The central dogma of biological homochirality: How does chiral information propagate in a prebiotic network?

Biological systems are homochiral, raising the question of how a racemic mixture of prebiotically synthesized biomolecules could attain a homochiral state at the network level. Based on our recent results, we aim to address a related question of how chiral information might have flowed in a prebiotic network. Utilizing the crystallization properties of the central ribonucleic acid (RNA) precursor known as ribose-aminooxazoline (RAO), we showed that its homochiral crystals can be obtained from its fully racemic solution on a magnetic mineral surface due to the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect [Ozturk et al., arXiv:2303.01394 (2023)]. Moreover, we uncovered a mechanism facilitated by the CISS effect through which chiral molecules, such as RAO, can uniformly magnetize such surfaces in a variety of planetary environments in a persistent manner [Ozturk et al., arXiv:2304.09095 (2023)]. All this is very tantalizing because recent experiments with tRNA analogs demonstrate high stereoselectivity in the attachment of L-amino acids to D-ribonucleotides, enabling the transfer of homochirality from RNA to peptides [Wu et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143, 11836 (2021)]. Therefore, the biological homochirality problem may be reduced to ensuring that a single common RNA precursor (e.g., RAO) can be made homochiral. The emergence of homochirality at RAO then allows for the chiral information to propagate through RNA, then to peptides, and ultimately through enantioselective catalysis to metabolites. This directionality of the chiral information flow parallels that of the central dogma of molecular biology-the unidirectional transfer of genetic information from nucleic acids to proteins [F. H. Crick, in Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology, Number XII: The Biological Replication of Macromolecules, edited by F. K. Sanders (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1958), pp. 138-163; and F. Crick, Nature 227, 561 (1970)].

Increased SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma and its association with prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have good outcomes, although the identification of new predictors of a poor prognosis would be beneficial. Chronic thyroiditis is a precancerous condition in which proinflammatory cytokines enhance biologically aggressive features. This study investigated the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS) 1 and 3, which are negative feedback inhibitors, in PTC and benign thyroid nodules (BTN), and analyzed the relations among biomarker expression, pathological prognosis, and clinical features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The pathological materials and clinical data of 100 patients with PTC and 40 with BTN were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical SOCS1 and SOCS3 staining were performed. Besides comparing SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression between PTC and BTN, we analyzed the expression according to pathological factors and clinical variables. RESULTS: The expression levels of the proteins were significantly higher in PTC than in BTN (p=0.001). SOCS1 expression was higher in older patients with PTC than in younger patients (p=0.001). Unlike SOCS1, SOCS3 was related to the risk group; these groups were distinguished based on the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification system (p=0.001). SOCS3 was also significantly related to lymph node involvement (p=0.007), capsule invasion (p=0.005), and extrathyroid extension (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The increased SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in PTC confirms their roles in thyroid carcinogenesis. Antibodies to both SOCS1 and SOCS3 might aid the diagnosis of PTC through immunohistological staining. SOCS3 provides information on lymph node status and aids risk stratification.

Investigation of the efficacy of systemic N-Acetyl Cysteine therapy preventing nasal mucositis following radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main methods used in the treatment of head and neck cancers but may cause mucosal side effects in the tumor area and surrounding structures. These include nasal mucosal disorders and chronic rhinosinusitis due to disruption of the mucociliary system. This situation seriously affects the quality of life of the patients and there is no accepted effective method for its treatment yet. In our study, we aimed to examine the side effects of RT on the nasal mucosa and mucociliary system and to investigate histopathologically and immunohistochemically the effectiveness of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in preventing these side effects of RT. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out with 30 female Sprague Dawley rats devided in three groups. No intervention was made in the control group. On the second day of the experiment, 30 Gy radiotherapy was applied to the head area in the RT group. NAC was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 g/kg/day for 14 days from the first day of the study to the RT+ NAC group. On the second day, 30 Gy of radiotherapy was applied to the head area 1 hour after the NAC application. On the 14th day, 1 hour after NAC was applied to the RT+NAC group, all animals were sacrificed. The nasal mucosa samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the intensity and extent of staining sentan in the nasopharyngeal tissue samples were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using anti-SNTN antibody. RESULTS: The loss of cilia in the nasal tissue was lower in the RT+NAC group than in the RT group. The intensity and extent of staining in the nasopharyngeal tissue of Sentan was higher in the RT+NAC group than in the RT group. Mucosal neutrophil and mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration in the nasal tissue, vascular dilatation, hyperemia and hemorrhage, erosion and shedding of the mucosal epithelium, mucosal ulceration were found to be similar in the RT+NAC group and the control group. It was milder in the RT+NAC group than in the RT group, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy caused pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, caused loss of cilia and a decrease in the level of Sentan, the cilia apical protein. The results of our study showed that NAC treatment can reduce the side effects of RT on the nasal mucosa. It also showed that NAC was effective in preventing the loss of cilia, which is the building block of the mucociliary system, and improving the expression of Sentan.

