Expression profile of serum LncRNAs MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 and their correlation with Mayo severity score in ulcerative colitis patients can diagnose and predict the prognosis of the disease.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) has emerged as an accelerated-incidence chronic condition. UC has been identified as a precancerous lesion for colorectal cancer. Up-to-date genomic research revealed the value of many noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in UC pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis. Aim: The present study was aimed at measuring both MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 in the sera of UC patients as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and correlating them with the Mayo score which is a novel predictive indicator of malignant transformation as well as with clinicopathological characteristics of the disease. Patients and methods: Sixty-six UC patients and 80 healthy individuals participated in this study, the serum fold changes of MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 were measured by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: The current study findings include overexpressed lncRNAs MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 in the sera of ulcerative colitis patients [(median (IQR) = 2.290 (0.16-9.36), mean ± SD = 3.37 ± 3.904 for MALAT-1, and median (IQR) = 7.305 (0.57-16.96), mean ± SD = 6.81 ± 4.002 for CCAT-1 than controls, ROC curve analysis reported that these genes could predict UC. Both genes were positively correlated with each other which enforces their synergistic effects. Both genes are diagnostic for UC patients.We related studied genes to the severity of the disease. In addition to a significant positive correlation between each gene with ESR and Mayo score, we further classified the patients according to severity (according to Mayo score to remission, mild, moderate, and severe groups) with the following results; lower levels of MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 were significantly associated with mild disease and increased gradually with more severe forms of the disease (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis with Mayo Score as a dependent variable revealed that only the predictive power of CCAT-1 and ESR are significant. Moreover, ROC curve analysis when compared to that of the Mayo score revealed that CCAT-1 reached 99 % accuracy. In summary, both genes are prognostic factors for UC patients. Conclusion: MALAT-1 and CCAT-1 are diagnostic and prognostic serum biomarkers of ulcerative colitis.

Expression profile of LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in patients with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies demonstrated the role of lncRNAs and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; the aim was to detect the expression profiles of serum LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in patients with preeclampsia. The study included 160 subjects divided into 80 subjects considered as a control group, 80 patients with preeclampsia. We found that there was a significant difference between the preeclampsia and control groups with up-regulation of miR-186 median (IQR) = 4, 29 (1.35-7.73) (P < 0.0001), miR-181a median (IQR) = 2.45 (0.83-6.52) (P = 0.028), and downregulation of lncRNA ANRIL median (IQR) = 0.35(0.28-0.528) (P < 0.0001), MTMR median (IQR) = 0.32(0.155-1.11), (P < 0.0001). ROC curve of lncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 in preeclampsia patients showing the roles of these markers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In conclusion, serum LncRNA ANRIL, miR-186, miR-181a, and MTMR-3 could be promising biomarkers in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

LncRNAs NEAT1, HOTAIR, and GAS5 expression in hypertensive and non-hypertensive associated cerebrovascular stroke patients, and its link to clinical characteristics and severity score of the disease.

Background: Cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) is a potentially fatal disease. The most common risk factor for CVS is hypertension. Aim: While most studies in the field have focused on the functional roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) NEAT1, GAS5, and HOTAIR in CVS, less attention has been paid to their clinical relevance to stroke incidence and prognosis. Also, a link has not yet been made between these lncRNAs and hypertension, our study aim was to investigate whether the expression of these lncRNAs differed between CVS with and without hypertension, as well as to compare each group to controls. Method: In total, 181 CVS patients were enrolled, including 91 chronic hypertensive patients with stroke, 90 stroke patients without hypertension, and 51 control subjects. blood samples were collected on the day of recruitment from patients with CVS and controls. Real-time qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of target lncRNAs in serum. Results: When compared to controls, there was a statistically higher level of lncNEAT1 in each case group (median (IQR) = 3.68 (1.35-7.35) and 3.05 (0.95-6.45) for the hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, respectively, with a significantly higher level in the hypertensive group (P = 0.04). When compared to controls, lncHOTAIR was significantly downregulated in all case groups (medians in hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients were 0.13, and 0.34, respectively), with a significantly lower level in the hypertensive group (P = 0.05). LncGAS5 levels in patients were significantly lower (median (IQR) = 0.16 (0.02-0.55) and 0.25 (0.03-0.99) for the hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups, respectively) compared to controls, with a significantly lower level in the hypertensive group (P = 0.02). There was a significant positive correlation between NEAT1 and GAS5, but a significant negative correlation between each with HOTAIR in both patients' groups. We also detected a significant negative correlation between each NEAT1 or GAS5 and NIHSS score while a significant positive correlation between HOTAIR and NIHSS. ROC curve analysis for GAS5 was able to differentiate patients with CVS hypertensive from patients with CVS non-hypertensive. Conclusion: Patients in each case group had statistically higher levels of NEAT1 and lower levels of HOTAIR and GAS5 compared to control levels, with higher significant NEAT1 but lower significant HOTAIR and GAS5 in the hypertensive group. Therefore, lncRNAs NEAT1, HOTAIR, and GAS5 could be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of CVS that correlate with NIHSS score and could produce a novel target for CVS therapy.

