Dysregulation of exosomal miRNAs and their related genes in head and neck cancer patients.

Aim: The present study aimed to figure out the potential role of exosomal microRNAs, and their targeted genes in HNC detection/diagnosis. Methods: In the present study, exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 HNC patients and 400 healthy controls. Exosomes were characterized using TEM, NTA, TEM-immunogold labeling and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression level of exosomal miRNA-19a, miRNA-19b and targeted genes SMAD2 and SMAD4 in HNC patients and controls. Results: The deregulation of miR-19a (p < 0.01), miR-19b (p < 0.03), SMAD2 (p < 0.04) and SMAD4 (p < 0.04) was observed in HNC patients vs controls. Conclusion: ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the good diagnostic/prognostic value of selected exosomal microRNAs and related genes in HNC patients.

[Box: see text].

Expression variations of DNA damage response genes ATM and ATR in blood cancer patients.

Hematological malignancies (HM) constitute a variety of cancers originating in blood, bone marrow (BM), and lymphatic systems. During the last two decades, the incidence of HM has dramatically increased worldwide. The etiology of HM is still debatable. Genetic instability is a major risk factor for HM. DDR network is a complex signal transduction cellular machinery that detects DNA damage and activates cellular repair factors, thus maintaining genomic integrity. DDR network detects a variety of DNA damage and triggers the activation of cell cycle control, DNA repair, senescence, and apoptosis. Among the DNA repairing pathways, the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway includes DNA damage signaling apparatus such as ATM and ATR genes. ATM tends to detect double-strand breaks (DSBs) while ATR detects single-strand DNA (ssDNA). The study was conducted to observe the expression deregulations of DNA damage response (DDR) pathway genes (ATM, ATR) at mRNA level in 200 blood cancer patients and 200 controls. The real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of the target genes. The expression results showed statistically significant downregulation of ATM (p < 0.0001) and ATR (p < 0.0001) genes in blood cancer patients vs. controls. Moreover, a significant downregulation of ATM (p < 0.0001) and ATR (p < 0.0001) was obtained in chemotherapy-treated patients vs. healthy controls. The results suggest that dysregulation in ATM and ATR genes may be associated with increased blood cancer risk.

Exploring homologous recombination repair and base excision repair pathway genes for possible diagnostic markers in hematologic malignancies.

Hematologic malignancies (HMs) are a collection of malignant transformations, originating from the cells in the bone marrow and lymphoid organs. HMs comprise three main types; leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Globally, HMS accounts for approximately 10% of newly diagnosed cancer. DNA repair pathways defend the cells from recurrent DNA damage. Defective DNA repair mechanisms such as homologous recombination repair (HRR), nucleotide excision repair (NER), and base excision repair (BER) pathways may lead to genomic instability, which initiates HM progression and carcinogenesis. Expression deregulation of HRR, NER, and BER has been investigated in various malignancies. However, no studies have been reported to assess the differential expression of selected DNA repair genes combinedly in HMs. The present study was designed to assess the differential expression of HRR and BER pathway genes including RAD51, XRCC2, XRCC3, APEX1, FEN1, PARP1, and XRCC1 in blood cancer patients to highlight their significance as diagnostic/ prognostic marker in hematological malignancies. The study cohort comprised of 210 blood cancer patients along with an equal number of controls. For expression analysis, q-RT PCR was performed. DNA damage was measured in blood cancer patients and controls using the comet assay and LORD Q-assay. Data analysis showed significant downregulation of selected genes in blood cancer patients compared to healthy controls. To check the diagnostic value of selected genes, the Area under curve (AUC) was calculated and 0.879 AUC was observed for RAD51 (p < 0.0001) and 0.830 (p < 0.0001) for APEX1. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that downregulation of RAD51 (p < 0.0001), XRCC3 (p < 0.02), and APEX1 (p < 0.0001) was found to be associated with a significant decrease in survival of blood cancer patients. Cox regression analysis showed that deregulation of RAD51 (p < 0.0001), XRCC2 (p < 0.02), XRCC3 (p < 0.003), and APEX1 (p < 0.00001) was found to be associated with the poor prognosis of blood cancer patients. Comet assay showed an increased number of comets in blood cancer patients compared to controls. These results are confirmed by performing the LORD q-assay and an increased frequency of lesions/Kb was observed in selected genes in cancer patients compared to controls. Our results showed significant downregulation of RAD51, XRCC2, XRCC3, APEX1, FEN1, PARP1, and XRCC1 genes with increased DNA damage in blood cancer patients. The findings of the current research suggested that deregulated expression of HRR and BER pathway genes can act as a diagnostic/prognostic marker in hematologic malignancies.

