Association of the interleukine-6 polymorphism with catheter-induced coronary artery spasm in Egyptians.

BACKGROUND: The role of coronary artery spasm (CAS) was extended beyond variant angina to ischemic heart disease in general, including effort angina, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden death. It is difficult and cumbersome to examine CAS during coronary angiography. Risk factors for CAS include smoking and genetic polymorphisms. AIM: We aimed to investigate the association of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) polymorphism with catheter-induced CAS in Egyptian patients who undergo coronary angiography. METHODS: This is a case-control study. Two hundred patients with chronic coronary artery disease who underwent elective coronary angiography were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: the non-CAS group (100 patients) and the CAS group (100 patients). The subjects were genotyped to the -572 C>G (rs 1800796) polymorphism of the IL-6 gene by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: We found that patients with CAS have more risk factors for atherosclerosis compared to those without CAS. Smoking, the IL-6 GG genotype, and the G allele were independent risk factors for CAS. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the GG genotype and G allele of the IL-6 gene are associated with CAS. Smoking, the GG genotype, and the G allele of the IL-6 gene are independent predictors of catheter-induced CAS.

Association of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genes Polymorphism With In-Sent Restenosis of Bare Metal Stents vs Drug-Eluting Stents in Egyptians.

Despite its unequivocal superiority compared with balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting did not abolish restenosis. We aimed to evaluate the associations between a common single nucleotide polymorphism occurring in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genes and the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR) of bare metal stents vs drug-eluting stents (BMS vs DES) implanted in Egyptian patients. Two hundred patients who had coronary stenting were divided into group I (n = 98) who received a BMS and group II (n = 102) who received a DES. eNOS and ACE genes polymorphism were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that the GA and AA genotypes of the eNOS gene were associated with the ISR with both BMS and DES. However, the ACE gene was not associated with ISR. We concluded that eNOS gene polymorphism is associated with ISR. Hypertension, stent length, and AA genotype of the eNOS gene were found to be independent predictors of the occurrence of ISR after both BMS and DES use.

Association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Glu298Asp) gene polymorphism with radial artery spasm during cardiac catheterization in Egyptians.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) exerts diverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Impairment of NO production plays a key role in cerebral and coronary artery spasm. We aimed to explore the predicting factors of radial artery spasm (RAS) and the association of eNOS gene polymorphism (Glu298Asp) with RAS during cardiac catheterization. METHODS AND RESULTS: 200 patients underwent elective coronary angiography through a trans-radial approach. The subjects were genotyped to the Glu298Asp polymorphism (rs1799983) on the eNOS gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Our results showed that the subjects with the TT genotype and T allele were significantly more likely to develop radial artery spasms (OR = 12.5, 4.6, P < 0.001 respectively). TT genotype of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism, number of punctures, size of the radial sheath, radial tortuosity, and right radial access are independent predictors of radial spasm. CONCLUSION: The eNOS (Glu298Asp) gene polymorphism is associated with RAS during cardiac catheterization in Egyptians. TT genotype of eNOS Glu298Asp polymorphism, number of punctures, size of the radial sheath, right radial access, and tortuosity are independent predictors of RAS during cardiac catheterization.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism of ADRß2 and CDKN1B genes in Egyptian patients with coronary artery in-stent restenosis.

BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis is a common complication after percutaneous coronary intervention. The purpose of the current study is to look for associations of genetic variation in adrenergic beta-2 receptor (ADRß2), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B) genes in patients diagnosed with in-stent restenosis (ISR) after percutaneous coronary intervention in the Egyptians. METHODS: Polymorphisms in ADRß2 and CDKN1B were determined using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 200 Egyptian patients who underwent coronary angioplasty and stent placement of whom 100 patients developed ISR. RESULTS: We found that the GG genotype of ADRß2 and CC genotype of CDKN1B were more likely to develop restenosis after stenting (odds ratio = 3.7 and 3.2; P = 0.001, respectively). Our study considered that male sex, diabetes, obesity, bare-metal stents type of implanted stents, longer stents, GG genotype of ADRß2, and CC genotype of CDK1B were significant independent predictors for ISR. CONCLUSION: our results indicate that ADRß2 (rs1042713) and CDKN1B (rs36228499) could be associated with the development of ISR in Egyptians.

