Innovative PNA-LB mediated allele-specific LAMP for KRAS mutation profiling on a compact lab-on-a-disc device.

Tailored healthcare, an approach focused on individual patients, requires integrating emerging interdisciplinary technologies to develop accurate and user-friendly diagnostic tools. KRAS mutations, prevalent in various common cancers, are crucial determinants in selecting patients for novel KRAS inhibitor therapies. This study presents a novel state-of-the-art Lab-on-a-Disc system utilizing peptide nucleic acids-loop backward (PNA-LB) mediated allele-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting the frequent G12D KRAS mutation, signifying its superiority over alternative mutation detection approaches. The designed Lab-on-a-Disc system demonstrated exceptional preclinical and technical precision, accuracy, and versatility. By applying varying cutoff values to PNA- LB LAMP reactions, the assay's sensitivity and specificity were increased by 80 % and 90 %, respectively. The device's key advantages include a robust microfluidic Lab-on-a-Disc design, precise rotary control, and a cutting-edge induction heating module. These features enable multiplexing of LAMP reactions with high reproducibility and repeatability, with CV% values less than 3.5 % and 5.5 %, respectively. The device offers several methods for accurate endpoint result detection, including naked-eye observation, RGB image analysis using Python code, and time of fluorescence (Tf) values. Preclinical specificity and sensitivity, assessed using different cutoffs for Eva-Green fluorescence Tf values and pH-sensitive dyes, demonstrated comparable performance to the best standard methods. Overall, this study represents a significant step towards tailoring treatment strategies for cancer patients through precise and efficient mutation detection technologies.

Increased levels of advanced glycation end products positively correlate with iron overload and oxidative stress markers in patients with ß-thalassemia major.

The impaired biosynthesis of the ß-globin chain in ß-thalassemia leads to the accumulation of unpaired alpha globin chains, failure in hemoglobin formation, and iron overload due to frequent blood transfusion. Iron excess causes oxidative stress and massive tissue injuries. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful agents, and their production accelerates in oxidative conditions. This study was conducted on 45 patients with major ß-thalassemia who received frequent blood transfusions and chelation therapy and were compared to 40 healthy subjects. Metabolic parameters including glycemic and iron indices, hepatic and renal functions tests, oxidative stress markers, and AGEs (carboxymethyl-lysine and pentosidine) levels were measured. All parameters were significantly increased in ß-thalassemia compared to the control except for glutathione levels. Blood glucose, iron, serum ferritin, non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI), MDA, soluble form of low-density lipoprotein receptor, glutathione peroxidase, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), and AGE levels were significantly higher in the ß-thalassemia patients. Iron and ferritin showed a significant positive correlation with pentosidine (P < 0.01) but not with carboxymethyl-lysine. The NTBI was markedly increased in the ß-thalassemia patients, and its levels correlated significantly with both carboxymethyl-lysine and pentosidine (P < 0.05). Our findings confirm the oxidative status generated by the iron overload in ß-thalassemia major patients and highlight the enhanced formation of AGEs, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ß-thalassemia major.

Hematological and liver toxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem, and anti-tuberculosis drugs can cause severe adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to determine hematological and biochemical changes and associated risk factors in smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment with standard protocols. METHODS: In a descriptive study, a total of 40 tuberculosis patients aged between 15-60 years were collected from hospitals in Khuzestan Province (Iran) from March 2013 to March 2014. The patients were treated with drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) during the initial two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for the next four to six months. Activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and hematological parameters were recorded before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon test by SPSS 16. RESULTS: After using drug treatments, hematological parameters (RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC), except platelet count, were changed significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Liver enzyme activities (ALT, AST, and ALP) were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) after treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, changes of hematological and biochemical parameters have been observed in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. It can be concluded that the anti-tuberculosis treatment is associated with changes of hematological parameters and liver enzymes.