Role of exosomal miRNA-19a/19b and PTEN in brain tumor diagnosis.

Aim: The current study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the exosomal miRNAs miR-19a and miR-19b and the PTEN gene in brain tumor patients versus controls. Methods: Exosomes were extracted from the serum samples of 400 brain tumor patients and 400 healthy controls. The exosomes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and ELISA. Quantitative PCR was used to analyze selected exosome miRNAs and gene expression levels. Results: Analysis showed significant deregulated expression of miR-19a (p < 0.0001), miR-19b (p < 0.0001) and PTEN (p < 0.001) in patients versus controls. Spearman correlation showed a significant correlation among the selected exosomal miRNAs and the PTEN gene. Conclusion: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the good diagnostic value of exosomal miRNAs and the PTEN gene in brain tumor patients.

miRNA-767 and its binding site polymorphism in the mTOR gene act as potential biomarkers for female reproductive cancers.

Aims: The present study aimed to understand the relationship between the mTOR gene SNP (rs2536) and reproductive cancer risk. The expression level of miRNA-767 was also assessed. Methods: 700 tumor samples (300 breast, 200 ovarian and 200 cervical cancers), along with adjacent uninvolved control tissue, were used. rs2536 was screened using Tetra-ARMS PCR and expression level of miRNA-767 was assessed using quantitative PCR. Results: The frequency of the homozygous mutant genotype of rs2536 was observed significantly higher in breast (p < 0.04), ovarian (p < 0.005) and cervical (p < 0.003) cancers. Significant downregulation of miRNA-767 was observed in tumors compared with controls. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that increased mutant frequency of rs2536 and deregulation of miRNA-767 are associated with increased reproductive cancer risk.

Expression deregulation of genes related to DNA repair and lead toxicity in occupationally exposed industrial workers.

OBJECTIVE: Globally millions of people working in various industries and are exposed to different toxins which may affect their genetic stability and DNA integrity. Present study was designed to estimate the expression variation of genes related to DNA repair (XRCC1, PARP1) and lead toxicity (ALAD) in exposed industrial workers. METHODS: About 200 blood samples were collected from workers of brick kiln, welding, furniture and paint industry (50/industry) along with age and gender matched controls. mRNA expression of genes was measured using RT-PCR. Serum levels of total ROS, POD, TBAR activity was calculated. Blood lead levels were estimated by atomic absorption spectrometer. RESULTS: Relative expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 gene was significantly (P < 0.001) upregulated, while ALAD gene expression was downregulated in exposed group compared to control. Expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed workers with > 30 year age compared to control with > 30 year age. Same was observed when < 30 year age group of control and exposed was compared. Likewise, XRCC1 and PARP1 expression was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed workers with > 30 year age compared to workers with < 30 year age. Whereas, ALAD gene showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in > 30 year age workers compared to control of same age and exposed with < 30 year of age. Relative expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed smokers compared to exposed non-smokers and control smokers. Whereas, ALAD gene expression reduced (P < 0.001) significantly in both groups. Blood lead content was higher (P < 0.001) in exposed group compared to control. Strong correlation was observed between XRCC1, PARP1 and ALAD gene versus age, total exposure duration, exposure per day and lead deposition. ROS, TBARS and POD activity was higher (P < 0.01) in exposed group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Present study suggested deregulation of genes related to DNA repair and lead intoxication in exposed group compared to controls. Strong correlation was observed between selected genes and demographic parameters. Present results revealed altered activity of oxidative stress markers which would induce oxidative damage to DNA integrity and limit the function of repair enzymes.

