Click evoked otoacoustic emissions in occupational exposure to lead, concentrations of selected essential elements and markers of oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: This study focused on the selected markers of oxidative stress, impact of elevated lead levels on long-term hearing quality. We investigated whether the presence of certain essential minerals might provide protection to the auditory system against the effects of lead (and cadmium) compounds. METHODS: The research group included 280 male employees of the zinc and lead smelter, which was divided into: L-Pb-low blood lead concentration (PbB) subgroup, H-Pb-high PbB subgroup. Hearing tests were performed using the click evoked otoacoustic emission (CEOAE). RESULTS: Zinc protoporphyrin level was significantly higher in the H-Pb subgroup by 68%. Cd concentration was significantly higher in H-Pb by 33%. The Ca concentration was significantly lower in the H-Pb by - 2%. Selected oxidative stress markers concentration were significantly higher in the H-Pb group: malondialdehyde (MDA) by 4%, and lipofuscin (LPS) by 9%. In the CEOAE results showed statistically significant differences between the L-Pb and H-Pb subgroups. Larger negative changes in otoemission amplitude were observed in H-Pb subgroup. All otoemission results showed a statistically significant negative correlation with age, time of work, MDA concentration, and with PbB. Selected CEOAE parameters showed a significant negative correlation with cadmium blood concentration (CdB), and a positive correlation with Ca and Zn. CONCLUSION: Elevated blood lead content in occupational exposure is associated with an increase in MDA and LPS concentration, which negatively correlates with CEOAE parameters. This suggests an important role of oxidative stress in the long-term deterioration of hearing.

Sequencing Analysis of MUC6 and MUC16 Gene Fragments in Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Novel Mutations: A Preliminary Study.

The growing incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) calls for better understanding of the mutational landscape of such cases. Mucins (MUCs) are multifunctional glycoproteins expressed by the epithelial cells and may be associated with the epithelial tumour invasion and progression. The present study aimed at the analysis of the sequence of selected MUC6 and MUC16 gene fragments in the tumour, as well as the margin, samples obtained from 18 OPSCC patients. Possible associations between the detected mutations and the clinicopathological and demographic characteristics of the study group were analysed. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis of the selected MUC6 and MUC16 cDNA fragments were performed. Our study found 13 and 3 mutations in MUC6 and MUC16, respectively. In particular, one novelty variant found that the MUC6 gene (chr11:1018257 A>T) was the most frequent across our cohort, in both the tumour and the margin samples, and was then classified as a high impact, stop-gain mutation. The current study found novel mutations in MUC6 and MUC16 providing new insight into the genetic alternation in mucin genes among the OPSCC patients. Further studies, including larger cohorts, are recommended to recognise the pattern in which the mutations affect oropharyngeal carcinogenesis.

The Potential Association between E2F2, MDM2 and p16 Protein Concentration and Selected Sociodemographic and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2), murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and p16 are some of the key proteins associated with the control of the cell cycle. The aim of this study was to evaluate E2F2, MDM2 and p16 concentrations in the tumour and margin samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma and to assess their association with some selected sociodemographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients. METHODS: The study group consisted of 73 patients. Protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of E2F2, MDM2 or p16 in the tumour samples as compared to the margin specimens. We found that patients with N0 showed significantly lower E2F2 concentrations than patients with N1 in the tumour samples and the median protein concentration of E2F2 was higher in HPV-negative patients in the tumour samples. Moreover, the level of p16 in the margin samples was lower in alcohol drinkers as compared to non-drinkers. Similar observations were found in concurrent drinkers and smokers compared to non-drinkers and non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: E2F2 could potentially promote tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, our results showed a differential level of the analysed proteins in response to alcohol consumption and the HPV status.

miR-125b-5p, miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p and Target E2F2 Gene in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