The success of dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in challenging urethral stricture cases after multiple failed urethrotomies.

Background: Urethroplasty is the gold standard treatment procedure for male patients with urethral stricture and is becoming increasingly popular among urologists worldwide. Procedure success rates have risen with increased experience. Aims: Here we aimed to examine the results of urethroplasty in challenging cases of urethral stricture and its effect on sexual function. Patients and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the patients who had undergone urethroplasty after multiple failed direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIUs) from 2017 to 2020. All patients were monitored for a minimum of 12 months. Outcomes of urethroplasty were analyzed according to stricture location, length, and the number of prior DVIUs. Penile length and sensation, erectile, and ejaculatory function of the patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Results: The patient cohort consisted of 36 males with a mean age of 63 ± 3.2 years. The most prevalent stricture etiology was iatrogenic (83%). Patients who underwent three or more DVIUs before urethroplasty and stricture length >4 cm were included in the analysis. Accordingly, the overall success rate was 83% (30/36). When the success rate and the IIEF5 scores were assessed separately, there was no significant relationship between the number of DVIUs (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant relationship was also found with the stricture length (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Appropriate and correctly applied surgical technique does not impair sexual activity, even in patients with severe urethral stricture, regardless of the length or location of the stricture and the number of prior endoscopic procedures.

miR-145 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting stem cells in Ewing sarcoma cells.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the performance of stem cell markers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in miR-145 transfected EWS cells (TC71, TC106). METHODS: EWS cells were utilized for functional analysis of mir-145. Proliferation, migration, invasion and soft agar colony assay were performed to observe the alterations in migration behavior of transfected cells. Caspase assay was used to investigate the underlying reasons of proliferative inhibition in cells in whichmiR-145 is overexpressed. QRT-PCR was used to determine the role of miR-145 in EMT transcription markers and mir-145 targeted genes, KLF4, SOX2 and OCT4 expression levels. RESULTS: The miR-145 expression has been shown to be down-regulated in EWS. The miR-145 overexpression caused inhibition of proliferation and reduced migration in EWS cells through induction of apoptosis. Mir-145 suppresses EMT capacity and SOX2, KLF4 and OCT4 expression levels. CONCLUSION: This is the first time in the literature we have shown deregulation of miR-145 inhibits EMT process by targeting stem cell properties leading to the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in TC71 and TC106 cells. Based on these results, we propose that miR-145, as an important regulator of SOX2, KLF4 and OCT4 carries crucial roles in EWS tumorigenesis and EMT (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 26).

Relationship between Chromosomal Aberrations and Gene Expressions in the p53 Pathway in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a neoplasm characterized by excessive accumulation of B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. We assessed the expressions of 22 genes in the p53 pathway in 30 CLL patients and 15 healthy subjects by a RT2 Profiler PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Array technique and their relation to cytogenetic aberrations detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Our Student's t-test results indicated that ATM, ATR, BAX, CASP9, CDK4, CDKN2A, CHEK1, CHEK2, E2F3, MCL1, MDM2, MDM4, PCNA, RB1, P53 and BCL2 genes were statistically significant (p <0.001). For six genes (APAF1, CDKN1A, E2F1, GADD45A, PTEN and PTX3) were not statistically significant. The ATM, ATR, BAX, CASP9, CDK4, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, CHEK1, CHEK2, MDM2, MDM4, PCNA, RB1, P53, E2F1, GADD45A and BCL2 genes were found to be upregulated by the 2-ᐃᐃCt (relative fold change in gene expression) method. The highest up-regulation was detected in CDKN2A and BCL2 genes, 10.22- and 8.51-fold, respectively. On the other hand, the PTX3 gene with a fold regulation of 1.84 was found to the highest downregulation. Overall, the CDNK2A BCL2 and PTX3 genes are related to the mechanism of the disease in the p53 pathway and may be an important predictor of the prognosis of the disease. The BCL2 gene may be associated with increased risk of developing CLL. We suggest that the PTX3 gene may be considered as a marker associated with CLL disease. The CDKN2A gene expression seems to play a protective role in CLL.