Nurses and doctors 's awareness and knowledge towards treatment and care of cervical cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals' perceptions and experiences in caring for cervical cancer patients. The present study was also designed to assess the healthcare professionals' attitudes toward cervical cancer screening and its prevention. METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted, and 540 participants (240 nurses and 300 doctors), from different hospitals of Pakistan have been selected and interviewed. RESULTS: Data was collected using structured questionnaires and SPSS was used to statistically analyze the data. Participants in the present study are questioned with respect to age, gender, and work experience. The mean age of the participants is 35 years. Among them, 41% of participants are < 35 years of age and 59% are > 35 years of age. In the case of gender, 22% of participants are males and 78% are females. 47% of the participants have work experience < 20 years and 53% have work experience > 20 years. Data from the present study showed that most of the nurses are less educated (basic education of middle and matric degree) with a simple diploma in nursing and midwifery. Nurses and doctors do not have any knowledge/experience of the patient's psychological counselling. Participants are also questioned with respect to HPV vaccination, 39% of nurses and 62% of doctors are vaccinated. The difference in vaccination frequency of participants was observed as statistically significant (p < 0.0001). In the case of treatment modalities, doctors have statistically more knowledge about the pap smear (p < 0.0001), cervical biopsy (p < 0.0001), colposcopy (p < 0.0001), and visual application after acetic acid application (p < 0.0001) compared to nurses. Data analysis showed that Pap smear was performed significantly higher in married females compared to unmarried (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: our study provides a comprehensive and in-depth perspective of the nurses and doctors for cervical cancer patients. Cervical cancer prevalence is increasing due to inadequate knowledge and awareness among healthcare professionals. Improvement can be brought about by the regular use of treatment modalities in unmarried females also.

Fyn and Lyn gene polymorphisms impact the risk of thyroid cancer.

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine glands, and during last couple of decades, its incidence has risen alarmingly, across the globe. Etiology of thyroid cancer is still debatable. There are a few worth mentioning risk factors which contribute to initiation of abnormalities in thyroid gland leading to cancer. Genetic instability is major risk factors in thyroid carcinogenesis. Among the genetic factors, the Src family of genes (Src, Yes1, Fyn and Lyn) have been implicated in many cancers but there is little data regarding the association of these (Src, Yes1, Fyn and Lyn) genes with thyroid carcinogenesis. Fyn and Lyn genes of Src family found engaged in proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in different cancers. This study was planned to examine the effect of Fyn and Lyn SNPs on thyroid cancer risk in Pakistani population in 500 patients and 500 controls. Three polymorphisms of Fyn gene (rs6916861, rs2182644 and rs12910) and three polymorphisms of Lyn gene (rs2668011, rs45587541 and rs45489500) were analyzed using Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR followed by DNA sequencing. SNP rs6916861 of Fyn gene mutant genotype (CC) showed statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). In case of rs2182644 of Fyn gene, mutant genotype (AA) indicated statistically significant 17-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). Statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer was observed in genotype AC (P < 0.0001) of Fyn gene polymorphism rs12910. In SNP rs2668011 of Lyn gene, TT genotype showed statistically significant threefold increased risk of thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). In case of rs45587541 of Lyn gene, GA genotypes showed statistically significant 11-fold increased risk in thyroid cancer (P < 0.0001). Haplotype analysis revealed that AAATAG*, AGACAG*, AGCCAA*, AGCCAG*, CAATAG*, CGCCAG* and CGCCGA* haplotypes of Fyn and Lyn polymorphisms are associated with increased thyroid cancer risk. These results showed that genotypes and allele distribution of Fyn and Lyn are significantly linked with increased thyroid cancer risk and could be genetic adjuster for said disease.