It is known that E2F2 (E2F transcription factor 2) plays an important role as controller in the cell cycle. This study aimed to analyse the expression of the E2F2 gene and E2F2 protein and demonstrate E2F2 target microRNAs (miRNAs) candidates (miR-125b-5p, miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p) in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples. The study group consisted 50 patients. The E2F2 gene and miRNAs expression levels were assessed by qPCR, while the E2F2 protein was assessed by ELISA. When analysing the effect of miRNAs expression on E2F2 gene expression and E2F2 protein level, we observed no statistically significant correlations. miR-125b-5p was downregulated, while miR-155-3p, and miR-214-5p were upregulated in tumour samples compared to margin. We observed a difference between the miR-125b-5p expression level in smokers and non-smokers in margin samples. Furthermore, HPV-positive individuals had a significantly higher miR-125b-5p and miR-214-5p expression level compared to HPV-negative patients in tumour samples. The study result showed that the E2F2 gene is not the target for analysed miRNAs in OSCC. Moreover, miR-155-3p and miR-125b-5p could play roles in the pathogenesis of OSCC. A differential expression of the analysed miRNAs was observed in response to tobacco smoke and HPV status.

Assessment of Osteoporosis and Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Patients with Idiopathic Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

Background and objectives: Osteoporosis and vitamin D3 deficiency may be risk factors of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and 25(OH) vitamin D3 deficiency in a group of patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients (twenty-eight women and seven men) with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were enrolled in the study. The subjects underwent hearing assessment (tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry) and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were determined and lumbar spine bone densitometry was performed. The relationships between sex, age, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results were assessed. Results: The diagnosis of osteoporosis was confirmed in 1 patient (3%), 3 subjects were osteopenic (8.6%), and normal bone densitometry was found in 31 (88.6%) patients. Conclusions: We found no statistically significant relationships between age, BMI or vitamin D3 levels and bone densitometry results in patients with idiopathic BPPV.

Relationship between Postural Stability, Lead Content, and Selected Parameters of Oxidative Stress.

This study attempts to determine whether the increased blood lead concentration affects the posturographic test and to determine the relationship between the parameters of posture stability and selected parameters of oxidative stress. The study population consisted of 268 male employees and was divided into two equal subgroups, depending on the lead content in the blood. A posturographic examination was performed. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc protoporphyrin, selected essential elements, and selected markers of oxidative stress in the blood were tested. Higher blood lead concentrations positively affected the values of the sway results: the field and the mean velocity of the center of the feet pressure in posturography. The absolute value of the proprioception ratio was similar in both subgroups. The content of malondialdehyde shows a statistically significantly higher value in a subgroup with high blood lead concentration and exhibits significant correlations only with some of the posturography parameters. The lipofuscin content in erythrocytes correlates with the results of the posturography test. Zinc protoporphyrin, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, selected minerals, and metals did not correlate with the results of the posturography test. In conclusion, posturographic results correlate only with selected markers of oxidative stress, so it can be assumed that the effect on the body balance is only partial.

Factors Associated with Outcomes Following Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Study of 50 Cases from a Single Center in Poland.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study from a single center in Poland aimed to identify factors associated with outcomes following salvage surgery in 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer after primary organ preservation treatment (12 patients after partial surgery, 30 patients after radiation therapy, and 8 patients after prior treatment using both methods). None of the patients received chemotherapy before salvage surgery. All patients with recurrence of laryngeal cancer underwent total laryngectomy with elective bilateral nodal surgery. Local and/or nodal recurrence was considered the failure of primary organ preservation treatment. Efficacy of treatment was assessed in relation to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local control (LC), and locoregional control (LRC). RESULTS Treatment results showed a poor prognosis in patients with local and/or nodal recurrence of laryngeal cancer. In the study group, the updated 5-year rates were as follows: OS rate of 26%; DFS rate of 25%; LC rate of 44%; and LRC rate of 39%. Univariate analysis showed that the stage before primary treatment was a predictive factor of OS (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this retrospective study of 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal carcinoma showed that salvage surgery following organ preservation treatment resulted in a 5-year OS rate of 26%.

Is immunohistochemical evaluation of p16 in oropharyngeal cancer enough to predict the HPV positivity?