Diagnostic and prognostic values of miR181b-5p and miR21-5p for neonatal sepsis risk and their link to SNAP II score and disease mortality.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a lethal syndrome that necessitates prompt treatment to avoid disease complications. As a result, biomarkers that may either differentiate sepsis early or predict the outcome of sepsis are essential. Aim: The goal of this research was to find out the clinical weight of using miR181b-5p and miR21-5p expression levels as diagnostic and prognostic new genetic markers for neonatal sepsis. Method: A total of 60 neonates with sepsis and 60 healthy neonates were involved in this study. Laboratory tests include complete blood count (CBC), random blood sugar (RBS), arterial blood gases (ABG), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Neonates with sepsis were assessed by the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP II). The serum fold changes of the target miRNAs were determined using qRT-PCR and the 2-ΔΔCt equation. Results: The relative serum level of miR181b-5p was [ median (IQR) = 0.2509 (0.0009-4.11)] and for miR21-5p was [median (IQR) = 0.07 (0.007-7.16)] which were significantly downregulated in patients with neonatal sepsis compared to controls (p < 0.001 each). There was a strong significant positive correlation between miR181b-5p and miR21-5p with r = 0.718 and p < 0.001. MiR181b-5p and miR21-5p were significantly negatively correlated with total leucocytic count (TLC), lymphocytic count, and CRP. While they were both positively correlated to the SNAP II score. Obvious association between higher expressions of target genes and higher SNAP II score groups. After a following-up period, twenty-two (36.7%) neonates died, while 38 (63.3%) of the babies became better and were released from the hospital. We reported that miR-181-5p, miR21-5p, SNAP II score and CRP were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. Only miR181b-5p, miR21-5p, and SNAP II were predictive factors of septic mortality. Conclusion: MiR181b-5p and miR21-5p are diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of neonatal sepsis.

Serum lncRNAs, NBAT-1, and FOXCUT signature in hepatocellular carcinoma developed on top of chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a universal health problem responsible for 8.2% of all cancer deaths. Numerous risk factors were documented to be contributed to HCC development with viral hepatitis C ranking as the major predisposing factor in Egypt. The presence of a detectable amount of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the circulation is linked to the development and spread of tumors. LncRNAs NBAT-1 and FOXCUT expression levels were used as genetic markers for the detection of gastrointestinal tract cancers. We hypothesized that serum expression levels of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT are new biomarkers for HCC that are related to laboratory and pathological markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 165 hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC Egyptian patients, 180 HCV-infected noncancer patients, and 180 healthy controls, the serum expression levels of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT were measured by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: This study's results include that medians (inter-quartile range [IQRs]) of NBAT-1 in HCC and HCV patients were (1.9 [0.87-4.94], 10.01 [7.34-13.29] respectively) which exhibited significantly higher expression than controls, while the medians (IQRs) of FOXCUT in HCC and HCV patients were (0.15 [0.04-0.52], 6.42 [2.49-10.10], respectively) that exhibited significantly lower expression than controls regarding HCC patients but significantly higher expression than controls regarding HCV patients. In comparing serum fold changes of NBAT-1 and FOXCUT between HCC patients and HCV patients; we obtained significantly higher levels of target genes in HCV patients (p < 0.001) than in HCC patients. Also, a positive correlation was detected between NBAT-1 and FOXCUT in HCC group (r = 0.262, p = 0.001) and in HCV group (r = 0.937, p < 0.001). Higher serum NBAT-1 and FOXCUT were significantly associated with better clinical and laboratory data of the disease. Multivariate regression analysis showed that FOXCUT was an independent predictor for HCC among HCV patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study cited that NBAT-1 and FOXCUT could be considered new diagnostic serum biomarkers for HCC on top of HCV.