CIP2A expression in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma: a tissue microarray study.

INTRODUCTION: CIP2A is an oncoprotein involved in the progression of several human malignancies. It has recently been described as a prognostic marker in many cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of CIP2A in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and prostate cancer (PC), and to analyse the association with the clinicopathological parameters in PC cases to define its role in the development and progression of PC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for CIP2A was performed on the tissue microarray sections of 105 PC, 27 HGPIN and 27 BPH tissues. The CIP2A expression scores were compared with several clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: CIP2A was expressed in 96,2% of PC, 55,6% of HGPIN and 40,7% of BPH tissues. The expression of CIP2A in PC was significantly higher than in HGPIN (p<0.0001) and BPH (p<0.0001) cases. CIP2A expression score was significantly associated with Gleason score (p=0.032) and lymphovascular invasion (p=0.039). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant association between the expression of CIP2A and perineural invasion, pT stage, metastasis and recurrence (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that GS, lymphovascular invasion, distant metastasis were independent prognostic factors for PC patients but, CIP2A expression score was not found to be a prognostic factor. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the survival times of patients according to CIP2A expression (p=0.174). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the expression of CIP2A protein is increased in PC and its expression may be involved in the development, differentiation, and aggressiveness of PC. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to clarify the role of CIP2A in the development of PC.

Modified simple decompression of ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: Report of a series of cases.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Ulnar compressive neuropathy is the second most common nerve compression in the upper extremity. Although numerous operative procedures have been defined for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), the best operative intervention remains controversial. The aim of this study is to discuss the efficacy of a modified simple decompression (MSD) of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of CuTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each patient was preoperatively examined, and the following data were recorded: initial complaint, duration of symptoms, and presence of Tinel's sign around the elbow, results of provocation by the elbow flexion test, and results of electrodiagnostic studies. Patients' preoperative clinical manifestations were determined based on Dellon's staging system and Bishop scores. Pre- and post-operative motor conduction velocity (MCV) of the ulnar nerve were also recorded. Under the regional anesthesia, 4 cm long curved skin incision, above and below the elbow, was made posterior to the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the ulnar nerve was seen. The nerve was released proximally as it passed through the medial intermuscular septum. The cubital tunnel retinaculum and flexor carpi ulnaris aponeurosis were then cut distally. Only the compressive fascial bands are released. Then, the cubital tunnel reticulum was sutured to subcutaneous tissue loosely to prevent subluxation of the ulnar nerve. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were operated. Postoperative electrophysiological study assessed at 3 months following surgery in 8 patients. In 7 of these patients (86%), the mean value of MCV had improved from 38.9 ± 12.0 m/s to 48.1 ± 11.9 m/s (P < 0.05). According to Bishop scoring system, 13 patients (86.7%) were clinically graded as excellent, 1 patient (6.7%) was graded as good, and only 1 patient (6.7%) was graded as fair. CONCLUSION: MSD is a technically simple, safe, and effective method without annoying complications.

Laparoscopy in the management of lumboperitoneal shunt catheter in obese patients with pseudotumor cerebri.

