Serum expression of selected miRNAs in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to identify specific serum miRNAs (preoperative serum samples compared to healthy controls) as potential diagnostic markers for detection in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Serum samples obtained from 66 patients with LSCC were compared with 100 healthy control subjects. Additionally, miRNA levels were evaluated to identify possible correlations with clinicopathological features. METHODS: The expression of 377 miRNAs (screening set) was evaluated by microarray screening. The most differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by high-throughput real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in the group of LSCC patients and healthy controls. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the highly and significantly identified deregulated miRNA(s) as potential candidate biomarker(s). RESULTS: According to the array analysis, eleven miRNAs revealed an altered expression profile. The levels of serum expression of miR-31, miR-141, miR-149a, miR-182, LET-7a, miR-4853p, miR-122 and miR-33 were up-regulated, and those of miR-145, miR-223 and miR-133a down-regulated, in the LSCC group compared to healthy controls. ROC curve analyses revealed an AUC (area under the ROC curve) of 1.00 (95%Cl: 0.999-1.00; P <  0.001) for miR-31 and LET-7a, 1.00 (95%Cl: 1.00-1.00; P <  0.001) for miR-33 respectively, indicating that these three miRNAs had an additive effect regarding diagnostic value. No statistically significant differences were found between the serum levels of these eleven miRNAs and the tested clinicopathological features. CONCLUSION: Our findings outline a distinct miRNA expression profile in laryngeal cancer (LC) cases which can be used to diagnose LSCC patients with high sensitivity and specificity. Particular miRNA signatures (miR-31, LET-7a and miR-33) may be considered as novel, non-invasive biomarkers for LC diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration number: RNN/203/13/KE. Date of registration 18.06.2013r.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria strains isolated from patients between 2013 and 2017 in Poland. Our data with respect to the global trends.

INTRODUCTION: During the last decades the prevalence of NTM infections has increased, especially in developed countries. The aim of the study was to provide an overview on all NTM isolated from clinical samples in Poland between 2013 and 2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 2799 clinical specimens, mostly respiratory accessed in the reference laboratory of National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute in Warsaw and in the Wielkopolska Center of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery, Poland, 2013-2017. RESULTS: During the study period 35 species of NTM were isolated . The number of isolates increased almost 1.6-fold: from 420 in 2013 to 674 in 2017. M. kansasii, M. avium, M. xenopi, M. gordonae and M. intracellulare were the most common species. This NTM pattern was rather stable over the time. If the aggregated amount of all MAC species was taken into account they dominated over M. kansasii from 2015. M. avium and M. intracellulare were more often isolated from women, while M. kansasii, M. gordonae and M. xenopi predominated in men. Men and women were infected almost with the same frequency. In older patients 65+ women were in majority, quite opposite to those aged 25 to 64 years. CONCLUSION: In Poland, like in other countries increased the frequency of isolated NTM. M. kansasii and M. avium were the most frequently identified species from clinical samples. Men and women were infected with NTM with the same frequency.

QuantiFERON-TB-GOLD In-Tube in patients with sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis (TB) are the diseases that share many similarities. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture results are the gold standard for the diagnosis of TB, but false positive results are not rare. The aim was to evaluate the utility of QFT in detecting latent TB infection in a group of sarcoidosis patients with negative history of TB and negative culture/BACTEC results, and checking sarcoidosis activity influence on the QFT results. Additionally, we assessed if QFT negative result may strengthen the suspicion that positive culture/BACTEC results are false positive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 37 culture-negative and 6 culture-positive sarcoidosis patients were enrolled. On the basis of clinical and radiological data TB was considered unlikely (false-positive results). A control group consisted of age-matched subjects with excluded TB (n = 37). QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube (QIAGEN, USA) was used according to the manual. Test validity was checked basing on the results obtained from a low-risk (n = 21) and active TB group (n = 23). RESULTS: The frequency of positive results tended to be higher in MTB(-) sarcoidosis (24.3% vs. 13.5% for the control group, p = 0.37), but was similar to the general population. None of culture-positive sarcoidosis patients was QFT-positive. The positive results were equally distributed among patients with active and inactive sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: QFT has been found to be the useful test for the detection of latent TB infection in sarcoidosis patients. In addition, we confirm that sarcoidosis activity does not negatively influence the result of QFT. Moreover, QFT would be proposed as a cost-saving diagnostic test providing additional diagnostic information when false positive MTB culture result in the sarcoidosis patient is highly suspected. However, in each case clinical, radiological and epidemiological data should be considered before taking the therapeutic decision.

