Genetic variations in AURORA cell cycle kinases are associated with glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent type of primary astrocytomas. We examined the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Aurora kinase A (AURKA), Aurora kinase B (AURKB), Aurora kinase C (AURKC) and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) mitotic checkpoint genes and GBM risk by qPCR genotyping. In silico analysis was performed to evaluate effects of polymorphic biological sequences on protein binding motifs. Chi-square and Fisher statistics revealed a significant difference in genotypes frequencies between GBM patients and controls for AURKB rs2289590 variant (p = 0.038). Association with decreased GBM risk was demonstrated for AURKB rs2289590 AC genotype (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.33-0.88; p = 0.015). Furthermore, AURKC rs11084490 CG genotype was associated with lower GBM risk (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.34-0.95; p = 0.031). Bioinformatic analysis of rs2289590 polymorphic region identified additional binding site for the Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) transcription factor in the presence of C allele. Our results indicated that rs2289590 in AURKB and rs11084490 in AURKC were associated with a reduced GBM risk. The present study was performed on a less numerous but ethnically homogeneous population. Hence, future investigations in larger and multiethnic groups are needed to strengthen these results.

Evaluation of toxicological and antimicrobial activity of lavender and immortelle essential oils.

Lavender and immortelle essential oils (EOs) are widely used to treat a spectrum of human conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate cyto/genotoxic effects of lavender and immortelle EOs using plant cells (Allium cepa) and human lymphocytes, as well as their antimicrobial potential using nine strains of bacteria and fungi. Our results for lavender and immortelle EOs showed that the frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) was increased in comparison with controls. For both oils, increased frequency of apoptosis for all concentrations, as well as the frequency of necrosis (0.10/0.30 µl/ml for lavender/immortelle, respectively) was demonstrated. In human lymphocytes, differences for minute fragments between immortelle oil (0.10 µl/ml) and controls were observed. Increased frequency of apoptosis was detected for immortelle oil (0.20 µl/ml), while both oils (0.20; 0.30 µl/ml lavender, and immortelle at all concentrations) induced higher frequency of necrosis in comparison with controls. Lavender EO was effective against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while immortelle EO inhibited only Gram-positive bacteria. Both oils exhibited antifungal effect. Our results demonstrated that lavender and immortelle EOs showed cyto/genotoxic effects in both, plant and human cells, as well as antimicrobial properties. Further studies are needed to strengthen these findings.

The effects of mutational profiles on phenotypic presentation of myeloproliferative neoplasm subtypes in Bosnia: 18 year follow-up.

The identification of mutually exclusive somatic mutations shared among myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) subtypes has provided a powerful tool for studying disease evolution. Clinical features, gene mutations, and survival over 18 years were analyzed in MPN patients. One hundred thirty-eight MPN patients were subcategorized according to MPN subtypes: essential thrombocythemia (ET, n = 41), polycythemia vera (PV, n = 56), primary myelofibrosis (PMF, n = 10), and MPN unclassified (MPN-U, n = 31). Patient characteristics included clinical parameters, overall survival (OS), and mutational status of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), calreticulin (CALR), and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL) genes. We compared hematologic and clinical features of JAK2V617F-ET vs. CALR-mutated ET vs. JAK2V617F-PV patients. JAK2V617F-patients had higher values of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to CALR-mutated patients (p < 0.05). The mutant allele burden in JAK2V617F-PV and JAK2V617F-ET patients directly correlated with erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values, but it inversely correlated with platelet count. Thus, mutant allele burden was an indicator of the clinical phenotype in JAK2V617F-MPN patients. OS was not affected by the mutational status. In general, mutated JAK2, CALR, and MPL genes left specific hematological signatures.

Association Between Human Leukocyte Antigen-B*27 and Pathogenesis in Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the low-resolution human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B locus polymorphisms between unrelated healthy individuals and patients with diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and determine risky and protective allelic groups and genotypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 104 healthy control individuals (52 males, 52 females; median age 43 years; range 2 to 76 years) and 96 patients (43 males, 53 females; median age 28.5 years; range 2 to 67 years) diagnosed with: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n=19), reactive arthritis (n=19), psoriatic arthritis (n=28) and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies (n=30). Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from peripheral blood to detect allelic groups of HLA class I and II. Single-specific-primer polymerase chain reaction was used for HLA genotyping and visualization of products after their separation on 1.5% agarose gel for horizontal gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Significantly increased frequency was found for HLA-A*02 and HLA-B*27 allelic variants in all groups of patients. The increased frequency of the HLA-B*35 allelic group in the control group represents the protective gene variant for the occurrence of AS. The predisposing genotype (HLA-B*27/B*44 and B*27/B*51) for the onset of disease was only found in AS patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows the strong association of HLA-B*27 antigen with spondyloarthropathies, which is considered a risk variant of the gene for the onset of disease. Protective and risky allelic variants and genotypes are rare and their detection as well as increased frequency are possible if larger numbers of patients are involved.

