Immunohistochemical Profiling of PD-1, PD-L1, CD8, MSI, and p53 and Prognostic Implications in Advanced Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

Advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a serious malignant neoplasm with a late diagnosis and high mortality rate. Even when treated with standard therapy, such as surgery followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, the prognosis remains unfavorable. Immunotherapy is a treatment alternative that requires further study. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CD8, MSI (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2), and p53 in the paraffin samples of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. A retrospective study of 28 southern Brazilian patients with advanced serous ovarian carcinoma (EC III or IV) was conducted between 2009 and 2020. The expression of these proteins was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with the patients' clinicopathological data. At diagnosis, the mean age was 61 years, and the most common clinical stage (60%) was EC III. Among the cases, 84.6% exhibited p53 overexpression, 14.8% had MSI, 92.0% were sensitive to platinum, and more than 50.0% relapsed after treatment. Patients with MSI had a lower CD8/PD-1 ratio and more relapses (p = 0.03). In conclusion, analysis of immunotherapeutic markers in paraffin-embedded advanced serous ovarian carcinoma samples is feasible and may assist in prognosis.

Role of the NF-kB/parkin/vegfr-1 pathway associated with hypoxic-ischemic insult in germinal matrix samples of newborn infants.

OBJECTIVE: Given the high proliferative activity of germinal matrix and its direct correlation with hypoxemia, it is necessary to investigate the possible molecular regulation pathways, to understand the existing clinical relationship between the hypoxic-ischemic insult and the biomarkers NF-kB, AKT-3, Parkin, TRK-C and VEGFR-1. METHODS: A hundred and eighteen germinal matrix samples of the central nervous system of patients who died in the first 28 days of life were submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis to identify the tissue immunoexpression of those biomarkers related to asphyxia, prematurity, and death events within 24h. RESULTS: A significantly increased tissue immunoexpression of NF-kB, AKT-3 and Parkin was observed in the germinal matrix of preterm infants. In addition, significantly decreased tissue immunoexpression of VEGFR-1 and NF-kB was observed in patients who experienced asphyxia followed by death within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a direct involvement between the hypoxic-ischemic insult and NF-kB and VEGFR-1 markers since a decreased immunoexpression of these biomarkers was observed in asphyxiated patients. Furthermore, it is suggested that there was not enough time for VEGFR-1 to be transcribed, translated and expressed on the surface of the plasma membrane. This temporality can be observed in the relationship between NF-kB expression and the survival time of individuals who died within 24 hours, suggesting that this factor is essential for the production of VEGFR-1 and, therefore, to carry out the necessary remodeling effect to neovascularize the affected region.

Role of the NF-kB/parkin/vegfr-1 pathway associated with hypoxic-ischemic insult in germinal matrix samples of newborn infants / O papel da via NF-kB/parkin/vegfr-1 associada à agressão hipóxico-isquêmica em amostras de matriz germinativa de pacientes recém-nascidos

Abstract Objective: Given the high proliferative activity of germinal matrix and its direct correlation with hypoxemia, it is necessary to investigate the possible molecular regulation pathways, to understand the existing clinical relationship between the hypoxic-ischemic insult and the biomarkers NF-kB, AKT-3, Parkin, TRK-C and VEGFR-1. Methods: A hundred and eighteen germinal matrix samples of the central nervous system of patients who died in the first 28 days of life were submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis to identify the tissue immunoexpression of those biomarkers related to asphyxia, prematurity, and death events within 24h. Results: A significantly increased tissue immunoexpression of NF-kB, AKT-3 and Parkin was observed in the germinal matrix of preterm infants. In addition, significantly decreased tissue immunoexpression of VEGFR-1 and NF-kB was observed in patients who experienced asphyxia followed by death within 24 hours. Conclusions: The results suggest a direct involvement between the hypoxic-ischemic insult and NF-kB and VEGFR-1 markers since a decreased immunoexpression of these biomarkers was observed in asphyxiated patients. Furthermore, it is suggested that there was not enough time for VEGFR-1 to be transcribed, translated and expressed on the surface of the plasma membrane. This temporality can be observed in the relationship between NF-kB expression and the survival time of individuals who died within 24 hours, suggesting that this factor is essential for the production of VEGFR-1 and, therefore, to carry out the necessary remodeling effect to neovascularize the affected region.

