Allele-Specific Reprogramming of Cancer Metabolism by the Long Non-coding RNA CCAT2.

Altered energy metabolism is a cancer hallmark as malignant cells tailor their metabolic pathways to meet their energy requirements. Glucose and glutamine are the major nutrients that fuel cellular metabolism, and the pathways utilizing these nutrients are often altered in cancer. Here, we show that the long ncRNA CCAT2, located at the 8q24 amplicon on cancer risk-associated rs6983267 SNP, regulates cancer metabolism in vitro and in vivo in an allele-specific manner by binding the Cleavage Factor I (CFIm) complex with distinct affinities for the two subunits (CFIm25 and CFIm68). The CCAT2 interaction with the CFIm complex fine-tunes the alternative splicing of Glutaminase (GLS) by selecting the poly(A) site in intron 14 of the precursor mRNA. These findings uncover a complex, allele-specific regulatory mechanism of cancer metabolism orchestrated by the two alleles of a long ncRNA.

Therapeutic potential of FLANC, a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of a novel primate-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), named FLANC, based on its genomic location (co-localised with a pyknon motif), and to characterise its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. DESIGN: FLANC expression was analysed in 349 tumours from four cohorts and correlated to clinical data. In a series of multiple in vitro and in vivo models and molecular analyses, we characterised the fundamental biological roles of this lncRNA. We further explored the therapeutic potential of targeting FLANC in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases. RESULTS: FLANC, a primate-specific lncRNA feebly expressed in normal colon cells, was significantly upregulated in cancer cells compared with normal colon samples in two independent cohorts. High levels of FLANC were associated with poor survival in two additional independent CRC patient cohorts. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the modulation of FLANC expression influenced cellular growth, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis and metastases formation ability of CRC cells. In vivo pharmacological targeting of FLANC by administration of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles loaded with a specific small interfering RNA, induced significant decrease in metastases, without evident tissue toxicity or pro-inflammatory effects. Mechanistically, FLANC upregulated and prolonged the half-life of phosphorylated STAT3, inducing the overexpression of VEGFA, a key regulator of angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we discovered, FLANC as a novel primate-specific lncRNA that is highly upregulated in CRC cells and regulates metastases formation. Targeting primate-specific transcripts such as FLANC may represent a novel and low toxic therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients.

Mononucleotide repeats in the SMAD4 gene promoter in colon carcinoma tissue of Croatian patients.

This study was aimed at the analysis of mononucleotide repeats -462T(15) and -4T(12) in the SMAD4 gene promoter in sporadic colon adenocarcinoma tissue of Croatian patients. The analysis has included 60 pairs of samples of colon tumor and adjacent normal tissue. The number of thymidines in the tracts -462T(15) and -4T(12) of the SMAD4 gene promoter was determined by PCR with fluorescently labeled primers followed by the analysis of obtained DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis. In the normal colon tissue two haplotypes were present: -462T(15)/-4T(12) in 51 patients (85%) and -462T(16)/-4T(12) in 9 patients (15%). Among the cases with haplotype -462T(15)/-4T(12) detected in normal colon tissue, in 5 cases (8%) malignant tissue displayed different haplotypes: 462T(10)/-4T(10), -462T(12)/-4T(12), 462T(13)/-4T(11), -462T(14)/-4T(10) and -462T(15)/-4T(11). Haplotype -462T(14)/-4T(10) was previously found to be associated with significantly decreased SMAD4 gene promoter activity in comparison to the wild type, while the other detected haplotypes remain to be functionally characterized. This study has shown that functionally relevant somatic alterations of the SMAD4 gene promoter are found in some colon cancer tumors. Although not as frequent in colon as in pancreatic cancer, they may be of significance for certain cases and their role in colon tumorigenesis should be investigated further.