Characterization and risk association of polymorphisms in Aurora kinases A, B and C with genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer development.

BACKGROUND: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding mitotic kinases could influence development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Case-control study of nine SNPs in mitotic genes was conducted using qPCR. The study included 116 GC patients and 203 controls. In silico analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of polymorphisms on transcription factors binding sites. RESULTS: The AURKA rs1047972 genotypes (CT vs. CC: OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.05-3.65; p = 0.033; CC + TT vs. CT: OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.04-3.60; p = 0.036) and rs911160 (CC vs. GG: OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 1.24-24.81; p = 0.025; GG + CG vs. CC: OR, 5.26; 95% CI, 1.19-23.22; p = 0.028), were associated with increased GC risk, whereas certain rs8173 genotypes (CG vs. CC: OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36-0.99; p = 0.049; GG vs. CC: OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79; p = 0.010; CC + CG vs. GG: OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.98; p = 0.043) were protective. Association with increased GC risk was demonstrated for AURKB rs2241909 (GG + AG vs. AA: OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.01-2.56; p = 0.041) and rs2289590 (AC vs. AA: OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.47-3.98; p = 0.001; CC vs. AA: OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 2.24-20.47; p = 0.001; AA+AC vs. CC: OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 1.44-12.40; p = 0.009). Furthermore, AURKC rs11084490 (GG + CG vs. CC: OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.04-2.81; p = 0.033) was associated with increased GC risk. A combined analysis of five SNPs, associated with an increased GC risk, detected polymorphism profiles where all the combinations contribute to the higher GC risk, with an OR increased 1.51-fold for the rs1047972(CT)/rs11084490(CG + GG) to 2.29-fold for the rs1047972(CT)/rs911160(CC) combinations. In silico analysis for rs911160 and rs2289590 demonstrated that different transcription factors preferentially bind to polymorphic sites, indicating that AURKA and AURKB could be regulated differently depending on the presence of particular allele. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that AURKA (rs1047972 and rs911160), AURKB (rs2241909 and rs2289590) and AURKC (rs11084490) are associated with a higher risk of GC susceptibility. Our findings also showed that the combined effect of these SNPs may influence GC risk, thus indicating the significance of assessing multiple polymorphisms, jointly. The study was conducted on a less numerous but ethnically homogeneous Bosnian population, therefore further investigations in larger and multiethnic groups and the assessment of functional impact of the results are needed to strengthen the findings.

The Frequency of the 677C>T and 1298A>C Polymorphisms in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene in the Population.

BACKGROUND: The gene for 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) or MTHFR gene encodes protein methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), an enzyme important in folate metabolism. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene of healthy subjects from the population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The blood samples were collected from 164 unrelated and healthy donors from population consisted of 98 females and 66 males. Both the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between pair of SNPs was calculated through Haploview analysis. RESULTS: The frequency of MTHFR 677T allele in the population (32.62%) was in agreement with the frequency of this allele in most other populations, however, the frequency of MTHFR 1298C allele (38.41%) was higher than that reported for most other populations in the world. Haploview analysis showed a relatively strong LD between 677C>T and 1298A>C SNPs with D' values of 0.87. CONCLUSION: Regarding the two MTHFR polymorphisms, three of the nine combined genotypes were present in 87.2% of the population. 33.54% subjects were complex heterozygous (677CT/1298AC genotype), 34.15% subjects had 677CC/1298AC and 19.51% of 677CT/1298AA genotype. The subjects with 677TT genotype had a 1298AA or 1298AC genotype while subjects with 1298CC genotype had only 677CC genotype. The subjects with 677CC/1298AA genotype were only 3.05%. We were not found triple 677CT/1298CC and quadruple 677TT/1298CC mutation suggesting decreased viability of embryos with increased numbers of mutant alleles.