AIM: Our goal was to determine the expression levels of p16 in the cohort of the OPSCC patients and evaluation of the pathological and clinical differences between these two groups including patients' survival. BACKGROUND: HPV infection is the main causative factor of oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC). Identification of HPV status in OPSCC requires positive evaluation of viral DNA integration into host cell however, p16 accumulation in the proliferating cell layers has been accepted as an alternative marker for HPV infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The IHC staining for p16 has been performed in tumor tissue from 382 OPSCC patients. The sample was considered positive based on more than 70% of carcinoma tissue showing strong and diffused nuclear and cytoplasmic immunostaining. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients including site, age, gender, tumor grade, tumor stage, the nodal status, smoking and survival have been analyzed when comparing p16 positive and p16 negative tumors. RESULTS: Out of our cohort in 38.2% cases positive staining for p16 has been recorded. Our analysis did not indicate significant differences in the distribution of the p16 positive patients and age of the patients, stage of the disease. Among the patients who have presented with the N+ neck, there were significantly more p16 positive tumors than in the group with N0 neck (p = 0.0062). There was highly significant correlation between the expression of p16 and smoking (p < 0.0001). The significant difference in survival (p < 0.0001) with more favorable prognosis in the p16 positive group has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of p16 is accepted as a surrogate diagnostic marker for detecting HPV infection in oropharyngeal cancer. However, one should remember about existence of the small subgroups of p16 positive but HPV negative tumors, with relatively worse prognosis. Immunostaining for p16, however useful on everyday basis, should be complemented with other techniques in terms of reliable identification of the HPV infection.

Global DNA Methylation Level in Tumour and Margin Samples in Relation to Human Papilloma Virus and Epstein-Barr Virus in Patients with Oropharyngeal and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification in cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, the analysis of methylation levels appears necessary to improve cancer therapy and prognosis. METHODS: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse global DNA methylation levels in OPSCC and OSCC tumours and the margin samples after DNA isolation. HPV detection was conducted by hybridisation using GenoFlow HPV Array Test Kits (DiagCor Bioscience Inc., Hong Kong, China). EBV detection was performed using real-time PCR with an EBV PCR Kit (EBV/ISEX/100, GeneProof, Brno, Czech Republic). RESULTS: OPSCC tumour samples obtained from women showed lower global DNA methylation levels than those from men (1.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049). The margin samples from OPSCC patients with HPV and EBV coinfection showed global DNA methylation lower than those without coinfection (p = 0.042). G3 tumours from OSCC patients had significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation than G2 tumours (0.98% ± 0.74% vs. 3.77% ± 4.97%, p = 0.010). Additionally, tumours from HPV-positive OSCC patients had significantly lower global DNA methylation levels than those from HPV-negative patients (p = 0.013). In the margin samples, we observed a significant negative correlation between global DNA methylation and the N stage of OSCC patients (rS = -0.33, p = 0.039). HPV-positive OPSCC patients had higher global DNA methylation levels than HPV-positive OSCC patients (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that methylation could be changed in relation to viral factors, such as HPV and EBV, as well as clinical and demographical parameters.

The Clinical Significance of Tonsillar Actinomyces in Histopathological Samples after Tonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Actinomyces is a genus of Gram-positive anaerobic or microaerophilic bacteria with a branched filamentous shape. Their presence in tonsil tissue is usually determined by histopathological examination. In the crypts of removed tonsils, they have a prevalence ranging from 0.8% to 61.6%. The role of Actinomyces in diseases of the palatine tonsils is not clearly defined. The aim of the study was to determine the importance of Actinomyces in the pathology of palatine tonsils and to assess the impact of these bacteria on the clinical data. METHODS: the retrospective analysis of the histopathological findings of patients undergoing tonsillectomy in our hospital from January 2017 to the end of December 2019 was performed in terms of the occurrence of Actinomyces. The data were collected based on the medical history. The study included 481 patients aged 3-82 years. From the study group, 100 adult patients were randomly selected, and a telephone survey was conducted. The questions included the co-occurrence of bronchial asthma, halitosis, tonsilloliths, and cigarette smoking. The questions were related to the complications following tonsillectomy and the severity of postoperative pain. Existence of a relationship was investigated between occurrence of tonsillar Actinomyces and age, sex, body mass index, and medical condition (obstructive sleep apnea, chronic palatine tonsillitis), respectively. The size of the removed tonsils was assessed and compared depending on the presence of the bacteria. RESULTS: patients aged 18 years and older had a higher probability of presenting Actinomyces. The estimated odds ratio for the presence of the bacteria per year of age was 1.023 [1.007, 1.041]. No statistically significant results were found for the other variables. The co-occurrence of the bacteria and halitosis was close to statistical significance (p = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: multivariate analysis of the role of Actinomyces in tonsillar pathology showed that these microorganisms should be considered saprophytes of the oropharyngeal microflora that had no significant relationship with the pathology of palatine tonsils. Further studies on their influence on halitosis are warranted.

