MIA PaCa-2).

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in both males and females, with a 5-year relative survival rate of 8%. The Wnt signaling pathway has a significant role in the pathogenesis of many tumors, including those of pancreatic cancer. Hypermethylation of the Wnt inhibitory Factor-1 (WIF1) gene promoter have been detected in different types of cancer. In contrast, the anticancer effects of long-chain omega-3 PUFA (ALA) have been reported. Regarding its anticancer effects, in this study, we investigated the effects of various concentrations of omega-3 PUFA on expression level and promoter methylation of the WIF1 gene in MIA PaCa-2 cells in 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of omega-3 PUFA (25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 µM). Cell viability assay was carried out followed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and methylation-specific PCR (MSP). This investigation suggested that dietary consumption of omega-3 PUFAs (250-1000 µM) has a significant effect on the proliferation and WIF1 gene expression of the MIA PaCa-2 cancer cell line but no effect on the promoter methylation of this gene. Changes in promoter methylation were not observed in any of the treatments.

Osteoconduction of Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells on an Electrospun Polylactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Scaffold Coated with Nanohydroxyapatite.

The limitation of traditional bone grafts could be overcome by applying engineered bone constructs, which are mainly produced by seeding suitable stem cells on appropriate scaffolds. So far, bone marrow-derived stromal cells have been the most applied cells in bone tissue engineering, but current data show that unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) from human cord blood might actually be a better stem cell source due to the accessibility and noninvasive procedure of collection. In this study, we cultured USSCs on a plasma-treated electrospun polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold coated with nanohydroxyapatite (nHA). Adhesion and proliferation of USSCs on PLGA/nHA were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay. Osteogenic differentiation of USSCs into osteoblast lineage cells was evaluated via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our observation showed that USSCs attached and proliferated on PLGA/nHA. Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by increased ALP activity and OSTEONECTIN expression in USSCs on PLGA/nHA after the 1st week of the osteogenic period. Therefore, using USSCs on electrospun PLGA/nHA is a promising approach in bone tissue engineering.

Vitamin D receptor gene (FokI, TaqI, BsmI, and ApaI) polymorphisms in children with urinary tract infection.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the genetic background of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. METHODS: In this study, vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms were compared between 60 children with UTI (case group) and 60 healthy children (control group). DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and the restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were used to perform the genetic analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the case and control groups for VDR gene, ApaI and Bsml, polymorphisms (P < 0.05). The frequency of VDR Bb, bb, Aa, and aa genotypes, and the b and a alleles in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found between lower UTI and acute pyelonephritis groups for the VDR Apal and Bsml genotypes (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between children with first UTI and those with more than one UTI for VDR gene polymorphisms (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is a significant relationship between VDR gene, Apal and Bsml, polymorphisms and UTI in children. The results indicate that these polymorphisms may play a role in pathogenesis of UTI.

Association of -604G/A and -501A/C Ghrelin and Obestatin Prepropeptide Gene Polymorphisms with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Ghrelin hormone has an important role in a wide range of metabolic and non-metabolic processes. Polymorphisms of ghrelin gene could be associated with a large number of diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of -604G/A and -501A/C polymorphisms in ghrelin and obestatin prepropeptide gene (GHRL) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a sample of Iranian women. One hundred and fifty-two women with PCOS and 162 age-matched apparently healthy women as control group were enrolled in this study. The study subjects were genotyped for polymorphisms in the ghrelin gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-based methods. Biochemical parameters, serum prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, and testosterone were estimated by chemiluminescence assay. Serum lipids and lipoproteins were determined by standard enzymatic methods. The association between the risk of PCOS and ghrelin gene polymorphisms was examined using Multivariate analysis. The frequency of the -604G/A and -501A/C polymorphisms was not statistically different between patients and the control group of women (p = 0.12 and p = 0.21, respectively). A significantly higher level of LDL-C was found in the wild-type AA genotype compared with CC genotype of -501A/C polymorphism (p = 0.02). Our findings indicate that neither -604G/A and nor -501A/C polymorphisms of ghrelin gene are associated with PCOS, but suggest a relation between the presence of polymorphic allele of -501A/C polymorphism and LDL-C level in a sample of Iranian women.

The role of miR-17-92 cluster in the expression of tumor suppressor genes in unrestricted somatic stem cells.

The miR-17-92 cluster consisted of seven miRNAs (mir-17-5p, -17-3p, -18a, -19a, -20a, -19b-1, and -92a-1). Previous studies have shown this cluster has been over-expressed in several cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the over-expression impacts of miR-17-92 on stem cells. In the current work, the effect of miR-17-92 cluster which was cloned in Lentiviral vector has been investigated on unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs). Tumor suppressor genes (p53, p15, RBL1, SMAD2, SMAD4, and MAPK-1) expression, especially p53, was considerably reduced. These data show the potential of miR-17-92 for oncogenesis regulation in stem cells. In conclusion, the role of miR-17-92 in USSCs may provide a better understanding of its function in tumorigenesis and for the possible use in cell therapy of the anti-mir-17-92 cluster.