Lumboperitoneal shunts are widely used for the treatment of patients diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). Obesity is a risk factor for PTC. In particular, catheter migration out of the abdominal cavity is more commonly observed in morbidly obese patients. The aim of this study was to discuss the underlying mechanisms of catheter migration and treatment modalities in morbidly obese patients with PTC. The present study included four morbidly obese patients. All cases had undergone the previous laparotomy for insertion of a distal catheter into the abdominal cavity. In three cases, migration of the distal catheter out of the abdominal cavity was observed. Migration of the proximal tip of the catheter out of the spinal canal was observed in the fourth case. In all cases, laparoscopic revision surgeries were performed. During revision surgery, a catheter tunnel was prepared immediately over the external oblique fascia to obtain the shortest and deepest tunnel, and a distal catheter was inserted by laparoscopic guidance posterolaterally, i.e., through the postaxillary line. None of the patients developed any complications during the follow-up period of 4 years. We recommend laparoscopic insertion of distal catheters through the postaxillary line into the abdominal cavity using as short a catheter route as possible. Thus, tension and traction on the catheter due to abdominal movements can be decreased in morbidly obese patients to prevent catheter migration.

Clinical features and molecular genetic analysis in a Turkish family with oral white sponge nevus.

BACKGROUND: Oral white sponge nevus (WSN) is a rare autosomal dominant benign condition, characterized by asymptomatic spongy white plaques. Mutations in Keratin 4 (KRT4) and 13 (KRT13) have been shown to cause WSN. Familial cases are uncommon due to irregular penetrance. Thus, the aim of the study was: a) to demonstrate the clinical and histopathological features of a three-generation Turkish family with oral WSN b) to determine whether KRT4 or KRT13 gene mutation was the molecular basis of WSN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of twenty members of the family ten were available for assessment. Venous blood samples from six affected and five unaffected members and 48 healthy controls were obtained for genetic mutational analysis. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify all exons within KRT4 and KRT13 genes. These products were sequenced and the data was examined for mutations and polymorphisms. RESULTS: Varying presentation and severity of clinical features were observed. Analysis of the KRT13 gene revealed the sequence variant Y118D as the disease-causing mutation. One patient revealed several previously unreported polymorphisms including a novel mutation in exon 1 of the KRT13 gene and a heterozygous deletion in exon 1 of KRT4. This deletion in the KRT4 gene was found to be a common polymorphism reflecting a high allele frequency of 31.25% in the Turkish population. CONCLUSIONS: Oral WSN may manifest variable clinical features. The novel mutation found in the KRT13 gene is believed to add evidence for a mutational hotspot in the mucosal keratins. Molecular genetic analysis is required to establish correct diagnosis and appropriate genetic consultation.

VEGF/BMP-2 loaded three-dimensional model for enhanced angiogenic and odontogenic potential of dental pulp stem cells.

AIM: To investigate the proliferation and differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a three-dimensional culture model (TDM) by incorporation of VEGF and BMP-2. METHODOLOGY: TDM was established using fibrin gel (fg) as a soft tissue matrix and demineralized dentine disc (dd) as a hard tissue matrix. DPSCs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were encapsulated in fibrin gel (fg-VEGF) and then inserted into bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2)-coated demineralized dentine discs (dd-BMP-2). DPSCs were incubated for 28 days in various fg/dd combinations in the absence or presence of VEGF and BMP-2. Proliferation and morphology of DPSCs in fibrin gel were analysed using MTT and Live&Dead assays. Release profiles of VEGF and BMP-2 from fibrin gel and dentine discs were quantified using ELISA, and the expressions of angiogenic and odontogenic differentiation markers were determined with RT-qPCR analysis. Data were analysed statistically using Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests with Mann-Whitney U tests and Bonferroni adjustment. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: DPSCs were able to proliferate and showed interconnected cellular elongations in fibrin gel depending on fibrinogen concentration whilst monolayer control group showed typical fibroblast-like cell morphology. Encapsulating of VEGF in fibrin gel and BMP-2 in gelatin that was used to coat dentine discs allowed the controlled releases of growth factors, which induced angiogenic and odontogenic gene expressions by DPSCs. Higher expressions of PECAM as an angiogenic factor, and BSP, DMP-1, OCN and CBFA as odontogenic factors, were observed in TDM as compared to the other fg/dd combinations and the monolayer control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TDM consisting of fibrin gel and dentine matrix allowed cell-cell interactions. TDM was highly effective in delivering both VEGF and BMP-2 that enhanced the angiogenic and odontogenic potential of DPSCs.