Molybdenum carbide/Ni nanoparticles-incorporated carbon nanofibers as effective non-precious catalyst for urea electrooxidation reaction.

In this study, molybdenum carbide and carbon were investigated as co-catalysts to enhance the nickel electro-activity toward urea oxidation. The proposed electrocatalyst has been formulated in the form of nanofibrous morphology to exploit the advantage of the large axial ratio. Typically, calcination of electropsun polymeric nanofibers composed of poly(vinyl alcohol), molybdenum chloride and nickel acetate under vacuum resulted in producing good morphology molybdenum carbide/Ni NPs-incorporated carbon nanofibers. Investigation on the composition and morphology of the proposed catalyst was achieved by XRD, SEM, XPS, elemental mapping and TEM analyses which concluded formation of molybdenum carbide and nickel nanoparticles embedded in a carbon nanofiber matrix. As an electrocatalyst for urea oxidation, the electrochemical measurements indicated that the proposed composite has a distinct activity when the molybdenum content is optimized. Typically, the nanofibers prepared from electrospun nanofibers containing 25 wt% molybdenum precursor with respect to nickel acetate revealed the best performance. Numerically, using 0.33 M urea in 1.0 M KOH, the obtained current densities were 15.5, 44.9, 52.6, 30.6, 87.9 and 17.6 mA/cm2 for nanofibers prepared at 850 °C from electropsun mats containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 molybdenum chloride, respectively. Study the synthesis temperature of the proposed composite indicated that 1000 °C is the optimum calcination temperature. Kinetic studies indicated that electrooxidation reaction of urea does not follow Arrhenius's law.

Carbon Nanofibers-Sheathed Graphite Rod Anode and Hydrophobic Cathode for Improved Performance Industrial Wastewater-Driven Microbial Fuel Cells.

Carbon nanofiber-decorated graphite rods are introduced as effective and low-cost anodes for industrial wastewater-driven microbial fuel cells. Carbon nanofiber deposition on the surface of the graphite rods could be performed by the electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile/N,N-Dimethylformamide solution using the rod as nanofiber collector, which was calcined under inert atmosphere. The experimental results indicated that at 10 min electrospinning time, the proposed graphite anode demonstrates very good performance compared to the commercial anodes. Typically, the generated power density from sugarcane industry wastewater-driven air cathode microbial fuel cells were 13 ± 0.3, 23 ± 0.7, 43 ± 1.3, and 185 ± 7.4 mW/m2 using carbon paper, carbon felt, carbon cloth, and graphite rod coated by 10-min electrospinning time carbon nanofibers anodes, respectively. The distinct performance of the proposed anode came from creating 3D carbon nanofiber layer filled with the biocatalyst. Moreover, to annihilate the internal cell resistance, a membrane-less cell was assembled by utilizing a poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun nanofiber layer-coated cathode. This novel strategy inspired a highly hydrophobic layer on the cathode surface, preventing water leakage to avoid utilizing the membrane. However, in both anode and cathode modifications, the electrospinning time should be optimized. The best results were obtained at 5 and 10 min for the cathode and anode, respectively.

The Ifng antisense RNA 1 (IFNG-AS1) and growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) are novel diagnostic and prognostic markers involved in childhood ITP.