New insights into the role of chronic inflammation and cytokines in the etiopathogenesis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Although previously considered rare, recent epidemiological studies have revealed that the incidence (3.6/100,000) and prevalence (35/100,000) of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) has increased over the past few decades. Despite the progress in the understanding of GEP-NET molecular biology, there is still little advance in the early diagnosis due to lack of specific tumor markers. As the tumors are mostly detected in their late stage, they are not well controlled by either biotherapy or conventional chemotherapy, and thus represent a significant clinical issue. Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the development of GEP-NETs. This review presents recent findings that link pro-inflammatory cytokines to the molecular basis of GEP-NET tumorigenesis, leading to a more personalized approach to disease management and therapy.

TNFα gene/protein in tumorigenesis of sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Inherited polymorphisms in immunomodulatory genes such as cytokines may contribute to variation in immunological response and genetic susceptibility for complex diseases, including cancer. TNFα can mediate tumor progression by inducing proliferation, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. The aim of our study was to examine the allelic frequencies of TNFα promoter SNPs, -1031 T/C, -857 C/T, -308 G/A and -238 G/A, in patients with sporadic colon adenocarcinoma in order to investigate the possible role of these SNPs in susceptibility to sporadic colon cancer. Another aim of this study was to examine the influence of TNFα SNPs on TNFα mRNA and protein expression in colon tumors and their possible role in the development and progression of this type of tumor. RESULTS: The distribution of all four TNFα SNP genotypes in patients showed no significant difference compared to controls. No statistically significant difference in TNFα mRNA expression in tumors and corresponding normal mucous tissue was found (p=0.14). A statistically significant (p=0.028) difference was found in TNFα mRNA expression between histological grade 1 and histological grade 2 and 3 tumors. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation (p=0.03) was found between TNFα-857 C/T genotypes and TNFα mRNA expression in tumor tissue. TNFα mRNA expression was significantly higher in the tumor tissue of patients with -857 CT and -857 TT genotypes. Most of the tumors (78.26%) were positive for TNFα protein. No correlation was found between the TNFα protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics as well as TNFα genotypes. However, patients with TNFα protein negative tumors had longer survival but the result was not statistically significant (p=0.365). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the role of TNFα as one of the immunomodulatory genes in the progression of sporadic colon cancer.

Reduced FHIT expression is associated with tumor progression in sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: Tumor supressor gene FHIT was identified at chromosome 3p14.2 spanning the FRA3B fragile site and is very often inactivated in different types of cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of FHIT gene LOH as well as FHIT mRNA and protein expression in sporadic colon adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The results of LOH, real-time qRT-PCR and imunohistochemical analyses were correlated with clinico-pathological characteristics of patients and their tumors in order to evaluate the role of FHIT gene/protein in sporadic colon adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty one (96.3%) samples were informative for both markers and 33/131 (25.2%) demonstrated LOH. Expression of FHIT mRNA was significantly decreased in colon tumors relative to that in corresponding normal tissue (p = 7.2×10(-6)). Most of the samples (54.0%) were negative for FHIT protein, 26.4% adenocarcinomas showed a weak to moderate immunostaining and 19.6% adenocarcinomas showed strong FHIT immunostaining. No correlation was found between FHIT gene LOH status, mRNA expression or FHIT protein immunostaining and clinico-pathological characteristics. Expression of FHIT mRNA was significantly decreased in FHIT LOH positive tumors (p = 0.027). Patients with LOH negative tumors or FHIT protein positive tumors had longer survival but this findings were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our overall results suggest that reduced expression of FHIT gene may be associated with the progression of these malignant tumors.