Serum endocan levels in patients with cardiac syndrome X.

BACKGROUND: Endocan is a recently introduced marker of endothelial dysfunction and is also associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. To date, the relationship between cardiac syndrome X (CSX) and endocan has not been studied. The objective of this study was to compare the serum endocan levels of patients with CSX with those of control subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 50 patients were included in the CSX group and 28 patients in the control group. Patients with pathological conditions that could potentially influence endothelial functions were excluded. Endocan serum concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean endocan level of the CSX group was significantly higher than that of the control group (3051.3 ± 1900.5 ng/l vs. 2088.1 ± 522.2 ng/l; p = 0.002). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking status. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, endocan levels greater than 2072 ng/l had a 72% sensitivity and 54% specificity (p = 0.002) for accurately predicting a diagnosis of CSX. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that patients with CSX have higher endocan levels. Therefore, endocan may be valuable in helping uncover the underlying pathogenesis of CSX.

An evaluation of effects of platelet-rich-fibrin on postoperative morbidities after lower third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess whether the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) decreased the pain, swelling, and trismus levels of postoperative third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blinded, split-mouth randomized study, thirty patients (6 male/24 female, mean age 20.32 years) with bilateral symmetric impacted third molars were enrolled in this study to receive surgery. The PRF mass was randomly placed in one of the extraction sockets, whereas the other socket was left without treatment. The outcome variables were pain, maximum mouth opening (trismus), swelling (edema), and the presence of dry socket which were measured using a 10-point visual analog scale, manual calipers, and 3dMD facial imaging system which was used for the 1st time in the third molar surgery. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed that there were no significant differences between the control and study groups regarding postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that PRF was not observed to have a positive effect on postoperative discomfort, so even though, PRF is presumed to have positive effects on healing and recovery processes.

The frequency of C609T polymorphism in the NQO1 gene and its relation to cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the frequency of C609T polymorphism in the NQO1 (NAD(P)H) quinon oxydoreductase) gene and its relation to cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). The study group consisted of 80 patients MDS with 13 of them in the pediatric age group. The frequency of the NQO1 gene polymorphism was compared with a healthy control group involving 423 individuals. Cytogenetic abnormalities were detected in 43 patients (54%). In patients with MDS the overall frequency of the C609T polymorphism was not different than controls. Also, although the frequency of the C609T polymorphism was higher in patients with secondary MDS (sMDS) (OR: 1.893, 95% CI: 0.840-4.265, p=0.238) , 5/del(5q) (OR:1.298, 95% CI: 0.331-5.086,p=0.124), +21(OR:1.817, 95% CI:0.429-7698,p=0.124) and t(8;21) (OR:3.028, 95% CI: 0.604-15.172,p=0.137) groups, the difference did not reach statistical significiance. Our results do not support the view that the C609T polymorphism has a role in the pathogenesis of MDS. Also the frequency of the C609T allele did not seem to be associated with cytogenetic abnormalities.

A Deletion Mutation of the Connexin 26 (Gjb2) Gene in a Turkish Patient with Vohwinkel Syndrome .

Vohwinkel syndrome (VS), also known as keratoderma hereditaria mutilans, is a rare keratinization genetic disorder characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma, skeletal dysmorphisms and varying degrees of sensorineural deafness. Its mode of inheritance is autosomal-dominant, with mutations in loricrin and connexin 26 (GJB2) genes that manifest during infancy and boceme more evident during adulthood. We herein report a case of VS in a 23-year-old female exhibiting sensorineural hearing loss, palmar keratoderma and homozygous deletion mutation delE120 (c.358-360delGAG) in the GJB2 gene. VS, is a rare genetic disorder, should be considered in patients with palmoplantar keratoderma and hearing loss and should be investigated connexin 26 (GJB2) gene mutation.

Molecular architecture of the DED chains at the DISC: regulation of procaspase-8 activation by short DED proteins c-FLIP and procaspase-8 prodomain.