HLA Genotyping in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Waiting For Cadaveric Renal Transplantation in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

AIM: The research was conducted by genotyping two Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene classes. The main objective of this research was to investigate distribution and frequency of the allelic groups, genotypes and haplotypes in the gene loci of HLA class I (HLA-A*, -B*, -C*) and HLA class II (HLA-DRB1*, -DQB1*) in patients included in the program of cadaveric renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study covered 186 blood samples of patients who are registered on the list for cadaveric renal transplantation in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and included 59 control, healthy unrelated individuals. For the HLA typing, we have used three different methods: micro lymphocyte cytotoxicity test (MLCT), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - Sequence Specific Primers (SSP) and PCR - Sequence-Specific Oligonucleotides (SSO) or Luminex technology. All patients and cadaveric donors were tested using the three methods because the system is polymorphic. RESULTS: Analysis of the results of genotyping HLA class I gene loci identified dominant HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35, HLA-C*07 allelic groups. Analysis of the HLA class II gene loci genotyping showed that HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DQB1*03 loci had the highest incidence in HLA class II. CONCLUSION: Based on our results and previous research, there were no observed differences between allelic frequencies and genotypes of healthy people and people with ESRD. Differences between allelic groups occurred, but they were not statistically significant, except HLA-C*01 (p = 0.020).

The reality of cancer treatment in a developing country: the effects of delayed TKI treatment on survival, cytogenetic and molecular responses in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients.

Cancer patients in developing and low-income countries have limited access to target therapies. For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients (CML) is often delayed. In Bosnia, 16% of patients received immediate TKI treatment (<3 months of diagnosis), while 66% of patients received therapy after a median 14-month wait period. To assess the effect of delayed treatment on outcome, three patient groups were studied according to the time they received TKI treatment (0-5 months, 6-12 months and >13 months delay). The primary endpoints were complete cytogenetic (CCyR) and major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months. At 12 months of therapy, CCyR and MMR rates on imatinib decreased significantly: CCyR was achieved in 67% of patients in the immediate imatinib treatment group, 18% of patients in 6-12 months group and 15% of patients in >13 months wait group. MMR rates at 12 months occurred in 10% of patients with immediate treatment, 6% of those in 6-12 months group and 0% of patients in >13 months wait group. However, CCyR and MMR rates in patients on nilotinib were not associated with duration of treatment delay. Our data suggests that the deleterious effect of a prolonged TKI therapy delay may be ameliorated by the more active TKI nilotinib.

Monitoring of disease biomarkers activity and immunophenotyping as important factors in SLE clinical management.

The highly specific biomarkers for monitoring of SLE disease activity are not yet defined up to date, due to existing of different clinical SLE phenotypes caused by individual genetic variation. Basically, numerous clinical complications follow SLE patients such as nephritis, atherosclerosis and cardial, CNS, gastrointestinal and ophthalmological complications, as well. Their monitoring in clinical SLE management can be evaluated by analysing of specific biochemical parameters and require permanent clinical observation. The presence of ANAs and anti-ds-DNAs are usual diagnostic SLE autoimmunity parameters, while SLE disease activity biomarkers are C3 and C4 level, anticardiolipin antibodies, anti-Sm/RNPs and, recently level of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes. However, the number of TCR molecules on the T-cells surface at SLE patients is lower then in normal condition, and otherwise for these receptors CD molecules make specific connection. On the other hand, the T lymphocytes can be also, therapeutical targets at SLE patients, because of their clear direct involving in SLE pathogenesis. The SLE phenotypes are characterized by double CD negativity ( CD3 +/-, CD4-) caused by abnormal level of IL-2 and IL-17. T-lymphocytes have usually alpha-beta and gamma-delta TCR receptors, but for SLE patients is characteristic lower number gama-delta TCR molecules, detected in the peripheral blood specimens. Taking into account all of the facts, we investigated the level of specific usual SLE activity biomarkers (anti-ds-DNAs, C3, C4, anticardiolipin antibodies (beta-2-IgG, beta-2-IgM, ACA-G, ACA-M, CD4 and CD8 level) in serum specimens of SLE patients who underwent to the corresponding chemotherapy in combination with other biochemical and clinical parameters. Once again proved to be, that SLE biomarker monitoring, could be useful aproach for SLE activity disease and prediction organ damage, as well. In our investigation we used the following methods: immunofluorescence microscopy (IFA-ANA), and nephelometry, Hycor ELISA system and Flow cytometry, for precisely quantitative measurements. We determined correlation between C3 and C4 complement components level, CD3 (T-Ly), CD3+/HLA-DR and total HLA-DR with regard to SLE disease activity. Also, CD4 (Th), CD4:CD8 ratio, beta-2-G, beta-2-M not proved to be useful biomarkers in this sense, despite some results specific for some special SLE phenotypes. Anti-Sm/ RNPs proved to be better in SLE diagnostic process.