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs acts as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for glioma patients.

INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs are regulatory non-coding RNAs, with their outstanding regulatory mechanism, that make them potential biomarker for disease detection and therapeutics. They play an important role in pathological state, such as cancer by acting as oncogenic microRNAs and tumor suppressor microRNAs. The expression of microRNA-206, microRNA-4477a, microRNA-4795-5p, microR-4796-3p, microRNA-451b, and microRNA-4311 has proven to be deregulated in different cancer studies. However, no comprehensive study has been reported yet regarding their role in glioma patients. AIM: The present study is designed to examine the expression profiling of microRNAs, such as microRNA-206, microRNA-4477a, microRNA-4795-5p, microR-4796-3p, microRNA-451b, and microRNA-4311 in glioma patients. Furthermore, the expression deregulation of selected microRNAs was correlated with oxidative stress and proliferation rate in glioma patients. METHODS: For this purpose, 153 glioma tissue samples and 200 brain tissues from epilepsy patients (taken as controls) were collected in the present study. Expression analysis of selected microRNAs was carried out on collected samples using real-time PCR (qPCR). Oxidative stress and proliferation rate were measured by estimation of 8OXOG level and Ki-67 using the ELISA and IHC. RESULTS: Our results showed significant deregulation of microRNA-206 (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4477a (p < 0.01), microRNA-4311 (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4795-5p (p < 0.0001), microRNA-4796-3p (p < 0.0001), and microRNA-451b (p < 0.0001) in glioma patients compared to controls. However, significant upregulation of 8OXOG level (p < 0.0001) and Ki-67 (p < 0.0001) was observed in glioma patients compared to controls. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that deregulated expression of selected microRNAs was associated with significant decrease in survival of glioma patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated significant deregulation of selected microRNAs in glioma patients. This deregulated expression was found associated with significant increased risk of glioma and could be further developed as effective prognostic biomarker and therapeutic tool in said disease.

Role of genetic variations of DNA damage response pathway genes and heat-shock proteins in increased head and neck cancer risk.

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the role of DNA damage response pathway genes and heat-shock proteins in head and neck cancer (HNC) risk. Methods: For this purpose, two study cohorts were used. Cohort 1 (blood samples of 250 HNC patients and 250 controls) was used for polymorphism screening of selected genes using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain (Tetra-ARMS PCR). Cohort 2 (200 HNC tumors and adjacent controls) was used for expression analysis, using quantitative PCR. Results: Analysis showed that mutant allele frequency of selected polymorphisms was found associated with increased HNC risk. Expression analysis showed the significant deregulation of selected genes in patients. Conclusion: The present study showed that selected genes (CHK1, CHK2, HSP70 and HSP90) can act as good diagnostic/prognostic markers in HNC.

The present study is designed to identify the selected genes of DNA damage response pathway and heat-shock proteins as diagnostic/prognostic markers of head and neck cancer (HNC). To do this, DNA was isolated from blood samples and RNA isolated from the tissue samples of HNC patients. The mutation and expression level of selected genes was tested, and selected genes showed good diagnostic/prognostic values for HNC patients.

Role of Chk1 gene in molecular classification and prognosis of gastric cancer using immunohistochemistry and LORD-Q assay.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to assess the prognostic value of the Chk1 gene in the DNA damage response pathway in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Expression levels of the Chk1 were measured in 220 GC tumor tissues and adjacent healthy/noncancerous tissues using real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Genomic instability in GC patients was measured using the long-run real-time PCR technique for DNA-damage quantification assay and comet assay. Results: Significantly downregulated expression of Chk1 was observed at the mRNA level (p < 0.0001) and protein level (p < 0.0001). Significantly increased frequency of lesions/10 kb and comets was observed in tumor tissues compared with control tissues. Conclusion: The data suggest that downregulated expression of Chk1 and positive Heliobacter pylori infection status may have prognostic significance in GC.