Background/aim: IFNG-AS1 is a long noncoding RNA that works as an enhancer for the Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) transcript. GAS5 (growth arrest-specific 5) is a lncRNA that is associated with glucocorticoid resistance. Aberrant expressions of IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 are directly linked to numerous autoimmune disorders but their levels in childhood ITP are still obscure. This study aims to elucidate expressions of target lncRNAs in childhood ITP and their association with pathophysiology and clinical features of the disease as well as their association with types and treatment responses. Method: The fold changes of target lncRNAs in blood samples from children with ITP and healthy controls were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: There were overexpressed lncRNAs IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 in serum of childhood ITP patients [(median (IQR) = 3.08 (0.2-22.39) and 4.19 (0.9-16.91) respectively, Also, significant higher IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 (p < 0.05) were present in persistent ITP (3-12 months) [ median (IQR) = 4.58 (0.31-22.39) and 3.77 (0.87-12.36) respectively] or chronic ITP (>12 months) [ median (IQR) = 5.6 (0.25-12.59) and 5.61 (1.15-16.91) respectively] when compared to newly diagnosed <3 months patients [IFNG-AS1 median (IQR) = 1.21 (0.2-8.95), and GAS5 median (IQR) = 1.07 (0.09-3.55)]. Also, significant higher lncRNAs IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 were present in patients with partial response to treatment [IFNG-AS1 median (IQR) = 4.15 (0.94-19.25), and GAS5 (median (IQR) = 4.25 (0.81-16.91)] or non-response [IFNG-AS1 median (IQR) = 4.19 (1.25-22.39) and GAS5 median (IQR) = 5.11 (2.34-15.27)] when compared to patients who completely responded to treatment (IFNG-AS1 median (IQR) = 2.09 (0.2-14.58) and GAS5 (median (IQR) = 2.51 (0.09-10.33). In addition, following therapy, the expressions of IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 are significantly negatively correlated with platelet count. Conclusion: Findings suggest that lncRNAs IFNG-AS1 and GAS5 are novel diagnostic and prognostic genetic markers for childhood ITP that can aid in a precise prediction of the disease's progress at the time of diagnosis and could be a useful tool for treatment planning.

Carbon Nanofiber Double Active Layer and Co-Incorporation as New Anode Modification Strategies for Power-Enhanced Microbial Fuel Cells.

Co-doped carbon nanofiber mats can be prepared by the addition of cobalt acetate to the polyacrylonitrile/DMF electrospun solution. Wastewater obtained from food industries was utilized as the anolyte as well as microorganisms as the source in single-chamber batch mode microbial fuel cells. The results indicated that the single Co-free carbon nanofiber mat was not a good anode in the used microbial fuel cells. However, the generated power can be distinctly enhanced by using double active layers of pristine carbon nanofiber mats or a single layer Co-doped carbon nanofiber mat as anodes. Typically, after 24 h batching time, the estimated generated power densities were 10, 92, and 121 mW/m2 for single, double active layers, and Co-doped carbon nanofiber anodes, respectively. For comparison, the performance of the cell was investigated using carbon cloth and carbon paper as anodes, the observed power densities were smaller than the introduced modified anodes at 58 and 62 mW/m2, respectively. Moreover, the COD removal and Columbic efficiency were calculated for the proposed anodes as well as the used commercial ones. The results further confirm the priority of using double active layer or metal-doped carbon nanofiber anodes over the commercial ones. Numerically, the calculated COD removals were 29.16 and 38.95% for carbon paper and carbon cloth while 40.53 and 45.79% COD removals were obtained with double active layer and Co-doped carbon nanofiber anodes, respectively. With a similar trend, the calculated Columbic efficiencies were 26, 42, 52, and 71% for the same sequence.

Rosuvastatin Induces Renal HO-1 Activity and Expression Levels as a Main Protective Mechanism against STZ-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background and Objectives: Nephroprotective effect of statins is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hemin-like nephroprotective effect of rosuvastatin (RSV) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: DN was induced in rats via a single dose of 50 mg/kg STZ i.p., with or without RSV (10 mg/kg orally) for 30 days. To investigate hemin-like effect of RSV on renal heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), RSV was administered in the presence or absence of an inhibitor of HO-1; zinc protoporphyrin-XI (ZnPP), in a dose of 50 µmol/kg i.p. Results: Induction of diabetes with STZ caused, as expected, significant hyperglycemia, as well as deteriorated kidney function, lipid profile and histopathological architecture. The DN group also showed renal oxidative stress, indicated by decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione, with increased malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide. Renal expression of inflammatory marker TNF-α, and pro-apoptotic marker caspase 3, were also increased in the DN group. Administration of RSV in DN rats did not improve glucose level but succeeded in recovering kidney function and normal structure as well as improving the lipid profile. RSV also improved renal oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic statuses. Interestingly, the administration of RSV increased renal expression and activity of HO-1 compared to the untreated DN group. Co-administration of ZnPP blocked the effect of RSV on HO-1 and deteriorated all RSV favorable effects. Conclusions: RSV can protect against DN, at least in part, via increasing renal HO-1 expression and/or activity, which seems to be upstream to RSV antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

A novel synthetic approach to produce cellulose-based woven scaffolds impregnated with bioactive glass for bone regeneration.