RESUMO Objetivo: Dada a alta atividade proliferativa da matriz germinativa e sua correlação direta com a hipoxemia, é necessário investigar as possíveis vias de regulação molecular para entender a relação clínica existente entre o insulto hipóxico-isquêmico e os biomarcadores NF-kB, AKT -3, Parkina, TRK-C e VEGFR-1. Métodos: Cento e dezoito amostras de matriz germinativa do sistema nervoso central de pacientes que faleceram nos primeiros 28 dias de vida foram submetidas a análise histológica e imuno-histoquímica para identificar a imunoexpressão tecidual desses biomarcadores relacionados a eventos de asfixia, prematuridade e óbito em 24 horas. Resultados: Observou-se uma imunoexpressão tecidual significativamente aumentada de NF-kB, AKT-3 e Parkin na matriz germinativa de prematuros. Além disso, constatou-se uma imunoexpressão tecidual significativamente diminuída de VEGFR-1 e de NF-kB em pacientes que apresentaram asfixia seguida de morte em 24 horas. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem o envolvimento direto entre o insulto hipóxico-isquêmico e os marcadores NF-kB e VEGFR-1, visto que se observou uma imunoexpressão diminuída destes biomarcadores nos pacientes asfixiados. Além disso, sugere-se que não houve tempo suficiente para que o VEGFR-1 fosse transcrito, traduzido e expresso na superfície da membrana plasmática. Essa temporalidade pode ser observada na relação entre a expressão de NF-kB e o tempo de vida dos indivíduos que morreram em 24 horas, o que sugere que esse fator é essencial para a produção do VEGFR-1 e, portanto, para realizar o efeito remodelador necessário para neovascularizar a região afetada.

Expression of Parkin, APC, APE1, and Bcl-xL in Colorectal Polyps.

Colorectal cancer can develop through molecular, chromosomal, and epigenetic cumulative changes that transform the normal intestinal epithelium into the colorectal polyps, called conventional adenomas (CAs) or serrated polyps (SPs), recognized as precursors of invasive colorectal neoplasia. These benign lesions need to explore the morphology, histological diagnosis, and biomarkers profile to accurately characterize lesions with potential for evolution to cancer. This study aimed to correlate the immunohistochemical expression of Parkin and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC; tumor suppressors), Human Apurinic/Apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL; oncogenic proteins) in sporadic colorectal polyps with clinical, endoscopic, and diagnostic data. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tissue microarray samples of 306 polyps. Based on the Allred score, the expressions were graduated in the cytoplasm and nucleus of superficial and cryptic cells. There was higher Parkin nuclear expression (p=0.006 and 0.010) and APC cytoplasmic expression in cryptic cells (p<0.001) in SPs. CAs, APE1 (p<0.001) and Bcl-xL (p<0.001) were more expressed in the nuclei and cytoplasms, respectively. These results are related to the biological role proposed for these proteins in cellular functions. They can contribute to the diagnosis criteria for polyps and improve the knowledge of biomarkers that could predict cancer development.

Anti-HLA Donor-Specific IgG Subclasses and C1q-binding Evolution in Posttransplant Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: The identification of low-level antibodies by single-antigen bead methodology has brought advancements to risk evaluation of kidney transplant recipients. However, the use of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) to quantify antibodies and to guide therapy is not enough. Notably, immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass switching is hypothesized to follow a programmed sequence after an emergency signal from the germinal center. In transplantation this process is not clear yet. In the present study, we sequentially evaluate anti-HLA donor specific antibody (DSA) subclasses, their profile changes, and C1q-binding ability and the influence of those characteristics on antibody mediated rejection (AMR) occurrence and allograft function. METHODS: A total of 30 DSA-positive patients were tested for IgG subclass content and C1q-binding in sequential serum samples. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were DSA-positive before transplant; patients sensitized only by transfusion or pregnancies had IgG1 and/or IgG3, and patients sensitized by both transfusion and pregnancies or previous transplant showed a broader range of IgG subclasses. C1q binding was detected in high MFI made up of IgG1 or multiple IgG subclasses. Only 4 patients were positive for C1q posttransplantation and 3 of these showed an increase in MFI, changes in subclasses patterns, AMR, and allograft dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Posttransplant evaluation of DSA subclasses and the ability to bind C1q may be informative for both AMR occurrence and allograft dysfunction. Monitoring these events may help to better define risk and interventional time points.