Assessment of Serum MicroRNA-21 Gene Expression for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that are involved in carcinogenesis through posttranscriptional gene regulatory activity. The current study aimed to evaluate serum miR-21 expression levels as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was applied to determine the relative expression level of miR-21 in serum. At the same time, the sensitivity and specificity of this marker were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: miR-21 expression levels of serum were 3.4 and 1.25 in patient and control, respectively (p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 were found to be 95.8% and 91.7%, respectively. The high expression level of serum miR-21 were associated with higher local recurrence, TNM staging, PT staging, venous invasion, liver metastasis, and recurrence (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that miR-21 expression levels in serum can be considered as a novel non-invasive biomarker for early detection and prognosis of CRC patients.

Genetic and epigenetic modifications of adiponectin gene: Potential association with breast cancer risk.

BACKGROUND: Adipokines produced by adipose tissue are directly linked to obesity and may contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. We hypothesized that genetic and epigenetic modifications in the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and their impact on serum ADIPOQ levels may participate in increasing breast cancer (BC) risk. The present study aimed to investigate ADIPOQ +45 T/G gene polymorphism, methylation status at CpG sites -74 nucleotides (nt) and -283 nt of the ADIPOQ gene, and ADIPOQ serum levels in BC obese women. METHODS: Serum ADIPOQ was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ADIPOQ +45 T/G gene polymorphism and ADIPOQ promoter methylation status were determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a methylation-specific PCR, respectively, in 120 obese women with BC and 120 age-matched controls. RESULTS: ADIPOQ +45 GG genotype carriers had a significant increased risk of developing BC (odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-29.6, p = 0.02). ADIPOQ gene methylation at site -74 nt resulted in a 1.7-fold increased BC risk. Methylation at site -283 nt resulted in a 1.9-fold increased BC risk. Moreover serum levels of ADIPOQ were significantly decreased in BC patients and down-regulated in the presence of methylation in both examined sites. By contrast, no association between ADIPOQ gene polymorphism and serum ADIPOQ level was detected. Using both methylated sites in one panel detected cancer breast with 76.67% sensitivity and 62.18% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism and ADIPOQ promoter methylation were found to be associated with BC risk in obese Egyptian women.

miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes polymorphisms and its circulating levels in lung cancer patients.

Recently, MicroRNAs polymorphisms and their serum expression have been linked to increase risk of various cancers. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of miR-146a and miR-196a-2 and their serum expression and lung cancer risk. One hundred and twenty lung cancer patients and 120 health controls were included in this study. Genotyping and expression for miR-146a and miR-196a-2 were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and quantitative real-time PCR. Individuals carrying miR-146a CG and CC genotypes had significantly increased risk for lung cancer than those carrying miR-146a GG genotype. MiR-146a expression significantly decreased in miR-146a CG and CC genotypes carriers as compared with GG genotype carriers. MiR-196a-2 CT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with increased lung cancer while the highest expression of MiR-196a-2 was detected in miR-196a-2 CC genotype carriers. Serum miR-146a was significantly decreased in lung cancer patients while serum miR-196a-2 expression was significantly increased in lung cancer patients. In conclusion, miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes polymorphisms and their circulating levels were associated with lung cancer risk in Egyptians and may be helpful in early detection of lung cancer.