IPF and CPFE - the two different entities or two different presentations of the same disease?

In this article the co-existence of pulmonary emphysema with lung fibrosis of typical pattern and distribution for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) alone. Author discusses the etiopathogenesis of these diseases, differences in signaling pathways and the role of senescent cells. Moreover, clinical course, pulmonary function tests as well as main complications are reviewed. However, the lack of well-established diagnostic criteria for CPFE along with mainly retrospective character of the studies make current knowledge about this entity rather deficient.

Elevated exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is not affected by chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Reactive oxygen species, which are implicated in the process of carcinogenesis, are also responsible for cell death during chemotherapy (CHT). Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate exhaled H2O2 levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients before and after CHT. METHODS: Thirty patients (age 61.3 ± 9.3 years) with advanced NSCLC (stage IIIB-IV) and 15 age-matched healthy cigarette smokers were enrolled into the study. Patients received four cycles of cisplatin or carboplatin with vinorelbine every three weeks. Before and after the first, second, and fourth cycle, the concentration of H2O2 in exhaled breath condensate was measured with respect to treatment response. RESULTS: At the baseline, NSCLC patients exhaled 3.8 times more H2O2 than the control group (0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 µmol/L, P < 0.05); this difference persisted throughout the study. CHT had no noticeable effect on exhaled H2O2 levels independent of the treatment response (partial remission vs. progressive disease). Pre- and post-CHT cycles of H2O2 levels generally correlated positively. DISCUSSION: The study demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative stress in the airways of advanced NSCLC patients. Exhaled H2O2 level was not affected by CHT and independent of treatment results and changes in the number of circulating neutrophils.

A clinic-epidemiological study of head and neck tuberculosis - a single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for less than 6% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases in Poland, although in other countries (European in particular) this proportion is much higher. The study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological differences in patients hospitalized in one of Otolaryngology Departments in Poland during 36 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 71 patients were identified and divided into three groups according to the study period: I - 1978-1989 (30 patients, 42%), II - 1990-2001 (19 patients, 27%) and III - 2002-2013 (22 patients, 31% of all cases). In each case histological examination of biopsy specimens was available. RESULTS: Larynx TB (54.9%) was most common, followed by cervical lymph nodes TB (29.6%) and auris TB (8.5%). In laryngeal TB, glottic region was most often affected (76.9%). Patients with larynx TB were mainly men (87.2%), 10 years older than women in each study period. However, in lymph nodes TB group, women constituted 66.7% of cases and were twice as old as men (64.0 vs. 34.7 yrs). Bacteriological confirmation was made in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients diagnosed in our center declined in the first period of 12 years and remained stable over the last 24 years, as were the common sites of head and neck EPTB (larynx and cervical lymph nodes). In patients with head and neck TB the biopsy specimens should be examined not only histologically but also for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Acute laryngeal dyspnea as first presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a multi-organ disease which mostly affects lungs, kidney, and head and neck region. We report a rare case of acute laryngeal dyspnea and rapidly progressive pulmonary changes as first manifestations of disease. A 53 year-old woman presented with symptoms of two-week dyspnea, which aggravated rapidly in the preceding hours. Laryngological examination revealed subglottic infiltrations and vocal fold oedema which required urgent tracheotomy. During few days she developed gingival ulcerations and pulmonary infiltration with negative serum c-ANCA titers. The histopathological examination of subglottic and gingival biopsies and the clinical picture established the diagnosis of GPA. She was treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide with recovery; however, during over 3 years of follow-up, pulmonary symptoms relapsed and subglottic stenosis persisted. The difficulties in diagnosis and treatment in this unusual presentation of GPA are outlined with conclusion that in patients with subglottic infiltration, which develops rapidly, even when this is a sole presentation of the disease, and when c-ANCA are negative, GPA should always be considered.

Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from the population of Lódz, Poland stimulated macrophages to the lower production of IL-12 and NO when compared to the virulent H37Rv strain.

The course of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and the outcome of clinically active tuberculosis depend on the complex interactions between the host immune system and M. tuberculosis properties. The objective of the study was to examine the virulence of local Mtb isolates from the population of Lódz in Poland. Thirty six local Mtb strains of total 234 with known transmission in the local community were randomly selected for the study. The production of IL-12 and NO by murine macrophages stimulated with Mtb isolates was assessed and compared to that of virulent H37Rv strain. It was found that only 3 strains generated significantly higher level of NO production comparing with H37Rv strain, while 21 clinical isolates (58% of total) stimulated murine macrophages to lower (p < 0.05) NO production. As many as ten Mtb isolates did not induced IL-12 production at all, and only four clinical strains induced significantly greater amounts of IL-12 than H37Rv strain. No correlation between IL-12 and NO production by Mtb isolates was found. There were no differences between clustered and non-clustered strains. Low macrophages activation by local Mtb isolates may indicate their high virulence.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a sarcoid factor? A case report of family sarcoidosis.

PATIENT: Male, 26 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Sarcoidosis Symptoms: Disseminated lung parenchymal changes Medication: - Clinical Procedure: - Specialty: Pulmonology. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous inflammatory disease that is induced by unknown antigen(s) in a genetically susceptible host. Although the direct link between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and sarcoidosis can be excluded on the basis of a current knowledge, the non-infectious mechanisms may explain the causative role of mycobacterial antigens. The co-incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis, and higher incidence of mycobacterial DNA in biological samples of sarcoid patients, have been reported by many authors. CASE REPORT: We present a case in which MTB infection in 1 family member triggered a sarcoid reaction in the infected subject and 2 other non-infected family members. We discuss different aspects of diagnosis and differentiation, as well as up-to-date hypotheses on the possible mechanisms leading to sarcoid inflammation in patients exposed to MTB. CONCLUSIONS: This case series documents the possibility of familial spreading of sarcoidosis, and points to MTB as a potential etiological factor.

[Comparison of local and systemic inflammatory markers in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and pneumonia coexisting with lung cancer]. / Porównanie wybranych parametrów lokalnego i systemowego stanu zapalnego u chorych na pozaszpitalne zapalenie pluc i zapalenie pluc wspólistniejace z rakiem pluca.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the local and systemic markers of inflammatory processes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and in those with pneumonia coexisting with lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with community-acquired pneumonia (group I), 14 patients with pneumonia and lung cancer (group II), and 24 patients with lung cancer (group III) were enrolled into the study. Sixteen healthy smokers served as a control group (group IV). Concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). The levels of VEGF and TNF-α were also measured in serum. RESULTS: The concentrations of VEGF (317.83 ± 77.78) and TNF-α (1.98 ± 0.13) in EBC were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and lung cancer as compared to patients with community-acquired pneumonia (VEGF 30.20 ± 6.56; TNF-α 0.31 ± 0.05). Also the level of H(2)O(2) (0.96 ± 0.16) in EBC in patients with pneumonia and lung cancer was elevated in comparison to patients with CAP (0.66 ± 0.09), however the difference was not statistically significant (p 〉 0.05). The serum concentrations of both studied cytokines were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia (VEGF 1112.62 ± ± 244.38 and TNF-α 2.6 ± 0.48) than in those with pneumonia and lung cancer (VEGF 392.9 ± 78.2; TNF-α 1.6 ± 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pneumonia and lung cancer exhibited higher levels of oxidative stress and local inflammatory reactions than those with pneumonia. However, inflammatory markers in serum were significantly lower in patients with pneumonia and lung cancer as compared to those with CAP.