Tissue-engineering has become the best alternative solution for replacing the damaged tissues. However, the cost of scaffold materials is still a big challenge, so the development of cost-effective scaffolds is highly encouraged. In this research, different types of cotton textile-scaffolds as a cellulosic material were developed to be utilized as a substrate for cells proliferation. They were loaded with bioactive glass (BG) doped with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The effect of the loaded materials on the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of the cellulosic textile scaffolds was investigated by means of FTIR, contact angle, physical and mechanical properties of the cotton fabrics, in addition to assessing their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the biomineralization was evaluated after soaking in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) using ICP and SEM accessorized with EDX. Cells proliferation capacities of the developed cellulosic woven-scaffolds were assessed against MG63 cell line at different incubation times. The physicochemical and mechanical features of these fabrics demonstrated a positive influence for the existence of BG impregnation, especially those doped with AgNPs. The antimicrobial features were also affirmed for the cellulosic scaffolds. More pronounced influence was observed on the biomineralization of the scaffold impregnated with BG doped with 0.5% Ag. The percentages of proliferated cells were very close to negative control (100% ± 10). This approach offers a novel and affordable alternative cellulosic woven-scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Expression of lncRNAs NEAT1 and lnc-DC in Serum From Patients With Behçet's Disease Can Be Used as Predictors of Disease.

Background: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The early diagnosis of BD is very important to avoid serious and/or fatal complications such as eye damage, severe neurological involvement, and large vessel occlusion. New, sensitive biomarkers would aid in rapid diagnosis, the monitoring of disease activity, and the response to treatment. Methods: This study's aim is to identify two immune system-related BD biomarkers. We measured long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) NEAT1 (nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1), and lnc-DC (lncRNA in dendritic cells) in serum by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 52 BD patients and 52 controls. We analyzed the association between NEAT1 and lnc-DC and the clinical parameters of BD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to explore the diagnostic performance of the studied genes. Results: Compared to controls, the significant upregulation of NEAT1 {median [interquartile range (IQR)] = 1.68 (0.38-7.7), p < 0.0001} and downregulation of lnc-DC [median (IQR) = 0.2 (0.12-1.39), p = 0.03] were detected in the sera collected from BD patients. Higher serum expression levels of NEAT1 and lnc-DC were significantly associated with the following clinical presentations: cutaneous lesions, vascular manifestations, articular manifestations, neurological manifestations, and higher disease activity score. Also, high NEAT1 levels were significantly associated with a negative pathergy test, while higher lnc-DC was significantly associated with a positive family history. ROC curves showed that NEAT1 and lnc-DC levels in serum could be used as predictors of BD with high specificity and fair sensitivity. NEAT1 had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.692 (95% CI: 0.591-0.794, p = 0.001), and lnc-DC had an AUC of 0.615 (95% CI: 0.508-0.723, p = 0.043). Conclusion: Serum lncRNAs NEAT1 and lnc-DC are biomarkers for BD.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester counteracts doxorubicin-induced chemobrain in Sprague-Dawley rats: Emphasis on the modulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction (chemobrain) is one of the major complaints for cancer patients treated with chemotherapy such as Doxorubicin (DOX). The induction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation were identified as major contributors to such adverse effect. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound, that exhibits unique context-dependent antioxidant activity. It exhibits pro-oxidant effects in cancer cells, while it is a potent antioxidant and cytoprotective in normal cells. The present study was designed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of CAPE against DOX-induced cognitive impairment. Chemobrain was induced in Sprague Dawley rats via systemic DOX administration once per week for 4 weeks (2 mg/kg/week, i.p.). CAPE was administered at 10 or 20 µmol/kg/day, i.p., 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance tests were used to assess learning and memory functions. Oxidative stress was evaluated via the colorimetric determination of GSH and MDA levels in both hippocampal and prefrontal cortex brain regions. However, inflammatory markers, acetylcholine levels, and neuronal cell apoptosis were assessed in the same brain areas using immunoassays including either ELISA, western blotting or immunohistochemistry. DOX produced significant impairment in learning and memory as indicated by the data generated from MWM and step-through passive avoidance tests. Additionally DOX-triggered oxidative stress as evidenced from the reduction in GSH levels and increased lipid peroxidation. Treatment with DOX resulted in neuroinflammation as indicated by the increase in NF-kB (p65) nuclear translocation in addition to boosting the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (COX-II/TNF-α) along with the increased levels of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in the tested tissues. Moreover, DOX reduced acetylcholine levels and augmented neuronal cell apoptosis as supported by the increased active caspase-3 levels. Co-treatment with CAPE significantly counteracted DOX-induced behavioral and molecular abnormalities in rat brain tissues. Our results provide the first preclinical evidence for CAPE promising neuroprotective activity against DOX-induced neurodegeneration and memory deficits.

