Quantitative Investigation of MicroRNA-32 in the Urine of Prostate Cancer Patients and Its Relationship With Clinicopathological Characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. PCa diagnosis is mostly based on solid biopsy and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which have the disadvantages of being invasive and insensitive, respectively. Recently, the detection of microRNAs (miRNAs) in expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) has been a promising approach for PCa diagnosis. The aim of this study is to quantify transcriptional levels of miRNA-32 in the urine of prostate cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the expression of miRNA-32 in the urine of 27 PCa patients, 48 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 20 healthy controls, using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The expression levels were then compared with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients. RESULTS: The expression level of miRNA-32 in PCa patients was significantly higher than the control group (P < .01) and BPH cases (P < .01), and was associated with advanced tumor stage (P < .05). In addition, the expression of miRNA-32 had significant correlation with patients' age (r = 0.39, P = .043). Area under ROC curve (AUC) for the discrimination of PCa samples from control and BPH samples were 0.93 (P < .0001) and 0.78 (P < .0001), respectively. We also used logistic regression analysis to integrate the results of PSA, prostate volume and miRNA-32, and presented a predictive model for distinguishing PCa from BPH, highlighting the clinical utility of miRNA-32 in cancer diagnosis and risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of miRNA-32 expression in urine may have significance for the detection of PCa. Inclusion of miRNA-32 in logistic regression along with PSA and prostate volume increases the accuracy of cancer diagnosis.

Genetic variants of dectin-1 and their antifungal immunity impact in hematologic malignancies: A comprehensive systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections pose a significant threat to individuals with hematologic malignancies due to compromised immune systems. Dectin-1, a pivotal pattern recognition receptor, plays a central role in antifungal immune responses. Understanding its genetic variants' impact is crucial for advancing personalized therapeutic approaches. METHODS: Employing systematic review methods, studies were meticulously selected and assessed for relevance. Data extraction encompassed Dectin-1 genetic variants, antifungal immune responses, and disease outcomes. RESULTS: Findings unveiled a complex relationship between Dectin-1 genetic variants and antifungal immunity in hematologic malignancies. Variable associations emerged, influencing susceptibility to fungal infections and disease prognosis. Moreover, implications for treatment outcomes were explored, suggesting potential avenues for tailored interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the need for further investigation into the precise influence of Dectin-1 genetic variants on antifungal immunity and disease progression in hematologic malignancies. Insights gained could pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies, optimizing infection prevention and malignancy management. By delving into the intricate connections between genetic nuances, immune responses, and clinical trajectories, this review contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding hematologic malignancies, fungal infections, and their multifaceted interplay.

The TAC1 Gene in Candida albicans: Structure, Function, and Role in Azole Resistance: A Mini-Review.

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida species, with Candida albicans being the most prevalent. Resistance to azole drugs, commonly used to treat Candida infections, poses a significant challenge. Transcriptional activator candidate 1 (TAC1) gene has emerged as a key player in regulating drug resistance in C. albicans. This review explores the structure and function of the TAC1 gene and its role in azole resistance. This gene encodes a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in drug resistance, such as efflux pump genes (CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1) and ERG11. Mutations in TAC1 can increase these genes' expression and confer resistance to azoles. Various TAC1 gene mutations, mostly gain-of-function mutations, have been identified, which upregulate CDR1 and CDR2 expression, resulting in azole resistance. Understanding the mechanisms of azole resistance mediated by the TAC1 gene is crucial for the strategies in the effective antifungal development pipeline.

Association of Free Radical Product and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age. It is recognized as the leading cause of infertility due to anovulation. This research aims to evaluate the diagnostic potential of oxidative stress biomarkers, including advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), and nitric oxide (NO), in identifying PCOS. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to assess the correlation between free radical product and PCOS. Moreover, the presence of heterogeneity among the studies was assessed utilizing the I2 statistic and Cochran Q test. The methodological rigor of the incorporated studies was assessed through the application of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Furthermore, the presence of publication bias was determined via Begg and Egger tests. RESULTS: This meta-analysis reviewed 38 observational studies, including 17,845 women. The results revealed a significant association between PCOS in women and alterations in free radical levels. The study revealed that the PCOS group had significantly higher levels of AOPP (SMD = 3.193; 95% CI, 2.86 to 3.25), UA (SMD = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.13), and MDA (SMD = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.56) compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, the analysis found a significantly lower level of NO (SMD = (- 0.59); 95% CI, - 1.15 to - 0.03) in the PCOS patient. CONCLUSION: Screening of specific biomarkers associated with free radical products could provide valuable benefits in the prognosis and diagnosis of PCOS.

Circulating Galectin-3 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by multifactorial and intricate pathogenesis. The discovery of novel markers has been a significant step toward understanding the mechanisms of PCOS. Galectin-3 has emerged as a novel factor in metabolic disorders. This meta-analysis examines the association between circulating Galectin-3 and PCOS. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify relevant articles in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The search covered the period from January 2000 to March 2023 and followed a predefined search strategy. Eight articles were included in the analysis with a total of 594 participants (322 patients with PCOS and 272 controls). Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval [CI] were used to evaluate the association between Galectin-3 levels and PCOS. The results indicated a significant association between PCOS and galectin-3 levels (SMD = 0.58; 95 % CI: 0.15-1.01; p = 0.007). In addition, subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in serum Galectin-3 levels in women with PCOS and a higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ratio (SMD = 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.45-1.33; p < 0.001). The researchers also performed meta-regression and subgroup analyses to specify sources of heterogeneity. The results of our meta-analysis suggest an association between increased levels of galectin-3 and PCOS. Galectin-3 plays a significant role in the progression of PCOS and could be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker. Nevertheless, it is essential to perform further studies to confirm and support our conclusions.