Discrimination of normal and cancerous human skin tissues based on laser-induced spectral shift fluorescence microscopy.

A homemade spectral shift fluorescence microscope (SSFM) is coupled with a spectrometer to record the spectral images of specimens based on the emission wavelength. Here a reliable diagnosis of neoplasia is achieved according to the spectral fluorescence properties of ex-vivo skin tissues after rhodamine6G (Rd6G) staining. It is shown that certain spectral shifts occur for nonmelanoma/melanoma lesions against normal/benign nevus, leading to spectral micrographs. In fact, there is a strong correlation between the emission wavelength and the sort of skin lesions, mainly due to the Rd6G interaction with the mitochondria of cancerous cells. The normal tissues generally enjoy a significant red shift regarding the laser line (37 nm). Conversely, plenty of fluorophores are conjugated to unhealthy cells giving rise to a relative blue shift i.e., typically SCC (6 nm), BCC (14 nm), and melanoma (19 nm) against healthy tissues. In other words, the redshift takes place with respect to the excitation wavelength i.e., melanoma (18 nm), BCC (23 nm), and SCC (31 nm) with respect to the laser line. Consequently, three data sets are available in the form of micrographs, addressing pixel-by-pixel signal intensity, emission wavelength, and fluorophore concentration of specimens for prompt diagnosis.

Expression of interleukins 7 & 8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with metabolic syndrome: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a common but serious public health problem in developed countries. Chronic inflammation plays a key role in MS. Interleukins (IL)-7 and 8 are considered to have proinflammatory effects and may be involved in the pathogenesis of MS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine gene expression level of IL-7 and IL-8 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MS compared to healthy control subjects. METHODS: Using real-time RT-PCR, the relative amounts of IL-7 and IL-8 mRNA were determined in PBMCs from 20 female patients with MS and compared with those of 20 healthy control subjects. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters of MS were also assessed. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar were significantly higher in MS patients compared to healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in HDLc and LDLc between the two groups. IL-8 expression in PBMC was significantly decreased in MS versus control subjects (fold of change was 0.395±0.1824), while no difference in the IL-7 expression was detected between them. IL-8 expression had negative correlation with MS components especially with triglyceride and total cholesterol (r=0.5, P<0.001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, no detectable differences were found in IL-7 expression and decreased expression of IL-8 in PBMCs of MS patients as compared to those of control subjects. Study on a larger population and investigating the mechanisms involved can reveal more details.

Leptin gene G-2548A polymorphism in Iranian subjects with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem and one of the important risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease in developed countries. Adipose tissue is considered a secretory organ that releases a variety of molecules referred to adipocytokines such as leptin, so polymorphism of these protein genes may play an important role in development of MetS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the genetic varieties of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. METHODS: In this case-control study, the relationship between LEP G-2548A polymorphism and MetS was evaluated in Iranian participants, 200 patients (142 women and 58 men) and 200 controls (122 women and 78 men) who were randomly selected from Hamadan city. Blood samples were collected; moreover, routine biochemical analysis, DNA extraction, and serum leptin measurements were done. LEP G-2548A genotypes were identified by a PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: Our findings showed significant differences between biochemical factors and leptin concentration between two groups. Females show more serum leptin concentration than males. There was no significant difference in polymorphism of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. Although we cannot find any correlation between leptin concentration and BMI, some relation exists with LDL-C, HDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it is concluded that leptin probably has a key role in metabolic syndrome development and further research in this area is needed.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) -629C/A polymorphism and it's effects on the serum lipid levels in metabolic syndrome patients.

Metabolic syndrome is a relatively common disorder with significant morbidity worldwide. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a central role in the metabolism of lipoproteins. In this study the effect of -629C/A polymorphism on the concentration of CETP and plasma lipids pattern was elicited in metabolic syndrome patients and control subjects. For this, a sample of 200 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome disorder was studied in comparison with 200 healthy controls. This study was performed by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Genotype distribution and allelic frequencies were determined and compared in metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. To determine the relationship between -629C/A polymorphism and lipid levels, lipids and CETP concentration were measured in metabolic syndrome and normal subjects. The results showed a significant difference between two groups in terms of FBS, cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C levels as well as BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The genotype frequencies for this polymorphism differed significantly between metabolic syndrome patients and controls (in control group: CC% 20.5, CA% 76, AA% 3.5 and in patient group: CC% 28.5, CA% 53.5, AA% 18) (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference in the frequency of the alleles. In the two groups, the levels of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein in AA genotype were lower than other genotypes. In the control group, individuals with AA genotype had the highest levels of LDL-C and TC plasma concentration. Considering the results of this study, it can be concluded that the -629 AA genotype was associated with high cholesterol; high LDL-C and low CETP level, so that it can be related to metabolic syndrome.