Lack of association between LIPC-514 C/T polymorphism of hepatic lipase and endometriosis in Iranian women.

AIM: Patients with endometriosis may suffer from dyslipidemia. Hepatic lipase (HL) is involved in the metabolism of lipoproteins and has an important role in reverse cholesterol transport. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the LIPC-514 C/T polymorphism in the HL gene and the risk of endometriosis in a group of Iranian women. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with endometriosis and 107 women who were negative for endometriosis after diagnostic laparoscopy, as control group, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Samples were analyzed for polymorphism of the HL gene using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis was used to examine the association between the risk of endometriosis and LIPC-514 C/T polymorphism. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of the LIPC-514 C/T polymorphism between patients and the controls (60.7% CC, 34.6% CT, 4.7% TT versus 68.4%, 27.4%, 4.2%, respectively, P = 0.52). CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that the LIPC-514 C/T polymorphism of the HL gene has no significant association with the risk of endometriosis in the studied Iranian women.

Are serum procalcitonin and interleukin-1 beta suitable markers for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children?

Rapid diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is important because of its association with long-standing complications. This study was conducted to compare the reliability of serum procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) with conventional laboratory parameters for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children. Seventy nine children with urinary tract infection were divided into two groups based on the result of Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan: acute pyelonephritis (n=33) and lower UTI (urinary tract infection) (n=46) groups. White blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT and IL-1ß concentrations of both groups were measured and compared. WBC count, neutrophil count, ESR, serum CRP, PCT and IL-1ß concentrations were higher in acute pyelonephritis patients than in the lower UTI group (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of serum PCT and IL-1ß for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis were 31, 84.7% and 27.2, 90% respectively (using a cut-point value of 0.5 ng/ml for PCT and 6.9 pg/ml for IL-1ß). The sensitivity of PCT and IL-1ß for diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis was less than that of conventional markers such as ESR and CRP. This study revealed that serum PCT and IL-1ß are not good biologic markers for differentiating acute pyelonephritis from lower UTI. It seems that conventional inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP besides the clinical findings are more reliable for the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in children.

I405V polymorphism of CETP gene and lipid profile in women with endometriosis.

Genetic factors have an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. In addition, abnormalities in lipid profile and intrinsic inflammatory status are associated with disease progression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the I405V polymorphism of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene and lipid profile with the risk of endometriosis in women. Ninety-seven women with laparoscopy-diagnosed endometriosis were recruited for this study, and 107 patients with no evidence of endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy served as controls. Samples were analyzed for polymorphism of the CETP gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-based methods. After adjustment for body mass index, high-density lipoprotein-C and low-density lipoprotein-C, the risk of endometriosis in patients with normal genotype homozygous was more of the rare allele (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval = 0.09-0.45). Our results suggest that I405V polymorphism of CETP gene plays an important role as independent factor in the risk of endometriosis in women.

Transcriptional regulation of Δ6-desaturase by peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor δ agonist in human pancreatic cancer cells: role of MEK/ERK1/2 pathway.

The Δ6-desaturase (Δ6D), also known as fatty acid desaturase 2, is a regulatory enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis, which has been linked to obesity and diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor δ (PPAR δ ) agonist and MEK/ERK1/2-dependent pathway on the expression of Δ6D in human pancreatic carcinoma cell line PANC-1. PANC-1 cells cultured in RPMI-1640 were exposed to the commonly used ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor PD98059 and PPAR δ agonist GW0742. Changes in mRNA and protein expression of Δ6D were then determined using real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The expression of Δ6D (P < 0.01) increased following treatment with PPAR δ agonist both at mRNA and protein levels, whereas no significant change was observed after treatment with MEK/ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor. It was also found that the increase in the expression of Δ6D in response to GW0742 was significantly inhibited by PD98059 (>40%, P < 0.05) or EGF receptor-selective inhibitor AG1478 (>25%, P < 0.05) pretreatment. PPAR δ and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways affect differentially the expression of Δ6D in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, there may be an inhibitory crosstalk between these two regulatory pathways on the mRNA expression of Δ6D and subsequently on Δ6D protein expression.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ Pro12Ala polymorphism and risk of osteopenia in ß-thalassemia major patients.