Unique miRNA Expression Profile in MSI- and EMAST-Unstable Sporadic Colon Cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical post-transcriptional gene regulators and their involvement in sporadic colon cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis has been confirmed. In this study we investigated differences in miRNA expression in microsatellite stable (MSS/EMAST-S), microsatellite unstable marked by high elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (MSS/EMAST-H), and high microsatellite unstable (MSI-H/EMAST-H) tumor subgroups as well as in tumors with different clinicopathologic characteristics. An RT-qPCR analysis of miRNA expression was carried out on 45 colon cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples (15 of each group). Overall, we found three differentially expressed miRNAs between the subgroups. miR-92a-3p and miR-224-5p were significantly downregulated in MSI-H/EMAST-H tumors in comparison to other subgroups. miR-518c-3p was significantly upregulated in MSS/EMAST-H tumors in comparison to stable and highly unstable tumors. Furthermore, we showed that miR-143-3p and miR-145-5p were downregulated in tumors in comparison to normal tissues in all subgroups. In addition, we showed overexpression of miR-125b-5p in well-differentiated tumors and miR-451a in less advanced tumors. This is the first report on differences in miRNA expression profiles between MSS/EMAST-S, MSS/EMAST-H, and MSI-H/EMAST-H colorectal cancers. Our findings indicate that the miRNA expression signatures differ in CRC subgroups based on their instability status.

Association of Functional Polymorphisms in MSH3 and IL-6 Pathway Genes with Different Types of Microsatellite Instability in Sporadic Colorectal Cancer.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been recognized as an important factor in colorectal cancer (CRC). It arises due to deficient mismatch repair (MMR), mostly attributed to MLH1 and MSH2 loss of function leading to a global MMR defect affecting mononucleotide and longer microsatellite loci. Recently, microsatellite instability at tetranucleotide loci, independent of the global MMR defect context, has been suggested to represent a distinct entity with possibly different consequences for tumorigenesis. It arises as a result of an isolated MSH3 loss of function due to its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm under the influence of interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this study the influence of MSH3 and IL-6 signaling pathway polymorphisms (MSH3 exon 1, MSH3+3133A/G, IL-6-174G/C, IL-6R+48892A/C, and gp130+148G/C) on the occurrence of different types of microsatellite instability in sporadic CRC was examined by PCR-RFLP and real-time PCR SNP analyses. A significant difference in distribution of gp130+148G/C genotypes (p = 0.037) and alleles (p = 0.031) was observed in CRC patients with the C allele being less common in tumors with di- and tetranucleotide instability (isolated MSH3 loss of function) compared to tumors without microsatellite instability. A functional polymorphism in gp130 might modulate the IL-6 signaling pathway, directing it toward the occurrence of microsatellite instability corresponding to the IL-6-mediated MSH3 loss of function.

P2RY12 gene polymorphisms and effect of clopidogrel on platelet aggregation.

Objective of this study was to assess platelet response to clopidogrel and its association with certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the P2RY12 gene. Several studies have shown that patients with poor in vitro response to clopidogrel have worse outcomes after coronary interventions. Pharmacological response to clopidogrel is mediated by the P2Y12 platelet receptor, therefore, SNPs of the P2RY12 gene may account for some of the observed variability in the cardiovascular risk. Fifty patients with stable coronary heart disease, undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were included in this study. Response to clopidogrel was analysed using light transmitted aggregometry before, and 5 days after the initation of therapy. SNPs analysed: c.-15+742C > T, c.-180+2739T > C and c.18C > T. A higher proportion of non-responders to clopidogrel were noted in carriers of 18C > T[T/T] (p = 0.05), and lower prevalence in carriers of 742C > T[T/T] (p = 0.05). Participants with 742C > T[T/T] had significantly higher change in aggregation compared to other 742C > T variants ([C/C] = 20.5 +/- 21.9%; [C/T] = 20.0 +/- 31.2%; [T/T] = 48.6 +/- 21.3%; p = 0.03). Those carrying 18C > T[T/T] had smaller change in aggregation (7.6 +/- 15.0%) compared to other variants, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Analysis of variance showed 18C > T[T/T] was a statistically significant predictor of poor response to antiaggregation therapy, independent from other clinical and demographic variables. There was no relation between poor response to clopidogrel and any other genetic variant. Our results suggest that 18C > T SNP of the P2RY12 gene may be an independent predictor of pharmacological response to clopidogrel. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm this link and assess its possible clinical consequences.