RASSF1A and SOCS1 genes methylation status as a noninvasive marker for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation status is one of the most prevalent molecular alterations in human cancers. Identification of powerful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without a biopsy is urgently required. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the methylation status of RASSF1A and SOCS-1genes as a non-invasive biomarker for HCC identification and prognosis. METHODS: Methylation specific-PCR technique was performed to recognize the methylation status of RASSF1A and SOCS-1 genes in 100 patients with HCC, 100 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) but without HCC were considered as cirrhotic liver control group and 100 healthy control. RESULTS: Methylation of RASSF1A and SOCS-1 genes were detected in 40% and 38% of HCC patients respectively, 14% and 20% of LC patients respectively. Methylation of SOCS-1 gene in peripheral blood of healthy control was 23%. Methylation of RASSF1A gene was associated with age, tumor size, vascular invasion and α fetoprotein (AFP), while SOCS-1 gene methylation was significantly associated with tumor size and AFP. Furthermore, using RASSF1A/ SOCS-1/ AFP panel improve diagnostic sensitivity for HCC 86% and specificity of 75%. CONCLUSION: RASSF1A and SOCS1 genes methylation status may play an important role in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis and may be used as diagnostic and prognostic noninvasive biomarkers for HCC when combined with serum AFP.

Trace elements and oxidative stress in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The early imbalances of trace elements in type 1 diabetes (T1D) may cause disturbance of glucose metabolism and more oxidative stress that may enhance the development of insulin resistance and diabetic complications. We aim to evaluate the serum level of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu), the degree of oxidative stress and evaluate their relations to glycemic control in children with T1D. METHODS: A case-control study which included 100 diabetic children and 40 healthy children age, sex, and ethnicity-matched as a control group. The diabetic children were divided into poor and good controlled patients according to glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c %). Studied children underwent history taking, clinical examination and laboratory measurement of serum Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu levels, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) and peroxidase enzyme activity (GPx). RESULTS: Serum Se, Zn, Mg, Cu, erythrocyte GSH, and GPx were significantly lower in the diabetic group in comparison to the control group (P<0.05) and their levels were lower in poorly controlled patients compared to good controlled patients (P<0.05). The serum Se, Zn, Mg, erythrocyte GSH, and GPx showed a negative correlation with A1c %. The serum Se showed a positive correlation with erythrocyte GSH and GPx ([r=0.56, P<0.001], [r=0.78, P<0.001], respectively). CONCLUSION: Children with T1D, especially poorly controlled cases, had low serum Se, Zn, Mg, Cu, GSH, and GPx. Low serum Se in diabetic children may affect the erythrocyte GSH-GPx system.

Vitamin K2 alleviates type 2 diabetes in rats by induction of osteocalcin gene expression.

OBJECTIVES: The biological mechanisms behind the association between vitamin K (Vit K) and glucose metabolism are uncertain. We aimed to analyze the expression of insulin 1 (Ins 1), insulin 2 (Ins 2) and cyclin D2, the expression of adiponectin and UCP-1 . In addition, we aimed to estimate the doses of Vit K2 able to affect various aspects of glucose and energy metabolism in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Thirty adult male rats were allocated equally into five groups: control group, diabetes mellitus group, and groups 3, 4, and 5, which received Vit K2 at three daily dose levels (10, 15, and 30 mg/kg, respectively) for 8 wk. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected to quantify total osteocalcin, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and relevant variables. The expression of OC, Ins 1, Ins 2, cyclin D2, adiponectin, UCP-1 genes was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: After administration of Vit K2, a dose-dependent decrease in fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c and homeostatic model assessment method insulin resistance, and a dose-dependent increase in fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment method ß cell function levels, when compared with diabetes mellitus rats, were detected. There was significant upregulation of OC, Ins 1, Ins 2, or cyclin D2 gene expression in the three treated groups in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the diabetic rats. However, expression of adiponectin and UCP-1 were significantly increased at the highest dose (30 mg/kg daily) only. CONCLUSIONS: Vit K2 administration could improve glycemic status in type 2 diabetic rats by induction of OC gene expression. Osteocalcin could increase ß-cell proliferation, energy expenditure, and adiponectin expression. Different concentrations of Vit K2 were required to affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