Parkin protein expression and its impact on survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Features of colorectal cancer such as natural history, molecular, chromosomal, and epigenetic alterations have been well described. However, there is still a lack of accurate prognostic markers, which is evident by the lower overall survival rates of patients with advanced cancer. Although alterations in parkin protein expression have been described in colorectal cancer, the functional significance of this protein remains unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of parkin expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma development and progression by evaluating the association between its expression, clinicopathological parameters, and expression of known proteins involved in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Tissue microarrays consisting of 73 tumor and 64 normal tissue samples were generated to examine parkin expression and localization by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: A positive correlation of parkin and APC expression was observed in the superficial, intermediate, and profound regions of all cases (ρ = 0.37; P = 0.001). Parkin expression was also significantly associated with tumors in men (P = 0.049), those of the mucinous subtype (P = 0.028), and of advanced stage (III + IV, P = 0.041). In addition, increased parkin expression was observed in the invasive front tumor region (P = 0.013). More importantly, a positive correlation was found between parkin expression and the overall survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (P = 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed that parkin expression was independent of any of the clinicopathological parameters evaluated in relation to patient survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that parkin expression status can be used as a potential independent prognostic marker of survival in advanced colorectal cancer.

Genetic data for 26 autosomal STR markers from Brazilian population.

The allelic frequency distributions and statistical forensic parameters of 26 mini short tandem repeat (mini-STR) loci in a sample of 1575 unrelated individuals from five different Brazilian regions were obtained. All the analyzed loci showed great diversity and were highly informative. The results were compared with those of the US Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic population studies. This study aimed to contribute to forensic analysis for human identification and inference of the evidential value in familial bond tests.

Familiar Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Large Brazilian Family Is Not Associated with Succinate Dehydrogenase Defects.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine gland malignancy. Advances in understanding the genetic basis for thyroid cancer revealed the potential involvement of several genes in the formation of thyroid tumors. Mutations in the gene coding for succinate dehydrogenase subtype B (SDHB) have been implicated in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a heterotetrameric protein composed of four subunits, SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD, and participates in both the electron transport chain and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between variants in the SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD genes and familiar PTC in a large Brazilian family. METHOD: Four patients with PTC, 1 patient with PTC and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), 1 patient with GIST, and their relatives - several of them with different thyroid problems - from a large Brazilian family were screened for genetic variations of SDHx genes with the use of polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing. RESULTS: Only one rare variation in SDHA was found in some of the family members, but not segregating with the disease. No other genetic variants of these genes were detected in the family members that presented with PTC and/or GIST. CONCLUSION: Familiar PTC and a GIST were not associated with SDHx mutations; additional genetic defects, yet unknown, may be responsible for the development of tumor.

Association of a PARK2 Germline Variant and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in a Southern Brazilian Population.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the eighth most common cancer among women in Brazil and seventh in the world population. OC has a high mortality rate and is difficult to diagnose. Currently, OC detection most often occurs at an advanced stage of the disease due to its silent progression, which contributes to the high mortality rate. Available genetic markers are not considered specifically enough for an initial and definite diagnosis. The association with new genes involved with OC can provide a better understanding of this pathology as well as contribute to the development of a marker scenario, providing an improvement in the treatment and survival of patients. The aim of this study was to examine the potential association between the PARK2 gene and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Accordingly, we conducted a study for which 25 patients and 87 controls were recruited. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that the four studied tag SNPs (rs2803073, rs6930532, rs1040079, and rs2276201) were independent. Our results using the multivariate analysis between the additive and dominant model demonstrated that tag SNP rs2803073 of PARK2 is associated with susceptibility to EOC (p = 0.018, OR = 0.42). These findings suggest that hereditary variation in the PARK2 gene could influence EOC development mechanisms.

A 1.5Mb terminal deletion of 12p associated with autism spectrum disorder.

We report a patient with a terminal 12p deletion associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This 12p13.33 deletion is 1.5Mb in size and encompasses 13 genes (B4GALNT3, CCDC77, ERC1, FBXL14, IQSEC3, KDM5A, LINC00942, LOC574538, NINJ2, RAD52, SLC6A12, SLC6A13 and WNK1). All previous cases reported with partial monosomy of 12p13.33 are associated with neurodevelopmental delay, and we suggest that ERC1, which encodes a regulator of neurotransmitter release, is the best gene candidate contributing to this phenotype as well as to the ASD of our patient.

STR data for 15 autosomal STR markers from Paraná (Southern Brazil).

Allelic frequencies for 15 STR autosomal loci, using AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler™, forensic, and statistical parameters were calculated. All loci reached the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The combined power of discrimination and mean power of exclusion were 0.999999999999999999 and 0.9999993, respectively. The MDS plot and NJ tree analysis, generated by FST matrix, corroborated the notion of the origins of the Paraná population as mainly European-derived. The combination of these 15 STR loci represents a powerful strategy for individual identification and parentage analyses for the Paraná population.