Molecular analysis: microsatellity instability and loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor gene in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers (HNPCC).

HNPCC (Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancers) development is caused by mutation of genes included in system of mismatch repair genes. The mutation exists at 60% of patients in hMSH2 gene, 30% in hMLH1 and 10% both in hPMS1and hPMS2 genes. RER+ exists in about 90% in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and about 15-28% in sporadic cancers. The purpose of the study was to determine highly sensitive microsatellite markers which can be fast and efficient way of microsatellite screening for detection of HNPCC patients. Moreover, we have analysed the loss of heterozygosity of tumour suppressor genes which could have the diagnostic value in detection of HPNCC patients.

Familial adenomatous polyposis: analysis of genetic instability of microsatellites Loci and genetic alternations of tumor suppressor genes.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant illness with the highest risk for appearance of colorectal cancer's disease. In our study, we have used Bethesda criteria that define colorectal cancers which can be tested on microsatellite instability. The aim of our study is make an analysis of microsatellite instability (MSI), appearance of RER+ phenotype, genetic alteration of tumor suppressor genes as like as one of responsible factor for genesis of adenomatous polyposis. The base for this study were shown families with clinical diagnosed FAP. In this study two families with clinical diagnosed adenomatous polyposis were involved. Our study of both families showed that three tumor tissues belonged to RER negative phenotype, but only one belonged to RER positive phenotype. Microsatellite analysis showed instability of mononucleotide marker Bat 40 at 4 samples and Bat 26 at 2 samples, but Bat 25 and in 1 sample. Dinucleotide marker TP 53 did no show any microsatellite alterations. Genetic alteration of tumor suppressor gene APC appeared at 4 samples, p53 at 3 samples, RB1 at 2 samples and NM23 only at 1 sample, but tumor suppressor genes DCC1 and DCC2 were homozygote. Our results are agree with results of earlier studies and also the got results confirm the fact that loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor gene APC and p53 are responsible for genesis of adenomatous polypose and it also represents the characteristic of genetic changes FAP's patients in our region.

Correlation of autoantibodies presence detected by IFA-anti-dsDNA, IFA-AMA and immunoblotting with corresponding data in clinical management of autoimmune diseases.

Diagnosis and management of patients with SLE (Systemic Lupus Eritematosus), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), involves specific diagnostic tests, such as IFA-AMA, IFA anti-dsDNA and immunoblotting for the detection of autoantibodies for specific autoantigens (mitochondria, dsDNA, M2, LKM-1, LC-1, SLA/LP). We established specific correlation between the detected autoantibodies and corresponding clinical findings. The total of 813 serum specimens were probed with IFA-anti-dsDNA, 98 of which tested positive. We also performed dilution analysis to the end point for all the positive specimens. Numerous specimens were tested by IFA, AMA and immunoblotting.

Microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity of tumor suppressor genes in Bosnian patients with sporadic colorectal cancer.

Considering its frequency, high mortality rate as well as many etiological mysteries colorectal cancer is a challenge to contemporary science. In our study we analyzed RER + and RER--phenotypes and their relations with clinical-pathological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancers. We also analyzed genetic alterations of tumor suppressor genes as well as their relation with microsatellite instability. The study was based on 54 tumor samples and 54 samples of the surrounding healthy tissue of patients with colorectal cancer. According to Amsterdam Criteria and Bethesda Criteria 35/54 or 64,81% belonged in the group of sporadic colorectal cancer. Mononucleotide marker Bat 25 showed instability in 48,57%; Bat 26 in 45,71% and Bat 40 in 29/35 82,86% of tumor samples. Considering dinucleotide markers, TP 53 showed instability in 54,29% and DS123 in 37,14% of tumor samples. Genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes were found in tumor tissue: NM 23 in 54,29% samples, p53 in 51,43%, APC in 51,43%, DCC2 in 34,29%, RB1 in 22, 86% and DCC 1 in 28,57%. Our studies confirmed that genetic instability had an important role in the development of tumor type. Our results showed that mononucleotide marker Bat 40 might be used for an easy and fast screening procedure in Bosnian population, because it exhibited high percent of microsatellite instability and was in relation with RER+ phenotype. This investigation showed that different genetic alterations may occur during cancer development in each individual patient's tumor. These changes result in MMR inactivation, which causes RER+ phenotype. Our results suggest a connection between alteration in some tumor suppressor genes and MSI phenotype of sporadic colorectal cancer in Bosnian population.