Genetic interactions of mitochondrial sirtuins in brain tumorigenesis.

Purpose: The present study was designed to understand the role of expression variations of mitochondrial imported sirtuins in brain tumorigenesis. The expression levels of mitochondrial imported sirtuins were further analyzed for biomarker potential. Methods: Samples from 200 brain tumors and 200 healthy control tissues were used for expression analysis using quantitative PCR and for DNA damage using LORD-Q analysis. Results: Significant deregulation of SIRT3 (p = 0.002), SIRT4 (p = 0.03) and SIRT5 (p = 0.006) was observed in brain tumors versus controls. Co-expression analysis showed a significant correlation between the mitochondrial imported sirtuins versus apoptotic genes. LORD-Q analysis showed a significantly increased frequency of lesions/10 kb of mitochondrial imported sirtuins (p < 0.0001) in brain tumor tissue versus controls. Conclusion: The present study showed a correlation between variations of mitochondrial imported sirtuins and increased brain tumor risk.

Expression deregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and vasoconstriction related genes in Pakistani females with abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is irregular menstrual bleeding which has great impact on female health and life style. Various genetic factors are involved in etiology and pathology of AUB. Present study was designed to explore the association of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB with AUB. METHODS: Blood samples of 212 females with AUB were collected along with age-matched healthy control. Expression variation of targeted genes was evaluated using qPCR. Present study cohort was divided into different groups based on demographic parameters and all targeted genes were correlated with study demographics. RESULTS: Expression of targeted genes was significantly (P < 0.001) downregulated in females with AUB compared to control. Reduced (P < 0.01) expression of targeted genes was observed in all age groups (21-30, 31-40, 41-50 year) of AUB patients compared to respective control. Expression of VEGFB increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 9 days bleeding compared to AUB patient had < 9 days bleeding. AUB women with miscarriage history showed upregulation in MMP2, TGFB3 (P < 0.05), and downregulation in MMP9 and VEGFB (P < 0.05) expression compared to AUB group with no miscarriage history. Expression of MMP2 increased (P < 0.05) in AUB females with > 60 kg body weigh compared to AUB patient with < 60 kg weight. CONCLUSION: Present study open a new window for diagnosis of AUB at early stages and suggested a possible involvement of PTGFR, MMP9, MMP2, TGFB3 and VEGFB as candidate biomarkers in AUB.

Role of mitochondrial sirtuins in rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM: Current study is intended to evaluate the expression and epigenetic variations of mitochondrial situins in 306 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases and compared with age/gender matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression level was measured using the quantitative Real time PCR (qPCR) and epigenetic analysis was performed by measuring deacetylation activity. Oxidative stress was also measured in present study using the enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). The obtained results were evaluated by means of the student t-test, spearman correlation and ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Expression analysis showed the significant downregulation of SIRT3 (p < 0.0001), SIRT4 (p < 0.0001) and SIRT5 (p < 0.0001) in RA cases when compared with controls. Downregulation of mitochondrial sirtuins was significantly associated with positive anti-CCP status, increased ESR level and with increased CRP levels. Epigenetic analysis showed significant increased histone deacetylation in RA patients compared to controls. Co-expression analysis showed the significant negative association between expression level of mitochondrial sirtuins and deacytylation level (SIRT3 r = -0.438, p < 0.0001; SIRT4 r = -0.424, p < 0.0001; SIRT5 r = -0.282, p < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis exhibited that downregulation of mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRT3 AUC = 0.91, p < 0.001; SIRT4 AUC = 0.92, p < 0.001; SIRT5 AUC = 0.85, p < 0.001) was act as the good diagnostic marker for detection/diagnosis of arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that significant deregulation of mitochondrial sirtuins was associated with increased arthritis risk and can be act as an indicator of advance clinical outcome.