Analysis of polymorphisms in the lactotransferrin gene promoter and dental caries.

Regarding host aspects, there has been strong evidence for a genetic component in the etiology of caries. The salivary protein lactotransferrin (LTF) exhibits antibacterial activity, but there is no study investigating the association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of LTF gene with caries. The objective of this study was firstly to search the promoter region of the human LTF gene for variations and, if existent, to investigate the association of the identified polymorphisms with dental caries in 12-year-old students. From 687 unrelated, 12-year-old, both sex students, 50 individuals were selected and divided into two groups of extreme phenotypes according to caries experience: 25 students without (DMFT = 0) and 25 with caries experience (DMFT ≥ 4). The selection of individuals with extreme phenotypes augments the chances to find gene variations which could be associated with such phenotypes. LTF gene-putative promoter region (+39 to -1143) of the selected 50 individuals was analyzed by high-resolution melting technique. Fifteen students, 8 without (DMFT = 0) and 7 with caries experience (mean DMFT = 6.28), presented deviations of the pattern curve suggestive of gene variations and were sequenced. However, no polymorphisms were identified in the putative promoter region of the LTF gene.

Mosaic partial trisomy 19p12-q13.11 due to a small supernumerary marker chromosome: a locus associated with Asperger syndrome?

In the neurodevelopmentally impaired population the frequency of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) is about 0.3%. To find the origin of a sSMC in a 4-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome (AS) a microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), using a 135K-feature whole-genome microarray, and Metaphase FISH analysis, was performed. The sSMC was characterized as being composed of 18.4 Mb from 19p12q13.11. Based on the size and genic content, it is expected that the partial trisomy detected is responsible for the characteristics observed in the patient. In that case it could be an indication of a novel locus associated with AS.

Somatic/gonadal mosaicism in a syndromic form of ectrodactyly, including eye abnormalities, documented through array-based comparative genomic hybridization.

Split hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is characterized by underdeveloped or absent central digital rays, clefts of hands and feet, and variable syndactyly of the remaining digits. SHFM is a heterogeneous condition caused by abnormalities at one of multiple loci, including SHFM1 (SHFM1 at 7q21-q22), SHFM2 (Xq26), SHFM3 (FBXW4/DACTYLIN at 10q24), SHFM4 (TP63 at 3q27), and SHFM5 (DLX1 and DLX 2 at 2q31). SHFM3 is unique in that it is caused by submicroscopic tandem chromosome duplications of FBXW4/DACTYLIN. In order to show that array-based comparative genomic hybridization should be considered an essential aspect of the genetic analysis of patients with SHFM, we report on a family with two brothers who have ectrodactyly. Interestingly, both also have ocular abnormalities. Their sister and both parents are healthy. DNA of all five family members was analyzed using oligonucleotide-based DNA microarray and quantitative PCR. The two affected brothers were found to have a small duplication of approximately 539 kb at 10q24.32. The patients' sister and father do not have the microduplication, but qPCR showed that mother's DNA carries the duplication in 20% of blood lymphocytes. In this family, two children were affected with ectrodactyly having a duplication over the SHFM3 locus. The mother, who shows no clinical features of ectrodacytyly, is a mosaic for the same duplication. Therefore, we demonstrate that somatic/gonadal mosaicism is a mechanism that gives rise to SHFM. We also suggest that ocular abnormalities may be part of the clinical description of SHFM3.

Aspectos genéticos da suscetibilidade do hospedeiro à hanseníase: [revisão] / Host genetics and susceptibility to leprosy: [review]

Hanseníase é uma doença infecciosa crônica que ainda afeta aproximadamente 215.000 pessoas em todo o mundo. Observações clínicas e epidemiológicas sugerem que apenas uma pequena parcela de indivíduos expostos ao Mycobacterium leprae desenvolvem a doença. Hoje, sabe-se que mecanismos de controle da suscetibilidade a fenótipos da doença dependem, em grande parte, das características genéticas do hospedeiro. Esta revisão oferece uma síntese dos últimos avanços obtidos na área a partir de estudos genéticos epidemiológicos e funcionais.

Transplantation of SNAP-treated adipose tissue-derived stem cells improves cardiac function and induces neovascularization after myocardium infarct in rats.