The CD95/Fas/APO-1 death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), comprising CD95, FADD, procaspase-8, procaspase-10, and c-FLIP, has a key role in apoptosis induction. Recently, it was demonstrated that procaspase-8 activation is driven by death effector domain (DED) chains at the DISC. Here, we analyzed the molecular architecture of the chains and the role of the short DED proteins in regulating procaspase-8 activation in the chain model. We demonstrate that the DED chains are largely composed of procaspase-8 cleavage products and, in particular, of its prodomain. The DED chain also comprises c-FLIP and procaspase-10 that are present in 10 times lower amounts compared with procaspase-8. We show that short c-FLIP isoforms can inhibit CD95-induced cell death upon overexpression, likely by forming inactive heterodimers with procaspase-8. Furthermore, we have addressed mechanisms of the termination of chain elongation using experimental and mathematical modeling approaches. We show that neither c-FLIP nor procaspase-8 prodomain terminates the DED chain, but rather the dissociation/association rates of procaspase-8 define the stability of the chain and thereby its length. In addition, we provide evidence that procaspase-8 prodomain generated at the DISC constitutes a negative feedback loop in procaspase-8 activation. Overall, these findings provide new insights into caspase-8 activation in DED chains and apoptosis initiation.

Prognostic significance of flow cytometry findings in Turkish adult acute leukemia patients.

OBJECTIVE: Several factors are known to affect prognosis of acute leukemia such as age, high leukocyte count, cytogenetic abnormality, performance status and recurrent leukemia. We aimed to investigate the association between cell surface markers and prognostic determinants such as recurrence at 6 and 12 months and survival at 6, 12 and 18 months in acute leukemia patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 142 patients, 101 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 41 with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) were included. The effects of surface markers on survival and recurrence rates were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In AML patients, CD5+ and CD34+ immunophenotypes and in ALL patients cCD22+, CD34+ and CD49f + CD19+ immunophenotypes were positive prognostic indicators. In AML patients CD7 expression, and in ALL patients CD5+, CD7+ and CD117+ immunophenotypes and >90% CD45 expression were negative prognostic indicators. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that flow cytometry, a common diagnostic tool in acute leukemia, may also have prognostic value in acute leukemia in the future.

Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Usnea filipendula Stirt induce apoptosis-like cell death and DNA damage in cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES: Successful cancer treatments still require more compounds to be isolated from natural sources. Thus, we have investigated anti-proliferative/apoptotic effects of methanolic extracts of lichen species Parmelia sulcata Taylor and Usnea filipendula Stirt on human lung cancer (A549, PC3), liver cancer (Hep3B) and rat glioma (C6) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-proliferative effects were monitored by MTT and adenosine triphosphate viability assays, while genotoxic activity was studied using the comet assay. Additionally, cell death mode and apoptosis assays (fluorescence staining, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18, caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage) were performed. RESULTS: Extracts produced anti-population growth effects in a dose-dependent manner (1.56-100 µg/ml) by inducing apoptosis-like cell death. This resulted in the lines having the presence of pyknotic cell nuclei. In addition, significant increase in genetic damage in the cell lines was seen, indicating that DNA damage may have been responsible for apoptotic cell death. CONCLUSION: In this study, methanolic extracts of Parmelia sulcata and Usnea filipendula induced apoptosis-like cell death by causing DNA damage, to cancer cells.

Increased serum levels of some inflammatory markers in patients with multiple sclerosis.

AIM: As known multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory progressive disease. The aim of this study was to assess some inflammatory markers in MS patients and their relationships with clinical subgroups and disability status. METHODS: The serum levels of procalcitonin (PCT), YKL-40, IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured by an ELISA microplate reader in 59 MS patients and in 29 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Mean serum PCT and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in patients with MS than control group (P<0.001). Serum YKL-40 and IFN-γ concentrations were elevated in MS group compared the healthy subjects, but the difference was not significantly. CIS, RRMS and SPMS groups had higher levels of PCT and TNF-α than control group. YKL-40 levels were positively correlated with EDSS score (r=0.412, P=0.001). IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were found to be negatively correlated with EDSS score (r=-0.347, P=0.007 and r=-0.328, P=0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased levels of these inflammatory markers might provide important contributions to the underlying inflammatory pathways in MS.