Genetic and expression deregulation of immunoregulatory genes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases globally, and is an important public health concern, associating with early death and systemic complications. Although key development in RA treatment has already been made still RA affected individuals face comorbidity and disability. Therefore, there is a need to discover new risk factors in helping early diagnosis and treatment of RA. The present study is designed to assess the variations of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) and interleukin -6 (IL-6) in RA patients. Polymorphisms of said genes were calculated in 300 RA patients and 300 controls, using Tetra-ARMS polymerase chain reaction. Secondly, expression levels of selected genes were checked using the quantitative PCR (qPCR) and obtained results were evaluated using a different statistical test. Logistic regression analysis showed that frequency of mutant allele of VDR gene polymorphisms (rs11168268, OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 2.94-7.97; p = 0.0001; rs2248098, OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.07-2.54; p = 0.02) and IL-6 gene polymorphisms (rs184229712, OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.56-3.92, p = 0.0001; rs36215814, OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.30-3.53; p = 0.002) was observed significantly higher in RA patients vs controls. Expression analysis showed the significant upregulation of IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and downregulation of VDR gene (p < 0.0001) in RA cases vs controls. ROC curve analysis showed that downregulation of IL-6 (AUC = 0.86, p < 0.001) and upregulation of VDR (AUC = 0.77, p < 0.001) was act as the good diagnostic marker for detection/diagnosis of arthritis. In conclusions, data from the present study showed the significant involvement of VDR and IL-6 gene variations in RA pathogenesis.

Polymorphism in miRNA target sites of CEP-63 and CEP-152 ring complex influences expression of CEP genes and favors tumorigenesis in glioma.

Purpose: The present study was designed to screen the genetic polymorphisms and expression profiling of CEP-152 and CEP-63 genes in brain tumor patients. Methods: The amplification refractory mutation system PCR technique (ARMS-PCR) was used for mutation analysis using 300 blood samples of brain tumor patients and 300 overtly healthy controls. For expression analysis, 150 brain tumor tissue samples along with adjacent uninvolved/normal tissues (controls) were collected. Results: A significantly higher frequency of the mutant genotype of the CEP-152 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs2169757) and CEP-63 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs9809619 and rs13060247) was observed in patients versus overtly healthy controls. The authors' results showed highly significant deregulation of CEP-152 (p < 0.0001) and CEP-63 (p < 0.0001) in glioma/meningioma tumor tissues versus adjacent normal tissue. Conclusion: The present study showed that variations in CEP-152 and CEP-63 genes were associated with an increased risk of brain tumor.

Lay abstract The purpose of this research was to explore the role of CEP-63 and CEP-152 in brain tumors in the Pakistani population. Loss of function or genetic deletion of these genes results in a mismatch of cell cycle, culminating in a cell phenotype conducive to transformation and tumorigenesis in different regions, including the brain region. Brain tumor is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in Asia. The highest incidence rates are observed in Eastern Asia, including Pakistan. The aim of this research was initially to detect genetic variations of CEP-63 and CEP-152 in brain tumor patients. Secondly, expression variation of CEP-63 and CEP-152 was also examined in brain tumor cohort. Results from present study showed the significant involvement of CEP-63 and CEP-152 variations in brain carcinogenesis. Further analysis showed that CEP genes variations may act as predictive or prognostic markers for brain cancer.

Deregulation of mitochondrial sirtuins and OGG1-2a acts as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in leukemia.

Purpose: The present study was planned to explore the expression variations of mitochondrial sirtuins and the mitochondrial DNA repair enzyme OGG1-2a in leukemia patients. Oxidative stress and deacetylation levels of leukemia patients were measured in the present study. Methods: A total of 200 leukemia patients along with 200 healthy controls were evaluated using quantitative PCR, 8OXOG assay and deacetylation assay. Results: Significant deregulation of SIRT3 (p < 0.0001), SIRT4 (p < 0.0001), SIRT5 (p < 0.0001), Ki-67 (p < 0.0001) and OGG1-2a (p < 0.0001) was detected in patients versus controls. Survival analysis showed that deregulation of said genes was associated with decreased survival of leukemia patients (SIRT3: p < 0.004; SIRT4: p < 0.0009; SIRT5: p < 0.0001; OGG1-2a: p < 0.03). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the diagnostic values of selected genes in leukemia patients. Levels of 8OXOG adducts were measured, and significantly increased 8OXOG adduct levels were observed in patients versus controls. Conclusion: These data suggest that deregulation of SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5 and OGG1-2a acts as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in leukemia.