Variant alleles, triallelic patterns, and point mutations observed in nuclear short tandem repeat typing of populations in Bosnia and Serbia.

AIM: To present a compendium of off-ladder alleles and other genotyping irregularities relating to rare/unexpected population genetic variation, observed in a large short tandem repeat (STR) database from Bosnia and Serbia. METHODS: DNA was extracted from blood stain cards relating to reference samples from a population of 32800 individuals from Bosnia and Serbia, and typed using Promega's PowerPlex16 STR kit. RESULTS: There were 31 distinct off-ladder alleles were observed in 10 of the 15 STR loci amplified from the PowerPlex16 STR kit. Of these 31, 3 have not been previously reported. Furthermore, 16 instances of triallelic patterns were observed in 9 of the 15 loci. Primer binding site mismatches that affected amplification were observed in two loci, D5S818 and D8S1179. CONCLUSION: Instances of deviations from manufacturer's allelic ladders should be expected and caution taken to properly designate the correct alleles in large DNA databases. Particular care should be taken in kinship matching or paternity cases as incorrect designation of any of these deviations from allelic ladders could lead to false exclusions.

The incidence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) method.

Human anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) react specificaly with DNA, RNA, several proteins and ribonucleoproteins. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is the classic type of polysystemic autoimmune disease. The high frequency of ANA is determined in these patients. Actually, all SLE patients are ANA positive. ANA testing by IFA (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay) is an excellent screening tool for SLE cases, but it is not so highly specific test. Patients with connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and dermatomyositis are also frequently positive. Results of IFA ANA have relative low specific degree, and for this reason the titration of these specimens to the end point is usually recommended. Indirect immunoflourescence is reference method for ANA testing. Common substrates are thin sections of rodent organs or various types of cell lines. The cell line substrates are preferable to organ sections, because these rapidly dividing cells have higher level for detection of certain clinically relevant antigens such as (e.g., centromere, SSA (Ro) and Scl-70). In this paper we present the results evaluation of ANA incidence, detected by IFA in serum specimens of corresponding clinical patients, during 2005 and 2006.

Gene analysis of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 in hyperandrogenic women.

AIM: To examine the gene encoding for 5alpha-reductase type 1 in hyperandrogenic women, and assess the association of its eventual mutations or polymorphisms with the development of the hyperandrogenic female pattern. METHODS: Sixteen hyperandrogenic women were included in the study. Single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and DNA sequencing were performed after polymerase chain reaction amplification of each of the 5 exons of the SRD5A1 gene in both hyperandrogenic and control group (16 participants). RESULTS: Sequence analysis identified the existence of many polymorphisms; in codon 24 of exon 1, GGC (Gly) into GAC (Asp); in codon 30 of exon 1, CGG (Arg) into CGC (Arg); in exon 3 codon 169, ACA to ACG (both encoding for threonine); in exon 5, AGA to AGG (both encoding for arginine, codon 260); and T/C polymorphism in intron 2. Polymorphisms were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of SRD5A1 gene were the same in both hyperandrogenic and healthy women, indicating no significant associations of genetic polymorphisms/variations of SRD5A1 gene with clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenic disorders in women.

A simple method of DNA extraction in solving difficult criminal cases.

AIM: We examined combined use in house method and DNA IQ system (Promega) procedure for the extraction DNA from biological trace in order to help the solving some crime cases. METHOD: Simple and efficient method for extraction of the DNA from biological trace samples included the well washed trousers and the knife without any visual biological trails (from some one hard criminal case). In this method there were used: centrifuge, microwave oven, shaker, chelex, proteinase K, DNA IQ System (Promega). RESULTS: The extraction of DNA could be done within 2.5 hours or over the night. The DNA prepared on this way was good quality and could be used for STR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This combined, simple, and safe method could be used for extraction DNA from samples containing a minute amount of the biological trace.