Analysis of the expression profile of long non-coding RNAs MALAT1 and THRIL in children with immune thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease; whose etiology is not exactly understood and seems to be highly multifactorial. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of different actions, which contribute to the development of many autoimmune diseases. To gain a further understanding, we estimated the relative expression of lncRNAs Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL) immune-regulatory lncRNA (THRIL) in pediatric ITP. METHODS: In this case-control study, analysis of the expression profiles of these lncRNAs in blood samples from children with ITP and healthy controls (HCs) using quantitative real-time PCR was done. The association of MALAT1 and THRIL with ITP clinical features and their potential usage as non-invasive circulating biomarkers for ITP diagnosis was also evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed, and an area under the curve was analyzed. RESULTS: Both lncRNAs MALAT1 and THRIL were significantly upregulated in ITP patients in comparison to HCs ( p < .0001 and = .001 respectively). In addition, there was a positive significant correlation between the expression level of both biomarkers among patients (r = 0.745, p < .0001). At cutoff points of 1.17 and 1.27 for lncRNAs MALAT1and THRIL, respectively, both biomarkers had an excellent specificity (100% for both) and fair sensitivity (63.6 and 73.3% for lncRNAs MALAT1and THRIL, respectively). Improvement of biomarkers specificity was obtained by evaluation of the combined expression of both biomarkers. Serum lncRNAs MALAT1 and THRIL could be used as potential biomarkers in differentiating childhood ITP patients and HCs.

Association Between rs1859168/HOTTIP Expression Level and Colorectal Cancer and Adenomatous Polyposis Risk in Egyptians.

LncRNA HOTTIP is a new lncRNA that is strictly linked to the susceptibility, growth, propagation, and prognosis of several human cancers together with colorectal cancer. lncRNA HOTTIP rs1859168 may confer colorectal cancer susceptibility through regulating its gene expression level. To elucidate its role in colorectal cancer risk, we genotyped rs1859168 A>C and measured serum HOTTIP expression level in colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyposis patients and controls by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results displayed that rs1859168 A>C single-nucleotide polymorphism is a risk factor for colorectal cancer among adenomatous polyposis patients and controls, AC versus CC genotypes [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.256, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.316-3.868, P = 0.003] when compared with controls and (adjusted OR = 9.521, 95% CI = 3.330-27.217, P < 0.0001) when compared with adenomatous polyposis. Serum HOTTIP was upregulated in the colorectal cancer group when compared with adenomatous polyposis or controls [median (interquartile range) = 3.64 (2.46-5.02) (P < 0.0001)]. A significant difference in serum HOTTIP was found to be associated with different rs1859168 genotypes. rs1859168 A>C and higher serum HOTTIP were significantly associated with distant metastasis, lymph nodes metastasis, and grade III of colorectal cancer. Both rs8159168 and high HOTTIP confer increased risk for colorectal cancer development. [Figure: see text].

Association analyses of a genetic variant in long non-coding RNA MEG3 with breast cancer susceptibility and serum MEG3 expression level in the Egyptian population.