EMAST Type of Microsatellite Instability-A Distinct Entity or Blurred Overlap between Stable and MSI Tumors.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) represents an accumulation of frameshifts in short tandem repeats, microsatellites, across the genome due to defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR). MSI has been associated with distinct clinical, histological, and molecular features of tumors and has proven its prognostic and therapeutic value in different types of cancer. Recently, another type of microsatellite instability named elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST) has been reported across many different tumors. EMAST tumors have been associated with chronic inflammation, higher tumor stage, and poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of EMAST and its relation to MSI remains unclear. It has been proposed that EMAST arises as a result of isolated MSH3 dysfunction or as a secondary event in MSI tumors. Even though previous studies have associated EMAST with MSI-low phenotype in tumors, recent studies show a certain degree of overlap between EMAST and MSI-high tumors. However, even in stable tumors, (MSS) frameshifts in microsatellites can be detected as a purely stochastic event, raising the question of whether EMAST truly represents a distinct type of microsatellite instability. Moreover, a significant fraction of patients with MSI tumors do not respond to immunotherapy and it can be speculated that in these tumors, EMAST might act as a modifying factor.

Decrease in circulating DNA, IL-10 and BAFF levels in newly-diagnosed SLE patients after corticosteroid and chloroquine treatment.

Arsenal of pattern-recognition receptors alongside antibody production machinery make B cells vulnerable to autoimmune response if an autoantigen elicits both pathways in a self-sustained fashion. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibodies to DNA, RNA and related structures. Murine studies demonstrated autoreactive B cell activation upon TLR9 stimulation with DNA-containing immune complexes. This activation could be abolished with chloroquine, a drug used in SLE treatment that also blocks TLR9 signaling. We investigated whether chloroquine modulates TLR9 expression, circulating DNA levels and B cell-related cytokines in newly discovered, untreated SLE patients. TLR9 was measured in peripheral blood B cells by flow cytometry, serum DNA by real-time PCR, and IL-10 and BAFF by ELISA before treatment, after 3weeks on corticosteroids, and 3months after introduction of chloroquine. We found that circulating DNA is higher in SLE patients than in controls in every time-point and decreases significantly after chloroquine treatment. Untreated patients had higher serum IL-10 than controls or patients on corticosteroids. Also, corticosteroids decreased and chloroquine completely abolished CpG-mediated CD86 upregulation on B cells and IL-10 secretion in PBMC culture. Providing the TLR9 pathway activation demonstrates its importance in pathogenesis of human SLE, this data supports continuation of chloroquine in SLE treatment protocol. In addition, observed modulation of cytokine and DNA levels after immunomodulatory treatment prompts for inclusion of untreated patients in studies of human immune disorders.

The association between proinflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and cerebral palsy in very preterm infants.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive motor disorder caused by white matter damage in the developing brain and is often accompanied with cognitive and sensory disabilities. The risk of CP is higher among infants born preterm than in more mature infants. Intrauterine infection/inflammation, activation of the cytokine network and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in neonatal blood or in amniotic fluid to which the preterm infant is exposed, has been identified as the most common cause of preterm delivery, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and CP. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible association of four TNFα promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (-1031 T/C, -857 C/T, -308 G/A and -238 G/A), two IL1ß SNPs (-511 C/T and +3954 C/T) and one IL6 (-174 C/G) polymorphism with susceptibility to CP in very preterm infants. Statistically significant association between TNFα -1031 T/C high expression genotypes (TC and CC) (OR, 2.339; p=0.016) as well as between TNFα -1031 C high expression allele (OR, 2.065; p=0.013) and risk of CP was observed. In addition, statistically significant association was found between TNFα TC, CC, GG, GG -1031/-857/-308/-238 genotypes combination (OR, 3.286; p=0.034) and risk of CP. Statistically significant association between IL1ß TT, CC -511/+3954 genotypes combination and risk of CP (OR, 4.000; p=0.027) was also found. In CP patients with cystic PVL (cPVL) statistically significant association was found between TNFα -1031 T/C high expression genotypes (TC and CC) (OR, 2.361; p=0.038), IL1ß -511 C/T high expression genotype TT (OR, 3.215; p=0.030) as well as IL1ß -511 T high expression allele (OR, 1.956; p=0.019) and risk of CP. Statistically significant association was also found in patients with cPVL between TNFα TC, CC, GG, GG -1031/-857/-308/-238 genotypes combination (OR, 4.107; p=0.024), as well as IL1ß TT, CC -511/+3954 genotypes combination (OR, 7.333; p=0.005) and risk of CP. Our results suggest the role of TNFα and IL1ß polymorphisms which have previously been associated with higher circulating levels of these cytokines in genetic susceptibility to white matter damage and consequently CP in very preterm infants.