Salvage surgery in laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy and partial surgery - comparative results.

Objective: The study is a retrospective comparison of the usefulness of salvage surgery between a group of previously radiotherapy-treated patients (RTPs) and a group of patients who previously underwent partial surgery with both local and ± nodal recurrence. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Multi-center academic hospital. Materials and Methods: The former group was comprised 30 previously RTPs, whereas the latter group consisted of 20 patients after partial laryngeal surgery with optional subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy (PSPs). Treatment efficacy was compared in both groups in relation to overall survival (OS) and the locoregional control rate (LCR). Local and ± nodal recurrence was considered primary treatment failure. All patients underwent total laryngectomy. Results: The updated 5-year OS in the PSPs was 31%, while the percentage of the updated 5-year LCR was 42%. In the RTPs the updated 5-year OS was 21%, and the percentage of 5-year LCR was 38%. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of the comparison of OS or the comparison of LCR results in both groups (P = 0.427, P = 0.704, respectively). Conclusions: Based on the analysis, it was found that irrespective of the initial treatment, salvage surgery was associated with decreased survival and cure rates (by 50%) compared to the group of patients with advanced laryngeal cancer who underwent primary total laryngectomy.

Selected SNPs of FCN2 Associated with Chronic Tonsillitis in the Polish Adult Population.

Chronic tonsillitis is a problem related to bacterial and viral infections. Ficolins play a key role in the defence against various pathogens. In the present study, we investigated the associations between the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FCN2 gene and chronic tonsillitis in the Polish population. The study included 101 patients with chronic tonsillitis and 101 healthy individuals. The selected SNPs of FCN2 (rs3124953, rs17514136 and rs3124954) were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (Applied Biosystem, Foster City, CA, USA). The analysis of rs17514136 and rs3124953 showed no significant differences in genotype frequencies between the chronic tonsillitis patients and controls (p > 0.01). The CT genotype of rs3124954 was significantly more frequent, while the CC genotype was less frequent in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). The frequency of the A/G/T haplotype (rs17514136/rs3124953/rs3124954) was significantly more common in chronic tonsillitis patients (p = 0.0011). Moreover, the FCN2 CT genotype of rs3124954 was associated with a higher risk of chronic tonsillitis, while the CC genotype of rs3124954 decreased this risk. Our findings demonstrate that FCN2 rs3124954 may be associated with chronic tonsillitis in the Polish adult population.

Low Prevalence of HSV-1 and Helicobacter pylori in HNSCC and Chronic Tonsillitis Patients Compared to Healthy Individuals.

Recent studies identified viral and bacterial factors, including HSV-1 and H. pylori, as possible factors associated with diseases such as chronic tonsillitis and cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We assessed the prevalence of HSV-1/2 and H. pylori in patients with HNSCC, chronic tonsillitis, and healthy individuals using PCR after DNA isolation. Associations were sought between the presence of HSV-1, H. pylori, and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics and stimulant use. HSV-1 and H. pylori were most frequently identified in controls (HSV-1: 12.5% and H. pylori: 6.3%). There were 7 (7.8%) and 8 (8.6%) patients with positive HSV-1 in HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, respectively, while the prevalence of H. pylori was 0/90 (0%) and 3/93 (3.2%), respectively. More cases of HSV-1 were observed in older individuals in the control group. All positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were associated with advanced tumor stage (T3/T4). The prevalence of HSV-1 and H. pylori was highest in the controls compared to HNSCC and chronic tonsillitis patients, which indicates that the pathogens were not risk factors. However, since all positive HSV-1 cases in the HNSCC group were observed only in patients with advanced tumor stage, we suggested a possible link between HSV-1 and tumor progression. Further follow-up of the study groups is planned.