[Mycobacterium tuberculosis--intracellular pathogen. Relationship between mycobacteria and the host]. / Mycobacterium tuberculosis jako przyklad patogenu wewnatrzkomórkowego. Wzajemne relacje miedzy mikro- i makroorganizmem.

In mutual interactions between mycobacteria and the host the crucial for the elimination of the pathogen is the first phase of infection. It depends from one side on the innate immunity of the host and on the virulence of mycobacteria from the other. These not exactly well known factors of M. tuberculosis which contribute to this virulence leading to the development of the disease are discussed. Also bactericidal mechanisms of host immunity as well as how mycobacteria can alter this system to evoid killing are presented.

[Chemical structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Part I--lipids]. / Budowa chemiczna prqtka gruzlicy. Czesc I--lipidy.

Tuberculosis is a burning health issue in the contemporary world. Recognition of mechanisms by means of which pathogenic bacilli affect host cells and their virulence factors is indispensable to developing and synthesis of new drugs and vaccines. The authors discuss groups of the most important chemical compounds from the pathological point of view, which are responsible for morbidity and virulence of tubercle bacillus. They also point out the construction of cellular structures with reference to their functions. High content of lipid compounds especially in bacterial cell wall is a specific feature of tubercle bacillus. These molecules play different and very important roles both in growth and virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

[Chemical structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Part II--proteins]. / Budowa chemiczna pratka gruzlicy. Czesc II--Bialka.

In this paper the structure of M. tuberculosis cell, especially mycobacterial proteins were analized. Cytoplasmatic and secretory proteins were reviewed according to their function and the role in immunological reactions. Some diagnostic and therapeutic aspects were demonstrated.

Tuberculosis bacilli still posing a threat. Polymorphism of genes regulating anti-mycobacterial properties of macrophages.

One third of the earth's population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but only 5-10% of the infected individuals will develop active disease over their lifetime. To identify the genes responsible for the variation in the human susceptibility/resistance to tuberculosis (TB) we determined the polymorphisms of three genes crucial for the function of macrophages, in TB patients and healthy controls with no past history of TB. We found no association between the polymorphisms of the NRAMP-INT4, MBL (codons 52, 54, 57) and CD14-159 genes and TB in a Caucasian Polish population. However, we have suggested a possible involvement of CD14 and MBL molecules in the host-mycobacteria interactions on the basis of the significant increase in the serum CD14 and MBL in TB patients compared to healthy controls.

[Comparison of oxidative stress markers in exhaled breath condensate and in serum of patients with tuberculosis and sarcoidosis]. / Porównanie wybranych wykladników stresu oksydacyjnego w kondensacie powietrza wydechowego oraz w surowicy u chorych na gruzlice i sarkoidoze.

UNLABELLED: Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis represent the granulomatous diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the markers of oxidative stress: in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and in serum of patients with tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 19 patients with active lung tuberculosis and 15 patients with sarcoidosis were enrolled into the study. As a control served 15 healthy subjects. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was measured in EBC and the ends products of lipid peroxidation (TBARs) were assessed in serum. RESULTS: The concentrations of H202 and TBARs (1022.96+/-186.02 nM and 4.22+/-0. 80 microM, respectively) were significantly higher in patients with tuberculosis as compared with the controls (398.15+/-37.10 nM and 0.48+/-0.17 microM, respectively). The patients with sarcoidosis revealed only the significantly elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (963.30+/-105.77 nM) in breath condensate. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that local and systemic oxidative stress were present in patients with tuberculosis, while in those with sarcoidosis existed only the local reaction.