Even stressed cells are individuals: second messengers of free radicals in pathophysiology of cancer.

Pathophysiological processes associated with disturbances in cell and tissue oxidative homeostasis, are associated with self-catalyzed process of lipid peroxidation. The end products of lipid peroxidation are reactive aldehydes such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), acting as "second messengers of free radicals." Although reactive aldehydes were first recognized only as cytotoxic, new evidence has come to light, related to their cell growth regulatory functions achieved through cell signaling. The variable appearance of HNE in several organs indicates that its mode of action might be related to an individual cell stress adaptation. The underlying mechanism could be that specific mutations and epigenetic changes on one hand interfere with hormesis on the other. The precise role of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in these processes still needs more clarification at molecular level. Finally, an individual approach to each patient, based on the individual cell response to stress, opens a new possibility of integrative medicine in cancer treatment and strongly supports modern concepts of personalized medicine.

Analysis of polymorphisms in EGF, EGFR and HER2 genes in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs).

OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and account for about 7% of all cancers occurring in the pancreas. The epidermal growth factor family of receptors and their ligands play an important role in the growth and progression of tumors but their role in PNET development remains unknown. We hypothesized that functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EGF, EGFR, and HER2 genes might affect individual susceptibility to PNETs development and invasion like it was shown for various other tumors. METHODS: We genotyped 68 patients with unresectable PNETs and 300 controls to evaluate the association between EGF, EGFR, and HER2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to PNETs and presence of metastases. RESULTS: Genotype analysis of three SNPs EGF +61A/G (rs4444903), EGFR +1562 G/A (rs11543848), and HER2 +1963 A/G (rs1136201) showed that carriers of EGFR +1562 AG genotype and AA/AG EGF +61/HER2 +1963 genotype combination are at risk of developing PNET. Furthermore, EGFR +1562 AA genotype could be associated with the susceptibility to insulinoma development. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest involvement of EGFR signaling pathway in etiology of PNET development.

Regulation of KRAS protein expression by miR-544a and KRAS-LCS6 polymorphism in wild-type KRAS sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) results from the accumulation of genetic mutations and alterations in signaling pathways. KRAS is mutated in 40% of CRC cases and is involved in increased tumor cells proliferation and survival. Although KRAS mutations are a dominant event in CRC tumorigenesis, increased wild-type KRAS expression has a similar effect on accelerated tumor growth. In this study, we investigated the KRAS status in correlation with clinicopathological features in sporadic CRC and more importantly the role of let-7a-5p and miR-544a-3p in the regulation of wild-type KRAS protein expression in the tumor center (T1) and invasive tumor front (T2). Analysis showed that 39.1% of tumor samples had KRAS mutations. In wild-type KRAS tumors, 62.0% were positive for KRAS protein expression and there was a higher percentage of KRAS-positive tumor cells and a higher intensity of immunohistochemical reaction in T2 than in T1 samples. This could not be attributed to differences in KRAS mRNA levels, suggesting regulation via miR-544a-3p expression which was significantly decreased in T2 samples. Furthermore, we demonstrated that tumor samples carrying the KRAS-LCS6 variant allele had significantly higher protein expression of the wild-type KRAS. Our results suggest the role of the KRAS-LCS6 polymorphism and miR-544a-3p expression in the regulation of wild-type KRAS protein expression in sporadic CRC.