The Analysis of Selected miRNAs and Target MDM2 Gene Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

MiRNAs could play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. The oncoprotein MDM2 (murine double minute 2) was identified as a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53. This study aims to analyse the expression of the MDM2 target miRNA candidates (miR-3613-3p, miR-371b-5p and miR-3658) and the MDM2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples and their association with the selected socio-demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. The study group consisted of 50 patients. The miRNAs and MDM2 gene expression levels were assessed by qPCR. The expression analysis of the miRNAs showed the expression of only one of them, i.e., miR-3613-3p. We found no statistically significant differences in the miR-3613-3p expression in tumour samples compared to the margin samples. When analysing the effect of smoking on miR-3613-3p expression, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. In addition, we showed an association between the miR-3613-3p expression level and some clinical parameters in tumour samples (T, N and G). Our study demonstrates that miR-3613-3p overexpression is involved in the tumour progression of OSCC. This indicates that miR-3613-3p possesses potential prognostic values.

[The quality of voice in coal-miners after burn/inhalation injury due to methane explosion]. / Jakosc glosu u górników po urazie inhalacyjnym górnych dróg oddechowych w wyniku wybuchu metanu.

The job as a coal-miner exposes to the greatest risk. One of the most dangerous health hazard is a burn/inhalation injury during the methane explosion. The victims undergo physical trauma, effect of high temperature and inhalation of toxic gases and products of incomplete combustion, As a result of inhalation injury both, upper and lower airways are affected. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between burn/inhalation injury and quality of voice in affected coal-miners. A group of 23 patients (men) in age from 28 to 59 (mean 38.5) 3 years after burn/inhalation injury participated in this study. The voice evaluation based on ENT examination, videlaryngostroboscopy, acoustic analysis, MPT parameter and GRBAS analysis was performed. The special control group of coal-miners served as a control. On the basis of the subjective evaluation and the objective acoustic analysis, aerodynamic parameter and videlaryngostroboscopy the worse quality of voice in the group of injured coalminers was shown in comparison to the control group. No substantial correlation between the acoustic parameters, MPT parameter and ventilating rates was found.

The function of the vestibular organ in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to identify the prognostic factors and the relationship between vertigo and the results of objective assessment of the vestibular organ and the levels of thyroid status in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 28 women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and coexisting chronic vertigo. In all patients, audiological assessment of hearing (tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry), Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, caloric test, and kinetic tests (rotary chair test and swing chair test) were evaluated. Thyroid hormone levels [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4)] and thyroid antibodies [autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and thyroglobulin (anti-TG)] were determined. The relationships between age, weight, height, and BMI and the results of the objective assessment of the vestibular organ were calculated. RESULTS: In the study group the mean age was 48 years and the mean BMI was 26.425. Normal hearing was found in 15 patients (54%). BPPV (n = 19), followed by Meniere's disease (n = 7) and vestibular neuronitis (n = 2), were the causes of chronic vertigo in this group of patients. The analysis of the objective assessment of the vestibular organ showed decreased excitability of the labyrinth in 15 patients (54%). Twenty-four patients presented with normal TSH and FT4 levels (85%). All patients presented with elevated anti-TPO and anti-TG levels. CONCLUSION: No correlation was found between age, weight, height, BMI, and the results of thyroid function tests or the assessment of the vestibular organ. We did not confirm the negative influence of thyroid levels or the increase in thyroid antibodies on the abnormal results of the rotary chair test or the caloric test.

Does Thyroid Hormone Metabolism Correlate with the Objective Assessment of the Vestibular Organ in Patients with Vertigo?