The association of PTPN22 (rs2476601) and IL2RA (rs11594656) polymorphisms with T1D in Egyptian children.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic ß cells. PTPN22 and IL2RA polymorphisms have been found to be associated with several autoimmune diseases including T1D. AIMS: We aimed to elucidate the role of PTPN22 and IL2RA polymorphisms in predisposition of T1D in Egyptian children. METHODS: We studied 150 children and adolescents with T1D and 165 healthy controls. The PTPN22 (rs2476601) and IL2RA (rs11594656) polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We found that carriers of the T allele of PTPN22 were significantly more likely to develop T1D (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2-4, P=0.01). Also, the carrier of TT genotype and T allele of IL2RA more likely to develop T1D (OR=2.8, 1.4, respectively, P=0.03). There was a statistically significant association between T allele of PTPN22 gene and females ⩽10years old at the onset of diabetes (OR=4, 95% CI=1.2-13.4, P=0.019). CONCLUSION: This study suggests a possible association between the T allele of PTPN22 gene and TT genotype of IL2RA with T1D in studied Egyptian children, especially, females with early onset diabetes who carried the 1858T allele.

LDLR, ApoB and ApoE genes polymorphisms and classical risk factors in premature coronary artery disease.

Lipoproteins play a central role in the development of atherosclerotic disease. So, with their ability to affect lipid levels, the LDLR, ApoB and ApoE polymorphisms could be one of the factors influencing development of atherosclerosis. This hypothesis has been tested in different populations with conflicting results. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between the LDLR, ApoB and ApoE genes polymorphisms with premature CAD (PCAD) in Egyptians. One hundred thirty-five patients of PCAD and one hundred thirty-two ages and sex matched control subjects were included in the study. LDLR and ApoB genes polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ApoE genotypes were identified by multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (multi-AMRS). We found that LDLR A(+)A(+) genotype, ApoB X(+) allele and ApoE E4 allele increased the risk of PCAD by 1.8, 2.1 and 12.1 respectively. The present study proved that smoking, metabolic syndrome, ApoB X(+)X(+) genotype and ApoE E4 allele were independent risk factors for the development of PCAD. This is the first study investigate the association between low density lipoprotein receptor, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein E genes polymorphisms with PCAD and lipid levels in Egyptians and we concluded that the LDLR A(+)A(+) genotype, ApoB X(+) allele and ApoE E4 allele may be associated with an increased risk for development of PCAD by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDLc). The coexistence of CAD risk factors with LDLR A(+)A(+) genotype, ApoB X(+) allele and ApoE E4 allele may increase the risk of the development of PCAD in Egyptian patients.

Relationship Between RANK and RANKL Gene Polymorphisms with Osteoporosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bone disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex phenomenon where genetic risk factors have been partially evaluated. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) gene; the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) gene; and RANKL levels with osteoporosis in postmenopausal RA patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-two postmenopausal female patients and 176 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects were genotyped for the presence of RANK C575T (rs1805034) and RANKL C290T (rs9525641) gene polymorphisms. RANKL levels, bone mineral density (BMD), and biochemical markers were also obtained. RESULTS: Women with the RANK CC genotype were significantly (2X) more likely to develop osteoporosis than those with the TT genotype (p = 0.024). A significant association was also observed between the RANKL 290TT genotype and both BMD and RANKL levels. In addition, individuals with the -290TT genotype were twice as likely to develop osteoporosis as those with the CC genotype (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with RA, carrying either the RANKL-290T allele or possessing the RANK 575CC genotype were more likely to develop osteoporosis. Moreover, our results suggested that the polymorphism 290C>T could be considered a risk factor for genetic susceptibility to osteoporosis and low BMD.