Epidermal growth factor receptor intron 1 polymorphism and microsatellite instability in sporadic colorectal cancer.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is commonly upregulated in sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and its high expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. CA-SSR1 is a dinucleotide CA repeat of the EGFR gene that can modulate EGFR transcription and is a potential target of the mismatch repair machinery in tumours with microsatellite instability (MSI). In the present study, 160 sporadic colon cancer samples were analysed for EGFR CA-SSR1 polymorphism and MSI status. Additionally, EGFR mRNA and protein expression levels in the tumour centre and in the invasive tumour front, compared with those in adjacent normal tissue samples, were evaluated in 80 tumour samples. An inverse association was identified between EGFR mRNA levels and the sum of repeats in both alleles of the CA-SSR1 polymorphism in normal tissues. Changes in CA-SSR1 were detected in the tumour centre as well as in the invasive tumour front and metastases in all MSI high (MSI-H) tumours. Analysis of EGFR expression at the mRNA and protein levels according to MSI status revealed lower EGFR mRNA and protein expression in MSI-H tumours than microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumours. Furthermore, higher EGFR levels in the invasive tumour front compared with in the tumour centre in MSS tumours were identified, suggesting a role of EGFR in tumour progression and higher invasive potential of MSS than MSI-H tumours.

An integrated proteomics approach for studying the molecular pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease.

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a fibromatosis characterized by non-malignant transformation of palmar fascia leading to permanent contraction of one or more fingers. Despite the extensive knowledge of its clinical pathogenesis, the aetiology of this disease remains obscure. In the present paper, we report for the first time on the proteomic profiling of diseased versus unaffected patient-matched palmar fasciae tissues from DD patients using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. The herein identified proteins were then used to create the protein-protein interaction network (interactome). Such an integrated approach revealed the involvement of several different molecular processes related to DD progression, including extra- and intra-cellular signalling, oxidative stress, cytoskeletal changes, and alterations in cellular metabolism. In particular, autocrine regulation through ERBB-2 and IGF-1R receptors and the Akt signalling pathway have emerged as novel components of pro-survival signalling in Dupuytren's fibroblasts and thus might provide a basis for a new therapeutic strategy in Dupuytren's disease.

Inflammation-related cytokines and their roles in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Proinflammatory counterworks are important at different stages of tumor development, particularly during invasion and metastasis. Immune cells and their signal molecules can influence all stages of tumor progression, as well as therapeutic intervention. Proinflammatory cytokines are known triggers of growth in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). In this study, we explored the immunohistochemical expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-2, and IL-6 in tissues from 43 GEP-NEN patients with tumors of gastric, duodenal, ileal, appendiceal, and colonic origin. The immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α was increased in tumor groups with high proliferation rates (Ki-67; p = 0.034), as well as in those with higher tumor grades (p = 0.05). Moreover, the immunohistochemical expression of TNF-α positively correlated with death outcomes (p = 0.016). Expression of IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-2 displayed similar immunohistochemical expression patterns regardless of Ki-67, although the expression between the ILs differed. Most GEP-NENs had high levels of IL-6 and lower levels of IL-1ß and IL-2. Although further comprehensive studies are required for a complete understanding of activated mechanisms in proinflammatory protumoral microenvironment of GEP-NENs, TNF-α is a potential marker in the prognosis of those tumors.

Prothrombin 3'end Gene Variants in Patients With Sporadic Colon Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Thrombin plays significant roles in various types of cancer. However, the expression levels of prothrombin, the thrombin precursor, in cancer remain unclear. Variants of the 3'end of the prothrombin gene lead to increased prothrombin expression. This study aimed to analyze prothrombin 3'end gene variants in colon tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 93 patients suffering from colon adenocarcinoma. The 3'end of the prothrombin gene was analyzed by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Three variants, all previously associated with increased prothrombin expression were detected. Frequency of the FII 19911G allele was 46.77% and 47.85% in tumor and normal tissue, respectively. For the FII 20210A allele, the detected frequencies were 2.15% and 1.61%, respectively. The frequency of the FII c.1824T allele was 0.54% in both tissues. Four patients showed different genotypes in tumor and normal tissue. CONCLUSION: Prothrombin 3' end gene variants may play a role in colorectal cancer.