Genetic factors have an important role in the incidence of osteopenia in thalassemia patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) gene on bone mineral density (BMD) and subsequently, the rate of osteopenia in ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients. Blood samples were obtained from 156 ß-TM patients referred to the Tehran and Qazvin Thalassemia Clinics. Samples were analyzed for polymorphisms of the PPARγ gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-based methods. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the risk of osteopenia and the PPARγ gene polymorphism. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant association between homozygous wild-type genotypes with susceptibility to osteopenia in ß-TM patients (p = 0.024). Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of osteopenia was significantly (p <0.05) higher in the homozygous wild-type genotype than carriers of the rare alleles. Furthermore, the associations were strengthened in men with a homozygous wild-type genotype after adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI) (p <0.05). This study suggests that the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARγ gene might be an independent factor in BMD level and osteopenia in thalassemia patients.

Two common polymorphisms in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ gene may improve fertilization in IVF.

Genetic factors play an important role in women's fertility and embryonic development and may also contribute to the efficacy of assisted reproduction techniques. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of His447His and Pro12Ala peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene polymorphisms on oocytes and fertilization in women undergoing IVF. Follicular fluid and blood samples were obtained from 98 IVF patients referred to Tabriz Alzahra Hospital. Samples were analysed for fatty acid content by gas-liquid chromatography and for polymorphisms of the PPARγ gene using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism-based methods. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the independence of associations between the number of mature and fertilized oocytes as outcome variables and the polymorphisms of PPARγ gene. For both polymorphisms, fertilization ratio was significantly (P<0.05) higher in carriers of the rare alleles than homozygous wild-type genotypes. The associations of His447His (P=0.003) and Pro12Ala (P=0.015) polymorphisms remained statistically significant in the multiple regression analyses. This study suggests that the two common gene polymorphisms of PPARγ may improve fertilization in vitro and, thus possibly, female fertility.

The Gene Expression Profile and DNA Methylation Pattern of CDH1 and DNMT1 Genes in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that has the ability to alter gene expression and function. These epigenetic changes have been associated with the development of cancer. Previous research has found that DNA methylation patterns can predict disease prognosis for patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). The role of DNMT1 and CDH1 in regulating the extension of cells are studied in this study. METHODS: DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of APL patients and treated with bisulfite. DNMT1 and CDH1 gene promoter methylation was subsequently analyzed using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression level of DNMT1 and CDH1 genes. RESULTS: Partial methylation of the CDH1 gene promoter was detected in 20% of APL patients and an unmethylated status was detected in 80% of patient samples. Additionally, an unmethylated status in the DNMT1 gene promoter was detected in 100% of APL patient samples. CONCLUSION: Our study found the CDH1 gene promoter to be unmethylated in almost all APL patients, while the DNMT1 promoter was unmethylated in all APL patients. Furthermore, we observed an increase in both CDH1 and DNMT1 gene expression in APL patients compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that DNMT1 may not have a specific role in inhibiting CDH1 gene expression in APL. Applying higher resolution techniques would help to better uncover the DNA methylation patterns in patients with APL. Further research is required to determine the role of DNA methylation and CDH1 and DNMT1 gene expression in APL.

Evaluating the Role of PTEN Promoter Methylation in Patients Predisposed to Hypercoagulable States via Methylation Specific PCR.

BACKGROUND: Hypercoagulable states (HS) can result from several different inherited and acquired disease conditions that cause abnormalities in the genes, proteins and cellular factors involved in the coagulation cascade. Novel insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the coagulation pathways can provide a framework to develop improved therapeutics to treat patients with coagulation disorders. Therefore, investigating the genetic abnormalities present in patients with coagulation disorders can offer critical insight into disease pathogenesis. Our study aimed to assess the promoter methylation patterns of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) gene as a potential underlying factor involved in HS. METHODS: To measure the differences between the mRNA expression of PTEN in HS patients and healthy individuals we used qRT-PCR. Following bisulfite conversion, the promoter methylation status was analyzed using methylation specific PCR. The two-tailed student t-test was used to analyze the quantitative data. The data was considered statistically significant with a p value <0.05. RESULTS: Our findings reveal PTEN to be down-regulated by 30% in the blood samples of HS patients when compared to healthy controls. The MSP data showed the PTEN promoter region to be un-methylated in both patients and healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: Since no differences in the methylation patterns of the PTEN gene was found between HS patients and controls, this suggests that DNA methylation of the PTEN promoter may not be a significant contributing epigenetic modification involved in the development HS. However, MSP may not be able to detect subtle changes in DNA methylation status. Thus, using an alternative high resolution technique may more accurately indicate differences in the PTEN promoter methylation status in HS patients.

Regulation of Bone Metabolism.

Bone is formed through the processes of endochondral and intramembranous ossification. In endochondral ossification primary mesenchymal cells differentiate to chondrocytes and then are progressively substituted by bone, while in intramembranous ossification mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate directly into osteoblasts to form bone. The steps of osteogenic proliferation, differentiation, and bone homeostasis are controlled by various markers and signaling pathways. Bone needs to be remodeled to maintain integrity with osteoblasts, which are bone-forming cells, and osteoclasts, which are bone-degrading cells.In this review we considered the major factors and signaling pathways in bone formation; these include fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), wingless-type (Wnt) genes, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteoblast-specific transcription factor (osterix or OSX).