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the results of the objective assessment of the vestibular organ in patients with peripheral vertigo with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid hormone metabolism. Twenty eight women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and chronic vertigo were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent audiological assessment of hearing, Dix-Hallpike test, videonystagmography with caloric test, head impulse test (HIT) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs). Levels of thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid antibodies were determined. Relationships between age, weight, height, BMI and the results of the objective assessment of the vestibular organ were calculated. The mean age in the study group was 48 years, while the mean BMI was 26.425. The causes of peripheral vertigo in the study group were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (n = 19), Meniere's disease (n = 7) and vestibular neuronitis (n = 2). No correlation was found between age, weight, height, BMI and the results of thyroid function tests or the objective assessment of the vestibular organ. The study did not confirm the influence of thyroid metabolism (i.e., thyroid hormone levels or the increase in antithyroid antibodies) on the results of cVEMP or the directional preponderance in the caloric test.

PCR Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, in Patients with Chronic Tonsillitis, and in Healthy Individuals.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus worldwide that is an etiologic agent in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Recent reports have shown the association of EBV with tumorigenesis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Moreover, EBV has been reported to be present in tonsillar tissues, which suggests a close relationship between viral infections and tonsillar diseases, including chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of EBV DNA in 86 patients with HNSCC, in 70 patients with chronic tonsillitis, and in 144 healthy individuals (control group) and the associations between EBV infection and clinicopathological and demographic characteristics and the use of stimulants in all study groups. The objective of this study was also to analyze the prevalence of coinfection with human papillomavirus (HPV). After prior DNA isolation, EBV detection was performed using an EBV kit by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of EBV infection in patients with HNSCC, patients with chronic tonsillitis, and the control group was 47.7%, 60%, and 24.3%, respectively. Compared to controls, a significantly higher prevalence of EBV in patients with chronic tonsillitis and HNSCC may suggest that EBV is a potential risk factor. No association was found between EBV infection and demographic or clinical data. Further studies are warranted due to inconclusive reports that were mainly related to geographic distribution, sample type, and detection technique. Considering the prevalence of the virus and the risk of serious diseases, attention should be paid to screening diagnosis and prevention of the infection.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and mRNA Expression of LTF in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancers worldwide. LTF arrests the G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle. This study is the first that has aimed to determine the possible association between the LTF polymorphisms (rs2073495, rs1126478, rs34827868, rs1042073, rs4637321, rs2239692 and rs10865941), the mRNA LTF expression, the risk of OSCC and the influence on the TNM staging and histological grading. This study was composed of 176 Polish patients, including 88 subjects diagnosed with OSCC and 88 healthy individuals. QuantStudio Design and Analysis Software v1.5.1 was used for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and mRNA LTF expression. The G/G genotype of rs2073495 and the G/G genotype of rs4637321 were linked, with an increased risk of OSCC. There were no significant influences between the TNM staging and the histological grading and the LTF genotype. We found no statistically significant dissimilarities in the expression level of LTF genes in the tumour and margin specimens. No association was found between the gene expression levels, the other parameters or LTF polymorphisms in the tumour and margin samples. In conclusion, rs2073495 and rs4637321 polymorphisms may affect the risk of OSCC. These results should be validated on larger and different cohorts to better comprehend the role of the LTF gene in OSCC.

Expression Profiles of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most commonly detected neoplasms worldwide. Not all mechanisms associated with cell cycle disturbances are known in OSCC. Examples of genes involved in the control of the cell cycle are CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF. The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF mRNA expression and influence on clinical variables. METHODS: The study group consisted of 88 Polish patients. The gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences in the expression level of CDKN2A, MDM2, E2F2 and LTF genes in tumour samples compared to margin samples. No association was found between the gene expression levels and clinical parameters, except E2F2. The patients with G2 tumours had a significantly higher gene expression level of E2F2 than patients with low-grade G1 tumours. CONCLUSIONS: We have not demonstrated that a change in expression profiles of genes has a significant impact on the pathogenesis of OSCC. It may also be useful to conduct further studies on the use of E2F2 expression profile changes as a factor to describe the invasiveness and dynamics of OSCC development.