Lay abstract Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that has shown an increased rate of occurrence worldwide. Studies have shown that environmental and genetic factors are involved in the increased rate of this disease. Of the genetic factors, sirtuins (SIRT3, SIRT4 and SIRT5) and OGG1-2a have not been studied in leukemia. In the present study, the authors aimed to study the genetic/epigenetic changes in these genes in leukemia patients. Results of the present study showed involvement of selected gene variations in the increased rate of leukemia, at least in the Pakistani population.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA damage response pathway genes and increased risk in breast cancer.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the role of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA damage response pathway genes in breast cancer (BC). Materials & methods: In present study, 500 BC patients and 500 controls was used to estimate the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA damage response pathway genes. Tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-PCR technique was used for screening of the six selected polymorphisms. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that heterozygous mutant genotype of rs1800057 (p < 0.0001) and homozygous mutant genotype of rs1801516 (p < 0.0001) was associated with significant increased risk of BC. In the ATR gene, heterozygous mutant genotype of rs2227931 (p < 0.0001) was associated with significant increased risk of BC. However, significant decreased risk of BC was found associated with heterozygous mutant genotype of rs2227928 (p < 0.0002) and homozygous mutant genotype of rs2229032 (p < 0.0001) in patients compared with controls. Conclusion: The present results showed that alteration in DNA damage response pathway gene (ATM & ATR) results in increased BC risk.

Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis of Src and Yes1 genes in thyroid cancer.

Purpose: This study was planned to examine the effects of Src and Yes1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) on the risk of thyroid cancer in 499 patients and 500 controls. Materials & methods: Three SNPs of Src gene and three SNPs of Yes1 gene were analyzed using Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR followed by sequencing. Results: rs121913314 of Src gene genotype TT showed 32-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer and rs2305994 of Yes1 genotypes TT and CT showed 2.7-fold and 16-fold increased risk in thyroid cancer (p < 0.0001). Haplotype analysis revealed that CATGCC, CATGCT, CATGTC, CATGTT, TATGCC and TATGTTA haplotypes are associated with thyroid cancer risk. Conclusion: Results showed that genotypes and allele distribution of Src and Yes1 genes are significantly linked with increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Association of arsenic-related AS3MT gene and antioxidant SOD2 gene expression in industrial workers occupationally exposed to arsenic.

Increasing anthropogenic activities related to industrialization and exposure to different toxicants increases the health hazards of industrial workers. Arsenic (As) exposure induces DNA damage and generates reactive oxygen species, which may result in many disease phenotypes. Present study explores the expression variation of As 3 methyltransferase (AS3MT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2) genes in blood samples of industrial workers of different industries (brick kiln, paint, welding, pesticide, and furniture) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 250 blood samples of industrial workers were collected along with age- and gender-matched controls. Relative expression of AS3MT (p < 0.05) and SOD2 (p < 0.01) genes was found significantly downregulated in exposed workers compared to controls. Significant low levels of AS3MT and SOD2 gene expression were observed in workers in the paint and pesticide industry compared to other industries. Similarly, reduced expression of AS3MT (p < 0.05) and SOD2 (p < 0.01) was observed in smokers of industrial workers compared to smokers of the control group. Workers with >10 years of exposure had less AS3MT expression compared to workers with <10 years of exposure. Additionally, a positive Spearman correlation was observed between AS3MT versus SOD2 (r = 0.742; p < 0.0001) in industrial workers. This study suggests that decreased AS3MT and SOD2 expression levels may lead to bioaccumulation of As in the body accompanied by increased oxidative stress ultimately inducing DNA damage.