Cyclooxygenase 2 (rs2745557) Polymorphism and the Susceptibility to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer in Egyptians.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, has been reported to be correlated with tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. We aimed to evaluate the association between COX-2 (rs2745557) polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) risk. We also assessed the influence of other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, diabetes in modulating the risk of PCa in Egyptian men. COX-2 (rs2745557) was genotyped in 112 PC patients, 111 BPH and 120 subjects as a control group. COX-2 and PSA levels were measured by ELISA. We found that GG genotype was associated with a 17-fold increased risk for PCa and 20-fold increased the risk for BPH more than AA genotype. Also, G allele carriers of COX-2 were associated with metastatic cancer (OR = 1.3, P < 0.05) and disease aggressiveness (OR = 3.5, P < 0.001). The coexistence of obesity, smoking, or diabetes with GG genotype may lead to increasing the risk of developing BPH (OR = 3.3, 4, and 2.7, respectively) and of developing PCa (OR = 2.9, 4.9, and 3.2, respectively). Our results showed evidence suggesting the involvement of the COX-2 (rs2745557) polymorphism and its protein in PCa or BPH initiation and progression. Also, the coexistence of COX-2 (rs2745557) and obesity, smoking, or diabetes may lead to the development of PCa or BPH.

Association of XRCC1 and OGG1 DNA repair gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis in Egyptian patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease and can lead to deformities and severe disabilities, due to irreversible damage of tendons, joints, and bones. Previous studies indicated that the DNA repair system was involved in the pathology of RA. In this study, we investigated the association of two XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1) (rs25487 and rs25489) gene polymorphisms and two OGG1 (8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1) gene polymorphisms (rs159153 and rs3219008) with the susceptibility to RA in 320 Egyptians individuals (160 RA patients and 160 controls). Genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. We found an association between variant XRCC1 (rs25487 and rs25489) genotype polymorphisms, OGG1 (rs3219008) genotype polymorphism, and RA disease susceptibility. Moreover, the presence of the Gln/Gln, Arg/His, and His/His genotypes of XRCC1 was significantly more likely to have bone erosion and extra-articular features in RA patients. Further, patient's carrying the OGG1 A/G and G/G genotypes more likely to have bone erosion. However, the AA genotype and A allele were significantly more likely to have extra-articular features. Also, there were no significant associations between C/T OGG1 gene polymorphism and RA susceptibility, bone erosion, and extra-articular features occurrence in RA patients. We concluded that the XRCC1-Arg/Gln, XRCC1-Arg/His, and OGG1 A/G polymorphism have a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis disease. Also, these variant are associated with the severity of RA.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 Gene Polymorphism and Its Level Predict Morbidity After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Matrix metalloproteinase is responsible for ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) polymorphism and its level predict morbidity after acute MI (AMI). METHODS: We studied 112 patients with AMI and 140 controls. All patients were followed for AMI complications during their hospitalization and 6 months after. Serum MMP-3 was measured. MMP-3-1612 5A/6A polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We observed that the serum MMP-3 levels were significantly increased in patients with AMI with morbidity compared with patients without complications. Also, MMP-3 levels in patients with AMI carrying 5A/5A were elevated compared with those carrying 6A/6A. The frequencies of 5A/5A genotypes were significantly increased in patients with AMI compared with controls, and patients with AMI carrying 5A/5A had a fivefold increased risk of developing morbidity. The impairment of left ventricular function (ΔFS [fractional shortening] and ΔEF [ejection fraction]) was observed more in the 5A/5A genotype compared with the 6A/6A genotype. A significant inverse correlation between predischarge MMP-3 levels and FS and EF was found at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-3 polymorphism has a significant association with the risk of developing morbidity after AMI. Higher predischarge MMP-3 levels are associated with left ventricular dysfunction after AMI.

Anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic roles of spermatogonial stem cells in reversing cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Because of reproductive toxic effects of chemotherapy, researchers have taken some techniques to preserve fertility potential. The present study was designed to point out the potential role of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) therapy in reversing cisplatin (CP)-induced testicular toxicity and restore the spermatogenesis. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, control group; group 2, rats received CP in a dose of 7 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days; group 3, CP was injected at 7 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days, and, on the 6th day of the experiment, rats were treated with SSC. Forty days after receiving the last dose of CP, rats were euthanized under anesthesia; testes were collected, and gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction for P53, Bax, caspase 9 and cytochrome c, testicular histological findings and oxidative status were determined. RESULTS: Administration of cisplatin caused significant increases in malondialdehyde levels, Bax and caspase 9 genes expression levels concomitant with significant decreases in anti-oxidant enzyme activities, p53 and cytochrome c gene expression levels, along with some histopathological lesions in testicular tissue. SCC attenuated the disturbance in oxidant/anti-oxidant status and testicular apoptosis; this is associated with improvements in the histopathological view of the testicular tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights evidence that the SCC has anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties that could reverse CP-induced testicular toxicity, in addition to their role in spermatogenesis.