BACKGROUND: LncRNA MEG3 rs7158663 has been shown to confer cancer susceptibility, maybe through altering its gene expression level. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to weigh the effect of rs7158663 on MEG3 serum level and breast cancer susceptibility. METHODS: We genotyped rs7158663 G > A and measured serum MEG3 in 150 breast cancer, 95 fibroadenoma , and 154 controls by the TaqMan method. RESULTS: The presence of rs7158663 G > A is a risk factor for breast cancer among fibroadenoma patients and controls, AA vs. GG genotypes (OR = 6.320, 95% CI = 2.587-15.439, P< 0.0001 when compared to controls and OR = 10.825, 95% CI = 1.929-60.742, P= 0.007 when compared to fibroadenoma). Decreased serum MEG3 was observed in breast cancer group when compared with fibroadenoma and/or controls [median (IQR) = 0.43 (0.27-0.55)] (P< 0.0001). However, increased serum MEG3 was noted in fibroadenoma group when compared with controls (P< 0.0001). A significance decreased serum MEG3 was found to be associated with mutant A allele than with wild G allele (P< 0.0001). The results showed that rs7158663 and lower MEG3 were significantly associated with patients with higher TNM staging and larger tumor size > 5 cm. CONCLUSION: The presence of both rs7158663 and low MEG3 are diagnostic and unfavorable prognostic factors for BC patients.

Association between LINC00657 and miR-106a serum expression levels and susceptibility to colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyposis, and ulcerative colitis in Egyptian population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represented the second cause of mortality among cancer patients. Long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as noninvasive biomarkers for CRC surveillance and introduce new therapeutic approaches. LINC00657 and miR-106a expression levels play a pivotal role in CRC. This study included 190 Egyptian subjects, and the expression levels of LINC00657 and miR-106a in serum were measured by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that upregulation of LINC00657 and downregulation of miR-106a are significantly associated with the development of CRC. Also, a positive correlation was detected between their serum levels. In addition, serum LINC00657 can distinguish adenomatous polyposis (AP) patients and/or ulcerative colitis (UC) patients from controls. Also the miRNA-106a expression level discriminates AP but not UC from healthy individuals. Our study cited new diagnostic biomarkers for CRC, AP, and UC among Egyptians in addition to be noninvasive screening tools for CRC in both healthy subjects and those having precancerous lesions. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1322-1335, 2019.

Modulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression and activity affects streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 has exhibited nephro-protective actions in different animal models; however, its full mechanistic potential in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has not yet been elucidated. Hence, the present study has been undertaken by inducing DN in rats using streptozotocin (50 mg/kg i.p.), with or without either HO-1 inducer; hemin (HM; 40 µmol/kg, s.c.), or HO-1 blocker; zinc protoporphyrin-IX (ZnPP; 50 µmol/kg, i.p.), for one month. Compared to control, rats with DN suffered from hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, with signs of renal damage, as assessed by distortion in renal histopathologic architecture and kidney function. Renal oxidative/nitrosative stress was evident by increased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, with decreased reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. DN group also exhibited high renal expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and the apoptotic marker; caspase 3, assessed by Western blot. Renal HO-1 protein expression and activity were increased in DN rats compared to control. Administration of HM, but not ZnPP, to DN rats improved kidney function, histopathologic features, lipid profile, TNF-α, and caspase 3 expressions, with no effect on blood glucose level. HM increased, while ZnPP decreased renal HO-1 activity in DN rats. It is noteworthy that neither intervention affected HO-1 activity or renal oxidative capacity in non-diabetic rats. Interestingly, the expression of HO-1 was upregulated by both HM and ZnPP in DN rats. In conclusion, activation of HO-1 via HM ameliorated renal damage in STZ-induced DN in rats, probably through antioxidant, anti-nitrosative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Wound dressing based on nonwoven viscose fabrics.

Nonwoven viscose fabric was treated with chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using pad-dry method, using different concentrations of chitosan and PVA. Increasing the amount of PVA leads to increasing of air permeability. Water permeability increased by increasing the amount of PVA to 2 ml (10% solution) then decreased by any increase of the quantity of PVA solution. Roughness increased with increasing the amount of 10% PVA solution. It is shown that roughness, water and air permeability increased with increasing the chitosan concentration. Antibacterial properties was increased with increasing PVA/or chitosan concentration. The chitosan/PVA treated nonwoven viscose fabric was immersed in a solution of Ag nanoparticles. The chitosan/PVA/Ag nanoparticles treated nonwoven fabrics were used as wound dressings on French white Bouscat rabbits, with age ranged from 1 to 2 years. A complete healing was achieved using wound dressing consists of nonwoven viscose fabric treated with chitosan/PVA/Ag nanoparticles after 21 days. The histopathological examination confirmed the complete re-epithelialization and averagely thick epidermis formation.