Metabolic Response to Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation in Patients with Fibrocystic Breast Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce data on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on metabolic status in patients with fibrocystic breast disease (FBD). The current study was carried out to determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on metabolic status in patients with FBD. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 56 patients with FBD. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive either 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids plus 400 mg vitamin E (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks of intervention to determine inflammatory factors, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and metabolic profiles. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of intervention, changes in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-2171.4 ± 3189.1 vs. +696.9 ± 2774.8 ng/mL, P = 0.001) and plasma nitric oxide (+1.8 ± 4.0 vs. -0.1 ± 2.4 µmol/L, P = 0.04) in supplemented women were significantly different from those in the placebo group. In addition, compared to the placebo group, subjects who consumed omega-3 fatty acids plus vitamin E supplements had significantly decreased serum insulin concentrations (-3.2 ± 6.5 vs. -0.2 ± 1.7 µIU/mL, P = 0.01), the homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-0.8 ± 1.7 vs. -0.02 ± 0.4, P = 0.03), serum triglycerides levels (-11.5 ± 47.3 vs. +10.6 ± 24.3 mg/dL, P = 0.03) and VLDL-cholesterol (-2.3 ± 9.5 vs. +2.1 ± 4.9 mg/dL, P = 0.03), as well as increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.01 vs. +0.001 ± 0.007, P = 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (+3.4 ± 6.0 vs. -1.3 ± 4.3 mg/dL, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Overall, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on inflammatory markers and metabolic profiles in patients with FBD.

In silico analysis of Brucella abortus Omp2b and in vitro expression of SOmp2b.

PURPOSE: At present, there is no vaccine available for the prevention of human brucellosis. Brucella outer membrane protein 2b (Omp2b) is a 36 kD porin existed in common Brucella pathogens and it is considered as priority antigen for designing a new subunit vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current study, we aimed to predict and analyze the secondary and tertiary structures of the Brucella abortus Omp2b protein, and to predict T-cell and B-cell epitopes with the help of bioinformatics tools. Subsequently, cloning and expression of the short form of Omp2b (SOmp2b) was performed using pET28a expression vector and Escherichia coli BL21 host, respectively. The recombinant SOmp2b (rSOmp2b) was purified with Ni-NTA column. RESULTS: The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli host and purified under denaturation conditions. The yield of the purified rSOmp2b was estimated by Bradford method and found to be 220 µg/mL of the culture. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that Omp2b protein has a potential to induce both B-cell- and T-cell-mediated immune responses and it can be evaluated as a new subunit vaccine candidate against brucellosis.

Prevention of adhesion bands by ibuprofen-loaded PLGA nanofibers.

In this study, prevention of the adhesion bands and inflammatory features has been investigated using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-ibuprofen (PLGA-IB) nanofibrous meshes in a mice model. To find the optimized membrane for prevention of postoperative adhesion bands, we have compared PLGA-IB group with PLGA, IB, and control groups in a mice adhesion model. Two scoring adhesion systems were used to represent the outcome. According to the results obtained in this study, the PLGA-IB nanofiber membrane showed a greater reduction in adhesion band than other groups. In conclusion, among FDA-approved polymers and drugs, PLGA-IB meshes could be applicable as a potential candidate for prevention of postoperative abdominal inflammation and adhesion bands formation. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:990-997, 2016.

Microchips and their Significance in Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells and Monitoring of Cancers.

In micro-fluid systems, fluids are injected into extremely narrow polymer channels in small amounts such as micro-, nano-, or pico-liter scales. These channels themselves are embedded on tiny chips. Various specialized structures in the chips including pumps, valves, and channels allow the chips to accept different types of fluids to be entered the channel and along with flowing through the channels, exert their effects in the framework of different reactions. The chips are generally crystal, silicon, or elastomer in texture. These highly organized structures are equipped with discharging channels through which products as well as wastes of the reactions are secreted out. A particular advantage regarding the use of fluids in micro-scales over macro-scales lies in the fact that these fluids are much better processed in the chips when they applied as micro-scales. When the laboratory is miniaturized as a microchip and solutions are injected on a micro-scale, this combination makes a specialized construction referred to as "lab-on-chip". Taken together, micro-fluids are among the novel technologies which further than declining the costs; enhancing the test repeatability, sensitivity, accuracy, and speed; are emerged as widespread technology in laboratory diagnosis. They can be utilized for monitoring a wide spectrum of biological disorders including different types of cancers. When these microchips are used for cancer monitoring, circulatory tumor cells play a fundamental role.