Circulating microRNAs - a new horizon in molecular diagnosis of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The potential use of microRNAs (miRNAs) as ideal tumor markers has been the focus of recent research. OBJECTIVE: Our hypothesis was that circulating miRNAs are differentially expressed in pretherapeutic sera of breast cancer patients compared to controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, levels of 5 candidate miRNAs (miR10b, miR34a, miR155, miR195 and miR16) were quantified in sera of breast cancer patients and control individuals. RESULTS: Levels of preoperative sera showed significant upregulation of 3.36 fold rise in miR10b (p<0.001), a 2.07 fold rise in miR155 (p =0.005) and remarkable over expression of 11.9 fold rise in miR195 (p<0.001) of cases than controls. There was significant down regulation of miR34a (0.032, p<0.001). The comparison with the clinicopathological data of the breast cancer patients revealed significant high serum level of miR155 (p =0.004) and miR195 (p =0.002) in patients with lymph node metastasis and higher levels of miR10b (p =0.001) and miR155 (p <0.001) with distant metastasis (M1) than without metastasis (M0), in addition to significant decrease in miR34a (p <0.001) level in M1 than M0 cases. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that systemic circulating miRNAs have potential use as novel biomarkers for breast cancer.

Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) mRNA expression in peripheral blood in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine whether detection of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) expression in BPH might be associated with the subsequent presence of Prostate cancer (PCa) and also to determine whether detection of PSCA expression has potential for prognosis in PCa. This study was comprised of 112 PCa patients, 111 BPH patients and 120 control subjects. We employed reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect PSCA mRNA-bearing cells in peripheral blood. PSCA mRNA was detected in the peripheral blood of 71.4% PCa patients and in 13.5% of patients with BPH by RT-PCR. PSCA was positive in 80% of high-grade diseases compared with 20% of low-grade diseases (P = 0.01). Whereas only 38.8% of prostate-confined diseases were PSCA positive, 61.2% of extraprostatic diseases were PSCA positive (P < 0.001). Patients with a lymphovascular invasion of tumor emboli tended to be PSCA positive (P = 0.02). BPH patients with RT-PCR PSCA positive were significantly more likely to develop prostate cancer (OR = 16, 95% CI = 8.1-31.6, P < 0.001). In conclusion, RT-PCR PSCA positivity is significantly associated with the Gleason score, LV tumor emboli and whether or not the tumor was organ confined. In this study, RT-PCR PSCA detection may be a promising tumor marker of diagnostic and metastasis detection for patients with prostate cancer. Also, it may be an important test for predicting BPH patients who are at high risk of subsequent cancer development.

A new metabolic mechanism for absence of pain in patients with silent myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We undertook this study to detect if there is a relationship between lactate production in the myocardium and the presence or absence of chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Forty six patients with significant CAD including left anterior descending artery underwent echocardiography study, coronary angiography and pacing-induced ischemia. Serum lactate levels were determined in four blood samples, from mid-LV cavity and from coronary sinus before and after pacing-induced ischemia. Twenty eight patients comprised angina group and 18 patients comprised silent myocardial ischemia (SMI) group during pacing-induced ischemia. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (64.3%) of angina group had lactate production during ischemia. Eighteen patients of SMI group (100%) had diminished lactate extraction, and none had lactate production. CONCLUSION: The novel finding of this study is that the major difference in metabolism during SMI and angina pectoris is in the state of lactate production, which is absent during SMI and present during angina. We assume that lactate is the stimulus of cardiac ischemic pain and when its level increases, it stimulates pain receptors leading to chest pain.