Stem cell therapy has been considered a promise for damaged myocardial tissue. We have previously shown that S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP) increases the expression of several muscular markers and VEGF in mesenchymal stem cells, indicating that transplantation of SNAP-treated cells could provide better functional outcomes. Here, we transplanted SNAP-treated adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in rat infarcted myocardium. After 30days, we observed a significant improvement of the ejection fraction in rats that received SNAP-treated ADSCs, compared with those that received untreated cells (p=0.008). Immunohistochemical reactions showed an increased expression of troponin T-C and von Willebrand factor, and organized vascular units in the infarcted area of tissue transplanted with treated ADSCs. SNAP exposure induced intracellular S-nitrosation, a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, but did not increase cGMP levels. Collectively, these results indicate that SNAP alters the redox environment of ADSCs, possibly associated with a pre-differentiation state, which may improve cardiac function after transplantation.

Chromosome 19p13.3 deletion in a child with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, congenital heart defect, high myopia, learning difficulties and dysmorphic features: Clinical and molecular characterization of a new contiguous gene syndrome.

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal-dominant hamartomatous polyposis syndrome characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, gastrointestinal polyps and the increased risk of multiple cancers. The causative point mutation in the STK11 gene of most patients accounts for about 30% of the cases of partial and complete gene deletion. This is a report on a girl with PJS features, learning difficulties, dysmorphic features and cardiac malformation, bearing a de novo 1.1 Mb deletion at 19p13.3. This deletion encompasses at least 47 genes, including STK11. This is the first report on 19p13.3 deletion associated with a PJS phenotype, as well as other atypical manifestations, thereby implying a new contiguous gene syndrome.

Chromosome 19p13. 3 deletion in a child with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, congenital heart defect, high myopia, learning difficulties and dysmorphic features: clinical and molecular characterization of a new contiguous gene syndrome

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal-dominant hamartomatous polyposis syndrome characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, gastrointestinal polyps and the increased risk of multiple cancers. The causative point mutation in the STK11 gene of most patients accounts for about 30 percent of the cases of partial and complete gene deletion. This is a report on a girl with PJS features, learning difficulties, dysmorphic features and cardiac malformation, bearing a de novo 1.1 Mb deletion at 19p13.3. This deletion encompasses at least 47 genes, including STK11. This is the first report on 19p13.3 deletion associated with a PJS phenotype, as well as other atypical manifestations, thereby implying a new contiguous gene syndrome.

Inhibition of proteasome activity blocks Trypanosoma cruzi growth and metacyclogenesis.

Proteasomes are intracellular complexes that control protein degradation in organisms ranging from Archaebacteria to mammals. In some parasitic protozoa, the proteasome is involved in cell differentiation and replication. In this study, we have used proteasome inhibitors to determine the biological role of proteasomes during the replication and in vitro metacyclogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi. We used light and transmission electron microscopy to analyze morphological data and flow cytometry to analyze changes in the cell cycle. The growth of T. cruzi epimastigote culture forms in liver infusion tryptose medium was inhibited by the presence of up to 10 microM lactacystin. Inhibition was dose-dependent, with IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) of 4.35 microM after 24 or 72 h. The metacyclogenesis process in vitro was strongly (95%) inhibited by 5 microM lactacystin treatment. The adhesion phase was not affected, but the epimastigotes did not differentiate into metacyclic trypomastigotes. Most treated epimastigotes had replicated DNA, with swelling of the mitochondrion and an altered distribution of nuclear and kinetoplast DNA. Our findings suggest that inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in T. cruzi epimastigotes does not block adhesion, but disrupts cell division and affects factors triggering differentiation.

Association between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic kidney disease and periodontitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and periodontitis (PD) are serious public-health concerns. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that interacts with its nuclear receptor (VDR) to regulate a variety of biological processes, such as bone metabolism, immune response modulation and transcription of several genes involved in CKD and PD disease mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the association between polymorphisms in the VDR gene and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and PD. METHODS: 222 subjects with and without ESRD (in hemodialysis) were divided into groups with and without PD. Polymorphisms TaqI and BsmI in the VDR gene were analyzed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism. The significance of differences in allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies between groups was assessed by the chi2 test (p value <0.05) and odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Allele G was associated with protection against ESRD: groups without versus with ESRD (GG) x (GA+AA): OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4-4.6, p = 0.00; (G x A): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.3, p = 0.02; (TG + CG) x (TA + CA): OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.3, p = 0.02. No association was observed between the study polymorphisms and susceptibility to or protection against PD. CONCLUSION: Allele G of the VDR BsmI polymorphism was associated with protection against ESRD.