Splicing variants of versican in CD133+/CD44+ prostate cancer stem cells.

A cancer mass is composed of a heterogeneous group of cells, a small part of which constitutes the cancer stem cells since they are less differentiated and have a high capacity to develop cancer. Versican is an extracellular matrix protein located in many human tissues. The mRNA of versican has been shown to have "splicing patterns" as detected by RT-PCR, northern blot analysis, and cDNA sequencing. Based on this knowledge this study aims to reveal the splice variants of versican molecules, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of the DU-145 human prostatic carcinoma cell line and prostatic cancer stem cells isolated from this cell line. In this study, RWPE-1 normal prostatic and DU-145 human prostate cancer cell lines have been used. Prostatic cancer stem cells and the remaining group of non-prostatic-cancer stem cells (bulk population) were isolated according to their CD133+/CD44+. RNA was isolated in all groups, and sequence analysis was accomplished for splicing variants by Illumina NextSeq 500 sequencing system. The results were analyzed by bioinformatic evaluation. As five isoforms of the versican gene in the differential transcript expression are analyzed, it was observed that a significant change was only found in the isoforms Versican 0 and Versican 1. In this study, we explored the function of this molecule which we think to be effective in cancer progression, and suggested that more valuable results can be obtained after the accomplishment of in vivo experiments.

Embryonic microenvironment suppresses YY1 and YY1-related genes in prostate cancer stem cells.

Yin yang 1 (YY1), a transcription factor, plays crucial roles in cell fate specification, differentiation, and pluripotency during embryonic development. It is also involved in tumorigenesis, drug resistance, metastasis, and relapse caused by cancer stem cells (CSCs), particularly in prostate cancer (PCa). Targeting YY1 could potentially eliminate prostate CSCs (PCSCs) and provide novel therapeutic approaches. PCa tissues often exhibit elevated YY1 expression levels, especially in high-grade cases. Notably, high-grade PCa tissues from 58 PCa patients and CD133high/CD44high PCSCs isolated from DU145 PCa cell line by FACS both showed significantly increased YY1 expression as observed through immunofluorescence staining, respectively. To investigate the embryonic microenvironment impact on YY1 expression in CSC populations, firstly PCSCs were microinjected into the inner cell mass of blastocysts and then PCSCs were co-cultured with blastocysts. Next Generation Sequencing was used to analyze alterations in YY1 and related gene expressions. Interestingly, exposure to the embryonic microenvironment significantly reduced the expressions of YY1, YY2, and other relevant genes in PCSCs. These findings emphasize the tumor-suppressing effects of the embryonic environment by downregulating YY1 and YY1-related genes in PCSCs, thus providing promising strategies for PCa therapy. Through elucidating the mechanisms involved in embryonic reprogramming and its effects on YY1 expression, this research offers opportunities for further investigation into focused therapies directed against PCSCs, therefore enhancing the outcomes of PCa therapy. As a result, PCa tumors may benefit from YY1 and associated genes as a novel therapeutic target.

Intimate partner violence management and referral practices of primary care workers in a selected population in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a significant public health problem and primary care workers (PCWs) have a crucial role in managing violence against women. However, though intimate partner violence (IPV) is frequently seen in primary care, most cases remain unreported. AIMS: This study aims to investigate family physicians' (FPs') and co-working midwifes/nurses' (M/Ns') explanations about their responses to women disclosing IPV and the reasons for their actions. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey via a face-to-face administered questionnaire interview involving 266 PCWs in a selected area in Turkey. We questioned the reasoning behind inappropriate responses such as not examining the patient and document findings, not recording a code of violence, and not notifying the police in the case of a disclosure of IPV. RESULTS: We surveyed 129 FPs and 137 M/Ns. We found that the disclosure of IPV in primary care is very high, but more than one-third of physicians and half of M/Ns respond inappropriately. Reasons for inappropriate response varied. The majority believed that the victim would continue to live with her batterer, making any report ineffective. Some expressed concern for the women's and their own personal safety, citing an increase in assault cases by perpetrators in the last few years. Many indicated a lack of knowledge about management of violence cases. CONCLUSION: Multiple barriers challenge PCWs in helping abused women. Common behaviours, safety concerns, and a lack of knowledge seem to be the major barriers to responding appropriately to IPV. To address this issue appropriately, protective measures for both parties - PCWs and violence victims - need to be enacted and a supportive constitutional and societal organization is required. Screening and identification should lead to interventions that benefit the victims rather than harming them.